Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen)

Full Description

Digital Audio Recording Solution

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) features everything you need to turn your computer into a digital recording solution, improving on its original design to deliver maximum audio quality and performance. The interface features a 18 in / 8 out configuration, featuring eight analog inputs, with four Scarlett mic preamps and two newly-design instrument inputs. The newly-designed instrument inputs give you the ability to record any instrument input, even the most demanding guitar pick-ups. There are also four additional line inputs located on the rear panel allowing you to connect a range of inputs from guitars and basses to dynamic microphones.

Expansive Connectivity

As well as the standard connections for recording instruments and microphones, the 18i20 also features a range of different inputs and outputs including digital connectivity with SPDIF inputs allowing you to record six simultaneous channels at once. In addition to the SDPIF inputs, the interface also features MIDI connectivity allowing you to connect a range of external MIDI devices with everything from MIDI keyboards to controllers and more. The ADAT expansion ports allow you to add up to eight extra analog inputs and outputs, perfect for digital musicians who use a lot of outboard gear or need a higher channel count. Monitoring is handled by the two discrete headphone outputs, featuring dedicated volume controls for maximum efficiency, allowing both you and the artist to listen to your recordings as you work.

Improved Design and Functionality

The Scarlett 18i20 has been improved tenfold with a range of features and functions that improve performance and audio quality. One of the most prominent upgrades is the super-low latency performance. The super-low roundtrip latency improves performance and efficiency by minimising the delay between the original signal and the processed signal on your computer. This is paramount when recording vocals or instruments as it gives you the ability to record signals as close to real-time as possible. The Scarlett 18i20 now operates at a sample rate up to 24-bit/192kHz for maximum audio quality, perfect for capturing high quality recordings from both microphones and instruments. The Scarlett Mic Preamp has also been improved featuring a more even gain structure, allowing you to accurately set your levels and in-turn, streamlining your workflow. Additionally, Focusrite has included analog protection circuitry for both the input and outputs to combat against unwanted power surges.

Compact, Robust Design

The Scarlett 18i20's design improves on the original with a whole host of features and components that result in improved performance. The interface itself is constructed from a red anodised aluminium unibody chassis for maximum durability as well as looking highly stylish. Monitoring and volume control is handled by the front panel controls, featuring a large monitor/headphone level dial plus individual controls for both the microphone and instrument inputs. The frame of the interface also makes it rack-mountable, perfect for studio engineers who wish to incorporate the interface into a more permanent installation. The rear of the interface features two dedicated TRS jack outputs for connecting studio monitors with anti-thump circuitry for eliminating any unwanted sounds when turning on your monitors. In addition, the interface features eight more analog jack outputs and two stereo pairs providing mirrors independent headphone outputs on the front panel. With its large amount of outputs the 18i20 is the perfect solution for both studio and live applications, with its varied outputs allowing you to connect a wide range of outboard gear.

Features

• Eight Scarlett mic preamps with plenty of even gain, exceptional headroom, low noise and minimal distortion
• Class-leading digital conversion and sample rates up to 192kHz / 24 bit
• Lowest roundtrip latency in its class lets you perform and produce using effects in real time, with no need for DSP
• ADAT expansion ports allow you to add an extra eight analog inputs and outputs
• Ten balanced analog outputs, including a dedicated stereo pair with anti-thump circuitry
• Two headphone outputs with dedicated volume controls
• Focusrite Control software to easily configure your monitoring and routing setups
• Includes Pro Tools | First - Focusrite Creative Pack and Ableton Live Lite
• All the additional software and loops you need to record
• Use it with all major DAWs on Mac and PC
• MIDI I/O connectivity, ideal for sending/receiving MIDI
• Stereo S/PDIF In and Out for connecting other digital devices

System Requirements

• Mac OS X Yosemite, EL Capitan
• Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows 10