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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen Audio Interface Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen Audio Interface
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Description
The ultimate Scarlett
Scarlett 18i20 is the industry-leading USB audio interface for project studios, with converters taken directly from Focusrite's flagship RedNet range. It features 18 inputs and 20 outputs including eight mic preamps, Hi-Z and line inputs, ADAT, SPDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock.
Capture everything
The 4th Generation preamps offer an impressive 69dB of headroom, so you can capture the most dynamic performances with high-quality results from any microphone. Two Hi-Z instrument and eight line inputs provide enough connectivity to keep your outboard patched in. Powerful outputs ensure clean, ultra-low distortion playback; plus, two brand new custom-designed headphone amps to drive high-impedance headphones with ease.
Audio quality beyond its class
Completely redesigned audio circuitry now includes the same professional-grade 24-bit, 192kHz converters as Focusrite's RedNet range - the choice of multi-million dollar recording studios and broadcast facilities - and boasts an impressive 122dB of dynamic range to capture everything from a whisper to a jet engine.
Air: That big console sound
Re-engineered Air mode takes your sound's unique character and brings it to the front of the mix, adding musical presence or rich harmonic drive to vocals and acoustic instruments; replicating the sound of driving a classic studio console.
Auto Gain: Work faster
Scarlett 18i20 has unique workflow tools that benefit engineers of all experience levels. With Auto Gain, in just a few seconds, Scarlett will set the perfect level for whatever you're recording. Set usable levels for multiple microphones instantly, so you can get complex sessions up and running quickly.
Clip Safe: Never lose a take
As you record, Clip Safe checks your levels up to 96,000 times a second, automatically tweaking the gain to avoid clipping, so you avoid introducing any unwanted artefacts from hard limiting. Clip Safe means you'll never lose a take; especially in high-pressure environments such as location recording and live shows.
Talkback and monitoring tools
The 18i20 features a built-in talkback mic, A/B speaker switching for instant referencing on different monitors, and eight channels of LED bar metering which can be assigned to inputs or outputs, as well as master output metering.
Control your mixes with desktop and mobile apps
The Focusrite Control 2 software takes care of setting up routing, levels, monitor mixes, and all other functions on 18i20. It's fast and simple to operate; and in addition to the desktop application, the iOS and Android Focusrite Control 2 apps enables engineers and performers to adjust monitor mixes and mic pre gains - Scarlett's preamps are remote controllable - away from the computer in the live room.
Industry-leading production software
The 4th generation Scarlett 18i20 comes with Ableton Live Lite, three months of Splice Sounds, and a whole host of software instruments, processors, and effects from some of the biggest names in the business. Discover some of the best-loved studio tools on the planet for writing, recording, mixing, and mastering.
Focusrite's Easy Start web tool will get 18i20 up and running with zero effort, helping you locate the drivers, take you through the installation process, and direct you towards the included software.
18 inputs and 20 outputs; including eight mic preamps, line, instrument, and MIDI I/O
Fully equipped for demanding project studios with ADAT, SPDIF, and Word Clock I/O
4th Gen pre-amps with 69dB of gain
The legendary preamps now have even more gain and are remote controllable
Auto Gain and Clip Safe modes
18i20 can automatically manage levels so engineers can focus on capturing the performance
Re-engineered Air mode with Presence and Harmonic Drive
Analogue circuitry and onboard DSP that emulates the sound of studio consoles and the classic ISA
Low latency monitoring
Direct routing and six internal mixers to send audio wherever you need to in super-low latency
24-bit, 192 kHz conversion with 122dB of dynamic range
The same AD/DA converters as Focusrite's flagship RedNet range
Focusrite Control 2 software and mobile app
Instantly set up mixes and manage levels on your computer, or remotely from a mobile device
Two powerful custom-designed headphone amps
Engineer and artist can independently monitor with high-quality playback on any headphones
A/B speaker switching and built-in talkback microphone
Essential features for serious project studios with multiple monitor rigs and control rooms
Dynamic metering for input and outputs
Get instant visual indication of your input and output levels from the hardware
Included production software
Comes with Ableton Live Lite and a suite of instruments, processors, and effects
Easy Start tool
Get up and running immediately with Focusrite's driver installation and getting started tool
Focusrite excited to announce that Cubase LE, Steinberg's compact DAW based on the same core technologies as Cubase Pro, is now included with all Scarlett 3rd Gen and 4th Gen interfaces.
