Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (4th Gen)

Scarlett 18i20 is the industry-leading USB audio interface for project studios, with pro-grade converters taken directly from Focusrite’s flagship RedNet range. It’s ideal for tracking; the eight 4th Gen mic preamps have an impressive 69dB of gain, capable of capturing the most dynamic performances, with Auto Gain and Clip Safe modes taking care of levels so you can focus on the take. Scarlett 18i20 is also the perfect hub to integrate your DAW and hardware with more than enough analogue and digital I/O to connect a huge number of external instruments, processors, and effects, and manage complex routing with incredible ease via Focusrite Control 2 software.

Features

18 inputs and 20 outputs; including eight mic preamps, line, instrument, and MIDI I/O

Fully equipped for demanding project studios with ADAT, SPDIF, and Word Clock I/O

4th Gen pre-amps with 69dB of gain

The legendary preamps now have even more gain and are remote controllable

Auto Gain and Clip Safe modes

18i20 can automatically manage levels so engineers can focus on capturing the performance

Re-engineered Air mode with Presence and Harmonic Drive

Analogue circuitry and onboard DSP that emulates the sound of studio consoles and the classic ISA

Low latency monitoring

Direct routing and six internal mixers to send audio wherever you need to in super-low latency

24-bit, 192 kHz conversion with 122dB of dynamic range

The same AD/DA converters as Focusrite’s flagship RedNet range

Focusrite Control 2 software and mobile app

Instantly set up mixes and manage levels on your computer, or remotely from a mobile device

Two powerful custom-designed headphone amps

Engineer and artist can independently monitor with high-quality playback on anyheadphones

A/B speaker switching and built-in talkback microphone

Essential features for serious project studios with multiple monitor rigs and control rooms

Dynamic metering for input and outputs

Get instant visual indication of your input and output levels from the hardware 

The ultimate Scarlett

Scarlett 18i20 is the industry-leading USB audio interface for project studios, with converters taken directly from Focusrite’s flagship RedNet range. It features 18 inputs and 20 outputs — including eight mic preamps, Hi-Z and line inputs, ADAT, SPDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock.

Capture everything

The 4th Generation preamps offer an impressive 69dB of headroom, so you can capture the most dynamic performances with high-quality results from any microphone. Two Hi-Z instrument and eight line inputs provide enough connectivity to keep your outboard patched in. Powerful outputs ensure clean, ultra-low distortion playback; plus, two brand new custom-designed headphone amps to drive high-impedance headphones with ease.

Audio quality beyond its class

Completely redesigned audio circuitry now includes the same professional-grade 24-bit, 192kHz converters as Focusrite’s RedNet range — the choice of multi-million dollar recording studios and broadcast facilities — and boasts an impressive 122dB of dynamic range to capture everything from a whisper to a jet engine.

Air: That big console sound

Re-engineered Air mode takes your sound’s unique character and brings it to the front of the mix, adding musical presence or rich harmonic drive to vocals and acoustic instruments; replicating the sound of driving a classic studio console.

Auto Gain: Work faster

Scarlett 18i20 has unique workflow tools that benefit engineers of all experience levels. With Auto Gain, in just a few seconds, Scarlett will set the perfect level for whatever you’re recording. Set usable levels for multiple microphones instantly, so you can get complex sessions up and running quickly.

Clip Safe: Never lose a take

As you record, Clip Safe checks your levels up to 96,000 times a second, automatically tweaking the gain to avoid clipping, so you avoid introducing any unwanted artefacts from hard limiting. Clip Safe means you’ll never lose a take; especially in high-pressure environments such as location recording and live shows.

Talkback and monitoring tools

The 18i20 features a built-in talkback mic, A/B speaker switching for instant referencing on different monitors, and eight channels of LED bar metering which can be assigned to inputs or outputs, as well as master output metering.

Control your mixes with desktop and mobile apps

The Focusrite Control 2 software takes care of setting up routing, levels, monitor mixes, and all other functions on 18i20. It’s fast and simple to operate; and in addition to the desktop application, the iOS and Android Focusrite Control 2 apps enables engineers and performers to adjust monitor mixes and mic pre gains — Scarlett’s preamps are remote controllable — away from the computer in the live room.

Industry-leading production software

The 4th generation Scarlett 18i20 comes with Ableton Live Lite, a three-month subscription to Pro Tools Artist, three months of Splice Sounds, and a whole host of software instruments, processors, and effects from some of the biggest names in the business. Discover some of the best-loved studio tools on the planet for writing, recording, mixing, and mastering:

• Antares® Auto-Tune® Access

• Softube® Marshall® Silver Jubilee 2555

• Native Instruments® MASSIVE

• Sonnox VoxDoubler

• Landr Studio, plus five free masters

• Brainworx® bx_console Focusrite SC

• Focusrite Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite

• XLN Audio® Addictive Keys

• XLN Audio® Addictive Drums 2: Studio Rock

• Relab’s LX480 Essentials

• FAST Balancer

Focusrite’s Easy Start web tool will get 18i20 up and running with zero effort, helping you locate the drivers, take you through the installation process, and direct you towards the included software.

Included production software

Comes with Pro Tools Artist, Ableton Live Lite and a suite of instruments, processors, and effects

Product Hardware Specifications

• Number of Microphone Preamps: 8

• Phantom Power: Yes (Independent)

• Instrument Inputs: 2 

• Line Inputs: 8

• Air Mode: Yes 

• Auto Gain: Yes 

• Clip Safe: Yes 

• Line Outputs: 10

• Headphone Outputs: 2

• ADAT Inputs: 2

• ADAT Outputs: 2

• SPDIF Input: 1

• SPDIF Output: 1

• MIDI Input: 1

• MIDI Output: 1

• Talkback: Yes

• Loopback: Yes 

• Connectivity: USB Type-C 

• Protocol: USB 2.0 

• Form Factor: Desktop 

• Simultaneous I/O: 20 x 24 (including Loopback)  

• A/D Resolution: 24-bit/192 kHz 

• Bus Powered: No

Software Compatibility

Scarlett 18i20 is class compliant so will work with Mac, Windows PC, Chromebook, USB-C iPad, and iPhone. 

Power Requirements

• 100-240V, 50/60Hz 30W (IEC Cable included)

Easy Start tool

Get up and running immediately with Focusrite’s driver installation and getting started tool