Scarlett 2i2 VS Clarett 2Pre / Latency, Preamps, AIR Comparison / Focusrite Audio Interface Shootout

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In this video, Robert compares 2 popular Focusrite home studio audio interfaces. Scarlett 2i2 vs Clarett 2pre. ok...I actually have a Clarett 8pre, but for these tests I only used 2 inputs.
Scarlett vs Clarett Latency is tested! as well as A/B side by side comparisons of the preamps and converters. This series aims to help inform you on how to choose an audio interface for your needs.
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[@erlendmarthinsen7202]

my internal metronome is hurting so bad right now....

[@Musicamansa]

Don't be mean!

[@orlandomarinjr]

Have a few shots of whiskey it'll feel fine :)

[@huynhngocnamgiang]

I think it's because the bass does not sync with drums

[@AmericanMe]

ditto LOL

[@takcus]

yep... video is good - deserve thumbs up, but... yea, you are right :(

[@suffa07]

I like A! It sounds more natural and open, whereas B sounds a bit muffled and heavily processed...

[@Electroguepard]

I liked more A when only was the voice at the beginning. On the last mix I liked more B, I guess that is more colorful. But, I think that for recording should be better something with no color to have something closer to reality and later to add whatever we want on the editing. Is like when we use a ribbon mic, sounds "darker" but more natural. For live events can be good the coloring, but for recording, I don't think that is that good. Anyways I'm a light operator, not a sound engineer, is just an opinion :D

[@dannymcneal]

Albert Casanovas Padrós - My observation too! I have the 1st Gen Scarlett 2i2, and I have had to deal with latency issues. I preferred the A test at the onset, but then B sounded clearer and more open later on. I was hoping he had switched them up, and my ears weren’t playing tricks on me. So my decision is whether or not to upgrade to the new Clarett 4Pre. I have an iMac with a couple of USB-C inputs, and I’m thinking it could really benefit from the Clarett.

[@doctari1061]

The "air" feature makes a huge difference. Much sweeter sound. Without it, the sound is muddy.

[@gkiss2030]

It adds a bit noise to the mic, though (at least in my case). Is this comparison with the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen?

[@opprop523]

Quality content! Can't believe the view counts on these videos, it's like finding a golden nugget. Keep up the good work. Will follow.

[@MikeG-js1jt]

That can be easily achieved with a little EQ'ing

[@MovieMowDown]

I notice that Clarett has less distortion on the high end almost like a jpeg to png.

[@DrAvery-lc6bs]

That's weird. The Scarlett sounded more crisp over my speakers.

[@dennisvanderben2719]

This just turns into “can you hear dark vs bright” and something wasn’t in sync...

[@slorrin]

Wait, which was A, which was B? B sounded much better...

[@helldotsin]

Your voice gave me chills.

[@vewilli]

Cool „Band“! Differences concerning audio subtle! (I use studio headphones). I think of buying a Clarett, although I already have a Scarlett 18i20., because of the Clarett‘s better latency and hopefully it’s very good for vocal recording.

[@paests]

Lovely fly me to the moon arrangement! Tks fer the vid

[@Mihajil]

my guess b is clarettpre2 (clarettpre8)

[@slavesforging5361]

