Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface (Generation 4) 18-in/20-out

Product Information

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. 

Key Features:

• 18 inputs and 20 outputs; including two 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: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 emulate 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