Cubase LE is packed with all the essential tools needed to record, edit, and mix professional sounding tracks, from powerful instruments like HALion Sonic and Groove Agent to 28 different VST effects and more than 20 GB of loops and samples. It supports up to 16 audio tracks, eight instrument tracks, and 24 MIDI tracks for external instruments.
New and existing owners of qualifying Scarlett interfaces can download Cubase LE from their Focusrite account after registering their hardware.
Cubase LE Features• Up to 16 audio tracks and 24 MIDI tracks: Start creating right away with enough channels for all your ideas
• Virtual instruments included: HALion Sonic delivers a vast library and flexible sound engine, while Groove Agent helps you craft beats in any genre
• Includes 20+ GB of loops and samples: Explore inspiring starting points for any genre
• 28 audio VST effect processors: From EQ and compression to reverb and amp simulation
• MixConsole: Bring your sound together with dedicated tools for precision mixing
• Handy composition tools: Spark ideas and build progressions with Chord Pads and the Chord Track
• Audio and MIDI editing tools: Shape melodies, beats, and arrangements with intuitive editors for both MIDI and audio
- Phantom Power: Yes (Independent)
- Instrument Inputs: 2
- Line Inputs: 8
- Air Mode: Yes
- Auto Gain: Yes
- Clip Safe: Yes
- Line Outputs: 10
- Headphone Outputs: 2
- ADAT Inputs: 2
- ADAT Outputs: 2
- SPDIF Input: 1
- SPDIF Output: 1
- MIDI Input: 1
- MIDI Output: 1
- Talkback: Yes
- Loopback: Yes
- Connectivity: USB Type-C
- Protocol: USB 2.0
- Form Factor: Desktop
- Simultaneous I/O: 20 x 24 (including Loopback)
- A/D Resolution: 24-bit/192 kHz
- Bus Powered: No
Pro Tools Intro+ provides essential audio and MIDI tools needed for any kind of music production, plus a curated selection of over 80 effects and instrument plugins.
Ableton Live Lite
The iconic DAW gives you everything you need to get started including instruments, effects and Live's trademark clip and scene launching for taking ideas further or performances.
Cubase LE
Cubase LE is ready to meet the demands of high-quality songwriting and production projects with up to 16 audio tracks, 24 MIDI tracks for external instruments, and eight instrument tracks.
Splice Sounds
Three months Splice Sounds membership with new Splice accounts - offering millions of high-quality, royalty-free one-shots, loops, and presets, with new releases daily.
Hitmaker Expansion
Create studio-quality vocals, powerful guitars, dramatic synths, and huge drums, then mix and master with iconic Focusrite studio hardware - all in the box.
- IEC Cable
- USB Cable
- Rack Ears are included
Scarlett 18i20 is the industry-leading USB audio interface for project studios, with converters taken directly from Focusrite's flagship RedNet range. It features 18 inputs and 20 outputs including eight mic preamps, Hi-Z and line inputs, ADAT, SPDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock.
Capture everything
The 4th Generation preamps offer an impressive 69dB of headroom, so you can capture the most dynamic performances with high-quality results from any microphone. Two Hi-Z instrument and eight line inputs provide enough connectivity to keep your outboard patched in. Powerful outputs ensure clean, ultra-low distortion playback; plus, two brand new custom-designed headphone amps to drive high-impedance headphones with ease.
Audio quality beyond its class
Completely redesigned audio circuitry now includes the same professional-grade 24-bit, 192kHz converters as Focusrite's RedNet range - the choice of multi-million dollar recording studios and broadcast facilities - and boasts an impressive 122dB of dynamic range to capture everything from a whisper to a jet engine.
Air: That big console sound
Re-engineered Air mode takes your sound's unique character and brings it to the front of the mix, adding musical presence or rich harmonic drive to vocals and acoustic instruments; replicating the sound of driving a classic studio console.
Auto Gain: Work faster
Scarlett 18i20 has unique workflow tools that benefit engineers of all experience levels. With Auto Gain, in just a few seconds, Scarlett will set the perfect level for whatever you're recording. Set usable levels for multiple microphones instantly, so you can get complex sessions up and running quickly.
Clip Safe: Never lose a take
As you record, Clip Safe checks your levels up to 96,000 times a second, automatically tweaking the gain to avoid clipping, so you avoid introducing any unwanted artefacts from hard limiting. Clip Safe means you'll never lose a take; especially in high-pressure environments such as location recording and live shows.
Talkback and monitoring tools
The 18i20 features a built-in talkback mic, A/B speaker switching for instant referencing on different monitors, and eight channels of LED bar metering which can be assigned to inputs or outputs, as well as master output metering.
