Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen USB Audio Interface - 18I164THGEN

Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen
USB Audio Interface

18-in/16-out studio interface with four preamps, ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI and updated software

Overview

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen USB Audio Interface is a powerful desktop recording hub for producers, musicians and hardware-based creators who need expanded I/O, flexible routing and professional sound. With four ultra-low-noise remote-controllable mic/line preamps, instrument inputs on channels 1 and 2, four additional line inputs, four balanced line outputs, two independent headphone outputs, ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI and loopback, the 18i16 is built to bring microphones, guitars, synths, drum machines, outboard gear and digital expansion together in one compact studio centrepiece.

Features

The Scarlett 18i16 gives you four 4th Gen Scarlett preamps with a wide 69 dB gain range, making it ready for vocals, acoustic instruments, amps and more demanding microphone setups. Inputs 1 and 2 also support Hi-Z instrument operation, giving guitars and basses a more natural feel when recording direct into amp simulators and production software.

For producers working with external gear, the 18i16 offers a generous connection layout. Four rear-panel line inputs are ideal for synths, drum machines, samplers and grooveboxes, while four line outputs can be used for monitors, outboard processors or alternate speaker routing. MIDI In and Out make it easy to connect controllers, synths and other MIDI-equipped hardware.

ADAT and S/PDIF connectivity allow the interface to expand as your studio grows, adding digital I/O for compatible preamps, converters and external devices. Two independent headphone outputs make it easier to create separate performer and engineer mixes, while Alt speaker switching helps you compare mixes across different monitor setups.

Auto Gain helps set recording levels quickly, and Clip Safe helps prevent clipping by automatically adjusting gain when levels get too hot. Two Air modes provide creative tone shaping: Presence mode adds clarity and forward detail, while Presence with Harmonic Drive adds extra midrange character, warmth and punch. Focusrite Control 2 support gives you flexible routing and remote control from a desktop or mobile device.

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
• Simultaneous I/O: 18-in/16-out
• Microphone Preamps: 4
• Phantom Power: Yes
• Front Inputs: Four Neutrik combo XLR/1/4 inch TRS inputs
• Instrument Inputs: Inputs 1 and 2
• Line Inputs: 8 total
• Rear Line Inputs: Four 1/4 inch TRS inputs
• Line Outputs: 4 balanced line outputs
• Headphone Outputs: 2 independent headphone outputs
• ADAT Inputs: 1 optical input
• ADAT Outputs: 1 optical output
• S/PDIF Inputs: 1 coaxial input
• S/PDIF Outputs: 1 coaxial output
• MIDI Inputs: 1
• MIDI Outputs: 1
• Loopback: Yes
• Alt Speaker Switching: Yes
• Air Mode: Presence and Presence with Harmonic Drive
• Recording Assistance: Auto Gain and Clip Safe
• Connectivity: USB-C
• Conversion: 24-bit/192 kHz
• Microphone Input Gain Range: 69 dB
• Dynamic Range: 122 dB D-A
• Power: Included USB-C power supply or compatible 5V/3A USB-C bus power
• Included Accessories: Scarlett 18i16 audio interface, USB-C to USB-C cable and USB-C power adapter
• 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 18i16 4th Gen is a strong choice for producers who need a compact interface with serious studio connectivity. Four preamps make it more capable for multi-mic sessions, while the extra line inputs, ADAT, S/PDIF and MIDI make it easy to build a hybrid setup around synths, drum machines, external processors and digital expansion. With Auto Gain, Clip Safe, two Air modes, independent headphone mixes and the updated software bundle, the 18i16 gives you a flexible foundation for recording, producing, mixing and finishing music in a growing project studio.