FOCUSRITE / Scarlett 4i4 gen. 3 Thorough anatomy review!

I had the opportunity to touch the FOCUSRITE / Scarlett 4i4 for exhibition, and compared its performance with multiple audio interfaces to verify its capabilities! Scarlett has also become 3rd Generation, and the "AIR" function has been added as one of the highlight features! It is a function that models Focusrite's masterpiece mic pre "ISA", and adds a natural atmosphere to the mic pre. We will record a sample and verify this function as well! In addition, we will also introduce software such as bonus plug-ins one by one.

First, this look! !! Rather than being a piece of equipment, the sophisticated design that makes you feel like you've picked up a high-brand item will satisfy your desire for ownership (although it's a rental item). The bright red LED shines in a crimson design. All the LEDs illuminate for a moment when the power is turned on, but this is so beautiful and it will increase your creativity. Or now, it motivates me to verify (laughs).

Let's check each function!

When a signal is input to the GAIN knob on the front of the panel, the LED on the edge of the knob lights up.
It is fashionable to shine in three different colors, and it is convenient because you can easily distinguish the levels at a glance.
The main output adjustment is completely independent of the “MONITOR” knob, and the headphone volume adjustment is completely independent of the rightmost headphone knob, which is also simple and easy to use.
The connection is a USB-C terminal on the audio interface side. Since the PC side is USB-A, it can be connected as it is if it has a USB 2.0 terminal. USB-C isn't very common yet, so I'm relieved to use this specification.
48V phantom power can be turned on and off with the touch of a button. PAD and AIR functions, line input and instrument switching, direct monitoring settings, etc. are performed from the driver software "Focusrite Control", not from the panel. (By the way, all lower models of 2i2 and below will be operated from the front panel instead of Focusrite Control.) Focusrite Control is software that can be used with 4i4 or higher models. You can do internal routing and settings.
The simple operation screen can be operated intuitively with almost no hesitation.
Please note that the direct monitoring function is turned on by default, and when you input a microphone or instrument, you may hear a dub when monitoring from the DAW software.
If you just purchased it, don't rush, turn off direct monitoring, or turn off the DAW monitor and try again (laughs because I was rushed).

When you connect the audio interface to your PC (this time, Mac), an icon will automatically appear on your desktop.

If you start the browser from this icon and proceed in order, the installation will be completed easily.

When I first bought an audio interface, I didn't know what to do, and it was a fuss. If you are so kind, even beginners will not be lost.

Now it's time to check the sound from the headphone jack and the main output.

I was surprised to hear the sound, and the clear sound is comparable to that of an audio interface that is more than double the price! I did a blind test and couldn't tell which was an expensive audio interface. It has a wide range and goes up to the upper range, so female vocals and electric tones sound very comfortable. The lows are also solid and the sound is well-balanced and elegant.

Then I tried recording an electric guitar microphone to check the input. I recorded two types, a normal version and a version with the "AIR" function turned on. The environment is as follows.

Guitar : Fender Custom Shop / Master Design 1965 Stratocaster Relic Designed by Mark Kendrick
Amp : Fender / '65 Deluxe Reverb
Mic : audio technica / AT4050
DAW : Logic pro X

The sound source contains two guitars and drums. The guitar was recorded as a non-effect, and no plug-in was inserted. Drums are the loop material rhythms that come with Logic pro X by default. The difference is easier to understand with a guitar alone, so I will add that as well.

As with the output, it is a high fidelity, clean sound with sharp edges. It was recorded with a comfortable sound quality! Focusrite is a mic pre, and mic pre is a Focusrite. The sound was firmly inherited by models in this price range. Personally, I thought that the "AIR" function was like a little effect. However, this sounds very natural. The high range of air is added, and the texture of the sound stands out and feels good! It seems good to turn it off when you want to make it elegant, and turn it on when you want to make it stand out.

Next, the bundled software included is of high quality. I will also introduce this one by one!

● Focusrite Red 2 & Red 3 Plug-In Suite

This bundle is the outboard "Red series" of the famous Focusrite, which is AAX, AU, VST plug-in effector.

➢ Red2（EQ）
The EQ works clearly, and you can create cool sounds that you can feel. It will be the sound that comes out before.

➢ Red3 (compressor)
It also takes a snap. The beautiful sound without any intentional effect is ideal for everyday use such as drums and vocals.

● DAW

Includes two DAW software with widely different uses and tastes. It's also great for finding a DAW software that suits you.

➢ Ableton Live Lite
Popular DAW software that can be intuitively used. In general, I have a strong image of dance, but in fact there is a depth of acceptance in any genre and it will be a platform that creates inspiration.

● XLN Audio / ADDICTIVE KEY

➢ You can get one out of four types of keyboards such as piano and electric piano. It is also called as the most popular piano sound source, and it is a wonderful sound source that is no different from the rumor. Not only is it a realistic piano sound source, but it also supports fairly flexible sound production, so I think that it will be addicted to any genre. Personally, this piano sound source is confirmed to be regular! !!

● Focusrite Plug-in Collective

➢ It's an overpriced program in which software such as plug-ins is provided free of charge every few months. It's a delusion that if you collect a lot of things, you'll end up with a great collection, but that's the reality!

● Splice 3 months

➢ 3 months credit for Splice, a subscription service for sample materials. General subscriptions will not be available at the end of the free period, but Splice will continue to use the downloaded material after the expiration! So it's a free ticket that's well worth using, whether you continue to subscribe after the free period or not!

As mentioned above, the contents are such that the appendix alone can recover the original. Although it boasts a considerable quality even when viewed as a hardware alone, it has a quite fulfilling environment including software, so it can be used as a first machine for beginners or a sub machine for professionals. It's a product! !!