Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Generation USB Audio Interface

Overview

The Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Generation is a versatile 16-in, 16-out USB audio interface designed as a compact studio hub for musicians, producers, recording engineers, and content creators. It combines two high-quality mic/line/instrument preamps with six line inputs, four balanced line outputs, two headphone outputs, MIDI, S/PDIF, ADAT, and USB-C connectivity, providing a flexible foundation for recording and expanding a modern studio setup.

Key Features

• Two ultra-low-noise preamps: High-quality microphone, line, and instrument inputs with up to 69dB of gain.
• Two Air modes: Presence and Harmonic Drive modes add extra clarity, brightness, and character to compatible recordings.
• Auto Gain: Automatically sets suitable input levels for faster recording setup.
• Clip Safe: Automatically adjusts gain when a signal approaches clipping, helping protect recordings from unwanted distortion.
• Six line inputs: Connect synthesizers, keyboards, grooveboxes, external preamps, and other line-level equipment.
• Four balanced line outputs: Connect studio monitors, external processors, mixers, and other outboard equipment.
• Two headphone outputs: Create two independent headphone mixes for performers and engineers.
• MIDI I/O: Connect MIDI keyboards, controllers, synthesizers, drum machines, and other MIDI equipment.
• ADAT and S/PDIF: Expand the interface with additional digital inputs and outputs.
• 122dB dynamic range: High-quality conversion provides detailed audio for recording, mixing, and monitoring.
• USB-C connectivity: Provides fast connection to compatible computers and supports up to 18 × 18 simultaneous I/O including loopback.

Professional Preamps and Air Modes

The Scarlett 16i16 features two of Focusrite's detailed, low-noise preamps with a 69dB gain range. The re-engineered Air modes provide Presence for enhanced high-frequency detail and Harmonic Drive for additional midrange character, giving producers more tonal flexibility when recording vocals, guitars, drums, and other sources.

Auto Gain and Clip Safe

Setting recording levels is quick and straightforward with Auto Gain, which automatically establishes an appropriate input level. Clip Safe provides additional protection by automatically adjusting the gain if your input signal is in danger of clipping, helping you maintain usable recordings during performances and longer recording sessions.

Flexible Studio Connectivity

With two front-panel mic/line/instrument inputs and four additional rear-panel line inputs, the 16i16 can accommodate a wide range of studio equipment. Connect microphones, guitars, synthesizers, keyboards, grooveboxes, drum machines, and other line-level devices while keeping additional inputs available for future expansion.

Expandable Digital I/O

The Scarlett 16i16 can expand beyond its analogue connections through ADAT and S/PDIF. ADAT allows up to eight additional channels of digital expansion, making it possible to add compatible microphone preamps or converters as your studio grows.

Independent Monitoring and Headphone Mixes

Four balanced line outputs provide flexible routing for studio monitors and external equipment, while two headphone outputs allow separate monitoring mixes. Alt speaker switching also makes it possible to compare mixes through two pairs of connected monitor speakers.

MIDI and Modern Production Workflows

Built-in MIDI input and output allow the Scarlett 16i16 to communicate directly with MIDI keyboards, synthesizers, drum machines, and controllers. USB loopback also supports computer-based streaming, podcasting, tutorials, and content creation by routing computer audio back into the recording software.

Focusrite Control 2

Focusrite Control 2 provides convenient control of the Scarlett 16i16's routing, levels, monitoring, and preamp functions. The 4th Generation interface can also be controlled remotely through the Focusrite Control 2 mobile app on compatible iOS and Android devices.

Included Software

The Scarlett 16i16 includes Hitmaker Expansion together with Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, and Cubase LE. The software bundle provides instruments, effects, recording tools, amp simulations, drum sounds, samples, and mixing resources to help build a complete music-production workflow.

Typical Uses

• Home and project studio recording
• Professional music production
• Vocal and microphone recording
• Guitar and bass recording
• Synthesizer and keyboard recording
• Electronic music production
• Podcasting and content creation
• External hardware and outboard processing
• MIDI studio setups
• Expandable multi-channel recording systems

Specifications

• Type: USB Audio Interface
• Generation: 4th Generation
• Microphone Preamps: 2
• Instrument Inputs: 2
• Line Inputs: 6
• Line Outputs: 4 balanced
• Headphone Outputs: 2
• ADAT: 1 input, 1 output
• S/PDIF: 1 input, 1 output
• MIDI: 1 input, 1 output
• Phantom Power: 48V, independently selectable
• Air Mode: Presence and Harmonic Drive
• Auto Gain: Yes
• Clip Safe: Yes
• Loopback: Yes
• Maximum Resolution: 24-bit / 192kHz
• Simultaneous I/O: 18 × 18 including Loopback
• USB: USB Type-C, USB 2.0
• Mic Input Gain Range: 69dB
• Line Output Dynamic Range: 122dB
• Form Factor: Desktop
• Dimensions: 220 × 155.2 × 60.5mm
• Weight: 1.25kg

What's Included

• Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Generation Audio Interface
• USB-C to USB-C cable
• USB-A to USB-C adapter
• USB-C power adapter, 5V / 3A / 15W
• Getting Started information
• Important Safety Information sheet

Why Choose the Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Generation?

The Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Generation offers a flexible combination of high-quality recording, extensive connectivity, and expandable studio control in a compact desktop interface. With two detailed preamps, six line inputs, four balanced outputs, dual headphone mixes, MIDI, ADAT, S/PDIF, Air modes, Auto Gain, Clip Safe, and 24-bit/192kHz conversion, it provides a practical foundation for musicians and producers building a versatile modern recording studio.