Enter to Win a $8000 PA System!

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

USB 2.0 Audio Interface, 18-in/20-out, 24-bit/192kHz, with 8 Mic/Line Inputs; 2 Instrument Inputs, 2 x ADAT I/O, MIDI and S/PDIF I/O, Dual Headphone Buses, Talkback, and Bundled Software - Mac/Win
Limited-time Offer! - 4 Days Left
Lowest price in 90 days
$100.00 Off!
Purchase this item at Sweetwater, and get $100.00 off! The price shown reflects your savings. Effective now through 3/31/2024.
Details
$499.99
Instant Savings: $100.00 (16%) Was: $599.99

Earn $25 back in Bonus Bucks OR pay $21/month with 24 month financing*

In Stock!

Add to Cart
Notify me about deals

Ask An Expert

Our expertly trained Sales Engineers are ready to help!

What is a Sales Engineer?
Sweetwater Gear Exchange

Have one to sell?
Check out Sweetwater's Gear Exchange!
Learn More

Most Popular Accessories & Related Items

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
In Stock!
$499.99
Add to Cart
Add to list
Back to navigation

This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

Get to know them!

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20: the Heart of Your Project Studio

The third-generation Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 delivers a ton of firepower in an affordable package. Two vibrant Focusrite mic/instrument preamps are right on the front panel where you need them, while the back panel hosts a slew of extra I/O — up to 18-in/20-out simultaneously! Around back, you'll find six additional XLR combo inputs plus eight channels of ADAT I/O, S/PDIF and MIDI I/O, and word clock out. Focusrite made sure the Scarlett 18i20 has the features you need. Equipped with an onboard talkback to communicate with talent, 8-channel LED bar-graph meters, dual headphone outputs with independent level controls, and speaker switching for dual-monitor setups, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is a solid foundation for serious project studios that may need to expand in the future. Plug in, fire up the bundled software, and you're ready to rock.

The third-generation Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 advances the state-of-the-art in USB audio interfaces with eight upgraded Scarlett mic preamps, high-performance 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA converters, optimized preamp gain structure, vanishingly low latency, instrument inputs that handle scorching hot pickups, and speaker switching technology for dual-monitor setups. The mic preamps now feature Focusrite’s acclaimed Air mode that provides the coveted Air effect that models the company's legendary ISA console transformer to give your voice and instrument recordings a brighter, more open sound. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is the perfect foundation for a serious home or mobile studio. Fire up the included software and start producing great-sounding music today.

Optimized third-generation technology

The 3rd-generation Focusrite Scarlett 18i20's exterior has undergone a sleek makeover. Under the hood, though, Scarlett 18i20 has been tweaked and upgraded to deliver better sonics, lower latency, and enhanced ease of use. With sample rates up to 192kHz, you've got studio-grade sound you can take anywhere. Focusrite has added their renowned Air circuit to their already-amazing Scarlett mic preamps. The instrument inputs have also been re-engineered to handle the hottest active pickups. Lastly, Focusrite has wired analog protection circuitry across the Scarlett 18i20's inputs and outputs, safeguarding your interface from damaging power surges.

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 offers super-low latency for better performances

You know you perform better when you've got a great-sounding monitor mix with everything you need to hear to be inspired — for example, reverb and delay on a guitar solo. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20's super-low latency lets you monitor with native plug-in effects in real time, so you can hear your parts as you envision them and record better performances. At Sweetwater, we know you can't put a price on that. But if you prefer the simplicity and convenience of monitoring your input direct with guaranteed low-latency, simply engage the Direct Monitor circuit. A duo of virtual loopback inputs allows you to capture a stereo feed of any combination of hardware input and software playback channels, making podcasting, live streaming, and sampling tasks a cinch.

Award-winning Focusrite preamps with Air

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is equipped with eight vibrant and pristine Focusrite preamps. For over 25 years, Focusrite's award-winning pres have proven their mettle in pro studios around the world. Focusrite ports their considerable design savvy into the transparent, low-noise, low-distortion preamps in the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. This is the same technology found in Focusrite's flagship products, giving you gobs of available headroom to accommodate your dynamic, condenser and ribbon mics on any source, no matter how boisterous. Of course, you also get phantom power for your mics that require it. Add to that Focusrite's switchable Air mode, and you've got the sound that launched a thousand hits.

