Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

Product Information

AIR - This setting modifies the input's frequency response, giving a lift in the treble frequencies. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface features the best preamps ever used in a Scarlett audio interface and the largest range of I/O in the line. Focusrite Control iOS cannot be used to control an interface connected to your iPad, this app is a remote for the desktop version of the software. In addition to one of the best compact audio interfaces around, Focusrite also includes all the software you need to spark new ideas and capture them. In your VoIP application, select your interface in the audio settings, noting the application may display the input device as Microphone and the output device as Speaker.

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Generation USB-C Audio Interface

The 18i20 uses Focusrite's Scarlett MixControl software, so although input gains are hardware-controlled, the monitor, Dim and Mute controls can be accessed via software, too. What is more, the integrated MIDI interface can be used to connect a master keyboard, for example, since a sound generator of four XLN Audio Addictive Keys is already included in the bundled software package. Includes Ableton Live Lite, three months of Pro Tools Artist, and the Hitmaker Expansion, with plugins from Antares, Softube, Landr, XLN Audio and more. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Audio Interface (3rd Gen), transform your project, home, or professional studio setup to the next level.Focusrite are excited to announce an extension to the standard limited warranty, which comes with all new products. The 18i20 is arguably the most professional solution and has a vast amount of options as far as hooking up multiple channels for simultaneous recording - it’s like having an entire studio in a box!

18i20 3rd Gen – USB Audio Interface Review Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen – USB Audio Interface Review

Hitmaker Expansion features exclusive content from legendary Auto-Tune® creators Antares®, along with Native Instruments®, Brainworx®, Softube®, Landr, XLN Audio®, Relab and more. It all feels very solid, and while we prefer the rubberised black mic preamp knobs to the shiny silver monitor and headphone knobs, that's obviously not a deal breaker.Andertons Music Company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, firm registration number 716155. This reversible connection allows faster data transfer, easier connection and can be flipped – no more plugging in upside-down.

Scarlett 3rd Gen | Focusrite Downloads

Digital I/O Mode or S/PDIF Source- This allows you to choose the digital inputs and formats you are using, more information can be found in the relevant user guide for your specific product. Ten balanced outputs, with Anti Thump speaker switching, are hum-free for pristine monitoring and are ideal as FX sends.

Focusrite’s outstanding reputation for building high-quality mic preamps has been established for over three decades now, and much of this expertise has been included in the third generation of Scarlett interfaces via the brand-new integrated Air Mode, which when selected opens up and brightens the high end in a way that is intended to emulate their classic ISA preamps – or, as the British manufacturer puts it, to provide “unique high-end detail for vocals and acoustic guitar”. To connect these units, you can use a USB Type-C to C cable (not supplied), or an Apple USB-C to USB adaptor with the USB cable in the box. I connected the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 to my Mac Mini and other existing studio equipment via a combination of its microphone and line inputs, adding an additional eight from my Panasonic WZ-AD96M preamp by connecting via ADAT.

Scarlett Audio Interfaces | Focusrite

To make things simpler still, Focusrite has included a “Quick Start Tool” and put together an impressive and comprehensive package of free software, some in the box and some available for download, which includes Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Artist, Focusrite Red Plugin Suite, Focusrite Control, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, a three-month subscription to Splice Sounds, and a software tool of four XLN Audio Addictive Keys of your choice. In addition to the Focusrite Pro line, the company also has subsidiaries that include Adam Audio, Novation, and iOS app creator Ampify Music. For access to the extra 10 inputs, you’ll need to bring your own ADAT- or S/PDIF-compatible equipment and connect it to the corresponding ports in the rear of the interface.The Air setting alters the signal before it reaches your DAW, so it’s a good idea to experiment with it before committing it to your recorded sound; sound; I found it to be a little crispy and harsh for my taste applied to drums and my voice, but it added some extra magic to my Casio synth and to distorted electric guitar in a very natural and organic way. Four balanced outputs with Anti Thump speaker switching are hum-free for pristine monitoring and are ideal as FX sends. Air mode recreates the legendary effect of Focusrite's ISA mic pres and makes vocals and guitars shine. I needed more inputs onto my RME interface which I had been using for years and decided to give the Focusrite 18i20 3rd gen and an OctoPre via ADAT a try. You also receive a three-month Splice Sounds subscription that offers a host of free loops, one-shots, presets and more.