Scarlett 18i16 is ideal for multitrack recording. It has pro-grade converters taken directly from Focusrite’s RedNet range; the four 4th Gen mic preamps have an impressive 69dB of gain, capable of capturing the most dynamic performances. Auto Gain and Clip Safe modes take care of levels so you can focus on the take. Scarlett 18i16 is also the perfect hub to integrate your DAW and hardware with enough analogue and digital I/O to connect multiple external instruments, processors, and effects, and manage complex routing with incredible ease via Focusrite Control 2 software.
18 inputs and 16 outputs; including four mic preamps, line, instrument, and MIDI I/O
Fully equipped for demanding project studios with ADAT and SPDIF 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
18i16 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 any headphones
A/B speaker switching
Essential 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
Included production software
Comes with Pro Tools Artist, Ableton Live Lite and a suite of instruments, processors, and effects
Easy Start tool
Get up and running immediately with Focusrite’s driver installation and getting started tool
The versatile Scarlett
Introducing Scarlett 18i16, the industry-leading USB audio interface for producers, with converters taken from Focusrite’s flagship RedNet range. 18i16 features 18 inputs and 16 outputs, including four microphone preamps, Hi-Z and line inputs, ADAT, SPDIF, and MIDI connectivity.
Capture everything
The 4th Generation preamps offer an impressive 69dB of gain, allowing you to capture dynamic performances with clarity, whatever microphones you use. With a total of eight analogue inputs including two Hi-Z instrument ins, 18i16 provides ample connectivity for all your outboard. Powerful outputs ensure clean, ultra-low distortion playback; plus, two brand new custom-designed headphone amps to drive high-impedance headphones.
Studio-grade audio quality
Completely redesigned audio circuitry now includes the same professional-grade 24-bit, 192kHz converters as Focusrite’s flagship 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
Designed to assist engineers of all levels, Auto Gain sets the optimal recording levels for any inputs in just a few seconds, getting you ready to record in moments. It’s especially useful in complex recording sessions with multiple microphones.
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. Never miss a crucial take, especially in high-pressure recording environments like live shows and location recordings.
Easy control with desktop and mobile app
Use the software, Focusrite Control 2, to manage routing and levels, monitor mixes, and control other features of Scarlett 18i16. The desktop software, plus apps for iOS and Android, enable engineers and performers to adjust mixes and mic pre-gains remotely — especially useful in live rooms.
Includes industry-standard production software
The 4th Generation Scarlett 18i16 includes a wealth of studio tools for writing, recording, mixing, and mastering. There’s Ableton Live Lite, a three-month subscription to Pro Tools Artist, three months of Splice Sounds, and a comprehensive selection of software instruments, processors, and effects from industry-leading names:
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
Easy set up
Focusrite’s Easy Start web tool will get your 18i16 up and running with zero effort, helping you locate the drivers, take you through the installation process, and direct you towards the included software.
Number of Microphone Preamps: 4
Phantom Power: Yes (Independent)
Instrument Inputs: 2
Line Inputs: 8
Air Mode: Yes
Auto Gain: Yes
Clip Safe: Yes
Line Outputs: 4
Headphone Outputs: 2
ADAT Inputs: 1
ADAT Outputs: 1
SPDIF Input: 1
SPDIF Output: 1
MIDI Input: 1
MIDI Output: 1
Loopback: Yes
Connectivity: USB Type-C
Protocol: USB 2.0
Form Factor: Desktop
Simultaneous I/O: 20 x 18 (including Loopback)
A/D Resolution: 24-bit/192 kHz
Bus Powered: Yes 3A
Software Compatibility
Scarlett 18i16 is class compliant so will work with Mac, Windows PC, Chromebook, USB-C iPad, and iPhone.
Power Requirements
USB-3.0 Bus power 5V @3A 15W
External power supply: 5V @ 3A (included)