Introduction
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is a powerful audio interface designed for musicians and producers seeking professional-grade recording capabilities. Let’s delve into its features, performance, pros, and cons.
Features
- High-Quality Preamps: Boasting eight preamps with excellent clarity and low noise.
- Versatile Connectivity: With 18 inputs and 20 outputs, it accommodates various instruments and devices simultaneously.
- Software Bundle: Includes a range of useful software like Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools | First Creative Pack.
- ADAT Expansion: Allows for additional connectivity, enhancing the unit’s versatility.
Performance
- Crystal-Clear Sound: Offers pristine audio quality suitable for studio recording.
- Low Latency: Ensures minimal delay, crucial for live monitoring and recording.
- Sturdy Build: Durable construction suitable for both studio and on-the-road use.
Pros
- Excellent audio quality
- Multiple input and output options
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive software bundle
- Reliable build quality
- Low-latency performance
Cons
- Lack of USB-C connectivity
- Might be overwhelming for beginners
Conclusion
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is a really good audio device with excellent sound, lots of ways to connect things, and it works really well. Even though it has a few small problems, its great sound and features make it a good choice for both professionals and people who just really like music.
Juan velazquez perez –
Yo tenía otra de la misma marca, pero está la verdad está muy bien tengo con ella 1 mes y ha trabajado muy bien la verdad
Robert P. Grant –
I was using an old basic USB audio interface combined with a compact analog mixer to try and route all the inputs and outputs I wanted to use. The result was an ugly nest of wires and constant fiddling with knobs to ensure I didn’t blow out my speakers when I switched from headphones to monitors.
I recently upgraded my work area to a dedicated music desk with built in racks and that encouraged me to look for a rack based solution. I stumbled upon this product and after reading the manual realized that it would be the perfect solution. It had separate headphone and monitor outs and enough inputs that I wouldn’t have to juggle things ever again. Audio quality is fantastic of course, but the physical usability is what makes me love it.
Absolutely perfect for my needs.
Joaquin –
***If you are looking for an industry professional or musician’s take, read another review. I am neither.***
I write this review with utter sadness, because I bought this after returning the Apollo Solo. That Apollo Solo was so beautiful. Sounded so fantastic. Had features I could only dream about. Sadly, my setup just could not handle it. One day, I will upgrade my hardware that includes a Thunderbolt 3 header. Then I can buy the X4 variant. Then the API and Maag EQ will be waiting for me in my UA account.
With that obituary out of the way, let’s talk about the Focusrite 8i6.
I wanted something I could rackmount, but I did not need 8 mic preamps. I am just one person, and I am not recording a band, or having guests on a podcast or radio show. I am simply messing with “music”, even though I am not a musician or audio engineer. I might just put this on a 1u rack shelf, because my space is limited. I encourage Focusrite to make something to make the smaller units rackmountable, even if I have to buy it separately. Thank you in advance.
*Features*
The features are straightforward. 4 line ins, MIDI, coax, 4 outs, 2 pres, 2 headphone jacks, and maybe some other things I forgot. That leaves plenty of flexibility for my personal setup. The one feature I am really loving is the Focusrite Control software. Very easy to use, and has a loopback feature. That is very nice, because I do not have to resort to Voicemeeter Banana. My setup hates Voicemeeter Banana. So anytime I can avoid that, I am one happy guy. The old 2i2 does not have the loopback feature. So now I can stream without having to use the native Windows drivers to stream.
*Price*
It’s not UA level price, but it is not exactly cheap, either. If you do not need that many inputs or features, you might be better off getting something smaller. However, if you want loop back, etc., make sure you double check what the software offers you! Do not be afraid to look and ask around.
*Included software*
I am sure some will find the bundled software useful and good. I am sure it is wonderful. However, I have Ableton Live 11 Standard and Studio One 5 Pro. The included Control panel is really nice.
*Would I recommend it?*
Yes. If it suits your needs. There’s lots of interfaces to choose from. The only advice I have for you is, do not fall for the shills or the gear snobs. They are not paying your bills. Always, always get what serves you best, and what is in your budget. The point is to have fun and be productive. Not show the size of your lollipop.
abraham huerta calderon –
Excelente interface. Seleccionada a mis necesidades
paulo rezende –
Muito boa interface de áudio. Recomendo.
Scrapp Huntington –
So far so good. Got this to replace my 15 year old Yamaha usb mixer. Set up was easy for the most part, I hooked up a boss DR880 (I use it for my bass because the amp model in it is absolutely insane awesome) and a rack PodXT pro. Pretty old gear but I love it, but hooked it into the line 3/4 and 5/6 at first I didn’t understand why I didn’t get any sound but you have to add those channels in the software controls. There is a + button next
To the input 1-2 controls and you have to add them that way. Thought that was funky but other than that it set up awesome. Using MacOS Mojave (can’t use Catalina with my superior drummer ☹️) and Logic Pro x 10.4.5 (10.5 breaks my Native Instrument plug-ins ….) I had to manually select the scarlet in the logic options and it was gold. Sound quality is awesome.
Good: easy to use, amazing sound quality, small
Bad: not sure the usb C cable it comes
With is thunderbolt 3 seems like cheap junk but works. Not sure how I feel yet about controlling the levels in software. Works good but it’s kinda odd. The unit is made in China unfortunately. Other than that it’s a solid device for home recording.
Nk Studio s.r.l. –
Suono di buona qualità e preamp silenziosissimi
William Albino –
This is great hardware. I use to do my production hobby work on a desktop that died prematurely. My previous incarnation I ran a R-Bus into my Roland VM-3100 and additionally ran a SoundBlaster Emulator X. Unfortunately running those on an outdated laptop was not an option.
I recently purchased a HP Laptop and tried running FL Studio. The audio out was lacking so I decided to look into audio interfaces and their software bundles. I already own an outdated version of Reason, Cubase, and Ableton. So I wanted to see what could I beef up my arsenal with. After seeing what Focusrite had I was thoroughly impressed. My next need was midi i/o. Again I had outboard gear in the form of two MidiSport 8×8. This filled in that gap with it being MIDI capable. My next option was multiple audio inputs and outputs. This more than covered my needs. I just needed a headphones out and it has two. I also needed something to connect my monitors and this was covered. I can chain my MIDI and use my patch bay if needed to route audio in. This device covered more than I needed which is perfect!
Setup was pretty much straightforward but a tiny bit awkward. Everything on the Focusrite side is in perfect condition. Downloading everything is simple due to a lack of a DVD drive.
Unfortunately I hit a brick wall with the software bundle. Some of the instructions are lacking. After finding a way to download most of the software I found myself at a crossroads. ProTools decided to discontinue their support of PT First. So that DAW isn’t an option for use. You’ll have to rely on Ableton’s Live in order to get any production work done.
My other issue is with a bundled reverb. It crashes my DAW of choice every single time. I have a support ticket open for it so who knows if there’s a fix or if it’s just a problem with my configuration. There’s a lot of people with the same issue and different DAWs…???
Overall I love my new system. It’s been able to resurrect my love of production.
Pedro Ivo Araujo –
Exatamente a qualidade que estava pensando. Produto fantástico, preço acessível e entrega rapidíssima.