For producers, engineers and musicians, balancing connectivity, portability, and workflow has always been a challenge.
Focusrite’s 4th Generation Scarlett 16i16 and 18i16 interfaces bridge that gap, offering the flexibility of a full studio in a compact, desktop-friendly form. Both models are designed for hardware-heavy setups, giving users enough physical inputs and outputs to track multiple instruments and connect external processors.
Both also support digital expansion that makes it possible to take on even more complex recording tasks, all without the bulk and hassle of a full rack system. For home studios, this makes it easy to record a small band, a drum kit, or multiple synths efficiently while keeping the set-up manageable.
Priced at £349.99, the Scarlett 16i16 is perfect for on-the-go recording. Bus-powered from compatible devices, or via the included power supply, it’s easy to take between rehearsal spaces, home studios, or location sessions. Featuring pro-grade converters taken directly from Focusrite’s RedNet range and two 4th Gen mic preamps with an impressive 69dB of gain, it captures every nuance of vocals and instruments with studio-level clarity. Auto Gain and Clip Safe modes automatically optimize recording levels, letting you focus on your performance rather than fiddling around with input meters.
With plenty of analogue and digital I/O, including ADAT and S/PDIF expansion, you can connect multiple synths, instruments, and outboard processors, and manage complex routing through Focusrite Control 2 desktop or mobile apps.
While you may not want to splash out on a full rack-sized interface now, 16i16 offers plenty of room for expansion as your studio - and your ambition - grows. The re-engineered Air mode brings the warmth and presence of a professional console, while two custom-designed headphone amps deliver clear, powerful sound, even with high-impedance headphones.
For larger sessions or multi-track recording, the Scarlett 18i16 (priced at £489.99) offers four ultra-low-noise 4th Gen mic preamps and four additional analogue inputs, making it ideal for small ensemble recordings or tracking multiple sources at once. Like the 16i16, it uses RedNet converters and offers enough gain to drive gain-hungry mics with ease, and with those premium DACs boasting a dynamic range of 122dB, the 18i16 ensures every detail of your performance is captured with precision. The result? A sparkling listening and mixing experience.
Like the 16i16, the 18i16 can also be bus-powered from compatible devices, but it's perhaps more suitable for stationary studio setups while still offering a more compact desktop-friendly design than its rack-sized bigger brother, the 18i20.
With MIDI connectivity and ample room for expansion through ADAT and S/PDIF, 18i16 gives you far more input and routing options than beginner-friendly interfaces like the Solo and 2i2. This makes it a versatile hub for growing home studios and complex multi-instrument recording set-ups, all managed efficiently with the Focusrite Control 2 mobile or dekstop apps.
Both interfaces come with a comprehensive software bundle, including Ableton Live Lite, three months of Pro Tools Intro+, and six months of FL Studio Producer Edition. The bundle also includes the Hitmaker Expansion, a collection of plugins packed with high-quality software from Antares, Softube, and Native Instruments, giving you everything from vocal production tools to synths and effects.
Together, these bundled plugins transform the Scarlett 16i16 and 18i16 into a complete production hub, enabling you to create polished, studio-quality tracks at home or on the go, without needing to spend extra cash on software.
Whether you’re a bedroom producer, hardware synth enthusiast, band member, or mobile engineer, the Scarlett 16i16 and 18i16 delivers multi-track, studio-quality recording at a reasonable price, without compromise.
Find out more about Scarlett 16i16 and Scarlett 18i16 on Focusrite's website.