Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 (3rd Generation) Review
8x6 USB Audio/MIDI Interface
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 50 Reviews
A New Standard, With Attitude
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 8x6 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Paul on B&H Photo Video
This is an excellent product that lives up to its reputation as a growing industry standard. But be warned-it is strongly biased toward musician useage and with the expectation that your recording software or DAW will be the mixer. For voice over artists, podcasters, broadcasters, there are hurdles to jump, and support from Focusrite is begrudging at best. Expect an icy 'tude on their help lines; they won't suffer your foolishness gladly if you think that the square peg of the Focusrite design purpose can be shoved into your round hole of expectation. Also beware of the needlessly wordy and often counterintuitive instructions, baffling nomenclature and overall design. This is a sonically good but decidedly unfriendly product, and everyone associated with it seems cut of the same cloth. ... More
Review from a beginner for beginners
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Pinak L. on Reverb
What this is: Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 is essentially an analog (line in and microphone in) to digital (USB-C) audio converter. This machine accepts up to 8 audio inputs (via 2 microphones or instrument inputs via the combo jacks located on the front, 4 strictly line level inputs in the rear, 1 MIDI input, and 1 SPDIF input). The 4 line inputs and 2 microphone inputs are then digitized and sent as 6 outputs simultaneously as 6 distinct channels to your Digital Audio Workstation (eg Garageband or Ableton) via the USB-C port. If you don’t want to use the USB-C port, this machine also sends analog output to two headphones as well as two pairs of studio speakers (monitors) simultaneously, and there’s of course the MIDI out and SPDIF out. What this is not: This is not a traditional “live” mixer amplifier. Yes, it’s got two microphone preamps with separate gain controls for each, and both with 48V phantom power for condenser microphones but that is the extent of it. How I am using it: 1) 2 microphones connected to the front - 2 MONO channels sent to GarageBand 2) Two keyboards connected to the four line inputs (L and R) sent to GarageBand as 2 STEREO channels. 3) One pair of studio monitors connected to listen to the performance out loud 4) One headset connected for working quietly And do I like it? Yes. If you’ve got multiple instruments, rely on a DAW, and don’t want to run out of inputs and outputs, go with this. Almost no latency, works straight out of the box on Windows OS and Mac OS. It’s built well, and most importantly, it allows me to simultaneously record all those microphones and instruments in my DAW where I mix them. ... More
Great for 2 months- We'll see how Focusrite support works
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by Cedric S on Guitar Center
I use the interface for my guitars into my computer for virtual amping, and also to record. It was working great until I connected the headphone out of a small lunchbox amp (a 6505 Piranha) to the line in on the Focusrite and the interface screeched at me, then lit up like a Christmas tree, and has stayed that way for 2 days. Reinstalls, removing power, etc, it refuses to register in Device Manager in Win 10. I'm pretty sure its toast, and I don't know why. The use case is something its already made for. Other than this incident Ive had Focusrite interfaces before and they were great, this is the first one out of three over the last 4 yrs that I've had a problem with. The others were sold/traded to others so I could upgrade to whatever the next one was. Now im at a place where I need more inputs and outputs, so I got the 8I6-up until this incident it was exactly what I needed for the size footprint that I have. The software routing is a little wonky, and Id like that it had more tactile button control rather than having to use Focusrite control for everything, but overall its a solid unit. I can't find any situations like mine on the Web, Reddit, etc, so this particular incident sounds to be pretty limited. ... More
Everything i expected
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 8x6 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Victor on B&H Photo Video
I am a seasoned musician with basic digital recording knowledge. Things have come a long way form 4 tracks and bulky mixer boards. After lots of reasearch and talking to a few friends who had issues with preSonus and the drivers i went for a Focusrite. I decided on a USB bus since the through put is the same as firewire (if you have nothing legacy on your bus) and if i move from desktop to a labtop in the future the USB is more common. After looking at I/O carefully It then came down to the 8i6 or the 18i8. I chose this since it had everything i could see needing in the next little while. Build quality is top notch, all nobs are solid and feel great. Lots of gain on the preamps for my AKG condenser but i am using 80% of the gain (which is fine) You should be aware of how the inputs and outputs are labeled to understand how they count the I/0. It is a little deceiving at first if your used to it. I wish it had a power off feature, i feel reluctant to leave it on when power the computer down. ... More
Perfection Finally
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 8x6 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by housefly88 on B&H Photo Video
The Focusrite Scarlet, is the best USB sound card I have used to date. I am very very satisified. I am glad I had the patience to wait for these to come into stock. If your looking for the most bang for your buck here you go. Works wonderfully with Ableton, M4L, and MaxmspJitter. Running under Windows 7. I use the Scarlet as a recording interface during the week, then it is my main out for the live show. Easy setup, and comes with Focusrite Scarlet VST/RTAS suite (Awesome plugs) The midi in and out port on the back is a bonus you can use it with an external synth, or in my case a USB controler that happens to have midi ports this lets me lighten the USB load on my CPU. I have no complaints so far on this awesome USB soundcard. ... More
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Quality product / 5 Stars
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 8x6 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Ahmed A. on B&H Photo Video
I was abit stunned when i found a poor review from one of the buyers of this interface, didn't stop me from getting it though: Award winning pre-amps, high quality sound, if you don't want to take my word for it, feel free to check the various well-known artists such as Hudson Mohawke who trust this Focusrite line all the way with everyday tasks.
