Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Generation USB Audio Interface

Overview

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Generation is a professional 26-in, 26-out USB audio interface designed as the central hub for demanding recording studios, producers, engineers, and musicians. With eight ultra-low-noise microphone preamps, flexible analogue and digital I/O, MIDI, ADAT, S/PDIF, Word Clock, dual headphone monitoring, and rackmountable 1U construction, it provides the connectivity and control needed for multi-track recording, mixing, live sessions, and complex hardware setups.

Key Features

• Eight ultra-low-noise mic/line preamps with up to 69dB of gain
• Two front-panel instrument inputs for guitars, basses, and other high-impedance sources
• Eight analogue line inputs for synthesizers, keyboards, drum machines, and external equipment
• Two Air modes: Presence and Harmonic Drive
• Auto Gain for quick and consistent recording levels
• Clip Safe automatically adjusts gain to help prevent clipping
• Ten balanced line outputs with Alt speaker switching
• Two independent headphone outputs and headphone mixes
• Built-in talkback microphone for studio communication
• Up to 16 channels of ADAT I/O
• S/PDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock connectivity
• Loopback for streaming, podcasting, and computer-audio routing
• 26 simultaneous inputs and 26 outputs
• 24-bit/192kHz audio resolution
• USB-C connectivity with USB 2.0 protocol
• Desktop and 1U rackmountable design
• Remote control through Focusrite Control 2 desktop and mobile apps
• Includes Hitmaker Expansion and DAW software bundle

Eight High-Quality Mic Preamps

The Scarlett 18i20 provides eight ultra-low-noise microphone preamps with a 69dB gain range, giving you the headroom needed for detailed multi-track recording. Independent phantom power supports condenser microphones, while remote control through Focusrite Control 2 makes it easy to adjust preamp levels from anywhere in the studio.

Air Presence and Harmonic Drive

Two redesigned Air modes provide additional tonal flexibility. Air Presence enhances high-frequency detail and clarity, while Air Presence with Harmonic Drive adds mid-range harmonic character for a more pronounced and engaging sound. These modes are useful for vocals, acoustic instruments, drums, guitars, and other sources that need additional presence.

Auto Gain and Clip Safe

Auto Gain can quickly establish suitable recording levels across the microphone inputs, helping you spend less time adjusting controls. Clip Safe monitors your signal and automatically adjusts the gain when necessary to help protect recordings from unwanted clipping.

Flexible Analogue I/O

The Scarlett 18i20 combines eight rear-panel Neutrik combo inputs with two front-panel instrument-capable inputs, giving you plenty of connections for microphones, guitars, basses, keyboards, synthesizers, drum machines, and other studio equipment. Ten balanced line outputs provide extensive routing options for studio monitors and external hardware.

Expandable Digital Connectivity

Expand the Scarlett 18i20 with ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock. ADAT provides up to 16 channels of digital I/O at supported sample rates, while S/PDIF adds two-channel digital connectivity. MIDI I/O allows integration with external keyboards, synthesizers, drum machines, and other MIDI equipment, while Word Clock provides synchronization for compatible digital studio systems.

Independent Monitoring and Talkback

Two independent headphone outputs allow separate headphone mixes for performers and engineers. The built-in talkback microphone provides convenient communication with musicians during recording sessions. Alt monitor switching also lets you compare mixes between two pairs of studio monitors.

Professional Routing and Control

Focusrite Control 2 gives you intuitive control over routing, monitoring, preamp settings, headphone mixes, and other interface functions. The desktop and mobile apps allow remote control from around the studio, making the Scarlett 18i20 easier to manage during complex recording sessions.

High-Resolution Audio

With 24-bit/192kHz conversion and up to 122dB dynamic range on the line outputs, the Scarlett 18i20 delivers detailed, clean audio for recording and mixing. Its 26-in, 26-out architecture provides the flexibility required for large sessions, external hardware, and expandable studio workflows.

Rackmountable Studio Design

The Scarlett 18i20 is designed for both desktop use and professional rack installation. Its 1U rackmountable format makes it a practical choice for permanent studio systems, mobile recording rigs, project studios, and installations where multiple pieces of equipment need to remain organized and accessible.

Included Software

The Scarlett 18i20 includes a comprehensive software bundle for music production and recording. The package includes Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, Cubase LE, and the Hitmaker Expansion collection, along with additional production tools and creative content. Focusrite also provides Easy Start guidance to help with setup and getting started.

Typical Uses

• Professional multi-track studio recording
• Drum and live-session recording
• Large microphone and instrument setups
• Music production and mixing
• Recording vocals, guitars, basses, keyboards, and synthesizers
• Hardware-based electronic music production
• Studio monitoring with multiple speaker pairs
• Podcasting and live streaming
• External outboard gear and hardware routing
• Digital studio expansion through ADAT and S/PDIF
• MIDI-based production and hardware integration

Specifications

• Model: Scarlett 18i20 4th Generation
• Type: USB Audio Interface
• Simultaneous I/O: 26 x 26
• Microphone Preamps: 8
• Instrument Inputs: 2
• Line Inputs: 8
• Line Outputs: 10 balanced
• Headphone Outputs: 2
• ADAT: 2 inputs and 2 outputs, up to 16 channels at 44.1/48kHz and up to 8 channels at 88.2/96kHz
• S/PDIF: 1 input and 1 output
• MIDI: 1 input and 1 output
• Word Clock: 1 BNC output
• Talkback Microphone: Built-in
• Air Mode: Presence and Harmonic Drive
• Loopback: Yes
• Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Supported Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz
• Microphone Input Dynamic Range: 116dB A-weighted
• Line Input Dynamic Range: 115.5dB A-weighted
• Line Output Dynamic Range: 122dB A-weighted
• Microphone Preamp Gain: 69dB
• Instrument Input Gain: 62dB
• Instrument Input Impedance: 1MΩ
• Connectivity: USB Type-C, USB 2.0
• Power: External 30W power supply
• Form Factor: Desktop / 1U Rackmountable
• Dimensions: 442 × 260 × 47mm
• Weight: 3.3kg

What's Included

• Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Generation Audio Interface
• 19-inch Rack Ears
• 1.5m USB-C to USB-C Cable
• USB-C to USB-A Adapter
• Country-Specific IEC Power Cable
• Getting Started Information
• Important Safety Information Sheet

Why Choose the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Generation?

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Generation is built for studios that need extensive I/O without compromising on recording quality or workflow flexibility. Its eight high-quality preamps, 26-in/26-out architecture, ADAT expansion, MIDI, S/PDIF, Word Clock, dual headphone monitoring, talkback microphone, Air modes, Auto Gain, Clip Safe, and rackmountable design make it a comprehensive studio hub for demanding recording and production environments.