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.

[nst7]

No need to do a comparison. The Focusrite units sound much better. You can ask anyone who's switched.

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by nst7

No need to do a comparison. The Focusrite units sound much better. You can ask anyone who's switched.

Have to agree. Consider, the 002 is a 10 year old device with 10 year old technology. Scarlett is all new. Nobody EVER acused the 002 of being a great sounding unit. It was and is a functional device, and anyone concerned about audio quality, would bypass the 002'a analog circuitry whenever possible