Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (3rd Generation)

Features
Software
Specifications

Features

Overview: The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 is a 18 input/8 output audio interface that's part of the Third Generation of Scarlett series professional computer audio interfaces. It features 4 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 of the 4 front-panel combo inputs can accept mic-, line-, or instrument-level signals, while the other 2 front-panel combo inputs can accept either mic- or line-level signals. Four 1/4" line-level outputs are provided, along with 2 digital output channels. The Scarlett 18i8 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 18i8 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 18i8 is 48kHz.

Scarlett Preamps: The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 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 Scarlett18i8 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 18i8 includes 4 front-panel combo jacks and 4 rear-panel 1/4" 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 & 4: Two additional front-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.
  • Toslink Optical (ADAT & S/PDIF Formats): A rear-panel optical input jack can provide up to 8 channels of audio at 44.1kHz/48kHz sample rates, and 4 channels of audio at 88.2kHz/96kHz. The optical input can also be used as a S/PDIF input when connected to a device with an optical S/PDIF output. The optical input is disabled when sample rates of 176.4/192 are used.

Audio Outputs: Audio outputs from the Scarlett 18i8 include four 1/4" balanced jacks along with a single S/PDIF (coaxial) jack for digital signals.

• 1/4" Jacks: Four line-level outputs are provided for balanced TRS and unbalanced TS jacks. Outputs 1 & 2 can be used as the Main output, providing left and right channels to a monitoring system. Outputs 3 & 4 can be assigned as a second set of monitor outputs, if needed.
• Digital:
  • S/PDIF Coaxial: A rear-panel S/PDIF (coaxial RCA) input can output a 2-channel audio signals in S/PDIF format at sampling rates from 44.1kHz up to 192kHz.

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 18i8 includes two standard 5-pin MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) sockets are provided 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. 

Controls: The Focusrite 18i8 provides the following front-panel controls.

• Input Gain Controls: Each of the 4 front input channels includes an input gain control. These controls have concentric tri-colored LED rings to display signal level:
  • Green: Signal level is at least -24dBFS (i.e., signal is present)
  • Amber: The ring turns amber at -6dBFS, indicating the signal is close to clipping.
  • Red: Lights when the signal hits 0 dBFS (digital clipping)
• Inst Icon: Input channels 1 & 2 include an Inst icon, indicating if Instrument is selected in the Focusrite Control software.
• Pad Icon: Each of the 4 input channels includes a Pad icon which will light if Pad is selected in the Focusrite Control software. This option decreases the signal level going to your DAW by 10dB, for use with high-level input signals.
• Phones: Two Headphone outputs are provided, each with their own level control.
• 48V: Two buttons are provided for activating +48V phantom power to their corresponding XLR/1/4" combo jacks, one for Channels 1 & 2 and one for Channels 3 & 4.
• AIR: Four yellow AIR icons, 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.
• 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 4 analog outputs.
• USB Icon: Lights to indicate the unit is recognized by a connected computer.
• ALT Icon: Lights to indicate Speaker Switching has been activated in the Focusrite Control software. This switches the monitor output from Channels 1 & 2 to Channels 3 & 4.

Software

Included Software Bundle: The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 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 18i8 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 18i8 audio interface.

• Windows 7, 8, 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: 4 x XLR / 1/4" combo jacks balanced, Mic/Line (Mic/Line/Instrument on 1 & 2)
• Rear: 4 x 1/4" jacks (balanced Line input)
• Microphone Inputs 1 & 2:
  • 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)
• Line Inputs 1-4:
  • 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 at minimum gain
• 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 at minimum gain
• Line Inputs 5-8:
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.1dB)
  • Dynamic Range: 110 dB (A-weighted)
  • THD+N:  <0.002% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
  • Maximum Input Level: 18dBu at minimum gain

Audio Outputs:

• Line Outputs 1-4: 4 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)

Headphone Output:

• Type: 2 x 1/4" stereo
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.1dB
• Dynamic Range: 104 dB (A-weighted)
• Maximum Output Level: 7 dBu
• THD+N: <0.002% (measured at +6dBu with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)

Other I/O:

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

Dimensions: Width = 9.50", Height = 2.375", Depth = 7.750"

Weight: 2.94 lbs.