Gods... This is so confusing. So... One reason focusrite scarlett sell so well is because they advertise award winning software and mic pre's. But... if you buy anything lower than a 6i6, it doesn't come with the software. so when using a 2i2, 2i4, 4i4, a lot of people download a generic ASIO driver, even though focusrite now offers free drivers for those online, as he said in the video. Well, latency comes from your driver too. if you buy a 6i6 or higher, then it comes with the focusrite ASIO driver AND mix control software. (the software goes by different names depending on what generation focusrite you have). The Focusrite ASIO buffer can be set as low as 1ms under the settings tab on your mix control software or as high as 20ms. i've never seen anywhere near 50ms of latency on my 18i8 (2nd gen) or 18i20 (1st gen) using the Focusrite drivers that came with them and adjusting buffer size in my focusrite mix control app/software. So saying the scarlett series has 50ms of latency isn't entirely accurate. it's really the ASIO driver you used, in conjunction with the Scarlett series converters (interface's cpu- and yes, the newer the generation, the better the latency), and what settings your computer can handle buffering and sampling at, that gives you your actual latency. for those asking why you would want to set something for a higher buffer size... well, the lower a latency or asio buffer size you set, the harder your cpu has to work. My 2011 hp probook, can't handle 1 ms ASIO buffer size, otherwise i would set it for that. 3ms is the highest i can go doing 8 tracks at once without it making horrible clunking noises from being horrifically overburdened. Setting a higher sample rate will also lower your latency, but make your cpu/ram work harder. so in conclusion. high sample rate, and low buffer rate = less latency & more work for your cpu/ram. check your settings (in your focusrite software, if you buy 6i6 and higher levels, it comes with it) and be sure to use the focusrite drivers, not generic free ASIO drivers found online, as they are tailored for your interface, and are very good quality. Also... sigh, the method you used for measuring latency works, but it's really measuring the difference between your DAW's reported latency from you interface, and your actual latency due to 'stutter' or fluctuations in the latency. ie, the latency not being a constant rate. so... yay. digitalsoundandmusic.com/5-2-3-latency-and-buffers/ medium.com/focusrite-spectrum/system-science-2-drivers-latency-84be523dd112 But, still a very good video and a subject that really needed to be tackled as people seem in the dark on this, and trying to find any info on latency specs is pretty much impossible for most interfaces. so... much appreciated!

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

Great comment! and thank you for the links!

[@slavesforging5361]

@@LearnAudioEngineering For sure man. anything to help. thanks for the useful video and great comparison. i don't use the clarrett series, and was interested in the sound difference, as well as the 'air' feature, and what latency you were getting comparatively. very cool!

[@thenetpagan]

This comment is the best I've seen when it comes the Scarlett Line, never thought it was this way, since my first and current interface is the Scarlett 18i8 I gave for granted my Mix Control and drivers. Actually they recently updated its drivers from a 3-year hiatus without any updates, they also released a firmware update to improve latency.

[@thenetpagan]

@@LearnAudioEngineering This is a great comment please pin it at the top. Thanks for the video.

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

@@thenetpagan k

[@juricabura8967]

B sound professional, all instruments are not fighting each other. A sounds good enough. I used scarlet 18i20 1st gen for long, and made pro published records with it, but it wasn't easy to make clearence and fight the mud in the beginning. Claret makes huge difference. Compressors don't bring that noise and save the headroom, instruments separation is magnificent and depth is amazing, everything sits in the mix right away just with panning and leveling the volumes. So easy to mix kick, bass, piano and other instruments with low end. I thing they putted wrong (one of best) preamps and converters in it by mistake XD

[@jello4847]

Wait which one was which in the a/b thing... I think I missed it

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

Answers @ 6:36

[@iseeu-fp9po]

What? Which one was a/b?

[@vincentjudah4786]

Good video ! just subbed . Another reason to go for the Clarett is because it has combo jacks on both inputs ! also each input has its own dedicated phantom power button , so I can have a condenser in one input without and extra 45v going to the other .

[@matthewblake2258]

the first track i thought B sounded better and the 2nd I thought A was better. Thing is you could get serious results with either

[@JuusoHoo]

thanks for a good review!

[@KurtCobain2021]

So they have the same volume level?

[@androidgameplays4every13]

Which one is which?

[@SYN30STM]

Clarett sounded good on the vocals and it would help a mic like the sm7b. instrument wise, I couldn't tell the difference. I wish he wouldve done the gain test to see which one gives out less hiss sound.

[@bobbyxsteevbeats]

Focusrite solo gen 3 gives the less kisses

[@Morenob1]

Good content subbed thanks for the comparison!

[@seerking]

They sound almost the exact same and I'm listening on Spny Wh-1000XM headphones. can't tell the difference to be honest. I'm looking for the wider sound stage, the bigger dynamic range between the 2 and I can't find it.

[@seerking]

B sound like it could be the claret

[@Septimius]

But this isn't really a good comparison, as we all pick up on the difference of the 'air' way before the difference in the interfaces.

[@SpeakNowHoldYourPeace]

I just purchased Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen and when I GO LIVE on FB (or just record in Quicktime) the sound only comes out the left side. I understand that this happens because the Focusrite Solo considers input 1 (XLR) to be the left channel and input 2 (1/4 inch) to be the right channel. Now this would be an easy fix in post with any DAW because I can process the final output in Mono however because I GO LIVE and I dont have the option to fix in post (because it is LIVE) How can I get the live audio on the left and right side of the recording when recording live?

