Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface (4th Generation)

Offering a powerful combination of user-friendliness and an array of workflow tools for recording, podcasting, and streaming, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (4th Generation) 18-in / 20-out USB-C audio/MIDI interface lets musicians, producers, and creators capture pristine audio on a Mac/Windows/Chromebook computer or USB-C iPad—with no learning curve. The 4th Generation model features eight ultralow-noise microphone preamps with up to 69 dB of gain to capture the full potential of your mics. The flagship, RedNet 24-bit / 192 kHz AD/DA converters provide a huge dynamic range up to 122 dB, matching the quality you'd find in a pro studio. The new Auto Gain mode automatically sets your recording level, and Clip Safe mode automatically prevents your signal from clipping, ensuring that every take is a keeper. The Loopback feature lets podcasters, gamers, YouTubers, and streamers mix audio from other apps running on the computer. Scarlett 18i20 is the perfect hub to integrate your DAW and hardware, with eight mic/line inputs, two instrument inputs, and ten line outputs, plus two ADAT I/O, S/PDIF I/O, and wordclock Out to connect external instruments, processors, and effects, and manage complex routing with incredible ease via Focusrite Control 2 software. Offering an onboard talkback mic for communication with talent, 8-channel LED bar-graph meters, dual headphone outputs with independent level controls, and speaker switching for dual-monitor setups, the 18i20 serves as a robust foundation for serious project studios that may require expansion in the future. The interface comes with production software including Pro Tools Artist, Ableton Live Lite, and a suite of instruments, processors, and effects. Huge, 4th-Generation 122 dB Dynamic Range Scarlett 18i20 4th Generation uses the same studio-grade converters as Focusrite’s flagship RedNet interfaces, found in countless high-end studios worldwide. Thanks to its high-performance via 24-bit / 192 kHz AD/DA converters that deliver a huge 122 dB of dynamic range, the Scarlett 18i20 is well equipped to capture any source from vocals to acoustic and electric instruments clearly and accurately, so you don't have to worry about the interface clouding your sound. Eight 4th-Generation Mic/Line Preamps with Air Mode With a huge 69 dB gain range, the eight upgraded 4th-generation Scarlett XLR mic preamps capture the sound of your microphones with enhanced transparency and full detail. Switchable 48V phantom power is onboard to accommodate your favorite condenser mics. The preamps can be controlled remotely from your computer via the Control 2 software. The selectable-per-channel Air Mode brings the bright and open sonic signature of a big studio console to your microphone preamps. Air Mode adds high-end presence and rich harmonic drive to vocals and instruments, reproducing the Air effect of Focusrite's original ISA mic preamp. Two Hi-Z Instrument Inputs + 10 Line Inputs The two 1/4" inputs on the Scarlett 18i20 4th Generation's front panel are specially designed to preserve the quality of your sound when connecting instruments with high impedance (Hi-Z) like electric guitars or basses—no need for a DI box or amplifier. At the press of a button, each 1/4" input can be used to input line-level sources, like a mixer's output or the line outs from guitar and bass amps. With six combo-XLR/1/4" line inputs on the back of the Scarlett 18i20, you can patch in line-level sources such as external mic preamps, an outboard mixer, or synthesizer sound modules while leaving the front-panel inputs free for direct connection of mics, instruments, or other line-level sources. 10 Line Outputs Four, balanced 1/4" line outputs on the rear panel enable you to connect two different monitor setups with independent mixes or patch your favorite outboard gear and effects into your DAW. 2 ADAT I/0 + S/PDIF I/O The two ADAT optical I/O enable you to record and playback up to eight more channels of audio at up to 96 kHz (four channels at 192 kHz), a perfect way to pipe in an external 8-channel mic preamp with an onboard A/D converter or send tracks digitally to a headphone distribution system or digital mixer. The S/PDIF stereo digital I/O is great for recording the output of a digital DJ mixer or an external mic preamp outfitted with an A/D converter and S/PDIF output. User-Friendly for Both Beginners and Experienced Creators The Scarlett 18i20 is designed to be user-friendly and offer a streamlined experience, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced audio enthusiasts. Plug in and tell Focusrite’s Easy Start tool how you want to use your Scarlett, and let it guide you through all the software and setup you need, with recording tips and other helpful content along the way. With the Scarlett 18i20's independent gain knobs and 8-channel LED bar-graph meters, you'll have no trouble dialing in the perfect levels. Plus, there are no menus or complicated controls to slow you down. Auto Gain—Let Scarlett Set Your Levels Hit the Auto Gain button and play for ten 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—Make Every Take a Keeper While you’re playing, Clip Safe is all ears. Checking your levels up to 96,000 times per second, Clip Safe will automatically adjust the gain if you’re at risk of clipping, ensuring that your recordings remain distortion-free even when performing at higher volumes. Two Independent Headphone Outs Two powerful, custom-designed headphone amps with a huge dynamic range sets the stage for loud, clear, and accurate playback and monitoring through any headphones. Separate knobs are provided for quick and independent adjustment of your speakers and headphone volumes. Take Control of your Mixes with Control 2 Software—Latency-Free Monitoring The Focusrite Control 2 software simplifies setting up routing, levels, monitor mixes, and other functions on the Scarlett 18i16, direct from your Mac/Windows computer. User-selectable direct routing and six internal mixers enable you to send audio wherever you need it. You can hear your live-input signal with no distracting echo or latency. Loopback for Podcasters, Gamers, YouTubers, Streamers Loopback lets you record other audio sources from within your computer (e.g., the audio output from a web browser) using the Scarlett's virtual stereo inputs, which have no physical connectors on the hardware interface itself but may be selected in the DAW as signal sources. Podcasters can use it to record guests via video call. Gamers can record gaming audio plus a mic separately. YouTubers can record a mic over a video. You can also combine computer audio with your mic for streaming. A/B Speaker Switching and Built-In Talkback Microphone The Alt button enables you to switch between 2 pairs of studio monitors. The convenient built-in talkback mic lets you communicate directly with musicians. 5-Pin DIN MIDI I/O On the Scarlett 18i20's back panel, you'll find traditional 5-pin MIDI I/O ports, perfect for hooking up a MIDI keyboard controller, a synthesizer/workstation, or a sound module, for MIDI recording, editing, and sequencing. Standalone Mode The Scarlett 18i20 4th Generation can work in standalone mode and still pass audio from the inputs to the outputs without the need for a computer. Avid® Pro Tools Intro+ for Focusrite 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. Industry-leading production software The 4th generation Scarlett comes with Pro Tools Intro+ for Focusrite, Ableton Live Lite, six months of FL Studio Producer Edition, and a whole host of software instruments, processors, effects, and royalty-free samples from some of the biggest names in the business. 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