Focusrite Scarlet 18i20
I haven't been here in a while. Now I'm considering updating my interface. It scares me to even think. So my sales engineer told me about this one.
I've been using a Digi 002 Rack for years..along with a Focusrite ISA220 and a Presonus Digimax hooked up for 8 channels of ADAT. I'd like to use both the ADAT pre's and the ISA via S/PDIF (instead of just the analog) because I did pay extra ($500) for that little piece when I bought the ISA220. My question is will I be able to get this done with the Focusrite interface. AND (and this is the big one) will it play nice with Pro Tools 9? Am I just asking for trouble ...........$499 seems really inexpensive for a complete interface with 8 pre's...... Tim |
Re: Focusrite Scarlet 18i20
Focusrite makes some good gear, but they also make a lot of stuff that just isn't ready for prime time.
The Scarlett series tries to be good "bang for the buck" but the line is has its share of problems, I really urge you to go with something else. To answer your question, yes the coax SPDIF and optical ADAT on that unit can be used at the same time. As for playing nice, by all indications it should work, but personally I've never had any luck with Scarlett drivers on Windows. |
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Any suggestions? |
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My suggestions may be impractical depending on your price range, whther your mac has TB, and whether you need 8 preamps - not all of these come with 8 mic preamps built-in.
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The Focusrite interfaces from what I have seen have been the most popular replacements for 002/003, ever since PT9 allowed people to use 3rd party interfaces.
I have not really seen too much complaint about them working, and they seem to provide very good support. I am not doubting MesaOne's experiences with them. I do know that there have been less problems with them on Macs than on Windows. As far as being inexpensive, I see it more as that the 002/003 were overpriced, and also that you were paying for the included Protools software at the time, which added to the cost. I can tell you that pretty much everyone who has used the Focusrite Saffires or Scarletts has felt that they sound better than the 002/003. If your budget is in that range, they are great value for the money. As for the other brands, they are sometimes more expensive because of extra things you are getting. With the Apollo, you are basically paying for a built in UAD card, in addition to the interface. With Apogee, you are paying for a higher level of sound quality (I have heard wonderful things about the new Thunderbolt Ensemble). With RME, I don't know as much about them, although they are probably the best in the business when it comes to good drivers, stability, and rock solid reliability. |
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At any rate, if the extra money can be scraped together I think the interfaces I listed are worth it, even if the 18i20 is problem-free. |
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In other news the headphone jack on the 002 is really loose and it's not the nut on the outside. I'd like to have more than one headphone jack anyway. Is there a good alternative to using that headphone jack? thanks so much for your help. |
Re: Focusrite Scarlet 18i20
Right now I use the Scarlett 8i6 and the ONLY issue is that when you change sample rates between sessions, which has been discussed here at length, is well known by Focusrite. There are some workarounds that add a few extra steps to smooth things out for now, so its okay...but not ideal. That said, everything else about the 8i6 is really nice. Sounds great and I've had no problem (other than learning curve) with using the Mix Control with it.
I use the S/PDIF for output to my JBL monitors and it all sounds sweet! I've been thinking of upgrading to the Sapphire Pro 40...not sure yet. I don't quite get the differences between the Sapphires and the Scarletts. |
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