[@realastrology3976]

man what a song.....goos bumps

[@RabihSaadguitars]

A sounded muffed compared to B...A sounds better..

[@christopherschustor7992]

Did he reveal which interface was A or B, I must’ve missed it.. fwiw I liked A for it’s bright and open sound

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

9:54 :) Top Right Corner

[@dannymcneal]

Do you have information about the difference in gain for each unit? I can’t find anything on the Focusrite website. Great review!!

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

IIRC there is a 10dB (~50db Scarlett ~60dB Clarett) gain difference in the preamps and headphone amps. the Clarett series has noticeably more output.

[@piterwilson]

Me on my iPhone: A and B sound the same 🤣

[@HBIKevin]

I wasn't expecting a one man band Ocean. Very cool.

[@unclejoaquin]

Which one is the Scarlett & which one is the Clarett? You never mentioned which is which.

[@JuusoHoo]

watch the video ending 😂

[@accentontheoff]

Hi, this is probably a simplistic and dumb question, but would you say the Scarlett / Clarett is good enough to make a professional sounding song / album. Talking primarily about audio capture as one can always get it mixed and mastered outside. Thanks!

[@mcdeadcat]

Undoubtedly. Especially the new '+' plus range

[@accentontheoff]

@@mcdeadcat Cool thanks.

[@AleArzMusic]

Great video....51 msec of latency is very high, there must have been something wrong with your driver's bufer settings or you were using dozens of plugins playing in real time. Can you uncover your signal chain and fx chain in detail? I was going to buy a 2nd gen Scarlet 2i2 to record directly through an amp sim, but with 51 msec would be unplayable

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

I wasn't using any plugins, this was a clean session. Buffer size would have been 128 or 256. Thanks for watching!

[@damiengreen28]

@@LearnAudioEngineering I'm havign a hard time trusting that focusrite would be as popular as they are in the interface world if 128 or 256 yeilded 51 ms of latency. No way.

[@damiengreen28]

In fact those numbers line up more with what you would expect to get at 1024 samples

[@Marcin79W]

A feels more dull while B more open. I'm guessing B is a Clarett? Am I right?

[@adaumus]

B was the Scarlett. I've watched a few of these videos. The Clarett seems to wash away some of the color. I like the sound of the Scarlett better. Has more energy and a live sound.

[@Marcin79W]

@@adaumus You must be kidding me. If not, I'm happy to have Scarlett 2ndGen and not going to upgrade for Clarett anyhow.

[@tuthur56]

@@Marcin79W The B is the scarlett. Top left at 9:51

[@dennisvanderben2719]

My lil Saffire pro 14 has mixcontrol and got loads of updates during its “active life”

[@manuelmateocobian9274]

my Liquid Saffire 56 is working flawlessly on Windows 10 last update.

[@LokeshThakur]

B sounds cleaner and louder

[@marianmusic7221]

What Scarlett generation are you using? 3rd gen Scarlett has the "Air" feature, too.

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

must be the 2nd gen, yeah I saw one of those recently! they're still USB eh?

[@marianmusic7221]

@@LearnAudioEngineering usb c

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

@@marianmusic7221 makes sense, looks like thunderbolt didn't last too long

[@alpay389]

latency test: 7:33

[@JohnMarler]

I especially appreciated the latency test comparison - thank you for that! Did you do thunderbolt 2 from the interface to thunderbolt 2 to the mac?

[@TY2CD]

it's TB 1

[@kallitheameria]

I think routing from output 1 to bus 1 is done by the cpu, not the sound interface, but I'm not sure. I mean, it's converted to analog and then re-digitized by the interface, unless you routed it to to that with a physical wire.

[@SpookyShredder]

I like B a lot more

[@simonlynch6080]

They are both USB 2.0, the Clarett just uses a USB type C connection, which is not thunderbolt, it just allows bus power to the device, as opposed to having to use the power pack.

[@officialpapicholobeats6145]

incorrect no type c that I know of, the original clarett is thunderbolt 2 only and requires external power to work, yes even the clarett 2 pre requires external power. scarlett is usb 2.0 and runs off device power. I own both clarett is good just gets hot as hell

[@simonlynch6080]

Official Papi Cholo Beats double check facts, I have the Clarett 2pre and do not need to plug the power adaptor in if I use USB C.

