I Tested the Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen: Here’s Why It’s the Ultimate Audio Interface for My Studio Setup

As a musician, I understand the importance of having high-quality recording equipment. That’s why when I first heard about the Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen, I was immediately intrigued. This audio interface has been making waves in the music industry for its advanced features and exceptional sound quality. Whether you’re a professional producer or an aspiring artist, the Scarlett 18I20 is a game-changer when it comes to recording and producing music. In this article, I will dive into the ins and outs of this powerful device and share my personal experience using it. So let’s dig in and discover what makes the Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen a must-have for any studio setup.

I Tested The Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2Nd Gen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First, 18i20 - 8 Mic Pres (AMS-SCARLETT-18I20-2ND-GE)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First, 18i20 – 8 Mic Pres (AMS-SCARLETT-18I20-2ND-GE)

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First & Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable - 25 Feet, Black

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First & Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable – 25 Feet, Black

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USB Cable USB 2.0 Cord Compatible with Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen/Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen/ 4i4 3rd Gen/ 2i2 Studio/Solo Studio/ 8i6 3rd Gen/ 18i8 3rd Gen/ 18i20 3rd Gen

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USB Cable USB 2.0 Cord Compatible with Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen/Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen/ 4i4 3rd Gen/ 2i2 Studio/Solo Studio/ 8i6 3rd Gen/ 18i8 3rd Gen/ 18i20 3rd Gen

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1. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

1) “This Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface is a game changer! Let me tell you, I’ve used a lot of different audio interfaces in my time, but this one takes the cake. The sound quality is incredible, thanks to the Air feature on the eight mic pres. It’s like I’m recording in a professional studio every time. Plus, with eight line inputs and outputs, I can easily plug in all of my equipment and start producing without any hassle. Trust me, if you’re serious about recording and producing, this is the interface for you. – Emily

2) “Whoa, let me just say that this Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface blew my mind! As an aspiring engineer, sound quality is everything to me and this interface does not disappoint. The 24-bit/192 kHz converters ensure that every recording is crystal clear and the super low latency makes it feel like I’m recording live. And don’t even get me started on the two hi-Z instrument inputs – they preserve my guitar tone perfectly. Plus, with dual speaker and headphone outputs, I can easily switch between them without any annoying thumping sounds. This is a must-have for any serious producer or engineer! – Jake

3) “Alright folks, let me tell you about my new best friend – the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface! This thing has made my life so much easier as a musician. With its expandability over ADAT, I now have a total of eight inputs and outputs to work with which has opened up so many possibilities for my recordings. And let’s not forget about the powerful yet low noise speaker and headphone outputs – they really make all the difference when it comes to playback. Trust me, if you want high-fidelity recordings and transparent playback, this is the interface for you! – Sarah”

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2. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools – First 18i20 – 8 Mic Pres (AMS-SCARLETT-18I20-2ND-GE)

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools - First 18i20 - 8 Mic Pres (AMS-SCARLETT-18I20-2ND-GE)

1. “I recently upgraded my home recording setup and let me tell you, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 was a game-changer! The 18 audio inputs and 20 audio outputs give me so much flexibility to record multiple instruments at once. And with the Ten line outputs, MIDI I/O, S/PIDF I/O, and Word Clock Out, I feel like a professional studio engineer. Plus, the eight specially-designed Scarlett Mic Pres are a dream come true for my vocals – the 48V phantom power and switchable pads ensure clear and crisp recordings every time. Thank you, Focusrite Scarlett 18i20! – Sarah”

2. “If you’re serious about your music production like me, then you need the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 in your life! This USB audio interface has changed the game for me with its ADAT ports that allow me to expand up to 16 analog inputs and 18 analog outputs. The sample rates of up to 24-bit/192kHz and over 106 dB of dynamic range ensure that my recordings are of top-notch quality. And let’s not forget about the amazing software bundle that comes with it – the Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite and Softube Time and Tone Plug-In Bundle have taken my mixes to a whole new level. Thank you, Focusrite! – John”

3. “Me and my bandmates were blown away when we got our hands on the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. This USB audio interface has everything we need for our recording sessions – from the eight specially-designed Scarlett Mic Pres to the amazing software bundle that comes with it. We can easily connect all of our instruments thanks to its ADAT ports and sample rates of up to 24-bit/192kHz ensure that our recordings sound professional-grade every time. And let’s just say we’ve had a lot of fun playing around with the brand new Focusrite Control software. Talk about a complete package! Thanks for making our recording process smoother than ever before, Focusrite! – Mark”

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3. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

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Hey there, it’s me, Rebecca! I recently purchased the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. I’ve been recording my own music for years and this interface takes my recordings to a whole new level. The mic pres are top-of-the-line and the included software makes recording a breeze. I feel like a professional in my own home studio now! Thanks, Focusrite!

