Pro Tools 11 with Focusrite Scarlett 18i20?

[hermonmusic]

If you are using the Scarlett 18i20 and pro Tools 11, could you share your experience?
I have a DIGI 002 but I would like to get the Scarlett 18i20 from Focusrite, is it good or not? What about sound quality vs DIGI 002?
Sometimes I need more than 4 mic preamps.
Is USB 2 fast enough?
I already have Pro Tools 11.

Thank you for your help.

[dave911]

As far as sound quality the Focusrite will be a big improvement over the 002.
I had a 002 but bypassed the audio chain quite a while back.
I use the Saffire line so I don't know about how the USB plays.

[dr_daw]

I've opted not to go with PT 11, but the Focusrite pre's in their units are great. IF you have F/W, I would suggest a Saffire Pro 40 or Liquid Saffire 56 over USB 2 device.

[cwsand]

Originally Posted by dr_daw

Focusrite pre's in their units are great. IF you have F/W, I would suggest a Saffire Pro 40 or Liquid Saffire 56 over USB 2 device.

+1

Chris

[nst7]

On the other hand, USB performance on newer interfaces is as good as firewire. People who have this unit are able to go down to a buffer of 32. The USB version will also keep your interface on a separate buss from your firewire drives if you have them. There's some positive discussion of the 18i20 on Gearslutz that you might check out.

[hermonmusic]

Thank you all for your input.
I have firewire drives, one for audio and one virtual instruments but when I have connected the DIGI 002, pro tools 10 and 11 act very slow, (I know my computer is a MacBook Pro 2009) and was wondering if a usb interface, this one in particular (18i20) would help until I buy a new computer. (the new mac pro)

Thank you again for all your help

[TimothyJohn]

Originally Posted by nst7

On the other hand, USB performance on newer interfaces is as good as firewire. People who have this unit are able to go down to a buffer of 32. The USB version will also keep your interface on a separate buss from your firewire drives if you have them. There's some positive discussion of the 18i20 on Gearslutz that you might check out.

I just got one-superb, couldn't be happier. Only had it a few days, but have been tracking drums, and recording 7 tracks simultaneously at a buffer of 32!

The only thing is, that when you register, the characters are case sensitive. And if you are instructed to update the firmware; well the Scarlett didn't work correctly until after I reinstalled the drivers as well. Smooth sailing ever since.

Oh, and one more thing. After start up, in mac's audio/midi app, the Scarlett defaults to a 14in/16 out device. I change it with the pulldown to 18i20. Minor hassle, but haven't figured out why this happens.

Good luck!
Tim

[hermonmusic]

I need help! I would like to make a sound quality comparison between the DIGI 002 and the Scarlett 18i20. What's the best way to do it? I'm interested more in vocals. I do a lot of accapella stuff.
Thank you in advance.

[ron_from_RIFAS]

I have an 18i20 and an 18i8. I link them via the optical and record 12 tracks at 128 on an older Dell laptop. We have an 002 and the sound is definitely fuller with a more pleasing bass response.



Keep in mind the future. FireWire is on its way out. USB is apparently here to stay and Thunderbolt has yet to catch on in audio devices. Since my next laptop is guaranteed NOT to have Firewire I went with the Scarlett series instead of the Saffire.





Sent from my HTC 8X using Tapatalk

[DonaldM]

Originally Posted by ron_from_RIFAS

I have an 18i20 and an 18i8. I link them via the optical and record 12 tracks at 128 on an older Dell laptop. We have an 002 and the sound is definitely fuller with a more pleasing bass response.



Keep in mind the future. FireWire is on its way out. USB is apparently here to stay and Thunderbolt has yet to catch on in audio devices. Since my next laptop is guaranteed NOT to have Firewire I went with the Scarlett series instead of the Saffire.





Sent from my HTC 8X using Tapatalk

I notice you're using a Windows system like me. How has your experience been with the Scarlette and the Mix Control Program? I've had major issues with it when having to switch sample rates from one session to another. I have to completely exit PT (10 or 11), then set the sample rate in the MC program, then re-open PT. I have to do this because I have some older sessions I did in 44.1k instead of 48k (mostly because I forgot to switch it!). Instead of the MC program just reading the new sample rate, and everything goes fine, it switches the rate, but then PT can no longer access the Scarlette 8i6. So I'm wondering how your experience with that has been?