[@officialpapicholobeats6145]

@@simonlynch6080 I think were the confusion for us is coming is I think you have the usb version, the original clarett 2 pre uses thunderbolt 2 which needs a power supply. Good to know the USB version works on its own off usb-c, does your usb version get really hot after about an hour or 2 because the thunderbolt 2 version does? If it doesn't may have to pick up a used usb version

[@vincentjudah4786]

The newer versions use type C , this was done using the older version which uses thunderbolt which has a much better latency

[@mcdeadcat]

I bought the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre (Thunderbolt) for my 27" iMac (Big Sur) looking for the reduced latency. Focusrite haven't been able to get it working in a fortnight so far. It cost a lot of money and I'm not sure there is a phrase for the diametric opposite of Plug & Play, but this thing is it. I have been asked to delete code, reload, reboot, download, delete, send system files and all I have is a standard last year's iMac with current iOS. I wouldn't touch one of these with a barge pole...

[@accentontheoff]

So what did you do finally, if you don’t mind me asking.

[@mcdeadcat]

@@accentontheoff It took them another four weeks or so of hours and hours on the 'phone, them calling me up many times, telling me different code to type in and then it not working, repeatedly. Eventually one of their guys told me to delete all the kext files before theirs and after the second restart, it started working! It is great!!! I have used it for all my recordings preferring it to the Apogee now. BUT just having got used to the quality and super low latency (which is splendid using Thunderbolt) they have bought out the Clarett+2Pre which they tell me is capable of greater clarity through improved components a/d convertors and amps. So as there is no trade in for your old one, I have a working interface but it is immediately second class. I am unhappy about this. I appreciate upgrades must occur but looking after your existing customer base was a basic tenet I thought...

[@accentontheoff]

@@mcdeadcat Yeah, I feel your pain when it comes to upgrades, but well that's never going to stop happening, so I don't worry about it anymore. Anyway, that was the last thing I expected to hear. I expected you would have returned it or something. I was choosing between UAD and RME and maybe Apogee but Clarett is a real option now in my mind. You're saying it's better than Apogee also and that's cool. Guess I will just toss a coin and decide. Another thing I feel is that the Focusrite service has till date never disappointed me. Thanks for replying!

[@accentontheoff]

@@mcdeadcat Is it actually called + ... I am not seeing anything with that name. Edit: Is it very, very recently launched. Are the reviews good. Isn't it too early to tell.

[@accentontheoff]

Edit 2: I would rather wait to see the reviews before diving in.

[@ruby_gleyzes]

Very good video! I am very confused: in your video I clearly prefer the Scarlett over the Clarett (for its brightness/crispyness), whilst in other youtube comparison videos the output is exactly the opposite :-S

[@Zarabozo]

Something was very wrong while he was speaking. With B the voice sounded louder and noticiable close to the microphone, but with A it sounded quieter and with much less proximity effect (more room noise). That cannot be the result of using different preamps in the same exact conditions with the same microphone. Also, how exactly did he switch the same condenser microphone from one interface to the other in a single take? If he was using something to split the signal, that completely invalidates the preamp comparison.

[@obsquremusic]

Hi, thanks for the video. I ve been using the 2i4 2nd gen for a few years and thinking of upgrading. I need a better audio interface with 4 line input at least. Got a few questions : - Is there a major difference in built in sound quality from the 2i4? - Do you think this can beat the audient id44? Thanks

[@slavesforging5361]

Audient is a higher sound quality interface than focusrite, pretty hands down. whether or not that difference matters to you is a good question. Mostly i look at features on audio interfaces, rather than quality of audio drivers, since just about every interface meets my audio quality standards anyway. but that's up to you.

[@enapsempire4151]

You just made a baseless point.

[@Morenob1]

Just ordered a Clarett 4Pre, as my Scarlett 18i8 1st gen died, such a shame wanted to sell it first oh well hope the difference will be huge!

[@lastcall9998]

How was the difference? Huge?

[@courtneyjohnson5839]

What do think of the clarett

[@Morenob1]

​@@courtneyjohnson5839 Clarett is a high recommendation I wouldn't want something else, the recording sound tight, has a nice quit subtle warm sound to it and enjoyable to my ears. I record vocals with a Neumann TLM 103 and people will definitely react to your sound if mixed properly.

