Hitmaker Expansion Plug-ins:
The Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Generation – a USB-C audio interface for Mac and PC – comes with four balanced line inputs for connecting synthesizers or other line-level audio devices and four balanced outputs, which will most often be used for monitoring purposes. As two of the inputs have combo socket functionality, they can also be used for microphones. The two Scarlett microphone preamps deliver superior sound quality, 48V of phantom power, and (as a new addition to the 4th Generation) a re-engineered Air mode comprising the Presence and Harmonic Drive functions. Electric guitars and electric basses can also be connected directly to these jacks and the impedance adjusted accordingly. All in all, the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Generation represents a superb and visually appealing interface at an attractive price.
Focusrite has earned an excellent reputation during its thirty years of building microphone preamps and, with the addition of the Presence and Harmonic Drive functions, has now succeeded in making the Scarlett 4i4 4th Generation version even more appealing. The optional Air mode Presence adds treble when recording, delivering – in Focusrite's own words – "high-end details for vocals, acoustic guitar, or cymbals", and emulating the sound of this traditional British manufacturer's legendary studio console. The Harmonic Drive function boosts mid-range harmonics, making it ideal not only for electric guitars, among other instruments, but also for certain vocals.
As a desktop interface with compact dimensions, the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 is particularly suitable for home and project studios. Powered by USB, the device is lightweight, despite its robust construction, and therefore portable. The four flexibly configured inputs should more than suffice for all connection requirements, and the inclusion of four outputs enables the use of alternative monitoring or external effects devices, with the newly revised Gain Halos (coloured LED rings around the gain controller) making it even easier to control levels. For example, a master keyboard can be connected to the MIDI input and output; in fact, a sound generator from 4 XLN Audio Addictive Keys is already included with the device.
Founded in 1985 by Rupert Neve, Focusrite quickly made a name for itself with high-quality analogue consoles. Today, the company markets audio interfaces, mic preamps, consoles, analogue EQs, and channel strips as well as hardware and software for digital audio processing. The company is based in High Wycombe, England, and has won numerous industry awards. In addition to the Focusrite Pro line, the company also has subsidiaries that include Adam Audio, Novation, and iOS app creator Ampify Music.
For aspiring producers who are looking to start recording immediately after purchasing the interface, Focusrite has also included an Easy Start tool and put together a comprehensive software package comprising Ableton Live Lite, a three-month subscription to Pro Tools Artist, and the Hitmaker Expansion bundle, which includes guitar sounds from the Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555, pitch adjustment options for vocals from Antares Auto-Tune, reverb effects from Relab LX480 Essentials, and the "Addictive Drums 2: Studio Rock" virtual drumming instrument from XLN Audio. The Studio Grand Piano from XLN Audio Addictive Keys is also accessible and the Focusrite Red Plug-in Suite provides an entire channel strip complete with EQ, de-esser, compressor, limiter, gate, and expander. And the icing on the cake: The package also comes with a two-month subscription to Landr Studio mastering tools, allowing those final touches to be added to any project.