Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface Review (November 2024)
$539.99
Description
In this review post we’re going to be discussing the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface, including an overview of its unique features.
Product Description
Scarlett interfaces sit at the heart of more music-making, recording and production spaces than any other range, and 18i20 is Scarlett’s most versatile interface. The rack-mountable 3rd Generation 18i20 gives you 18 inputs and 20 outputs of incredible sound quality. Enough to make any space into a fully-fledged recording studio.
- Eight of the best performing Scarlett mic preamps the range has ever heard – now with Air – for miking up guitars or recording vocals
- Two high headroom instrument inputs, for plugging your guitar or bass straight in
- Four monitor outs, featuring anti-thump tech and speaker switching
- Built-in talkback mic, for talking to the band from your studio
18i20’s high channel count and even higher audio quality are designed to give you all the ins and outs you need to get the best sound every time. Leave all your instruments plugged in for easy writing and recording or put the vast I/O to work in large recording sessions. Make anywhere your control room with the built-in talkback mic. Reference your recordings on multiple monitor setups with speaker switching. Wherever you take 18i20, you’re ready to produce.
With Scarlett 18i20’s dual ADAT optical In and Out ports, you can expand your recording and mixing capabilities, adding up to eight further inputs and outputs at 48kHz or 96kHz via a mic pre such as Scarlett OctoPre or Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic, or four channels at 192kHz. That’s more than enough channels to mic up the whole band and route a full mix to a console or summing box.
Product Features
- For PC / Mac
- Weight: 3.19 kg
- Pad switch
- BNC Word Clock
- 24 Bit / 192 kHz
- USB-C connection
- Phantom power +48 V
- Switchable air function
- MIDI input and output
- 2 ADAT input and output
- 8 Scarlett microphone preamps
- Includes USB cable (Type C to A)
- 2 S / PDIF input and output coaxial
- 10 Line outputs: 6.3 mm jack balanced
- 2 Stereo headphone outputs: 6.3 mm jack
- Format: 19″/ 1U (removable rack panel)
- Dimensions (W * H * D): 482.6 * 46.6 * 259.8 mm
- Talkback function with integrated microphone
- 8 Mic/line inputs: XLR / 6.3 mm jack combo balanced ( 2 of the front side with an instrument input)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Solid build
- Extremely dependable
- Positive customer review testimonials
- Worth the investment
- Terrific audio output
- Perfect for recording and live performances
Cons
- Large in size
- Quite expensive
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface Demo
Our Verdict
Focusrite’s latest series of 3rd generation interfaces is fantastic. While first glances may give the impression that they are simply a more attractive version of their former selves, the true magic lies beneath the hood, as evidenced by the numerous updates and upgrades such as Air mode implementation, additional inputs, top-of-the-line preamps, reduced latency, heightened dynamic range, and, of course, an overall push to make the entire user experience as streamlined and user-friendly as possible.
Bundling several DAWs and sample sources, such as Splice, adds to their clear concern for the customer and gets them started in creating music with little to no impediments. The pricing point is fairly reasonable and appears to be in the same ballpark as its predecessors, although it has gained several obvious changes, which appears to be a natural strategy to keep a loyal client base.
Where to Buy
The best place to buy this product has to be Amazon, due to their competitive pricing and fantastic customer service.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface, for Producers, Musicians, Bands, Content Creators — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record
Pricing History
Price History for Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface, for Producers, Musicians, Bands, Content...
Statistics
| Current Price | $539.99 | November 21, 2024 |
| Highest Price | $599.99 | July 26, 2023 |
| Lowest Price | $539.99 | November 16, 2023 |
Last price changes
| $539.99 | November 16, 2023 |
| $599.99 | September 14, 2023 |
| $549.99 | August 16, 2023 |
| $599.99 | July 26, 2023 |
Buyers Guides This Product Is Featured In
Best Low Latency Audio Interfaces (2022)
Best USB Audio Interfaces (2022)
Best Audio Interfaces For iPad
Best Audio Interfaces For Mac Laptops
Additional information
| Item Weight | 15.9 ounces |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 10.23 x 19 x 1.83 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | AMS-SCARLETT-18I20-3G |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | June 25, 2019 |
| Color Name | Black |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Voltage | 240 Volts |
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