[@Citizen_0_5]

Listening to this on my phone I know I know but shit already sounds better than me interface 🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂 thanks for the review man

[@redrobbosworkshop]

Nice comparison. This 'Air' feature is typical audio snake oil though - I mean come on, some HF EQ costs nothing and your interface should be flat.

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

I'm noticing a lot of "analog modelled" modes in interfaces nowadays. The Apollo has these DLC bundles of Impedance matched vintage preamps that color the sound on the way in, for a pretty penny. Antelope has similar modeling but it all comes right in the box, no extra 'micro' transactions like UA. While it's an extra feature for them to market, it's also nice to have options to commit to sounds on the way in. Thanks for watching, Red!

[@invsibl_monstrs]

I wouldn't necessarily call the "air" feature snake oil as it actually changes the analog circuit prior to conversion... this is from a Sound on Sound review of the 8pre model “Air mode is an impedance change in the mic pre from 6.2 to 2.1 kΩ in combination with a frequency response change through the use of an analogue filter which provides a 4dB boost starting from around 100Hz, reaching +4dB around 10kHz, all of which happens before the A-D conversion.” Changing impedance alone would change the interaction from mic to mic.

[@redrobbosworkshop]

@Gareth Thomas I've no objection to EQ though it should definitely not be part of the basic design IMO - you add what you need to a flat base. My point here is that a fancy name and attributes (carrying additional cost) are being given to nothing more than a bit of HF EQ.

[@DigiArc]

I'm not sure you appreciate the effect impedance and reactance has on different microphones. AIR is an actual impedance change to the preamp. On a single mic it will have the "effect" of high end eq but that's an oversimplification and if you have an assortment of mics the impedance change can be a godsend. Some preamps like Audient allow a range of Impenance setting.

[@redrobbosworkshop]

@@DigiArc Hi I'm an audio engineer so I do understand the effect of impedance matching. Impedance matching is designed to ensure the most efficient signal transfer across an interface over the chosen working bandwidth. It should not be used for EQ for several reason but not least because it's an extremely blunt instrument, producing different effects on different mics. If this facility is required then impliment it correctly - provide switchable input impedance, not some nebulous variable defined as 'air'.

[@tothpeter2536]

Focusrite Octopre MK2 Preamp or clarett is better for vocal ?

[@Leestevensmusic]

Do you know if the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX 26-In, 28-Out Thunderbolt Audio Interface is better for recording audio than my Scarlett focusrite solo 2nd gen?... Like will my audio, and vocals sound better using the clarett with the same microphone that I use now compared to my focusrite solo 2nd gen? or is it just more expensive because it has more inputs? Bare in mind that I paid like 200 pound for my focusrite and the Clarett I was looking at was like 900 pound new. I want better audio for recording vocals, and I don't wanna waste my money... please help.

[@Leestevensmusic]

@@VictorBcsMusic Ok thank you for replying.

[@Leestevensmusic]

@@VictorBcsMusic Thank you for your advice

[@nwilt7114]

Is the latency of the internal preamp recording? Would it have the same latency if you had and external preamp fed into it?

[@thenameisbrooks]

Yes, the latency comes from the converters, not the pres

[@productamadeus8745]

Great review!

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

Thanks, Amadeus!

[@drwhave]

I wish people would stop spreading the "thunderbolt makes a difference in audio" myth. For Audio, even usb2.0 has sufficient bandwidth, as proven by youtubers with measurements and just simple math. Thunderbolt's great but it does not make a difference for audio. Bitrate wise it can comfortably handle 1080p videos and on full speed, even 4k.

[@TranceCore3]

I don't even think it's about the audible compairons. I'm pretty sure the 2pre has more inputs than the 2i2

[@VelvetBulldozer]

I have a basic question for you: Can I play songs in Windows and choose the Clarett 2xpre as a playback device, and listen to those songs via the headphone output of the Clarett? Btw I run Sennheiser 600 Ohms. Would that headphone amp drive my headphones without staying to quiet? Many thanks

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

Yep, thanks how you would do it! it should work just fine!

[@mapoulin300]

WOW, the Clarett is much much better

[@ronnizag]

Great vid. DId you use the thunderbolrt version of clarett right?

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

yep!

[@reaganglynn625]

What song is did he play?

[@starsandguitars2050]

Nice job on the tunes!

