Interface options with Stereo Direct Monitoring?

[zenabi]

I've been looking around, watching review and comparison videos, reading comments and opinions. I keep coming back to Focusrite. I know that they may not be the "best", as other brands/models do outperform them in certain areas, but they seem to be consistent at being good enough in each area of consideration for me.

I thought about getting something for just practicing with headphones for now and then buying an Audio Interface later (which wouldn't have to be a model that can be used without a computer) but there are even greater mixed opinions on quality, performance and reliability of such devices. So the money I'd spend on getting something half decent may as well be put towards getting a better single unit and using it for both purposes.

Therefore, I'm now considering The Scarlett 4i4 or 8i6. The 4i4 would be fine, but I like the idea of a dedicated power supply on the 8i6 and also 2 headphone outputs means that I can configure one for practice and the other for when it's connected to a computer, so I don't have to keep changing the config of a single output. Also, I'm wondering if I can play music from a media player through the SPDIF input.

 

[zenabi]

Okay, so I've been in contact with Focusrite about the SPDIF input/output on the 8i6 and it's made my mind up.

I can play 2 channel music from my media player into the SPDIF, as long as I match the bit rate of the other inputs to that of the music, or vice-versa. I can also set the input/output routing so that I can do this when practicing without having to use a computer.

Then...

Instead of using the analogue line level outputs to my AV Processor, I can use the SPDIF output, again without having to be connected to a computer. But when connected to a computer I can then also use it to output what is coming from the DAW or mix between that and the Direct Monitoring.

I wasn't expecting to be able to do any of this, so I'm actually really surprised to find out that it's possible. Less cables and potentially better quality when using the main output, as my AV Processor has high-end DACs and it would convert to digital to apply room correction anyway.

So the Scarlett 8i6 is my final choice, unless I can find a Clarett+ 4Pre for half price.