Recording - April 2015 - 37

the input loom, depending solely on the outputs and their software
of choice to create an in-the-box studio/synth system.
The headphone jack deserves a little attention, too. It is loud-
among the loudest of any interface I've used. This is perfect for
digital DJing or performance applications where you have to be
able to hear above the din of the venue, but it is also useful for
high-impedance headphones, which require a lot more power
to get a decent sound. I don't own a set of headphones that the
Forte couldn't drive into the Screaming Pain Zone.
Overall impressions
Once it's all hooked up, you get to experience the Forte in all
its glory-and it is glorious. First of all, the device is very aesthetically pleasing; with its nicely built casing, beautiful display
and smooth-as-silk volume control, it exudes a sense of quality.
It is also easy to work with, whether using the Forte Control software or using the device UI. The software is required,
and it's handy when working at the computer; it allows
adjustment of all available
parameters. It's unobtrusive but
also useful, providing a cool
help display that aids in understanding the signal flow
through the entire audio system. In my experience, I never
had any problems with the software or the device's drivers.
However, two things bother me about the Forte package, and
both are related to connectivity. The first issue, which I will grant
is minor, is that the built-in 1/4" TRS jacks seem less than ideal
for pro studio use. I would have preferred XLR connections as an
option (perhaps on the cable pigtail) for easier connection to
professional monitors without having to resort to adaptors.
The second issue bothered me a bit more, and I think it will
impact a fair number of users-the Forte has no MIDI I/O, either
on 5-pin DIN breakout or on an extra USB connector. Since so
many of us use MIDI or USB-MIDI controllers, having to use a separate MIDI interface or extra USB port is a bit of a disappointment.
In action: recording (line and mic)
Once the Forte was set up, I decided to do some detailed
recording-I wanted to hear how those mic preamps sounded,
and to suss out the quality of the converters. I did two sessions
with this in mind: one using my weirdo modular synthesizer, and
one using a nylon-string guitar. The modular is a great test for
any interface; you get a sense of how it can handle extremes in
dynamics and frequency content, and if it can handle complex
signals with grace. Some people jangle car keys-I use a modular synth! The nylon-string guitar, on the other hand, is a great
test of both mic preamps and converters, since the delicate
sound of the guitar is so easily turned into a plastic mess with a
poor quality preamp or messy A/D clocking or conversion.
In both cases, the Forte responded with flying colors. Using
the modular synth as a "test oscillator from hell", I recorded
sweeps, sub-bass tones, noise bursts and FM gargling, and

everything sounded, um, as disturbing as what went in. There
were no problems with dynamics, and the Forte's ability to handle crazy transients across wide frequency ranges was spot-on.
The guitar test, if anything, went even better (maybe because
it was more pleasant-sounding?). Trying out several mid-pricerange mics, I settled on an Audio-Technica mic that sounded
right with both the instrument and the preamps, then I did a 20minute recording. The results were wonderful; the preamps
imparted a bright sound without any harshness, and the instrument sounded clear without any brittleness. I was very happy
with the results of both tests.
One thing that I appreciated with the Forte was its wide range
of input level settings. They claim a 75 dB input gain control range;
I found that any microphone, synth, drum machine, recorder, or
kids' toy that I plugged in was easily brought up to volume with a
minimum of internal noise and a maximum of clarity.
In action: mixing/mastering
Recording is great fun, but
much of my work is done in the
mixing/mastering realm. Making
sure that the Forte does well in
that world is critical for me-otherwise it would have to be on the
first train out of town. Luckily for
all concerned, there were no issues; there was plenty of level, and
great control of it using the on-device interface. And the sound was
awesome-crystal clarity with excellent depth and imaging. During
my time with this interface, I mixed an album, mastered two more,
did a ton of dialogue editing, and even put together an audio/video
art installation. With the Forte as my wingman, I could do no wrong!
A nifty addition to the Forte package is its ability to detect
which software program you are using, then providing simple
editing controls using the DAW Control selection on the device
interface. In my case, I mostly used this with Ableton Live. In this
context, the Forte's large controller knob acted as a zoom control
by default, and pressing the knob acted as a play/stop button.
Clearly, this isn't a replacement for a full-on controller, but it was
downright handy... especially the zoom control, which is problematic on the controller that I typically use. If you wish, you can
change the function of the encoder-DAW connection by pressing
the icon for a second and selecting from options available for
your software. Speaking of software, the Forte comes with the
Midnight, Red 2, and Red 3 plug-in suites free of charge.
In action: other uses
Recently, I moved my work area to a location where I spent a lot
more non-recording time, and have started using my studio monitors
as my stereo system as well. The Forte integrates well with the operating systems of both Windows PCs and Macs (something not all
tabletop interfaces in this class can claim), filling in admirably as a
high-end A/V interface for music and movie listening.
As suggested earlier, it also turns out to be a nice option for doing
live gigs, where the 4-output arrangement meant that I could run a
separate headphone mix while the main outputs were pumped to
the audience. This application is why the 2-in/4-out configuration
has become so popular, and Focusrite nailed this one.
Conclusion
I really like working with the Forte. It makes recordings that
sound fantastic, works great as a mixing/mastering interface,
and is a nice companion for both live performance and day-today listening. It's a one-stop package for audio work, and is
housed in a package that's as hip as you'll find anywhere. The
lack of MIDI might reduce its usefulness for some users, but the
quality of the converters and preamps make the Focusrite Forte
a force to be reckoned with.
Price: $499.99 * More from: Focusrite, www.focusrite.com
RECORDING April 2015

http://www.focusrite.com

Recording - April 2015

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