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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface
Product no: 9000-0053-4267 Bax Music Warranty: This product comes with a 3-year warranty.

General

The 3rd generation of Focurite's Scarlett 18i20 USB audio interface is here and it has better preamps than ever before. All eight mic preamps have a switchable 'Air' mode that comes from the classic Focusrite ISA preamp. It brings even more clarity to vocals as well as acoustic and electric guitars and basses. The 24-bit / 192 kHz AD/DA converters guarantee professional audio quality too with transparency and a perfect stereo image. While two high-impedance instrument inputs offer plenty of headroom so that even loud signals don't clip easily and you can get lots of dynamics into your mix, the 18i20 also has four monitor outputs with anti-thump technology that protects your monitors when turning things on and off. Sound engineers are sure to appreciate the talkback function too.

The Scarlett 18i20 Gen 3

The eight balanced line inputs can be used for connecting equipment like drum machines, synths or any other line sources and being able to switch between connected pairs of monitors is another feature sound engineers will love. Live streamers and podcasters will find the 'virtual loopback' function handy as it allows you to easily stream and record podcasts and stereo feeds, for instance. You also get a comprehensive software bundle that includes Ableton Live Lite as well as the Focusrite Red 2 & Red 3 Plug-in Suite and Softube's Time & Tone Bundle. You can also choose a virtual instrument from XLN Audio's Addictive Keys software and a 3-month subscription to the huge collection of loops and samples available at Splice Sounds is included too. Lastly, there's Focusrite's Plug-in Collective that gives you access to discounts, software updates and popular plug-ins for free! In short, you'll have everything you need to make polished professional productions.

Tips or comments about this product
  • Please note:
    • Focusrite users have the option to use the standard version of Pro Tools ® for 3 months, free of charge;
    • Pro Tools ® Ultimate can be used free of charge for 1 month only.
    • The included Hitmaker pack includes the full software versions (worth over £1,000).

Specifications

Product features

19 inches yes
Number of analogue Inputs 8
Number of analogue outputs 10
Number of headphone outputs 2
Computer ports USB
Digital audio inputs 1 x S/PDIF (RCA), 2 x ADAT
Digital audio outputs 1 x S/PDIF (RCA), 2 x ADAT
Sustainable product not specified
Phantom power yes
Suitable for operating system Apple OSX / Mac OS, Microsoft Windows
Interface for drummers, bands & producers
Total guitar/bass inputs 2
Total microphone inputs 8
Low latency monitoring yes, DSP mixer
Maximum sample rate 192 kHz
Included data cable USB cable
Included software Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Artist (3 month subscription)
Software included yes, download
Analogue audio input type balanced line in (TRS jack), microphone input (XLR), Hi-Z instrument input (TS jack)
Analogue audio output type balanced line out (TRS jack), headphone output (jack or mini-jack)

Weight and dimensions including packaging

Weight (incl. packaging) 4,2 kg
Dimensions (incl. packaging) 61,0 x 32,5 x 9,0 cm

Product specifications

  • USB audio interface
  • dimensions: 61 x 241 x 159.5mm
  • weight: 1.33 kg
  • included:
    • 1x USB cable (type C to A)
    • power cable
  • Included software:

  • Ableton Live Lite 
  • Splice Sounds
  • Hitmaker Expansion
    • Antares® Auto-Tune® Access
    • Relab’s LX480 Essentials
    • Softube® Marshall® Silver Jubilee 2555
    • XLN Audio® Addictive Keys
    • XLN Audio® Addictive Drums 2: Studio Rock
    • Brainworx® bx_oberhausen
    • Brainworx® bx_console Focusrite SC
    • Brainworx® bx_masterdesk
    • Focusrite Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite 
A review can no longer be written about this item
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface

Wrote the following about Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface
Had quite a specialist requirement for this device. Whilst not officially supported for Linux, I use this for Rivendell radio automation on Ubuntu Jammy 22.04LTS. Works flawlessly and natively. It is in use 24/7 and does not run warm. No noticeable latency. Very please with the product. Ordering, communication and delivery was all very good too.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface

Wrote the following about Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface
My problem was finding a way to add more inputs to my Universal Audio Apollo 8p TB3 based project studio. UA interfaces were beyond my current budget so I decided to purchase a Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen OctoPre at a very reasonable price from Bax. Delivery was prompt as always and over the last week I've been trying it out.

Connection was from the two ADAT outputs of the OctoPre to the two ADAT inputs of my Apollo using short Cinnamon optical leads at my usual recording sampling rate and bit resolution of of 96/24 with a single Word Clock cable running from the Apollo (master) WC out to the OctoPre WC in.

I had feared that I would only get two stereo inputs at 96/24 but I was pleasantly surprised that I got all four showing up in the Apollo's Console software mixer. I was also concerned that there might be a clear difference between the sound of the instruments routed through the OctoPre and a possible increase in latency. In both cases my fears were groundless.