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 LED meters

Keep an eye on your levels with LED bar-graph meters

Your mom always said to watch your levels. Well, perhaps she didn't, but you know you should — and the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 makes it easy. The 18i20's easy-to-read 8-channel, 5-segment bar-graph meters always let you know when you've got a healthy signal level for recording.

Includes an exclusive software bundle

Your new Focusrite audio interface comes with a killer software bundle headlined by a 3-month Avid Pro Tools Artist subscription and Ableton Live Lite. Focusrite has also partnered with Splice to give you a free 3-month Splice Sounds subscription when setting up a new Splice account. Splice Sounds offers millions of high-quality, royalty-free loops, one-shots, and presets, with new releases daily from your favorite sound designers, artists, and producers. Artists are using Splice to create all kinds of music, from chart-topping pop and Grammy-winning albums, to underground mix tapes, and even cinematic scores. Making studio-quality productions has never been easier when you buy a Focusrite. Along with this, you also get the Focusrite Hitmaker Expansion, which includes:

  • Antares Auto-Tune Access
  • Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555
  • Native Instruments Massive
  • Landr Studio (plus five free masters)
  • Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC
  • Focusrite Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite
  • XLN Audio Addictive Keys
  • XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2
  • Relab LX480 Essentials
  • Fast Balancer

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface Features:

  • High-performance 24-bit/192kHz converters
  • 8 upgraded 3rd-generation Scarlett mic preamps
  • Switchable Air mode gives your recordings a brighter, more open sound
  • 2 high-headroom instrument inputs for bass, guitar, or synths
  • 8 balanced mic/line inputs, total of 10 balanced line outputs
  • 4 monitor outputs with anti-thump technology and speaker switching for dual-monitor setups
  • 2 x ADAT optical I/O, S/PDIF I/O, MIDI I/O, word clock out
  • Front-panel 8-channel, 5-segment LED bar-graph meters
  • Super-low latency lets you monitor with native plug-in effects in real time
  • Direct Monitor circuit for monitoring your input with guaranteed low-latency
  • Virtual loopback makes podcasting, live streaming, and sampling easy
  • Onboard talkback functionality with built-in front-panel talkback mic
  • Dual headphone outputs with independent level controls
  • Internal power supply (IEC mains cable included)
  • Quick Start tool gets you up and running fast
  • Free 3-month Splice Sounds subscription
  • Included software bundle
  • 2-year warranty

Additional Media

Warranty Info

Sweetwater's FREE 2-Year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty

Extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

  • Save money with FREE parts and labor
  • Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time
  • Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department
Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage

Free 2-year Warranty

Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage™ Warranty gives you extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage
Tools Icon

Save money with free parts & labor!

Fast Icon

Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time.

Award Icon

Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department.

Back to navigation

Tech Specs

  • Computer Connectivity: USB 2.0
  • Form Factor: Rackmount
  • Simultaneous I/O: 18 x 20
  • Number of Preamps: 8
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • A/D Resolution: Up to 24-bit/192kHz
  • Analog Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/Hi-Z), 6 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line)
  • Analog Outputs: 10 x 1/4" (line out)
  • Digital Inputs: 1 x Coax (S/PDIF), 2 x Optical (ADAT)
  • Digital Outputs: 1 x Coax (S/PDIF), 2 x Optical (ADAT)
  • Headphones: 2 x 1/4"
  • MIDI I/O: In/Out
  • USB: 1 x Type USB-C
  • Clock I/O: 1 x Word Clock Out
  • Software: 3-month Avid Pro Tools Artist Subscription, Ableton Live Lite, Hitmaker Expansion Bundle
  • OS Requirements - Mac: macOS 10.12 or later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 7 SP1 or later (Scarlett), Windows 10 v1809 or later (3-month Avid Pro Tools Subscription)
  • Rack Spaces: 1U
  • Power Supply: Standard IEC AC cable
  • Height: 1.83"
  • Width: 19.00"
  • Depth: 10.23"
  • Manufacturer Part Number: AMS-SCARLETT-18I20-3G

What Makes Our Sales Engineers Great?

