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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface Gen 3

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Focusrite Scarlett Gen 3 Audio Interfaces

Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen - Overview // Focusrite

Focusrite // Scarlett 3rd Generation - 18i20

Hitmaker Expansion - Writing, Recording, Producing with Seids: Trailer // Focusrite

Description
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB audio interface (Gen 3) is designed to take your studio setup to the next level. Featuring high-performance analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion up to 24-bit/192kHz, the 18i20 provides pristine audio quality for recording and playback. With 18 inputs and 20 outputs, this third-generation interface offers extensive connectivity for mics, instruments, monitors and more. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, a powerful yet intuitive solution for professional and home recording studios alike.
Eight Premium Mic Preamps With "Air" Mode
The 18i20 includes eight upgraded mic preamps from Focusrite's third-generation Scarlett range, each with optional "Air" mode for a brighter, more open sound. With 60dB of gain, there's sufficient headroom to handle a variety of mics. Two front-panel instrument inputs also provide high-impedance connectivity for instruments like electric guitar or bass without distortion.
Flexible Routing With ADAT and S/PDIF
In addition to its analog I/O, the 18i20 offers optical connectivity via ADAT and S/PDIF. Two ADAT optical inputs and outputs provide up to 16 channels of digital audio, allowing you to connect external preamps and convertors. An S/PDIF RCA coaxial input and output cater to digital devices with S/PDIF connectivity. MIDI I/O and word clock out are also included for synchronization with other digital gear.
Intuitive Control Software and Generous Software Bundle
The 18i20 works with Focusrite Control, an intuitive software mixer for Windows and macOS to easily configure routing and monitor levels. It comes with a generous software bundle including Pro Tools | First, Ableton Live Lite, and a host of plug-ins from Softube, Eventide, XLN Audio and others.
Rugged Design and 2-Year Warranty
Housed in a durable, road-ready 1U rack enclosure, the Scarlett 18i20 is built to last. It carries a two-year warranty from Focusrite and their reputation for high-quality, reliable pro audio gear. For professional and home recording, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 delivers an unbeatable combination of high performance, value and support.



