Choosing the Right Focusrite Scarlett for MIDI Connections with Your Mac

In today's digital music environment, having the right tools to connect your MIDI devices to your Mac is crucial. Focusrite Scarlett interfaces are popular choices among professionals and hobbyists alike due to their versatility and quality. This article will guide you through selecting the perfect Focusrite Scarlett model to ensure optimal MIDI connectivity and additional connector options.

Overview of Focusrite Scarlett Models with MIDI I/O

When you need to connect MIDI devices to your Mac using a Focusrite Scarlett interface, you must look for a model that includes both MIDI Input and Output ports. As of the latest update, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen and Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen stand out as top choices featuring MIDI I/O connectivity. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these models:

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen

MIDI I/O: Yes Inputs/Outputs: 18 inputs and 20 outputs, including mic preamps USB Type: USB-C for connectivity

The Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen offers extensive audio capabilities with 18 inputs and 20 outputs, making it ideal for those needing a high level of flexibility. Additionally, the inclusion of mic preamps ensures that you can capture high-quality sound from microphones alongside your MIDI devices.

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen

MIDI I/O: Yes Inputs/Outputs: 18 inputs and 8 outputs USB Type: USB-C for connectivity

This model is a more budget-friendly yet powerful option, offering 18 inputs and 8 outputs, suitable for a variety of music production setups without breaking the bank. The inclusion of MIDI I/O ensures that your MIDI devices connect seamlessly to your Mac.

Additional Connector Requirements

For a successful MIDI connection with a Focusrite Scarlett interface, you need the following additional items:

USB Cable

Ensure you have a USB-C cable to connect the interface to your Mac. This cable is essential for power and data transfer between your interface and your Mac.

MIDI Cables

Standard 5-pin MIDI cables are necessary for connecting your MIDI devices to the interface. Ensure that you have the correct number and type of cables based on the number of MIDI devices you plan to connect.

Audio Cables

Depending on your setup, you might need XLR or TRS cables to connect microphones or instruments to the interface. These cables will help you achieve professional sound quality in your recordings.

Alternative Options

For those who require fewer inputs and outputs but still want MIDI functionality, a dedicated MIDI interface like the M-Audio MIDISPORT series could be a viable alternative. These devices connect directly to your Mac via USB and offer the necessary MIDI ports for your devices.

Seamless MIDI Operation

Regardless of the model you choose, the process of setting up and using your MIDI devices with a Focusrite Scarlett interface is straightforward. As an example, I have three audio interfaces: the Apollo Twin, Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, and Apogee Duet. Each of these has different MIDI options:

Apollo Twin: No MIDI input Apogee Duet: USB MIDI input Focusrite Scarlett 18i20: Traditional five-pin MIDI input

I connect both my MIDI controllers directly to the back of my iMac via USB. My Yamaha 88-key digital piano and M-Audio Axiom 61 MIDI controller are seamlessly integrated into Logic and Kontakt, as well as other MIDI software on my Mac. No additional processing through audio interfaces is required, ensuring smooth and efficient workflow.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a reliable and versatile Focusrite Scarlett interface with MIDI capabilities, the Scarlett 18i20 or 18i8 3rd Gen are excellent choices. Don’t forget to ensure you have the appropriate cables and connectors to make your setup complete and compatible with your Mac.