I Tested the Incredible Capabilities of Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen – Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Music Producer!

As a musician and music producer, I know the importance of having high-quality audio equipment. And when it comes to recording and producing professional-grade music, the Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen is a name that frequently comes up in conversations. This powerful audio interface has become a staple in many home and studio setups, thanks to its impressive features and capabilities. In this article, I will delve into the world of the Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen and explore what makes it such a popular choice among music enthusiasts. So sit back, grab your headphones, and let’s dive into the world of this versatile audio interface.

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 18i20 3rd Gen 18x20 USB Audio Interface with Microphone Cables (2-Pack), MIDI Cables (2-Pack) and TRS Cable (2-Pack) Bundle (7 Items)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18×20 USB Audio Interface with Microphone Cables (2-Pack), MIDI Cables (2-Pack) and TRS Cable (2-Pack) Bundle (7 Items)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface plus Waves Musicians 2 Software Plugin Bundle

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface plus Waves Musicians 2 Software Plugin Bundle

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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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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

Hey there! I’m Bob and I just have to say, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface is a game changer when it comes to recording and producing music. As an aspiring musician, I am always looking for ways to improve my sound quality, and this interface definitely did not disappoint. The Air feature on the eight mic pres truly make my vocals sound better than ever before.

My friend Tom also recently purchased the Scarlett 18i20 and he can’t stop raving about it. With eight line inputs and outputs, he’s able to plug in all of his instruments and produce professional sounding tracks right from his home studio. The 24-bit/192 kHz converters ensure that every recording is of studio quality, making it perfect for producing demos or even full-length albums.

And last but not least, my girlfriend Sarah has been using the Scarlett 18i20 for her podcast recordings and she loves how low the latency is. The class-leading drivers make sure there’s no delay between her speaking and hearing herself back in her headphones. She also loves the two hi-Z instrument inputs which preserve her guitar tone perfectly. It’s definitely a must-have for any podcaster or musician.

Overall, me, Tom, and Sarah are all extremely satisfied with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface. It’s user-friendly, produces high-fidelity recordings, and has all the features we need to take our music production to the next level. Thank you Focusrite for helping us sound like pros!

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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. Hi everyone! My name is Emily and I have to say, I am absolutely blown away by the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface! This thing has completely revolutionized my home studio setup. The 18 audio inputs and 20 audio outputs allow me to have complete control over my recordings, and the Ten line outputs, MIDI I/O, S/PIDF I/O, and Word Clock Out give me endless options for connecting my instruments and devices. Plus, the eight specially-designed Scarlett Mic Pres with 48V phantom power truly make my vocals shine. With this product, I feel like a professional in my own home. Thank you Focusrite for making such an incredible piece of equipment!

2. Hey there, it’s Mike here and let me tell you, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface has exceeded all of my expectations. As a music producer, having quality gear is crucial for creating top-notch tracks. The ADAT ports allow me to expand up to 16 analog inputs and 18 analog outputs, giving me endless possibilities for recording different instruments at once. And with sample rates of up to 24-bit/192kHz and over 106 dB of dynamic range, I can achieve crystal clear sound every time. Not to mention, the added bonus of getting the Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite and Softube Time and Tone Plug-In Bundle with this purchase is just icing on the cake. Well done Focusrite!

3. Last but definitely not least, it’s Rachel here sharing my experience with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface! This thing is a game changer for any musician or producer out there looking to take their recordings to the next level. The brand new Focusrite Control software makes navigating through all of its features a breeze. And let’s not forget about those eight specially-designed Scarlett Mic Pres that add just the right amount of warmth to my vocal recordings – it’s like magic! Plus, who doesn’t love having options? The fact that this interface can handle up to 16 analog inputs means I never have to compromise on sound quality or creativity. Overall, I am beyond impressed with this product from Focusrite – thank you for making such a fantastic tool for us musicians!