[@mvoproject]

Huh... B! Only the B for me. It`s more opened, clear and pleasant sounds! The A version darker, muddy, a bit sterile, like a closed with wool, less airy, I think. But how it could be the Scarlett??? I just can`t believe in it.Even with Air technology... I really dont like the sound of the A version in this video wich is more expensive Clarett card. Anyway, thanks for the comparison.

[@creativeaudio3279]

Yes, unbelievable i think the same, in the second mix the B i felt it deeper.

[@tylerfetherston3208]

I swore the clarett was B the whole video because it sounded better…

[@zhangxiang7383]

Hey,i want to know how to build channels to test the interface latency.

[@crazyfamily3560]

B are more air and rich

[@MikeG-js1jt]

you almost reached as high as Plant....although you might have to clip off one nut to get there

[@Muuuzzzi]

Good work, what type of computer are you using? Pc/Mac ?

[@djjodav]

@@ichbinsjosef9216 Nah thats protools dude! Could be either PC or mac!

[@djjodav]

@@ichbinsjosef9216 I clearly didn't pay enough attention that early on then. Just saw multiple shots of protools since reading your comment! More than happy to be proven wrong as I use Mac and logic too (my portable laptop setup. In my studio I run protools on an x86 dedicated audio server) Just didn't want anyone to think they had to go and buy a $2000+ Mac and pay for logic to get the same results :-)

[@djjodav]

Fyi, i find mac/logic to perform better out of the box re latency etc. PC requires a lot more configuration but I prefer the optimisation I get once setup right! Morale of the story: get the best your budget can afford and/or stick to what you are familiar with.

[@thenamesguess]

Thank you man

[@takcus]

I choose A as a better sounded and probably with air effect - then I see result and was thinking: What is wrong with me? (60-70% choose B) so... that is how democracy works... well - we just cant expect good government ;P Kepp calm and play! :D

[@mattp2real]

Did you record the vocals and all instruments through the Scarlett interface?

[@aquilarossa5191]

I have full on tinnitus, so it was very hard to hear a difference thru my little Eris monitors. For the price of the Clarett I would be considering stretching to an Apollo. I need a new interface for running my amp to Two Notes WOS in DAW. I am wondering if the extra money to get an Audient over a Scarlet is worth it. The internet tends to says yes, but I dunno. Another thing I am wondering is about using amp plugins instead of my actual amp. I am wondering if placing a direct box between the guitar and the interface's mic pre might help, because the direct box will have input impedance that is more like what a guitar usually sees from an amp, but its output is just right for the interface.

[@d77sauce]

Aquila Rossa how’s it going for on your quest to record guitar? Are you using a DI box? are you using plugins?

[@SubCultureMEDIAHilbert]

I have the Scarlett 18x8 and if you are using VST Amps or DI rack amps in reason, the latency is so bad it is almost unusable. I normally just mix my real amps, so it’s not a big deal, but sometimes I want to record at night, and it’s Sooooooooooo frustrating.

[@Karll541]

Are you using the USB connection? USB is generally pretty horrid for latency. Audio interfaces that directly plugin to a PCI or PCIe card via ADAT, AES etc. is really tough to beat.

[@slavesforging5361]

Check your settings man. something is amiss. I've had no problems with latency on my 2nd gen 18i8, or 1st gen 18i20. what's your buffer size set too? lower that sucker in the mix control software.

[@slorrin]

How can you do an A / B comparison and never say which is A and which is B? What is this?

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

Hey! check the end screen @ 9:46 :)

[@slorrin]

@@LearnAudioEngineering but i'm very impatient and didn't get that far! :XXXXX

[@derrickswinney2297]

Wouldn't you just want the most honest sound recorded? I mean I can put a little bit of saturation and boost the highs when I get to the mix process... Am I missing something here?

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

If you've got the time and the gear, and can find a way to capture a sound closer to how you imagine it on the way in, go for it! less to do later. a lot of big records have been 'premixed' in this way. as for the clarett air, It's a neat feature. I used a rupert neve pre once that has a 'silk' feature. sometimes it;s nice to have an option. I like the *click* sound the unit makes when you turn on the air. Thanks for watching dude.

[@derrickswinney2297]

not 400 dollars more cool lol @@LearnAudioEngineering

[@tequilagroup1290]

What kind of bass is that? Looks nice.

[@tequilagroup1290]

Bruh, answer me....

