Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Generation)

Features
Software
Specifications

Features

Overview: The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is a 18 input/20 output audio interface that's part of the Third Generation of Scarlett series professional computer audio interfaces. It features 8 XLR / 1/4" combo inputs, all with Scarlett mic preamps, along with up to 8 optical digital input channels (ADAT format), and 2 S/PDIF (coaxial) digital input channels. Two front-panel combo inputs can accept mic-, line-, or instrument-level signals, while the 6 rear-panel combo inputs can accept either mic- or line-level signals. Ten 1/4" line-level outputs are provided, along with 10 combined digital output channels. The Scarlett 18i20 audio interface includes a plethora of recording software, sounds, and plug-ins to quickly get you started making music.

24-Bit/192kHz DAC: The Scarlett 18i20 employs a high-definition 24-bit/192kHz analog-to-digital converter for exceptional sound quality and recording with up to 111 dB dynamic range. The default sample rate of the 18i20 is 48kHz.

Scarlett Preamps: The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is equipped with Focusrite's 3rd generation of microphone preamplifiers for use with all types of microphones. The net result of the Scarlett preamp design is high headroom, low noise, wide dynamic range, extended frequency response, and most importantly, musicality and transparency, with smooth highs, solid deep lows, and everything in between.

• Air: Focusrite's latest 3rd gen Scarlett mic preamps feature Air circuitry, derived from Focusrite's legendary ISA preamps. Activating Air can make guitars and vocals sound instantly brighter and more spacious, with a lustrous sheen that can make a real difference in your mix.

Focusrite Control: All setup and configuration of the Scarlett18i20 is done through the Focusrite Control software, available for Windows and Mac, found here. The Focusrite Control software allows detailed routing of all inputs and outputs with adjustable level controls for each. Many of the front-panel controls can also be selected for adjustment and offer more detailed options in the software than is available from the front panel.

Audio Inputs: The Scarlett 18i20 includes 2 front-panel combo and 6 additional rear-panel combo inputs. Rear-panel S/PDIF (coaxial) and Toslink optical digital ports can provide up to 8 channels of digital input.

• XLR / 1/4" Combo Jacks:
  • Channels 1 & 2: Front-panel input channels 1 & 2 feature XLR/1/4" combo jacks that can accept either microphone-, line-, or instrument-level signals, balanced or unbalanced. Input signal gain for Mic or Line is automatically set, depending on whether an XLR or /14" plug is inserted. A front-panel switch for each input lets you select Instrument-level.
    • Note: Only microphone-level signals should be used if connecting an XLR plug; higher level signals can overload the preamp circuit. If Phantom power is applied, it could damage non-compatible outboard equipment.
  • Channels 3 - 8: Six rear-panel XLR/1/4" combo jacks can accept either Mic- or Line-level signals, balanced or unbalanced.
• Digital:
  • S/PDIF Coaxial: A rear-panel S/PDIF (coaxial RCA) input can accept 2 channels of audio with sample rates ranging from 44.1kHz up to 192kHz.
  • Dual Toslink Optical (ADAT & S/PDIF Formats): Two optical input jacks can provide up to 8 channels of audio with sample rates ranging from 44.1kHz up to 96kHz. When inputting 44.1kHz or 48kHz signals, Optical Input 1 can accept up to 8 channels of audio. If inputting signals at 88.2kHz or 96kHz, Optical Input 1 can accept Channels 1-4, while Optical Input 2 accepts Channels 5-8.

  Note: 176.4kHz and 192kHz signals are not supported by the Optical Inputs.

Audio Outputs: Audio outputs from the Scarlett 18i20 include ten 1/4" balanced jacks, along with dual Toslink Optical and a single S/PDIF (coaxial) jacks for digital signals.

• 1/4" Jacks: Ten line-level output jacks are provided for signal output (balanced/unbalanced). Outputs 1 & 2 can be used as the Main output, providing left and right channel output to a monitoring system. Outputs 3 & 4 can be assigned as a second set of monitor outputs as well, if needed.
• Digital:
  • S/PDIF Coaxial: A rear-panel S/PDIF (coaxial RCA) input can output a 2-channel audio signal at sampling rates from 44.1kHz up to 192kHz.
  • Dual Toslink Optical (ADAT & S/PDIF Formats): Two optical output jacks can output up to 8 channels of audio with sample rates ranging from 44.1kHz up to 96kHz. When outputting 44.1kHz or 48kHz signals, Optical Output 1 can send up to 8 channels of audio. If outputting signals at 88.2kHz or 96kHz, Optical Output 1 can output Channels 1-4, while Optical Output 2 outputs Channels 5-8.

    Note: 176.4kHz and 192kHz signals are not supported by the Optical Inputs.

USB 2.0 Port: The rear-panel USB port (type-C, 2.0) provides the connection to your computer using the included USB cable.

MIDI I/O: The Scarlett 18i20 includes two standard 5-pin MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) sockets for connecting to MIDI equipped keyboards and sound modules. The MIDI Input is used for plugging in a keyboard or control surface for triggering and manipulating sound sources in the computer/software. The MIDI Output lets the software trigger outboard audio devices such as a synthesizer, sound module, or drum machine. 

Word Clock Output: A rear-panel BNC connector can be used to output the Scarlett 18i20's internal word clock, used for synchronizing other digital audio equipment in the recording system, or for locking into a clock signal from other devices.

Controls: The Focusrite 18i20 provides the following front-panel controls.