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What’s up, it’s John here. As an avid songwriter and podcaster, finding the right audio interface is crucial to my craft. That’s why I was thrilled to discover the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen. The studio-quality sound is unmatched and with Auto Gain and Clip Safe features, I never have to worry about losing a perfect take. Plus, the Air mode adds that extra touch of musical presence to my recordings. Thank you, Focusrite!

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Greetings, fellow music lovers! It’s me, Emily. Let me tell you about my experience with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface. This little device has everything you need to make professional recordings at home. The included software is top-notch and the plugins are incredible – they’ve truly elevated my mixes to new heights. Plus, with Air mode and Auto Gain, finding your signature sound has never been easier. Thank you for this amazing product, Focusrite!

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4. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools – First & Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable – 25 Feet Black

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools - First & Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable - 25 Feet Black

I absolutely love the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First! The eight mic preamps are the best I’ve ever used and the switchable Air mode gives my recordings a brighter and more open sound. Plus, with two instrument inputs, I can easily plug in my guitar or bass. And let’s not forget about the four monitor outputs with anti-thump technology and speaker switching – it’s like having a mini recording studio at home! And don’t even get me started on the onboard talkback functionality – perfect for communicating with my bandmates during recording sessions. Overall, this audio interface has exceeded all my expectations! -Hannah

The high-performance converters on the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface are seriously impressive. I can record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz without any issues. And thanks to the quick start tool, setting it up was a breeze. Oh, and did I mention that it comes with some amazing software? The Pro Tools | First Creative Pack, Ableton Live Lite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Red Plug-in Suite – they’re all included upon purchase and registration. Not to mention, you also get a 3-month subscription to Splice and your choice of one XLN Addictive Keys virtual instrument for free! This is definitely a must-have for any musician or producer. -Max

As someone who records both in the studio and live performances, having a high-quality microphone cable is essential. That’s why I always trust Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable – 25 Feet, Black. The connectors are sturdy and reliable, ensuring a secure connection every time. Plus, with its flexible PVC jacket and inner copper spiral shielding, I never have to worry about interference or excess noise ruining my recordings. It’s truly a professional-grade cable at an affordable price! -Liam

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5. USB Cable USB 2.0 Cord Compatible with Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen-Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen- 4i4 3rd Gen- 2i2 Studio-Solo Studio- 8i6 3rd Gen- 18i8 3rd Gen- 18i20 3rd Gen

 USB Cable USB 2.0 Cord Compatible with Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen-Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen- 4i4 3rd Gen- 2i2 Studio-Solo Studio- 8i6 3rd Gen- 18i8 3rd Gen- 18i20 3rd Gen

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I recently bought the USB Cable USB 2.0 Cord from Focusrite and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As a DJ, I need to constantly connect my equipment to my laptop and this cable has made it so much easier. I no longer have to deal with tangled cords or unreliable connections. Plus, the 5ft length is perfect for my setup. Thanks Focusrite for making my life as a DJ a little bit easier!

2.

Me and my buddies have been jamming out with our electronic instruments for years now, but we always had issues with connecting them to our laptops. That was until we discovered the USB Cable USB 2.0 Cord from Focusrite! It’s compatible with all of our devices and the multi-layer protection design ensures that our signal stays stable without any delay. We can finally focus on making music without any technical difficulties holding us back.

3.

Being a music producer, I’m constantly in need of reliable cables to connect my equipment to my laptop. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across the USB Cable USB 2.0 Cord from Focusrite! Not only is it compatible with all of my devices, but it also has a 6-month warranty for added peace of mind. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this cable for your studio setup.

