Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen Review (October 2024)
$599.99
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
- Pad switch
- For PC / Mac
- 24 Bit / 192 kHz
- BNC Word Clock
- B-C connection
- Weight: 3.19 kg
- Format: 19″/ 1U
- 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
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 482.6 x 46.6 x 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 quality
- Exceptionally trusted
- Favorable consumer ratings
- Worth the investment
- Excellent audio quality
- Design that is eye-catching
Cons
- Bulky in size
- Quite expensive
- USB C is not yet available on every machine
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen Demo
Our Verdict
Focusrite’s latest 3rd generation interface series is excellent. While first impressions may suggest that they are simply a more appealing version of their former selves, the true magic lies beneath the hood, as evidenced by 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 an entire customer experience as streamlined and user-friendly as possible.
Bundling various DAWs and sample sources, such as Splice, adds to their obvious concern for the consumer and gets them started in music creation with little to no hurdles. The cost is modest and appears to be in the same ballpark as its predecessors, however, it has undergone some noticeable adjustments, which appears to be a natural tactic to retain 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 | October 10, 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 Audio Interfaces For Mac Laptops
Best Audio Interfaces For iPad
Best USB Audio Interfaces (2022)
Best Low Latency Audio Interfaces (2022)
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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