The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is Focusrite’s flagship Scarlett USB audio interface, designed for professional project studios, music production, recording, livestreaming, and complex audio workflows. Featuring eight 4th Generation microphone preamps, industry-leading 24-bit/192kHz conversion, advanced monitoring tools, and extensive analogue and digital I/O, the Scarlett 18i20 delivers studio-grade performance for demanding recording environments.
Key Features
18 inputs / 20 outputs USB audio interface
8 remote-controllable 4th Gen mic preamps
24-bit / 192kHz professional conversion
122dB dynamic range converters from Focusrite RedNet
Auto Gain and Clip Safe workflow tools
Re-engineered Air Mode with Presence & Harmonic Drive
ADAT, SPDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock connectivity
Dual custom headphone amplifiers
Built-in talkback microphone
A/B speaker switching
Focusrite Control 2 desktop and mobile app support
Professional Studio Connectivity
The Scarlett 18i20 is built for larger recording and production setups with extensive analogue and digital I/O including:
8 microphone preamps
Hi-Z instrument inputs
Multiple line inputs and outputs
ADAT expansion
SPDIF digital I/O
MIDI connectivity
Word Clock sync
Ideal for:
Recording bands
Drum tracking
Hybrid analogue studios
Podcast studios
Broadcast production
Livestreaming rigs
Theatre playback and recording systems
4th Generation Focusrite Mic Preamps
The redesigned Scarlett preamps deliver:
Up to 69dB of gain
Extremely low noise performance
High headroom for dynamic sources
Remote controllable gain adjustment
Detailed, transparent recording quality
Perfect for:
Studio condensers
Broadcast microphones
Dynamic microphones like SM7B
Drum recording
Orchestral capture
Audio Quality Beyond Its Class
Using converters derived from Focusrite’s flagship RedNet systems, the Scarlett 18i20 offers:
24-bit / 192kHz recording
122dB dynamic range
Exceptional clarity and detail
Professional studio-grade conversion
Ultra-low distortion playback
Designed for engineers who need accurate monitoring and premium recording quality.
Auto Gain & Clip Safe
Advanced workflow tools help simplify recording sessions:
Auto Gain automatically sets optimal recording levels
Clip Safe monitors levels up to 96,000 times per second
Automatically adjusts gain to prevent clipping
Reduces setup time during fast-paced sessions
Especially useful for:
Live recording
Theatre capture
Podcast production
Multi-mic sessions
Location recording
Re-Engineered Air Mode
Focusrite’s upgraded Air Mode adds:
Enhanced presence
Analog-style harmonic coloration
ISA console-inspired tone shaping
Improved vocal and acoustic instrument clarity
Perfect for:
Vocals
Acoustic guitar
Piano
Speech recording
Broadcast applications
Professional Monitoring Features
The Scarlett 18i20 includes advanced monitoring tools rarely found at this price point:
Built-in talkback microphone
A/B speaker switching
Independent headphone mixes
Assignable LED metering
Low-latency direct monitoring
Multiple monitor routing options
Ideal for:
Studio control rooms
Producer/artist monitoring
Multi-room recording setups
Expandable Studio Hub
With ADAT expansion, the Scarlett 18i20 can grow with your studio:
Add external preamps
Integrate digital mixers
Expand recording channel count
Connect external converters
Hybrid studio integration
Perfect as the centrepiece of a modern project studio.
Focusrite Control 2
Focusrite Control 2 software allows:
Flexible routing
Remote preamp control
Monitor mix creation
Mobile device control
Fast session setup
Available on:
macOS
Windows
iOS
Android
Included Software Bundle
Includes professional production software and plugins:
Pro Tools Artist
Ableton Live Lite
Auto-Tune Access
Addictive Keys
Addictive Drums 2
Native Instruments MASSIVE
Focusrite Red Plugin Suite
Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555
Relab LX480 Essentials
LANDR mastering tools
Ideal Applications
The Scarlett 18i20 is ideal for:
Professional project studios
Band recording
Drum tracking
Podcast studios
Livestream production
Theatre playback systems
Multi-room recording
Hybrid analogue/digital studios
Why Choose the Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen
Professional-grade studio connectivity
Exceptional converter quality
Advanced workflow automation tools
Expandable digital I/O
Premium monitoring features
Powerful software ecosystem
Industry-standard reliability and compatibility