• Input Gain Controls: Each of the 8 Input channels includes an input gain control.
• Inst: Input channels 1 & 2 include an Inst button, for use when running an instrument-level signal into either input.
• Pad: Each of the 8 input channels includes a Pad button which will decrease the signal level going to your DAW by 10dB, for use with high-level input signals. This setting can also be selected from the Focusrite Control software.
• Phones: Two Headphone outputs are provided, each with their own level controls.
• 48V: Two buttons are provided for activating +48V phantom power to their corresponding XLR/1/4" combo jacks, one for Channels 1-4 and one for Channels 5-8.
• AIR: Eight yellow AIR LEDs, one for each Input channel, light to indicate if the AIR feature has be activated for that channel. AIR is selected in the Focusrite Control software.
• Input Meters: Eight 5-segment LED bargraph meters indicate the signal levels for each of the 8 analog inputs. Levels indicated -42dB (green, signal present), -18dB (green), -6dB (yellow), and 0dB (red, clipping).
• Lock Icon: This icon will light confirming clock synchronization, either internal or from an external device.
• Monitor: This dial controls the output level of the main monitor outputs and can be configured in the Focusrite Control software to adjust the level of any of the 10 analog outputs.
• USB Icon: Lights to indicate the unit is recognized by a connected computer.
• Dim & Mute: These 2 buttons affect the monitor outputs. Dim reduces the signal level by 18dB, and Mute turns the output off. These can be configured in the Focusrite Control software to control any of the analog outputs.
• Talkback Mic: A small hole (to the right of the Scarlett logo) contains a Talkback microphone.
• Talkback Button: Pressing and holding this activates the Talkback microphone. By default, this is routed to Headphone outputs, but can be configured in the Focusrite Control software to sent to any output or combinations of outputs. Talkback is only active while the button is being pressed.
• ALT: This switches the monitor output from Channels 1 & 2 to Channels 3 & 4 and will light green when active.
• Power Switch

Software

Included Software Bundle: The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 comes with a powerful software bundle that provides everything you need to record, mix, and master your next project. This software package includes:

• Ableton Live Lite: The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 includes Ableton Live Lite, the industry-leading music-making software. Key features include:
  • Up to 16 audio and MIDI tracks.
  • 4 Software Instruments.
  • Over 1500 sounds (5+ GB)
  • 21 Audio effects
  • 8 MIDI effects
  • VST2, VST3, and Audio Unit support
• Hitmaker Expansion: Features exclusive content from legendary Auto-Tune creators Antares, as well as Brainworx, Softube, XLN Audio, Relab, and more.
• Focusrite Plugin Collective: This lets you receive free versions of the most innovative software as well as discounts.
• Splice Sounds: A three month subscription to Splice Sounds gives you access to millions of high-quality, royalty-free sounds and loops.

OS Requirements: Below are the minimum operating system requirements for the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 audio interface.

• Windows 7, 8.1, and 10
• Mac® OS X 10.11, 10.12 Sierra, 10.13 High Sierra, 10.14 Mojave, 10.15 Catalina, 11 Big Sur

Specifications

Supported Sample Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz

Audio Inputs:

• Front: 2 x XLR / 1/4" combo jacks (balanced, Mic/Line/Instrument)
• Rear: 6 x XLR / 1/4" jacks (balanced Line input)
• Microphone Inputs 1-8:
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.1dB)
  • Dynamic Range: 111 dB (A-weighted)
  • Gain Range: 56dB
  • THD+N: <0.0012% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
  • Noise EIN: -128dBu (A-weighted)
  • Maximum Input Level: +9 dBu (no PAD), +16dBu (PAD selected)
  • Input Impedance: 3kΩ
• Line Inputs 1-8:
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.1dB)
  • Dynamic Range: 110.5 dB (A-weighted)
  • THD+N: <0.002% (minimum gain, -1 dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
  • Gain Range: 56dB
  • Maximum Input Level: +22 dBu (no PAD), +29.5 dBu (PAD selected)
  • Input Impedance: 60kΩ
• Instrument Inputs 1 & 2:
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.1dB)
  • Dynamic Range: 110 dB (A-weighted)
  • THD+N:  <0.003% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
  • Gain Range: 56dB
  • Maximum Input Level: +12.5dBu (no PAD), +14 dBu (PAD selected); measured at minimum gain
  • Input Impedance: 1.5MΩ

Audio Outputs:

• Line Outputs: 10 x 1/4" TRS (balanced)
  • Dynamic Range: 108.5 dB (A-weighted)
  • Maximum Output Level (0 dBFS): +15.5 dBu (balanced)
  • THD+N: <0.002% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
  • Output Impedance: 430Ω

Headphone Output:

• Type: 2 x 1/4" stereo
• Dynamic Range: 104 dB (A-weighted)
• Maximum Output Level: 7 dBu
• THD+N: <0.002% (measured at +6dBu with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Output Impedance: <1Ω

Other I/O:

• Optical I/O: 4 x Toslink Optical ports; 8 channels @ 44.1/48kHz or 4 channels @ 88.2/96kHz
• S/PDIF I/O: 2 x  Coax Digital (RCA) or via Optical input (selectable via Focusrite Control)
• BNC: Word clock output
• USB: 1 x USB Type-C, 2.0
• MIDI I/O: 2 x 5-pin DIN sockets

Dimensions: Width = 17.375", Height = 1.750", Depth = 12.50"

Weight: 7.16 lbs.