Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen USB Audio Interface - 18I204THGEN

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen
USB Audio Interface

26-in/26-out rackmount studio interface with eight preamps, ADAT expansion, talkback and updated software

Overview

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen USB Audio Interface is the flagship Scarlett recording hub for serious project studios, bands, producers and engineers who need extensive I/O in a compact rackmount format. With eight remote-controllable Scarlett mic preamps, 10 balanced line outputs, two independent headphone outputs, ADAT expansion, S/PDIF, MIDI, Word Clock, talkback and loopback, it is built to handle full recording setups with microphones, guitars, synths, drum machines, outboard gear and digital expansion. Auto Gain, Clip Safe and two Air modes help keep sessions fast, reliable and creative.

Features

The Scarlett 18i20 gives you eight 4th Gen Scarlett mic preamps with a wide 69 dB gain range, making it ready for vocals, drums, guitar amps, acoustic instruments and multi-mic recording sessions. Two front-panel instrument inputs make it easy to plug in guitars or basses quickly, while the rear-panel combo inputs keep the main studio wiring neat and accessible.

For larger studio setups, the 18i20 offers extensive analogue and digital routing. Ten balanced line outputs provide room for main monitors, alternate speakers, external processors and additional sends, while the two independent headphone outputs make it easier to create separate cue mixes for performers and engineers. Built-in talkback helps communication during tracking sessions, and Alt speaker switching supports quick monitor referencing.

ADAT I/O allows the interface to expand with up to 16 additional digital channels at standard sample rates, while S/PDIF, MIDI and Word Clock connections make it easier to integrate external converters, synths, drum machines, controllers and digital studio gear. Loopback is also included for capturing computer audio in streaming, podcasting, sampling and content creation workflows.

Auto Gain helps set recording levels quickly, and Clip Safe helps protect takes from clipping when signal levels rise unexpectedly. Two Air modes provide creative tone shaping: Presence mode adds clarity and forward detail, while Presence with Harmonic Drive adds extra character, warmth and punch. Focusrite Control 2 gives flexible routing and remote control from desktop or mobile devices.

Included Software

Avid Pro Tools Intro+ for Focusrite provides essential audio and MIDI tools needed for music production, plus a curated selection of more than 80 effects and instrument plugins. Ableton Live Lite gives you instruments, effects and Live’s clip-and-scene launching workflow for taking ideas further or building performances. Cubase LE supports high-quality songwriting and production projects with up to 16 audio tracks, 24 MIDI tracks for external instruments and eight instrument tracks.

New Splice accounts receive three months of Splice Sounds membership, offering millions of high-quality, royalty-free one-shots, loops and presets, with new releases added daily. Hitmaker Expansion helps you create studio-quality vocals, powerful guitars, dramatic synths and huge drums, then mix and master with iconic Focusrite studio hardware-inspired tools, all in the box.

Specifications

• Product Type: USB audio interface
• Generation: Scarlett 4th Gen
• Form Factor: Desktop/rackmountable 1U
• Simultaneous I/O: 26-in/26-out
• Microphone Preamps: 8
• Phantom Power: Yes, independent
• Instrument Inputs: 2
• Line Inputs: 8
• Line Outputs: 10 balanced line outputs
• Headphone Outputs: 2 independent headphone outputs
• ADAT Inputs: 2, up to 16 channels at 44.1/48 kHz and up to 8 channels at 96 kHz
• ADAT Outputs: 2, up to 16 channels at 44.1/48 kHz and up to 8 channels at 96 kHz
• S/PDIF Inputs: 1
• S/PDIF Outputs: 1
• MIDI Inputs: 1
• MIDI Outputs: 1
• Word Clock: BNC output
• Talkback: Built-in talkback microphone
• Loopback: Yes
• Alt Speaker Switching: Yes
• Air Mode: Presence and Presence with Harmonic Drive
• Recording Assistance: Auto Gain and Clip Safe
• Connectivity: USB Type-C
• Protocol: USB 2.0
• Conversion: 24-bit/192 kHz
• Supported Sample Rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz
• Microphone Input Gain Range: 69 dB
• Line Input Gain Range: 69 dB
• Instrument Input Gain Range: 62 dB
• Maximum Microphone Input Level: +16 dBu
• Maximum Line Input Level: +22 dBu
• Maximum Instrument Input Level: +12 dBu
• Balanced Line Output Dynamic Range: 122 dB
• Digital to Analogue Converter Dynamic Range: 130 dB A-weighted
• Power: External 30W power supply
• Included Accessories: Rack ears, USB-C to USB-C cable and IEC power cable
• Control Software: Focusrite Control 2 for desktop and mobile
• Software: Avid Pro Tools Intro+ for Focusrite, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Splice Sounds membership for new Splice accounts and Hitmaker Expansion

Why you should buy this

The Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is a strong choice for studios that need a central interface with enough I/O for full sessions, hardware integration and future expansion. Eight preamps make it ready for drums, bands and multi-mic recording, while ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI and Word Clock help it fit into more advanced studio systems. With talkback, two independent headphone outputs, Auto Gain, Clip Safe, Air modes and the updated software bundle, the 18i20 gives you a powerful recording platform for tracking, producing, mixing and managing serious sessions.