Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Generation USB Audio Interface

Overview

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Generation is a versatile 18-in, 16-out USB audio interface designed as a complete studio hub for producers, musicians, engineers, and content creators. With four ultra-low-noise mic/line preamps, two instrument inputs, eight line inputs, flexible digital connectivity, MIDI, and high-quality 24-bit/192kHz conversion, it provides the connections and audio quality needed for recording, mixing, production, and expanded studio setups.

Key Features

• Four ultra-low-noise mic/line preamps with up to 69dB of gain
• Two instrument inputs for guitars, basses, and other high-impedance instruments
• Eight analogue line inputs for synths, keyboards, drum machines, and outboard gear
• Two Air preamp modes: Presence and Harmonic Drive
• Auto Gain for fast and consistent recording levels
• Clip Safe automatically adjusts gain to help prevent unwanted clipping
• 122dB dynamic range on line outputs for detailed, high-quality audio
• Two independent headphone outputs and two headphone mixes
• Four balanced line outputs with Alt speaker switching
• MIDI, S/PDIF, and ADAT connectivity for flexible studio expansion
• Loopback for streaming, podcasting, and software audio routing
• USB-C connectivity with up to 20 x 18 simultaneous I/O including Loopback
• 24-bit/192kHz audio resolution
• Remote preamp and monitoring control with Focusrite Control 2
• Includes Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion

Four Ultra-Low-Noise Preamps

Record vocals, microphones, and instruments with four detailed Scarlett microphone preamps offering up to 69dB of gain. The inputs provide the clean, flexible amplification needed for everything from sensitive microphones to higher-output sources, while independent phantom power supports compatible condenser microphones.

Air Presence and Harmonic Drive

Give your recordings additional character with two Air modes. Air Presence adds enhanced high-frequency clarity, while Air Presence & Harmonic Drive introduces additional harmonic character for a more engaging sound. These modes can be controlled from the interface or through Focusrite Control 2.

Auto Gain and Clip Safe

Spend less time adjusting input levels and more time recording. Auto Gain helps establish suitable recording levels quickly, while Clip Safe automatically adjusts gain when your signal approaches clipping, helping protect important takes from unwanted distortion.

Flexible Analogue Connectivity

The Scarlett 18i16 provides four front-panel Neutrik combo inputs for microphone, line, and instrument sources, plus four additional rear-panel line inputs. This makes it easy to connect microphones, guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, grooveboxes, drum machines, and other studio equipment. Four balanced line outputs provide connections for studio monitors and external hardware.

Expandable Digital I/O

Expand your recording setup through ADAT, S/PDIF, and MIDI. ADAT connectivity allows compatible digital equipment to add more input channels, while S/PDIF provides convenient digital stereo I/O. MIDI input and output make the 18i16 suitable for hardware synthesizers, controllers, drum machines, and other MIDI equipment.

Independent Headphone Monitoring

Two independent headphone outputs make the Scarlett 18i16 well suited to recording sessions involving multiple performers. Create separate headphone mixes so musicians can monitor what they need while the engineer maintains control of the main studio mix.

Alt Speaker Switching

Connect two pairs of studio monitors and switch between them using the Alt speaker switching feature. This provides a convenient way to compare mixes across different monitoring systems during production and mixing.

Focusrite Control 2

Focusrite Control 2 provides intuitive control over routing, monitoring, preamp settings, and other interface functions. The Scarlett 18i16 can also be controlled remotely using the Focusrite Control 2 mobile app, giving you greater flexibility when working around the studio.

High-Quality Recording and Loopback

With 24-bit/192kHz conversion and up to 122dB dynamic range on the line outputs, the Scarlett 18i16 delivers detailed audio for professional recording and mixing workflows. Loopback adds convenient software-routing capabilities for streaming, podcasting, online content creation, and recording computer audio alongside microphones or instruments.

Included Software

The Scarlett 18i16 includes a comprehensive software package to help you start producing immediately. The bundle includes Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, Cubase LE, and the Hitmaker Expansion collection, providing a selection of instruments, effects, and production tools for recording and music creation.

Typical Uses

• Home and project studio recording
• Professional music production and mixing
• Multi-microphone recording sessions
• Recording guitars, vocals, keyboards, synths, and electronic instruments
• Podcasting and live streaming
• Electronic music production with hardware instruments
• Studio monitoring with multiple speaker pairs
• Expanded digital recording systems using ADAT or S/PDIF
• MIDI-based production and hardware integration

Specifications

• Model: Scarlett 18i16 4th Generation
• Type: USB Audio Interface
• Simultaneous I/O: 20 x 18 including Loopback
• Microphone Preamps: 4
• Instrument Inputs: 2
• Line Inputs: 8
• Line Outputs: 4 balanced
• Headphone Outputs: 2 independent
• ADAT: 1 input, 1 output
• S/PDIF: 1 input, 1 output
• MIDI: 1 input, 1 output
• Air Mode: Presence and Harmonic Drive
• Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz
• Resolution: 24-bit
• Microphone Input Dynamic Range: 116dB A-weighted
• Line Output Dynamic Range: 122dB A-weighted
• Mic Preamp Gain Range: 69dB
• Instrument Input Gain Range: 62dB
• Instrument Input Impedance: 1MΩ
• Connectivity: USB Type-C, USB 2.0
• Loopback: Yes
• Bus Powered: Yes, USB 3A
• External Power Supply: 15W USB-C
• Dimensions: 240 × 169.4 × 60.5mm
• Weight: 1.494kg

What's Included

• Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Generation Audio Interface
• 1.5m USB-C to USB-C Cable
• USB-C 5V, 3A, 15W Power Adapter
• Getting Started Information
• Important Safety Information Sheet

Why Choose the Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Generation?

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Generation combines four high-quality microphone preamps, flexible analogue and digital connectivity, professional monitoring features, and powerful software integration in a compact desktop interface. Its expandable I/O, independent headphone mixes, Auto Gain, Clip Safe, Air modes, MIDI, ADAT, S/PDIF, and Loopback make it a flexible choice for modern recording studios, producers, musicians, streamers, and content creators.