Focusrite's Scarlett 18i20 3rd Generation is a rugged, rack-mountable USB audio interface with comprehensive simultaneous inputs and outputs, featuring a total of eight mic preamps, 18 inputs and 20 outputs. In addition to easy setup, this 19" audio interface boasts superior sound quality, talkback functionality and built-in speaker circuitry, while various enhancements - including A-D and D-A conversion - deliver even better results and nuanced recording and playback at up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
Also on board are eight superior third-generation Scarlett mic preamps. What's special is that an optional Air mode can be added to reproduce the Air effect of the original ISA mic preamp, if required. This can lead to a more open and brighter sounding result. Furthermore, a pad on each mic pre amp makes higher signal levels possible without clipping. The two instrument inputs on the front panel provide plenty of headroom and allow guitar and bass recordings without clipping or unwanted distortion.
Not to mention the virtual loopback inputs for recording stereo feeds to make podcasting, live streaming and sampling possible.
But the list goes on!
In general, all users of the Scarlett series benefit from improved audio performance. The 3rd generation Scarlett microphone preamps are currently the Scarlett preamps with the best sound. They deliver not only high gain but also low noise levels for stereo recording at high demands. Also, the industry-leading 24-bit/192 kHz AD-DA converters take performance to a new
The revamped mic preamps can emulate the Air effect of Focusrite's original ISA mic preamp on demand, giving your vocal and acoustic recordings a more transparent sound.
On board is a so-called QuickStart tool from Focusrite, which guides the customer through the registration and setup of software and drivers.
Latency is one of the most common problems when recording, so the USB drivers have been reworked once again. Now you can record and listen to songs in real time, while adding even more plug-ins than before.
As in previous generations, every Scarlett product comes with a software package to get you started right away. This time the following goodies are included:
Focusrite introduces a new partnership with Splice, giving 3rd generation customers 3 months free access to countless royalty-free, high-quality samples,
A Splice Sounds subscription includes:
⦁ 100 credits per month - they serve as "currency" and can be "spent" on sounds, sound generators, presets and midi files
⦁ a clearly arranged library, sortable by genre, instrument, key, tempo and more
⦁ releases by well-known producers, sound designers and artists
⦁ inspiration by the active global Splice community
Additional scope of delivery:
This is the third Focusrite sound card I have owned in the last 10 years. I am extremely surprised by the quality and the progress is really visible, especially with the AIR preamp option. I can definitely recommend this product, and I can by no means omit the professionalism and speed of order delivery by Music Store Pro.
Coming from a 2nd gen 2i4, I’m very happy with this one. Most of the functionality is configured via software (included). It allows for a great flexibility in terms of routing audio in and out of the computer.