Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 or Claret 4pre

[Pancreas]

They're similar size and have the same outputs and inputs, but the price difference is $369 vs 699

They both have 4 outputs, spdif, optical, power supply, etc.

I'm interested in them, because of size, but also the anti thump technology that prevents pops if speakers are on before interface turns on.

The Claett 4pre only has this anti thump circuitry on line outputs 1 and 2

The Scarlett 18i8 has it all 4 outputs.

The big difference is the Clarett has better preamps and

The Clarett uses the same converters as the Babyface Pro. Converters used for the Focusrite Scarlett are the Cirrus Logic CS4272

I would expect the Clarett is similar to the RME with slightly higher latency and worse driver support down the road

I'm a guitar player, so the quality of interface plays a role. I currently have a Scarlett solo and I've out grown it.

I want the anti thump technology, so the 18i8 will suffice for my needs, but after hearing audios comparison between scarlett and clarett

There is a difference in sound, especially for guitars.

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

USB 2.0 Audio Interface, 18-in/8-out, 24-bit/192kHz, with 4 Mic and 2 Instrument Inputs; 8 Line Inputs, 4 Analog Outputs, ADAT Input, MIDI and S/PDIF I/O, Dual Headphone Buses, and Bundled Software - Mac/Win

www.sweetwater.com

Focusrite Clarett+ 4Pre USB-C Audio Interface

18-in/8-out USB-C Audio Interface with 4 Mic Preamps and Focusrite "Air" Effect, 24-bit/192kHz Conversion, 2 Headphone Outputs, and Included Software Bundle - Mac/PC

www.sweetwater.com

 

[HarmonicTHD]

They're similar size and have the same outputs and inputs, but the price difference is $369 vs 699

They both have 4 outputs, spdif, optical, power supply, etc.

I'm interested in them, because of size, but also the anti thump technology that prevents pops if speakers are on before interface turns on.

The Claett 4pre only has this anti thump circuitry on line outputs 1 and 2

The Scarlett 18i8 has it all 4 outputs.

The big difference is the Clarett has better preamps and

The Clarett uses the same converters as the Babyface Pro. Converters used for the Focusrite Scarlett are the Cirrus Logic CS4272

I would expect the Clarett is similar to the RME with slightly higher latency and worse driver support down the road

I'm a guitar player, so the quality of interface plays a role. I currently have a Scarlett solo and I've out grown it.

I want the anti thump technology, so the 18i8 will suffice for my needs, but after hearing audios comparison between scarlett and clarett

There is a difference in sound, especially for guitars.

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

USB 2.0 Audio Interface, 18-in/8-out, 24-bit/192kHz, with 4 Mic and 2 Instrument Inputs; 8 Line Inputs, 4 Analog Outputs, ADAT Input, MIDI and S/PDIF I/O, Dual Headphone Buses, and Bundled Software - Mac/Win

www.sweetwater.com

Focusrite Clarett+ 4Pre USB-C Audio Interface

18-in/8-out USB-C Audio Interface with 4 Mic Preamps and Focusrite "Air" Effect, 24-bit/192kHz Conversion, 2 Headphone Outputs, and Included Software Bundle - Mac/PC

www.sweetwater.com

I have the 4i4 and occasionally play guitar. Looking at the specs, although the Claret has better noise and distortion (SINAD) the Scarlet comes in at about 95dB SINAD which is still well below audible levels (there is a software to test your own levels here:

Distort audibility tester | Distort documentation

distortaudio.org

So I doubt they sound different when comparing level matched and blind. There is orders of more distortion and noise coming in from your guitars pickups, so I would not worry and go with the cheaper option. If you however do voice recording the Claret give additional dynamic range (lower noise) so you have a bit more flexibility in mastering (but you need good mics).

 

[Pancreas]

I have the 4i4 and occasionally play guitar. Looking at the specs, although the Claret has better noise and distortion (SINAD) the Scarlet comes in at about 95dB SINAD which is still well below audible levels (there is a software to test your own levels here:

Distort audibility tester | Distort documentation

distortaudio.org

So I doubt they sound different when comparing level matched and blind. There is orders of more distortion and noise coming in from your guitars pickups, so I would not worry and go with the cheaper option. If you however do voice recording the Claret give additional dynamic range (lower noise) so you have a bit more flexibility in mastering (but you need good mics).

I don't know read some reviews on reddit and youtube and people say the clarett sounds better

I don't know but my speakers are worth $1400 kinda doesnt make sense drive them with a cheap interface

 

[HarmonicTHD]

I don't know read some reviews on reddit and youtube and people say the clarett sounds better

I don't know but my speakers are worth $1400 kinda doesnt make sense drive them with a cheap interface

Then buy the expensive one. Nothing wrong with it and is not breaking the bank either, I guess. I run mine into KH80/750.

Just wouldn’t trust YT etc without actual facts. People tell all kinds of stories on the internet. The most probable cause why people hear differences is that

Audio Blind Testing - You Are Doing It Wrong! (Video)

Just uploaded a video on the basics of performing controlled tests in audio. It was motivated by saving myself text in having to write all of this down when telling someone who to do these tests right. And as a counter to a few online personalities to keep saying they do "blind" tests yet when...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Or a commercial conflict of interest.

 

[Pancreas]

Then buy the expensive one. Nothing wrong with it and is not breaking the bank either, I guess. I run mine into KH80/750.

Just wouldn’t trust YT etc without actual facts. People tell all kinds of stories on the internet. The most probable cause why people hear differences is that

Audio Blind Testing - You Are Doing It Wrong! (Video)

Just uploaded a video on the basics of performing controlled tests in audio. It was motivated by saving myself text in having to write all of this down when telling someone who to do these tests right. And as a counter to a few online personalities to keep saying they do "blind" tests yet when...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Or a commercial conflict of interest.

I’ll buy them from amazon and compared with the scarlett solo i have especially playing my guitar if i dont feel is a good improvement ill return it lol

 

[flowjm]

I don't know read some reviews on reddit and youtube and people say the clarett sounds better