LOVE IT! Some issues I still have to work out..
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Joseph L. on Reverb
Love this piece! It is super solid and tracks things super well and the USB-C Port is a great addition. The only thing that's been tough is that I haven't been able to connect my focusrite control from my phone over my wifi. I'm sure it's just a troubleshooting issue but I haven't gotten it after a month. Another thing that is tough is that the 8i6 is supposed to have 8 inputs but the inputs are 2 XLR/1/4" and then 4 1/4" and 2 more of the SPDIF I think. But just know that you can't hook up 8 voice mics with 8 XLRs unless you have a converter of some sort. Other than that, I love this thing! Thanks to Focusrite for your great product! ... More
So far so good
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 8x6 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by ChristyE on B&H Photo Video
Using this with my ipad mini/loopy hd and macbook pro/garageband. Download a patch from the Focusrite website to use with the ipad. 8 inputs beats out some of the other similarly priced units (most seem to be 2-4 inputs). Overall the build is sorta flimsy though, I'm going to have to be careful about carrying it around to gigs.
USB limitations
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 8x6 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video
I'm purchased this product from a well known musical instruments distributor when it was initially released. The crackles were a problem. However, the problem did not persist when the only USB device plugged in was the Scarlett. USB devices share bandwidth, so I had crystal clear audio until I plugged in my USB midi controllers. The product may work for you if you have better USB implementation on your computer. I used a windows laptop which has poor USB power distribution. I chose to purchase a different audio interface, but you may have some luck if you set the Scarlett as the only USB device and plug your peripherals through the midi IN/OUT. ... More
Fantastic!
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Henry D. on Reverb
Focusrite does it right. The videos created to help set up the interface are well made and easy to follow. So far I have no complaints and am happy with the sound quality. I'm happy I got the 8 input version but be aware that only 2 of the inputs have preamps and XLR inputs. So if you want to use more microphones you will need a separate preamp or adapter. Overall 5 stars.
Does what I got it to do.
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by Dave on Guitar Center
Easy to set up. Easy to use.
Fantastic tech for the money
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by Ashley on Guitar Center
I'm a professional musician and I bought this to upgrade my travelling recording gear (I bounce from the UK to the PNW a lot and hate loosing any recording time if I can help it). I love focusrite products and this has been no exception. Such a clean interface, easy to get started with, I'd recommend it to anyone serious about creating high quality recordings from home or any "non traditional" studio space. #sweepstakes
Does everything I wanted it to and more
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 8x6 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by sgoings on B&H Photo Video
I love the flexibility of connections this unit has provided over its time in my mini studio. I have a setup that includes this unit plus: - Eleven Rack (into Focusrite via SPDIF) - Macbook Pro - 2 Rokit 5s connected by 2 balanced 1/4 This works perfect for my uses right now, even fits well into my rack case. No crackling problems for me! The digital mixer is difficult to use for me only because it's a software solution, not really much you can do about that but upgrade to a full mixer...
Avoid at all costs
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 8x6 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Steve the cool dog on B&H Photo Video
Do a web search for this product. No one can get it to work and Focusrite tech support says they are all known issues (fail to connect to PC, BSOD, crackles) and they have been working on it...am I supposed to keep this gear for a year until they fix the drivers?
4 audio outputs Midi In & Out and spdif 🦾
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by David G. on Reverb
Plug and play its so easy. This isn't my 1st scarlett, but this one has 4 outputs allowing me to use 2 sets of monitors, and also I can use the midi In & Out to route my other gear to my DAW. Also I have it linked to my fast track ultra via SPDIF to give me 8 more inputs! A big step up from my 2i4! 🎧🎤🎙
Exactly what I needed
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by David J. on Reverb
As a previous owner of a Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen, my expectations were high. This interface did the job. Now everything is connected and I still have low latency for using JamKazam and using my recording software. Love the app control.
Great for DJ's
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 8x6 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Andre on B&H Photo Video
I purchased this for my son on his first Father's Day. Head needed something to attach his equipment to the PC and would allow him to Zoom. He is so happy that this allows him to do all he need for audio and video streaming, music playing and conference parties. This unit is for intermediate users with audio video needs, small business production and educational streaming. Purchase this unit.
Excellent Product; Thanks B&H!
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 8x6 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Robert on B&H Photo Video
The interface has performed flawlessly. It's exactly what I needed to get my home recording system functioning properly. Excellent product! Of course, the transaction and delivering the product by B&H was superb?
Love my new focusrite
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 8x6 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Joel on B&H Photo Video
Arrived fast, unit was brand new and still in original packaging. After a month I'm loving the new focusrite. Comes with a bunch of software and everything I needed to get started with recording music into the digital realm. So far I'd definitely recommend.
Focusrite does it RIGHT!
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 8x6 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
Bought this to update my setup and I'm very satisfied. Had it up and running in minutes. Easy to use and has the perfect amount of inputs/outputs for my applications. Very clean sounding for this price point.