I have two Korg instruments; a Kronos and Wavestate which I routed through my new inputs. The Kronos Berlin Grand piano with low Focusrite pre-amplification coupled with UA digital conversion was effectively latency free and the clarity at the higher frequencies revealed subtle piano action sounds that I hadn't even noticed before while the Apollo added it's usual warmth to the final sound.

I was losing faith with the Wavestate as it's outputs are not as powerful as those of the Kronos or my OB-6. With OcotPre connection and higher preamplification the instrument came to life in a way it's digital synthesis had failed to with the Apollo preamps.

My rating on value and performance is therefore 5 stars. I appear to have stumbled on a winning combination at a very reasonable Bax price. Buy now with confidence if your requirements and expectations are similar to mine!

Reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews into English

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface

Wrote the following about Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface
Supersnelle levering door Bax Goes. Even wat moeite gehad met installeren, ik gebruik de interface voor Hauptwerk (virtuele orgels bespelen) en heb in principe alleen de uitgangen nodig en dat zijn er lekker veel zodat ik 5 set speakers kan aansluiten om zo een ruimtelijke sound te krijgen. Had af en toe last van hangende klavertoetsen als ik wat aan de instellingen wijzigde maar nu is dat helemaal over en ben ik zeer tevreden over het apparaat, de mogelijkheden en de geluidskwaliteit, super!
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface

Wrote the following about Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface
Geweldige interface. Alles werkt zoals verwacht en zelfs beter. Verbinding maken met mijn Scarlett Octo Pre was erg simpel. Heb nu genoeg inputs voor mijn externe apparatuur.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface

Wrote the following about Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface
Utilisation facile après l'installation des Driver & Control Software
Caractéristique complets avec connexion digitale S/PDIF et ADAT plus une synchronisation World clock audio
Qualité de son professionnel
Qualité de fabrication satisfaisante
8 préamplificateurs THD 3K impédance
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface

Wrote the following about Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface
Cet interface est une usine à gaz, les manuels de Focusrite n'expliquent absolument rien, il n'existe aucun tuto en français expliquant comment utiliser l'interface.
Je ne parle pas du SAV Bax-Music qui est aux abonnés absent ou d'aucune utilité.
Je vais la renvoyer et m'adresser ailleurs. et sans doute prendre une autre marque.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface

Wrote the following about Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface
Heel tevreden, uitstekende kwaliteit en verschillende mogelijkheden!
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface

Wrote the following about Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface
Produit en très bon état, reçu deux jours et demi après la commande !
Le matériel fonctionne comme prévu et est largement à la hauteur de mes attentes.
Je recommande vivement, et très simple d'installation en rack par ailleurs.
Les preamps sont de bonnes qualité, même si quelques puristes vous diraient moins bien que les clarett.
Peut être, mais un excellent rapport qualité prix
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface

Wrote the following about Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface
Inmiddels is dit mijn tweede Focusrtie Scarlett 18i20 Helaas niet mijn tweede in mijn studio nog..
De eerste die ik had onderging een hardware issue in de headphone jack uitgang hierdoor kwam er een storend geluid in de headphone en moest ik de volume heel hard zetten voordat ik iets qua output had. Het bleek een hardware isseu dat niet gefixt kon worden Dus kreeg ik een nieuwe opgestuurd na een paar weken. Al die tijd heel goed contact gehad met Bax en vaak ook door de dezelfde medewerkers geholpen en echt complimenten voor hun service. Heb namelijk een leenmodel gekregen. die ik de gehele tijd mocht behouden tot dat ik mijn nieuwe unit in ontvangst kon nemen. Bax music hield me netjes op de hoogte over elke update nadat ik contact met hun opnam over de status.

Overige informatie over mijn setup:
Ik gebruik deze unit in combinatie met een MDX 4600 Compressor
Di800 Input/output box
Behringer xenyx1222USB mixer
1x Rode NT1 cream version (1998)
1x Shure SM58
1x Senheiser E835S
1x Korg triton LE
1x Subwoofer (Caliber 1200W (750W)
4x Spirit Aboslute 4p
3x Devine Pro 5000 koptelefoons
Allemaal diverse kabels van het merk Roland en Cordial
1x trafo
1x I9 10900 64GB DDR4 2666 4TB SSD M.2 B560M DS3H Workstation 1x 8TB HDD
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface

Wrote the following about Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface
dit product raad ik aan
Description Type Language Extension
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen Handleiding Manual Dutch

The Focusrite Hitmaker Expansion: Lots of Free Software!

Wednesday 24 November 2021 By Kasper | Bax Music

With their latest offering, Focusrite help anyone dreaming of building or upgrading their home studio get well on their way. Pick up and register a Scarlett 3rd Gen, Clarett USB, Clarett+ or Red audio interface and get the new Hitmaker Expansion pack worth over €1,300 on top!

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Focusrite Launch Scarlett 3rd Gen Audio Interfaces!

Wednesday 3 July 2019 By Richard | Bax Music

Focusrite's Scarlett series is the undisputed winner when it comes to the number of audio interfaces sold each year and it's been that way ever since they were first launched. Each generation has been better than the last and now, the third generation is here! Read on to find out what's been improved this time.

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