Which interface can run your outboard effects?
Audio Guru / Connections
Count spare outputs and return inputs, not just microphone sockets, before adding hardware effects to your DAW.
Why these? These interfaces provide spare outputs for hardware effects beside a stereo monitor pair, with different send, return and expansion capacities.
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Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen
Choose for Two mics and a stereo instrumentAn analog-to-digital USB interface known for flexible routing, with four line outputs that leave one stereo effects send beside your monitors.
- Useful extra outputs
- Helpful automatic gain
- Less cable swapping
- Rear inputs lack gain knobs
- Monitoring needs control software
- Some Windows dropout reports
Focusrite Clarett+ 4Pre
Choose for Four microphones plus four line inputsAn analog-to-digital USB interface known for expandable recording, with eight analog inputs and four line outputs for a small outboard setup.
- Clean recorded sound
- Useful input expansion
- Sturdy construction
- Fixed gain on rear inputs
- Software routing takes learning
- Headphone hiss at high settings
Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre
Choose for Eight microphones in one rack unitAn analog-to-digital USB interface known for larger sessions, with ten line outputs that leave room for four stereo sends beside your monitors.
- Clean recordings
- Firm-feeling control knobs
- Well-liked headphone outputs
- Routing takes learning
- Limited gain for quiet mics
- Split front/rear mic sockets
| Equipment | Line outputs | Sends after stereo monitors | Analog return inputs | Footprint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarlett 4i4 (4th Gen) | 4 | 1 stereo pair | 4 total; rear pair fixed gain | Desktop |
| Clarett+ 4Pre | 4 | 1 stereo pair | 8 total; rear four fixed gain | Desktop |
| Clarett+ 8Pre | 10 | 4 stereo pairs | 8 total; variable gain | 1U rack |
Counts reserve outputs 1–2 for monitors; each stereo return uses two inputs, and some pedals need level matching or a reamp box.
Sources & image credits
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen specifications · Manufacturer press image — Focusrite / Clyne Media
Focusrite Clarett+ 4Pre specifications · Manufacturer press image — Focusrite / Clyne Media
Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre specifications · Manufacturer press image — Focusrite / Clyne Media
Pros and cons summarize selected owner reports, not our own testing or a consensus; fit and computer setup can change the experience.