Features
- Ableton Live Lite
- Three-month Avid Pro Tools Artist subscription
- Three-month Splice Sounds subscription
- Antares Auto-Tune Access
- Relab LX480 Essentials
- Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555
- XLN Audio Addictive Keys
- XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2
- Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC
- Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite
Specs
- Connectivity: USB Type-C
- Protocol: USB 2.0
- Form Factor: Rack Mount (1U)
- Simultaneous I/O: 18 x 20
- A/D Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
- Number of Preamps: 8
- Number of Pads: 8
- Phantom Power: YES
- Instrument Inputs: 2
- Line Inputs: 8
- Analog Outputs: 10
- Headphone Outputs: 2
- Main/Alt Speaker Switching: Yes
- Talkback: Yes
- Digital Inputs: S/PDIF & 2 x ADAT
- Digital Outputs: S/PDIF & 2 x ADAT
- Loopback: Yes
- MIDI I/O: Yes
- Bus Powered: No
- Included PSU: Yes
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 1.83" x 19" x 10.23"
Warranty
A Manufacturing Defect is defined as a defect in the performance of the product as described and published by Focusrite. A Manufacturing Defect does not include damage caused by post-purchase transportation, storage or careless handling, nor damage caused by misuse.
While this warranty is provided by Focusrite, it is fulfilled by Focusrite’s distribution partner in the country in which you purchased the product. To contact Focusrite's local distribution partner regarding a warranty issue, click here; they will advise you of the appropriate procedure for resolving the warranty issue. Note that many of the products returned under warranty are found not to exhibit any hardware fault at all. In the case of operational interruption, it’s worth checking other factors such as cables, drivers, software settings and the like, prior to returning your hardware. Contact Focusrite support first, if you experience technical issues.
In every case you will need to provide a copy of the original invoice or store receipt to Focusrite’s local distribution partner. In the event that you are unable to provide proof of purchase, you should request a copy of your receipt from the reseller from whom you purchased the product. If you purchase a Focusrite product outside your normal country of residence, Focusrite’s distribution partner in your normal country of residence will not be able to honor this limited warranty, although you may request an out-of-warranty chargeable repair.
This limited warranty is offered solely to products purchased from an Authorised Focusrite Reseller. This Warranty is in addition to your statutory rights in the country of purchase.
Featured Articles
Reviews
4.74
31 Reviews
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend
Most Liked Positive Review
Works perfect for 5.1 or 7.1 in your DAW, games, and movies!
As most of you have noticed by now, it's extremely difficult to find software drivers in an audio interface that also work with 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound in Windows. Focusrite makes awesome drivers for Windows that work in both ASIO and WDM. I previously fought for over two years with an expensive Antelope Discreet 8 Synergy Core interface. Antelope's drivers on Windows are slow and unreliable AND they do not work in any way for 5.1 surround setups outside of the DAW. I consulted with the Antelope audio engineers and they said that their drivers will not work for 5.1 games or movies. I'm never buying another Antelope interface ever again! The Antelope hardware is great, but the drivers are garbage for Windows users. There's a night and day different between Antelope's drivers and Focusrite's drivers in Windows. The Focusrite Control software also searches and handles any firmware updates automatically. After you install the Focusrite Control drivers, in you Windows Sound options you can click on the Focusrite USB driver and get a Configure button at the bottom. Clicking on that Configure button takes you to the Speaker Configuration where you have the following choices: Stereo, Quadraphonic, 5.1 Surround, and 7.1 Surround. From there any games you play that have 5.1 surround like, Alien Isolation, Division 2, Tome Raider, etc. will work perfectly! Also movies going through my Cyberlink Power DVD software sound amazing! By the way, for my setup, I'm running the Scarlet 18i20 3rd Gen, two Adam A77Xs and three Adam A7Xs. So if you are a 5.1 sound junky like I am, and you want your DAW, your games, and your movies to run through your audio interface with reliable drivers that just work in Windows... then you'll want to stick with Focusrite!
Most Liked Negative Review
Debating, it's noisy
Setting this up can be a bit challenging from the videos online. I used my own logic and choose the basics to get started. Thru that setup time there were clicks and noise that came out of my speakers, I truly didn't care for that what so ever. Using Studio One Pro , pipeline will make your heart rate go up too, not as loud as day one, tweeking knobs helped. I now have to make sure speakers are on and off properly, no more one button off and on, from a motu which is always silent , the air button brings up the highs , I hope that's usable. Got this for outboard gear. Should have tested the latency before writing this. Whole new computer, daw and outboard gear setup. If latency is an issue with the clicks and pops this will go back.
- Home Studio25
- Professional Recording17
- Amateur Recording14
- Performances10
- Outdoor Events / Games5
- Focusrite has better models1
- Limited Functions1
- Not Durable1
- Poor Sound Quality1
- i rather have the two ports in the front on back1
- Experienced17
- Professional Musician11
- Easy To Use27
- Good Audio27
- Versatile19
- Durable15
- Compact12
Reviewed by 31 customers
A Huge Upgrade for Me---Amazing Clarity!
submitted6 months ago
byDaniel
fromOzark, MO
I just upgraded from an older Intel-Based Mac to a new MacBook Pro M4, and from Cubase 10 Pro to Cubase 14 Pro. Additionally, I needed a new audio interface (I had been using the Focusrite Pro 40), so I ended up picking up this Scarlett 18i20 3rd gen. on sale. I have always liked Focusrite products, so I went with this. After making a new input-bus for two mono inputs (that's how I record most things--panning them left and right, respectively), I have to say that I was completely blown away by the sound quality of both the 18i20 and the new Cubase! Wow!--the clarity and full range of frequencies is unbelievable in comparison to what I had been using. In fact, there was no need to eq the tracks I have already recorded...they sound so good and pure! I couldn't ask for more!
rack mount
submitted8 months ago
byjeremy
frommemphis
does this come with the rack mount i see in the picture above
WORTH EVERY DIME
submitted9 months ago
byBrandon
fromMilwaukee Wisconsin
Thanks to David who really explain this to me better in person at the Waukesha Guitar Center " Guitarcenter.com ". The easiest set up that I ever had, just pulled it out the box, and after a software download, it was properly detected by my computer. I am already up and recording again. Thanks again. Doughboy God.
Debating, it's noisy
submitteda year ago
byDude
fromHouston, Texas
Setting this up can be a bit challenging from the videos online. I used my own logic and choose the basics to get started. Thru that setup time there were clicks and noise that came out of my speakers, I truly didn't care for that what so ever. Using Studio One Pro , pipeline will make your heart rate go up too, not as loud as day one, tweeking knobs helped. I now have to make sure speakers are on and off properly, no more one button off and on, from a motu which is always silent , the air button brings up the highs , I hope that's usable. Got this for outboard gear. Should have tested the latency before writing this. Whole new computer, daw and outboard gear setup. If latency is an issue with the clicks and pops this will go back.
Great Interface
Verified Buyer
submitted2 years ago
byMichael
fromColumbus Ohio
Submitted as part of a sweepstakes
currently this interface is being used for my home studio and it is amazing. I tried it on a win 11 computer and it didnt do as well so i put it on my production computer and it works amazing.
A brand that stands tall amongst interfaces again and again
Verified Buyer
submitted3 years ago
byRay
fromMadison, Wisconsin
Submitted as part of a sweepstakes
Home studio Recording and Production. Voice, Guitar, Keys, and Drums
Q&A
Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.
submitted2 years ago
asked byBlink
fromZion,il
Can this be used in live sound or just recording?
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is just for recording.submitted5 years ago
asked byjunior
fromsalt lake city, utah
does this come with Ableton?
It includes 'Ableton Live Lite' music making software.