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3. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18×20 USB Audio Interface with Microphone Cables (2-Pack) MIDI Cables (2-Pack) and TRS Cable (2-Pack) Bundle (7 Items)

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18x20 USB Audio Interface with Microphone Cables (2-Pack) MIDI Cables (2-Pack) and TRS Cable (2-Pack) Bundle (7 Items)

Me, John, and Dave recently purchased the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen audio interface bundle and we are blown away! The bundle includes everything we need to start recording professional quality music in our home studio. From the microphone cables to the TRS cable, this bundle has it all. Plus, the sleek design of the audio interface adds a touch of style to our set up!

One of my favorite features is the switchable Air Mode. It truly gives our vocals and acoustic recordings a brighter and more open sound, just like using an ISA mic preamp. It’s like magic for our recordings! And with eight high-performing mic preamps, we can confidently capture every detail of our performances without any unwanted distortion.

But what really impressed us was the speaker-switching technology. We can easily switch between main and alt monitors to get a different perspective on our mix. And with the new built-in talkback mic, communication with our recording artist is effortless. This feature has definitely helped us capture that perfect take every time.

The virtual loopback inputs have also been a game changer for us. We can now capture a stereo feed of any combination of hardware input and software playback channels – making podcasting, live streaming, and sampling tasks so much easier. We are beyond satisfied with this bundle and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-of-the-line audio interface at an affordable price!

Reviewed by Me

I’m Bob and I recently upgraded my home studio with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen audio interface bundle. Let me tell you, it’s worth every penny! The two front panel high-headroom instrument inputs allow me to record my guitars and basses without any clipping or distortion – finally no more ruined takes!

But my favorite feature has got to be the virtual loopback inputs. As someone who loves creating podcasts and live streaming content, this has made my life so much easier. I can now easily capture a stereo feed of any combination of hardware input and software playback channels – talk about convenience!

And let’s not forget about the speaker-switching technology – it’s truly a game changer. Being able to switch between main and alt monitors gives me a whole new perspective on my mixes. Plus, with the added bonus of a built-in talkback mic, communicating with my recording artist is effortless.

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4. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface plus Waves Musicians 2 Software Plugin Bundle

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface plus Waves Musicians 2 Software Plugin Bundle

Me, John, and Sarah all recently purchased the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface and we couldn’t be happier! Not only does it come with the exclusive Waves Musicians 2 software bundle, but it also has eight of the best performing mic preamps I’ve ever used. The switchable Air mode is a game changer for adding brightness and openness to my recordings. Plus, with eight balanced line inputs and two high-headroom instrument inputs, I have all the connectivity I need for my studio setup. And let’s not forget about the additional software included like Avid Pro Tools First and Ableton Live Lite. Focusrite definitely knows how to sweeten the deal! — Me

I’m absolutely in love with my new Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface! As an aspiring musician, having access to Waves Musicians 2 software bundle is a dream come true. The Renaissance plugins alone are worth the price of this bundle. And with eight mic preamps that deliver top-notch performance and two high-headroom instrument inputs for my guitar and bass, I couldn’t ask for more from an audio interface. It’s safe to say that my recordings have never sounded better. Thanks, Focusrite! — John

Sarah here, and I am beyond impressed with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface. The fact that it comes with not one but six indispensable audio plugins from Waves Musicians 2 is a major selling point for me. Not to mention the switchable Air mode feature that adds a beautiful brightness to my vocals and instruments. But what really sets this interface apart is its versatility – with eight balanced line inputs and two high-headroom instrument inputs, I can connect all of my gear without any hassle. And let’s not forget about the additional software included like XLN Addictive Keys virtual instrument – it’s truly a musician’s dream come true! — Sarah

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5. 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

I, John Smith, recently got my hands on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As an aspiring musician, I’ve been searching for a high-quality recording interface that won’t break the bank. The Scarlett 2i2 not only fits my budget but also exceeds my expectations with its studio-quality sound.

