Focusrite 4th generation Scarlett 18i20

The Scarlett 18i20 4th gen is a USB audio interface offered by the Focusrite brand.

The Ultimate Scarlett:
The Scarlett 18i20 is the market-leading USB audio interface for small studios. It uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship RedNet range. It has 18 inputs and 20 outputs, including eight mic preamps, Hi-Z (high impedance) and line inputs, as well as ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI and Word Clock connections.

Record everything:
The 4th generation mic preamps provide an impressive 69dB of headroom, so you can capture even the most dynamic performances in stunning quality, no matter what microphones you’re using. With two Hi-Z (high impedance) instrument inputs and eight line inputs, you’ll have plenty of connectivity to keep all your gear plugged in at all times. Its powerful outputs ensure virtually distortion-free playback, and you can easily use high-impedance headphones thanks to its two new, uniquely designed amplifiers.

Outstanding sound quality:
The audio circuit has been completely reworked. It now incorporates the same 24-bit / 192 kHz converters that equip Focusrite's professional RedNet range, the interfaces used in the world's most prestigious audiovisual control rooms and recording studios. And thanks to their impressive 120 dB gain range, you can capture everything from the faintest whisper to an airplane engine.

Air mode: the sound of big consoles:
Thanks to the new version of Air mode, you can give more character to your sound and place it at the forefront of your mix. It can indeed bring presence or a myriad of harmonics to vocals and acoustic instruments by reproducing the effect of a classic studio console pushed to its limits.

The Auto Gain function: work even faster:
The Scarlett 18i20 offers tools that will make life easier for all sound engineers, whether they are beginners or veterans. Thanks to the Auto Gain function, the Scarlett will define the ideal recording level in a few seconds, whatever the source you want to capture. You will be able to instantly adjust the level of several microphones, a real time saver when you are faced with complex configurations.

Never miss a shot with Clip Safe mode:
The Clip Safe function monitors your levels up to 96,000 times per second while you record and automatically adjusts the gain to avoid any clipping or saturation. This will prevent you from hearing unwanted artifacts due to an overzealous limiter. This means you won’t miss a single take, especially in stressful conditions such as recording outdoors or performing live.

Talkback and monitoring tools:
The 18i20 features a talkback microphone, a monitor switch for instant comparison of your sound across different speakers, and eight LED meters that you can assign to inputs or outputs, in addition to the main output VU meter.

Control your mixes using mobile and desktop apps:
With Focusrite Control 2 software, you can configure routing, levels, headphone returns and all the other functions of the 18i20. It is easy to use and in addition to the desktop version, mobile applications for iOS and Android allow sound engineers and artists to manage monitor mixes and mic preamp gain anywhere in the concert hall, without having to be in front of the computer, as the Scarlett's preamps are remotely controllable.

The best production software on the market:
The 4th generation Scarlett 18i20 comes with Ableton Live Lite, a three-month subscription to Pro Tools Artist, three months of access to Splice Sounds and a multitude of virtual instruments, treatments and effects provided by the biggest names in the industry. Discover some of the studio’s most popular tools for composing, recording, mixing and mastering:

- Antares® Auto-Tune® Access
- Softube® Marshall® Silver Jubilee 2555
- Native Instruments® MASSIVE
- Sonnox VoxDoubler
- Landr Studio and 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 LX480 Essentials
- FAST Balancer

With Focusrite’s online Easy Start tool, you’ll be up and running with your 18i20 in no time. It will help you locate drivers, guide you through installation and give you access to the software that came with your interface.