Control your mixes with desktop and mobile apps
The Focusrite Control 2 software takes care of setting up routing, levels, monitor mixes, and all other functions on 18i20. It's fast and simple to operate; and in addition to the desktop application, the iOS and Android Focusrite Control 2 apps enables engineers and performers to adjust monitor mixes and mic pre gains - Scarlett's preamps are remote controllable - away from the computer in the live room.
Industry-leading production software
The 4th generation Scarlett 18i20 comes with Ableton Live Lite, three months of Splice Sounds, and a whole host of software instruments, processors, and effects from some of the biggest names in the business. Discover some of the best-loved studio tools on the planet for writing, recording, mixing, and mastering.
Focusrite's Easy Start web tool will get 18i20 up and running with zero effort, helping you locate the drivers, take you through the installation process, and direct you towards the included software.
18 inputs and 20 outputs; including eight mic preamps, line, instrument, and MIDI I/O
Fully equipped for demanding project studios with ADAT, SPDIF, and Word Clock I/O
4th Gen pre-amps with 69dB of gain
The legendary preamps now have even more gain and are remote controllable
Auto Gain and Clip Safe modes
18i20 can automatically manage levels so engineers can focus on capturing the performance
Re-engineered Air mode with Presence and Harmonic Drive
Analogue circuitry and onboard DSP that emulates the sound of studio consoles and the classic ISA
Low latency monitoring
Direct routing and six internal mixers to send audio wherever you need to in super-low latency
24-bit, 192 kHz conversion with 122dB of dynamic range
The same AD/DA converters as Focusrite's flagship RedNet range
Focusrite Control 2 software and mobile app
Instantly set up mixes and manage levels on your computer, or remotely from a mobile device
Two powerful custom-designed headphone amps
Engineer and artist can independently monitor with high-quality playback on any headphones
A/B speaker switching and built-in talkback microphone
Essential features for serious project studios with multiple monitor rigs and control rooms
Dynamic metering for input and outputs
Get instant visual indication of your input and output levels from the hardware
Included production software
Comes with Ableton Live Lite and a suite of instruments, processors, and effects
Easy Start tool
Get up and running immediately with Focusrite's driver installation and getting started tool
Cubase LE is now included with Scarlett interfaces
Focusrite excited to announce that Cubase LE, Steinberg's compact DAW based on the same core technologies as Cubase Pro, is now included with all Scarlett 3rd Gen and 4th Gen interfaces.
Cubase LE is packed with all the essential tools needed to record, edit, and mix professional sounding tracks, from powerful instruments like HALion Sonic and Groove Agent to 28 different VST effects and more than 20 GB of loops and samples. It supports up to 16 audio tracks, eight instrument tracks, and 24 MIDI tracks for external instruments.
New and existing owners of qualifying Scarlett interfaces can download Cubase LE from their Focusrite account after registering their hardware.
Cubase LE Features• Up to 16 audio tracks and 24 MIDI tracks: Start creating right away with enough channels for all your ideas
• Virtual instruments included: HALion Sonic delivers a vast library and flexible sound engine, while Groove Agent helps you craft beats in any genre
• Includes 20+ GB of loops and samples: Explore inspiring starting points for any genre
• 28 audio VST effect processors: From EQ and compression to reverb and amp simulation
• MixConsole: Bring your sound together with dedicated tools for precision mixing
• Handy composition tools: Spark ideas and build progressions with Chord Pads and the Chord Track
• Audio and MIDI editing tools: Shape melodies, beats, and arrangements with intuitive editors for both MIDI and audio
Specifications
- Number of Microphone Preamps: 8- Phantom Power: Yes (Independent)
- Instrument Inputs: 2
- Line Inputs: 8
- Air Mode: Yes
- Auto Gain: Yes
- Clip Safe: Yes
- Line Outputs: 10
- Headphone Outputs: 2
- ADAT Inputs: 2
- ADAT Outputs: 2
- SPDIF Input: 1
- SPDIF Output: 1
- MIDI Input: 1
- MIDI Output: 1
- Talkback: Yes
- Loopback: Yes
- Connectivity: USB Type-C
- Protocol: USB 2.0
- Form Factor: Desktop
- Simultaneous I/O: 20 x 24 (including Loopback)
- A/D Resolution: 24-bit/192 kHz
- Bus Powered: No
Included Software
Avid® Pro Tools Intro+ for FocusritePro Tools Intro+ provides essential audio and MIDI tools needed for any kind of music production, plus a curated selection of over 80 effects and instrument plugins.