Sweetwater Sales Engineers are a world-class team of experts dedicated to you. Hand selected from across the globe, each brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of music gear to provide you with unparalleled service completely free of charge. Friendly relationships, real trust, and the right gear are only a call or a click away!

Back to navigation

Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Focusrite 18i20 3rd GEN

Amazingly sweet and open sounding pre's. I'm a Focusrite guy. I have the Saffire Liquid 56, Pro 40 and an ISA One and now the 18i20. With the alternate speaker and built in Talkback mic, I sold the monitor controller I had. The 18i20's Focusrite Control software is much easier to use than the Mix Control as well. I'm a music artist/guitarist here in Nashville TN. I'm also a modest small studio owner and engineer/producer etc etc.. I really love the Focusrite sound. And Sweetwater is seriously the best.
Music background: Been a Pro musician since 15 years old.
Rated 5/5

A great interface for a band

This is a great investment , it simplifies the recording process of a band's rehearsal and the collection of plug-ins you get as a bonus makes the whole experience that much more satisfying, couldn't be happier with the choice of adding this interface to my setup
Music background: Music composer and sound designer / learning music production at the moment
Rated 5/5

Yes!! Just yes!!!

This is an amazing interface for the price point. I had a smaller $40 invoice from another manufacturer that was ok'ish but really was lacking a lot. Only 16 bit not 24 and only 48 kHz. I want record my old band other groups but needed more IO and better processing with no latency. Mission accomplished! This checked every box and wasn't too pricey. Extremely happy with purchase and my sales engineer Christian Baer was incredible to work with and extremely helpful. Highly recommend this product and highly recommend Sweetwater!! Oh btw they give you a two year warranty!! Awesome
Music background: Amateur recording engineer/musician that is presently in school at Berklee online for Music Production
Rated 5/5

Perfect for drums

Perfect for recording acoustic or electric drums ( if you have more than 2 outputs ) I ordered this 18i20 after purchasing the 2i2, which imho was way better than the PreSonus usb96.

I use this with my Alesis Strike Pro Se kit which has 8 individual outputs for the kick, snare , Toms (left/right) , hi-hat, ride and cymbals (left/right).

Having individual control of the kit was exactly what I was looking for.

As pictured below, I did make my own patchbay so I can utilize the rear inputs from the front.

No latency , no noise, super easy to use. ( 2017 MacBook Pro )
Music background: Drummer
Rated 5/5

My Favorite Interface!

The focusrite scarlet series has been my favorite interface for a while now, so when I decided to get something with more inputs, I wanted to give the 18i20 a chance. This thing is great, it does anything you'd expect it too and more. Specifically the "Air" feature seems to add really tasteful tape saturation to your audio that delivers a nice warm sound. You can't go wrong with this interface, works great with Logic and I hear equally great with Pro Tools etc. Look no further for a simple but very effective device that will meet your needs and then some. In my opinion, this is the best home studio interface on the market.

If you're like a lot of the recording engineers here at Sweetwater, then you probably grew up with stories of the legendary Focusrite Forte console and its ISA preamps. Our relationship with Focusrite is extremely tight, and we regularly enjoy everything from the inside scoop on new gear to fish and chips when they stop by Sweetwater. While Focusrite still produces the classic analog preamps, EQs, and compressors we love, our Sales Engineers are just as excited to introduce our customers to their remarkable RedNet network audio platform, and we have worked with Focusrite to outfit studios, churches, venues, and schools with this awesome technology in action. From everyday audio interfaces to full system designs, if you want Focusrite gear, Sweetwater has you covered.

Close Close $8,000 PA System Giveaway -- input your email address below to enter or click here to learn more.

See giveaway details & rules or check out our past winners!

Success!

Your email, test has been entered to win this giveaway. Good Luck!