Focusrite is a music and audio products company that develops and markets hardware and software. They offer audio interfaces, plug-ins, and other products for musicians, producers, podcasters, post-production folks, and recording studios. Their products help audio professionals and musicians to achieve high-quality recordings and live performances. This year marks the tenth anniversary of Focusrite’s Scarlett line of audio interfaces. Scarlett’s four million users are spread across 180 countries, making it the most popular interface on the planet. Focusrite is celebrating this impressive milestone by releasing a major update to its Plug-In Bundle add-on package, which comes standard with all Scarlett audio interfaces.
New Scarlett Plug-In Bundle Update
When you purchase a Scarlett interface, you already get some free goodies. The new update expands on that already professional suite with even more tools that provide compression, gating, EQ, and Reverb for tracking and mixing. Scarlett includes the most popular formats including VST/AU and Pro Tools. From one of the most prestigious names in pro audio, made famous by the original Red range and the classic ISA console modules, this plug-in suite provides the perfect upgrade for your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Let’s check out some of the plug-ins available with all future Scarlett purchases.
Auto-Tune Access
Perpetual unlimited license, retails for $99
This is the easiest and most affordable way to get started with Auto-Tune. It combines the core Auto-Tune features with an intuitive and simple interface. With its light CPU footprint and professional processing, it’s a convenient option for advanced users working with large projects.
Auto-Tune Unlimited
3-month trial, 14-day trial available on their site, $75 value
Auto-Tune Unlimited is a premium subscription bundle and includes every current version of Auto-Tune (Pro, Artist, EFX+), complete AVOX collection, Auto-Key, in-depth tutorials via the Auto-Tune Vocal Production Academy, free software upgrades, and automatic access to select new plug-ins like the NEW Auto-Tune Slice and Auto-Tune Vocodist instruments.
XLN Addictive Drums
Perpetual Unlimited License, includes Studio Rock kit, $99 value
This is a software drum production studio featuring professionally recorded acoustic drums, live rhythm performances, and built-in effects. Professional drummers and industry professionals record every drum kit in world-class studios to give you the best sonic options and creative control.
Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555
Perpetual Unlimited License, $99 value
This is a careful emulation of the legendary Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555 from the Marshall museum, which was used mainly in music with high gain. It includes recordings of cabinet speakers by award-winning engineer/producer Tony Platt. Integrated into Amp Room, the pro audio guitar platform is available as both a plug-in and as a module.
Relab LX480 Essentials
Perpetual Unlimited License, $99 value
In addition to faithfully capturing the sound of the classic 480L reverb hardware, Relab LX480 Essentials makes getting that legendary sound faster and easier than ever before. With the Relab LX480, transform tracks by adding lush reverb tails and complex textures.
Brainworx bx_console
Perpetual Unlimited License, $349 value
This console is incredibly useful for fixing everything that you didn’t want to sound colored or warmed. It will make up for weaknesses in the chain elsewhere, producing pristine results. The EQs, de-esser, and compressor are all extremely brilliant.
Brainworx bx_oberhausen & bx_masterdesk
Perpetual Licenses, Oberhausen is TMT analog-modeled polysynth, $249 value, Masterdesk dynamic mastering tool, $299 value
With Brainworx bx_masterdesk, you can have the sound of a complete high-end analog mastering system in a simple-to-use plugin. Create professional-sounding masters in just three steps with tastefully curated chains of the best mastering gear available. Master your own tracks with a minimal learning curve, even if you don’t have mastering experience. It includes pro-quality mastering chains in an intuitive interface.
What Already Comes with Scarlett Interfaces
It’s likely that many of you already own a Scarlett interface and got the old plugins for free when you bought it. Perhaps you never explored all the plug-ins have to offer. However, the plug-ins provide a number of fast and easy-to-use presets that can be used to process a wide range of sounds, including vocals, guitars, synth bass, and percussion. Moreover, each plug-in parameter can be fine-tuned to achieve the desired sound you’re looking for. Additionally, the free value of all the plug-ins during your period of ownership can essentially equal a free interface twice over.
With Focusrite products, you can record and mix your songs in a whole new way. CPU load is generally extremely low, which is great for anyone working with older or underpowered machines. These plugins do what they are supposed to do and are incredibly easy to use. If you haven’t yet registered a Scarlett interface you already own, you might want to jump on that right away. Unfortunately, you won’t have access to the new plug-ins but you can still get some of the tried and true ones below for free.
- Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite Red 2 & Red 3, accurately models Focusrite’s classic Red range equalizer and compressor hardware.
- XLN Addictive Keys features a variety of outstanding keyboard instruments.
- Focusrite Creative Pack for Pro Tools | First has all the features and workflow of the industry-standard Pro Tools in an entry-level music-making package for the novice producer, instrumentalist, or singer-songwriter.
- Access to Focusrite’s Plug-In Collective provides free versions of the most innovative software, as well as a variety of available discounts
- Ableton Live Lite is an industry-leading music DAW (currently V.11)
- Three-Month Splice Sounds Subscription provides access to millions of high-quality, royalty-free one-shots, loops, and presets, with new releases daily.
Wrapping Up
Scarlett audio interfaces sit on countless desks across the world, but the real secret to their success is the people who use them. Starting today — for new, registered customers only — the entire range of Scarletts 3rd Gen will include over 25 free plug-ins with a bundle value of over $1,300. Every month or so, Focusrite updates their Plugin Collective to give all registered Focusrite users a selection of free plugins. To get them, all you need to do is buy and register a Focusrite Scarlett interface and you are good to go.
It’s a clear sign to Focusrite’s customers how much the brand cares, not only about you but also what you’re producing. Scarlett by Focusrite — a decade of the world’s best-selling interfaces.