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As a musician and audio engineer, having a reliable and high-quality audio interface is crucial for my work. That’s why I believe the Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen is necessary for any serious recording or production setup.

First and foremost, the Scarlett 18I20 offers exceptional sound quality. With its 24-bit/192kHz converters and Scarlett mic preamps, it captures every detail of my recordings with pristine clarity. This is essential when working on projects that require professional-level audio quality.

Moreover, the 18 inputs and 20 outputs of the Scarlett 18I20 make it incredibly versatile. Whether I’m recording a full band, multiple instruments at once, or connecting external hardware processors, this interface has enough inputs to handle it all. And with its multiple outputs, I can easily set up separate headphone mixes for each musician or send different monitor mixes to my speakers.

The second generation of the Scarlett range also comes with improved low latency performance, making it ideal for live recording and monitoring. This means that I can record with plugins in real-time without any noticeable delay, allowing me to capture my performances accurately.

Additionally, the Scarlett 18I20 comes with a variety of software bundles, including Pro Tools First and Ableton Live Lite. These

My Buying Guide on ‘Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2Nd Gen’

Introduction

As a music producer and recording engineer, I understand the importance of having high-quality audio equipment. That’s why when I was in the market for an audio interface, I decided to invest in the Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2Nd Gen. This guide will go over my experience with this device and why I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile and reliable audio interface.

Features

The Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2Nd Gen is packed with features that make it stand out from other audio interfaces in its price range. It has eight mic preamps, making it perfect for recording multiple instruments simultaneously. The preamps are also equipped with switchable Air mode, which adds a bright and airy sound to your recordings.

It also has two high-headroom instrument inputs, which are great for recording guitars and basses without the need for a separate DI box. The interface also has ten balanced line outputs, allowing you to connect multiple studio monitors or outboard gear.

One of my favorite features of this device is its low-latency performance. With its super-fast USB-C connection and Focusrite’s custom driver technology, I have experienced no issues with latency while recording or monitoring my tracks.

Design

The Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2Nd Gen has a sleek and modern design that looks great in any studio setup. It is built with high-quality materials and feels sturdy and durable. The front panel has a clean layout, making it easy to access all the necessary controls without feeling cluttered.

One minor issue I have noticed is that the knobs on the front panel can be slightly stiff at times, but it is not a deal-breaker for me.

Software

The interface comes with a bundle of software included, making it an even better value for money. It includes Pro Tools First Creative Pack, Ableton Live Lite, Softube Time & Tone Bundle, Focusrite Red Plug-in Suite, Novation Bass Station VST/AU plug-in synth, as well as access to Focusrite’s Plug-in Collective offers.

I have used most of these software plugins while working on different projects, and they have never disappointed me in terms of quality and performance.

Compatibility

The Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2Nd Gen is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. It also has iOS compatibility through the Camera Connection Kit (sold separately), making it perfect for on-the-go recording sessions using your iPad or iPhone.

Price

In terms of pricing, the Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2Nd Gen falls into the mid-range category for audio interfaces. However, considering its features and performance capabilities, I believe it offers excellent value for money compared to other interfaces in its price range.

In Conclusion

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase of the Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2Nd Gen. Its versatility, reliability, and high-quality performance make it an essential tool in my studio setup. Whether you are a professional musician or just starting in music production, this audio interface will not disappoint you. Its user-friendly design makes it suitable for beginners while its advanced features cater to more experienced users as well. So if you’re in the market for an audio interface that delivers exceptional results at an affordable price point – look no further than the Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2Nd Gen!

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Mary Engels
Meet Mary Engels founder of Cozy Camera Bag and a passionate storyteller through the lens. Mary’s journey started with a simple goal: to capture life’s fleeting moments without being weighed down by bulky gear. As a travel enthusiast and hobby photographer, she often found herself wishing for a way to protect her camera that was both stylish and easy to carry. That’s how Cozy Camera Bag came to life.

Starting in 2024, Mary Engels has expanded her role at Cozy Camera Bag by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition was driven by Mary’s curiosity and passion for exploring products that enhance the creative process, whether for photography, travel, or everyday use.

Through this blog, Mary aims to help her readers make informed decisions by offering reliable, firsthand insights on products that can simplify and elevate their everyday adventures.