The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is a high-performance 18-in, 20-out USB audio interface designed to meet the needs of professional producers, engineers, and recording musicians. As the flagship model in the Scarlett range, it offers extensive connectivity, superior sound quality, and versatile routing options, making it an ideal centrepiece for any studio setup.
At its core, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 features eight award-winning Focusrite preamps, delivering clean, transparent gain with plenty of headroom. These preamps ensure natural and detailed sound capture, whether recording vocals, acoustic instruments, or full bands. The interface also includes two high-headroom instrument inputs on the front panel, allowing direct connection of guitars and basses without the need for a DI box. The microphone preamps are equipped with Focusrite’s renowned Air mode, which emulates the character of the classic ISA preamp, adding presence and clarity to vocal and instrument recordings.
With 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA conversion, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 provides professional-grade audio quality, ensuring that every detail of a performance is captured with precision. The interface includes ten balanced line outputs, ideal for flexible monitoring and routing configurations, and two independent headphone outputs with dedicated volume controls, allowing multiple artists to monitor their performances with custom mixes. Additionally, the inclusion of ADAT I/O expands the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20’s connectivity to accommodate additional mic preamps or external hardware, making it suitable for larger recording sessions.
MIDI I/O allows seamless integration with external MIDI devices, including keyboards, controllers, and synthesisers, while S/PDIF digital connectivity ensures compatibility with a wide range of digital audio equipment. The built-in talkback microphone, controlled via the front panel, enables communication between the control room and performers without requiring an external talkback system, streamlining the recording workflow.
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is designed to handle complex studio setups, with a powerful software-controlled routing system that provides complete flexibility over input and output configurations. Focusrite’s MixControl software offers intuitive control over monitoring, cue mixes, and loopback functionality, making it easy to create custom routing solutions for any recording scenario.
With ultra-low latency performance, the interface allows for real-time tracking with plug-in effects enabled, enabling musicians to hear processed sounds as they record. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 connects via high-speed USB-C, ensuring stable data transfer and broad compatibility with Mac and Windows systems. The interface is also compatible with all major DAWs, providing a seamless workflow regardless of the recording software used.
Housed in a durable 1U rackmount chassis, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is built for both studio and mobile recording environments. Its robust construction ensures reliability for extended use, while the compact form factor allows it to fit easily into professional studio racks.
Included with the interface is a comprehensive software bundle featuring Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Artist, and a collection of Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite, Softube’s Time and Tone bundle, and Addictive Keys. Users also gain access to the Focusrite Plug-in Collective, offering regular free software downloads and exclusive discounts on third-party plug-ins.
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 combines exceptional sound quality, extensive connectivity, and flexible routing in a powerful yet accessible interface. Whether used for multi-mic drum recording, full-band sessions, or integrating external hardware, it delivers professional results with a streamlined workflow. Designed to be the heart of any studio, it provides everything needed for high-quality recording and mixing, ensuring effortless creativity and professional sound production.