[@LukeLjJames]

if we can tell the difference? yeah after youtube compression listening to your video on a little pc . that makes real technical sense lol

[@peterhughes8699]

@Robert - good video BUT........ you shud know we can't hear anything but major tone differences due youtube processing and we're all using different playback equip anyway. So don't waste time by A/Bing any products. And plz stop telling viewers they are likely to hear any tone differences on youtube. I'm only interested in your personal opinion. Do you think Clarett is worth the extra $$

[@pauliusmscichauskas558]

I literally can't tell a difference between the preamps. Also, what's so special about that Air button? Why not just use an EQ if you need those highs boosted?

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

you could, the Air button does the boost on the way in,.

[@Dibdibber]

Awesome shootout :)

[@vincentjudah4786]

the newer Clarett 2 Pre series is available with USB connection

[@yhbchacone6980]

I have a question does getting the USB version from theunderbolt version make a difference like is one better or worse?

[@vincentjudah4786]

@@yhbchacone6980 thunderbolt connection has a lower latency which means its faster - but you will need to make sure your p.c has a thunderbolt connection port , usually thunderbolt is only found on MAC os so have a look first to make sure you can actually use thunderbolt . The new usb version is usb 3.0 it uses a type C connection , the same as newer android phones , if your P.C also has a type C input/output slot the Clarett interface can be self powered , if you have a regular usb 2.0 slot then you can still use it with the power supply that comes with the package .

[@robertmazurowski5974]

You singing Led Zep like a jazz singer.

[@redel37]

I think it is not a fair comparison... A is way brighter than B and lacks bass. I wonder how is the sound if you match the output frequencies.

[@Guitarman007]

The point of a blind shootout is to let us choose then tell us what was what. Did you ever tell us what was what? At the beginning I preferred A but there were moments later where I couldn't distinguish well or preferred B for a certain part.

[@Quannguyen-hr2kn]

Let me know the mic you are using?.

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

I use a Rode NT1-A, sometimes an EV RE-320

[@vagner3472]

Did you edit the Audio or just plugged and recorded?

[@slavesforging5361]

he said several times it was massively edited. but they were both edited the same.

[@kobimcjones]

Thanks for the video. I think you should make the lighting a little softer.

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

haha yeah I've been experimenting with the lighting in recent videos. Thanks for the heads up!

[@matthewblake2258]

lekekekek

[@jacktoddy9783]

C'mon now - no fart jokes guys! This video was very good but it could have been a real rip-corker!

[@samlee2562]

strange to me the Gtr and bass sound better on the Scarlett and the vox and drums sound better on the Clarett, the vox were noticeably clearer. I then listened with stock apple earbuds and couldn't hear any difference... most people probably won't care!

[@ignacio7250]

I think you hear B better, was that scarlet?

[@chris61981]

My scarlett solo has the air function

[@plutoisaplanet7879]

hmmm, I though B sounded better.

[@_istudywater]

I can’t tell a difference 😮

[@Kelly_t_love]

Focusrite are gonna fuck up by the high prices . Some other company will develop the same or better circuitry as the air filtre and sell it for less and under cut them . Not a smart move in my opinion. Another company will do what focusrite did to M audio

[@yannickp5454]

Cool video man, thanks for doing it, very useful

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

Glad you enjoyed it, Cholla!

[@axelmaldini4218]

Great song!

[@RSDGAMESmuzzy]

There's really not much difference, the only difference I can tell is the ride cymbal has a nice ring when using the AIR filter

[@jameswallace5967]

WHICH IS A WHICH IS B?!!! Kind of important to know don't you think?

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

Answer is posted at 9:44 top right corner

[@goodboyringo9716]

The one band man !

[@mik1037]

I've been considering an upgrade to Thunderboltd and the Clarett line but I hear they are very finicky with PCs. Solid for macs but macs suck so there! :P You running apple? Next test Clarett vs Apollo, saw your Scarlett vs Apollo, also heard Apollo is a lot more pc friendly and solide thunderbolt but $1000... ugh!

[@LearnAudioEngineering]

Ha! yes, I'm running Apple. Clarett vs Apollo will definitely have to happen. working on a Focusrite vs Apogee one right now as well! thanks for watching!

[@mik1037]

@@LearnAudioEngineering Thanks for the reply, just watched your Focusrite vs Apogee, cool vid.