Focusrite announces the coming of the new Scarlett 18i8 audio interface, featuring four Focusrite preamps and ADAT expansion.

This new interface is scheduled to be released in June, along with the smaller version called Scarlett 6i6.

The label 18i8 on this interface indicates the unit's 18 input and 8 output capability. It is the latest in the Scarlett series of portable interfaces, which are designed to cover various recording needs.

The Scarlett 18i8 is designed for recording multiple mics and instruments at the same time. It features Focusrite preamps with up to 60dB gain, the same preamps found on their other well received computer audio interfaces. The first two preamps offer Mic/Line/Instrument on universal XLR/TRS ports while the other two preamps offer Mic/Line on universal XLRs.

The interface also provides 48V phantom power on all front panel inputs. Additional four more line inputs are provided with TRS connectors. If you find that you need to capture more audio at the same time, the 18i8 comes with an ADAT optical digital connector that gives you eight additional digital inputs, which can be used with external mic preamps. It also comes with a stereo S/PDIF coaxial input.

To get the sound capture out into your monitor or headphones, it comes with two TRS monitor outputs, stereo S/PDIF coax, and two independent stereo headphone outputs with dedicated volume knobs. These output options allow for expanded and controllable monitoring that is usually unavailable with small audio interfaces. No breakout cables are required because all analogue inputs and outputs have their own connectors, featuring Focusrite's 24-bit, 96 kHz sampling A/D and D/A conversion.

All these features are housed in the usual tank tough unibody metal case that the other Scarlett series interfaces have. It also has the same LED signal halos that give good visual feedback as you record. A red LED means overload, while green means recordable, this will help you make quick adjustments as you visually monitor the recording. The main monitor knob is larger than the others to help you easily visualize how you set the volume.

Finally, it comes with its own software bundle called Scarlett MixControl, a low latency (under 1.4 ms) DSP-based software mixer and router with one-click presets. The Scarlett 18i8 is expected to have a price tag of $449.99. For more information, you can visit Focusrite.

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