Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 review, An Audio Interface with Mic Preamps

Do you need an audio interface that has microphone preamps? Finding a quality one can be pretty difficult at times. I have got the perfect thing for you to ease up your worries; The Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 audio interface you can use with microphone preamps.

Being an audiophile and working as a recording engineer, I can't tell you how important it is to have a quality audio interface for your various purposes. It just elevates your work to another level, and this is an audio interface that sure has the quality to do so.

That's why here I will be taking you through an in-depth overview of this audio interface so you can decide whether it's worth checking out or not. Let's not waste any time and get right into it.

Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 Specifications 

First, let's take a quick look at the technical specifications of the audio interface to see what it has to offer in terms of technical abilities.

• Resolution: 24-bit/ 96000hz
• Input: 6
• Output: 6
• Phantom power: +48v
• Dimensions: 11.61 x 10.83 x 3.7 inches
• Weight: 4.28lbs
  

The pros and cons of the audio interface 

To better understand the audio interface, let's get through the pros and cons this one has to offer.

Pros of Scarlett 6i6

• The looks of the audio interface are pretty stylish
• You can expect a sturdy construction on the interface body
• It gives you excellent sound quality from your speakers and devices
• The interface is very easy to set up and use
• It comes with all the necessary bundled software

Cons of Scarlett 6i6 

• There can be intermittent spikes of line
• The interface uses small cables, which can be an issue for larger setups

In truth, the cons of the interface don't have too much impact on the performance. However, if you are still wondering about the worth of this equipment, then I suggest sticking with me till the end.

Focusrite Scarlett 6i6  Details 

Here, I will be going through the various factors of the audio interface. Knowing about these details will help you draw a clear picture of how good or bad the audio interface truly is. And most importantly, you will know whether it meets your needs or not. Let's get going then.

What is the audio interface like physically?

Even though the physical aspect of an audio interface doesn't matter that much, it's still worth considering. When it comes to the physical aspect of this one, you won't have to worry one bit.

Starting with the looks and design, there is nothing to complain about at all. You get a pretty stylish and sleek unit that can go along with any premium studio setup. It has that smooth red finish on the body, making it look very elegant.

Coming to the body's build, I can hardly nitpick anything here. It has a pretty sturdy body that will last for quite a long time. You can tell that when you hold the audio interface for the first time.

Altogether, there is no issue physically with this audio interface. You can rely on this one for the looks and build quality without having any second thoughts at all.

How is the audio interface used? 

The audio interface is typically used for a professional recording or audio production setup. When working on a music production project, you will probably use this audio interface.

There are 6 input and output options on this audio interface. In the input options, you have XLR and TRS connectivity along with ¼" inserts and 1 S/PDIF input. For the output options, you get 4 ¼" ports and 2 headphone ports for headphones also a S/PDIF one.

You have to use the USB port to connect the audio interface with your computer. Then, you can simply plug in your instruments or studio monitors on the audio interface to get started. Most of the time, it comes with bundled software, so you won't have to worry about getting or buying software either.

Related: Audio interface vs DAC

Features and performance ratings 

Are you still having doubts? Maybe going through the features and their performance ratings can help you make a concrete decision. Let's get through them very quickly.

• Connectivity 

When it comes to audio interfaces, you won't be looking for different connectivity options. The goal is to look for multiple numbers of connectivity options. In this, you get a total of 6 output connections and six input connections.

So, in terms of connecting different devices simultaneously, you won't run out of options on this one. This is a huge plus you get on this audio interface.

Rating: 4/5 

• Sound quality 

You can truly get the sound quality you deserve when you pair up this one with a quality speaker or headphones. This one surely elevates the level of sound you usually get from your gears. This one has very low latency, so you can easily record or listen to audio files much clearer than usual.

Rating: 3.5/5

• Ease of use 

One great thing about this audio interface is the fact that it's easy to use. You don't need to be an expert or have too much knowledge of using an audio interface when you have this. It makes this one a perfect pick for beginners out there.

While it's easy to use, it also leaves a bit of a learning curve, so you can understand the concept of working with audio interfaces.

Rating: 4.5/5

• Software 

Having the luxury of bundled pro tools has to be one of the best things you get on this audio interface. It has some excellent software bundles and complete access to some pro tools. Altogether the deal works out quite well for you.

Rating: 4/5 

Verdict 

To sum up, if you are planning to elevate your recording and music production game, then I highly recommend checking out the Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 as your following audio interface. While it comes with excellent features and bundled software, it doesn't cost that much either. You get complete value for money on this one.