Ableton Live Lite
The iconic DAW gives you everything you need to get started including instruments, effects and Live's trademark clip and scene launching for taking ideas further or performances.
Cubase LE
Cubase LE is ready to meet the demands of high-quality songwriting and production projects with up to 16 audio tracks, 24 MIDI tracks for external instruments, and eight instrument tracks.
Splice Sounds
Three months Splice Sounds membership with new Splice accounts - offering millions of high-quality, royalty-free one-shots, loops, and presets, with new releases daily.
Hitmaker Expansion
Create studio-quality vocals, powerful guitars, dramatic synths, and huge drums, then mix and master with iconic Focusrite studio hardware - all in the box.
What's In The Box
- Scarlett 18i20- IEC Cable
- USB Cable
- Rack Ears are included
Q & A
There are currently no questions for this product.
Reviews
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4.1/ 5 4 Reviews
5 StarsGreat upgrade - working flawlessly with M1 Mac
0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Calgary Seton, Alberta
I finally upgraded from an obsolete firewire interface. This has ADAT, so I used the old unit to get more headphone outputs. Did some recording sessions, and every musician was able to control their own mix with the app.
Speaking of the app, the only issue I have with it is that I'd like it to remember which mix it was last using, so musicians don't need to navigate to their own monitor mix each session. The auto-gain functionality doesn't work the way I would like. It backs the gain off too much to get a good signal. So I do that manually. Not a show-stopper for me, but I had high hopes before I bought this unit that it would magically work somehow.
I use a Mac. It looks like Windows folks don't have as much luck with this. I have had no issues regarding the basic functionality I use it for: live multi-track audio I/O. No glitches or drop-outs.
Speaking of the app, the only issue I have with it is that I'd like it to remember which mix it was last using, so musicians don't need to navigate to their own monitor mix each session. The auto-gain functionality doesn't work the way I would like. It backs the gain off too much to get a good signal. So I do that manually. Not a show-stopper for me, but I had high hopes before I bought this unit that it would magically work somehow.
I use a Mac. It looks like Windows folks don't have as much luck with this. I have had no issues regarding the basic functionality I use it for: live multi-track audio I/O. No glitches or drop-outs.
Posted by Tony the Tech on Jun 21, 2026
Amazing Interface
0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Hamilton, Ontario
I bought this from my Hamilton location and this interface blows me away in every aspect. The outputs are all programable with Focusrite Control 2 App, and their technical service is amazing compared to any other manufacturer I've dealt with. his unit exceeds my expectations. It pairs well also with the ADAT8200 by Behringer. It's the perfect fit for my home studio.
Posted by Andy on Jun 26, 2025
Addendum to my earlier review of 26 February
2 of 3 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I've tried it
Closest Store Edmonton Whyte, Alberta
The Scarlett 18i20 is most likely great when you work within the MacOS environment. But Windows drivers are horrible. If you are lucky, you'll have a superior interface. If you are unlucky, like so many of us Windows users, you'll experience constant headaches with accidental drop-outs, interrupted recording sessions and the like. Too bad because the interface's preamps sound crisp and clear. However, autogain is an iffy affair quite often taxing your patience, lighting indicators are misleading because of their gradient nature (and hence very unreliable), internal settings are irritating (non-ASIO I/Os hidden by default). All in all too much hassle. I returned the Scarlett and replaced by the truly amazing SSL 12 (Solid State Logic's Windows drivers are just fabulous, second to none).
Posted by Piotr on Apr 11, 2025
Wonderful interface unworthy of buying
3 of 4 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Edmonton Whyte, Alberta
Zero stars. This is very good product in terms of its performance - when it works. But Focusrite is known (infamous) for its extremely poor drivers. There are hundreds upon hundreds reports on frequent and random disconnections - and they are true. Can you imagine a recording session or a life performance interrupted randomly? Horror! Avoid stress by investing in an interface made by someone else. So, all in all it is garbage. It really is. Returning this interface and swapping it for a non-Focusrite one.
Posted by Piotr on Feb 26, 2025
Available In Gear Hunter
Sale Price: $699.00
Store Location: Ontario, Cambridge, 175 Beverly Street, N1R 7Y9
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (519) 622-1970
Rental rates
This product is normally available for rental. Please contact your preferred location for further information.
1 Day from $30.00
1 Week $45.00
1 Month $90.00
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen Audio Interface | 812098 |