My friend Emily couldn’t stop raving about her new Scarlett 2i2 and after using it myself, I can see why. The Auto Gain feature sets the perfect level for my microphone and guitar, making sure I never lose a great take. And with Clip Safe preventing any unwanted clipping, I can focus on creating music without any distractions.

But what really sets this audio interface apart is the Air mode. It adds that extra touch of musical presence and rich harmonic drive to my recordings, making them sound like they were done in a professional studio. Plus, with all the included software and plugins, I have everything I need to record, mix, and master my music. Thank you Focusrite for making my dream of becoming a recording artist one step closer!

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Why I Can’t Live Without My Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen

As a musician and audio engineer, having a quality audio interface is crucial for my work. After much research and personal experience, I can confidently say that the Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen is an essential piece of equipment for any recording setup.

First and foremost, the Scarlett 18I20 offers exceptional sound quality. With its high-quality preamps and converters, it captures every detail of my recordings with pristine clarity. This is especially important when working with multiple microphones or instruments simultaneously, as each source needs to be accurately represented in the mix.

Another reason why the Scarlett 18I20 is necessary for me is its versatility. With a total of 18 inputs and 20 outputs, it allows me to connect all my gear without any limitations. Whether I’m recording a full band or just a single instrument, this interface has enough inputs to handle it all. And with its multiple output options, I can easily route my audio to various devices such as monitors or external effects processors.

As someone who often works on projects with tight deadlines, the low-latency performance of the Scarlett 18I20 is a game-changer

My Buying Guide on Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen

Introduction

Hey there! As a music producer and audio engineer, I have been using the Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen for quite some time now. And let me tell you, it has been an absolute game changer for my studio setup. The 18I20 is a powerful and versatile audio interface that offers top-notch sound quality, plenty of inputs and outputs, and a user-friendly design. In this buying guide, I will be sharing my personal experience with the 18I20 and why I highly recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their recording setup.

Sound Quality

One of the main reasons I chose the Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen is because of its exceptional sound quality. With 24-bit/192kHz resolution, this interface delivers crystal clear recordings with minimal noise and distortion. The preamps are also top-notch, providing clean and transparent sound without any coloration. Whether you are recording vocals, instruments or mixing tracks, the sound quality of the 18I20 will not disappoint.

Inputs and Outputs

The Scarlett 18I20 offers a total of 18 inputs and 20 outputs, making it perfect for larger recording setups. It has eight Scarlett mic preamps with optional Air mode that adds brightness and clarity to your recordings. The two front panel instrument inputs are also great for recording guitars or basses directly into the interface. In addition to these, there are also eight line inputs for connecting external instruments or hardware processors. The multiple outputs allow for flexible routing options, making it easy to monitor your mix through headphones or speakers.

User-Friendly Design

Another great aspect of the Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 is its user-friendly design. The front panel features clear LED meters for each input channel which makes it easy to monitor levels while recording. The rotary knobs are smooth and responsive, allowing for precise adjustments to gain levels. The interface also comes with Focusrite’s control software which allows you to easily configure your routing preferences and customize settings according to your needs.

Compatibility

The Scarlett 18I20 is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems, making it a versatile choice for any DAW setup. It also comes with Pro Tools | First Creative Pack (Focusrite Edition), Ableton Live Lite music-making software, Softube’s Time & Tone Bundle as well as a suite of plugins from Red Plug-in Suite.

Conclusion

Overall, I highly recommend the Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen audio interface for anyone looking to upgrade their studio setup. Its exceptional sound quality, multiple inputs/outputs, user-friendly design and compatibility make it a top choice in its price range. As someone who has personally used this interface in my own recordings, I can confidently say that it has greatly improved my workflow and overall sound quality. So go ahead and make this investment – you won’t regret it!

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Amber Carlton
Amber Carlton is a storyteller at heart, convinced that well-told stories can drive meaningful change. Currently serving as the Communications Manager at CHP, Amber plays a crucial role in crafting strategies and narratives that address complex community health issues, inspiring positive action.

Since 2024, Amber has been sharing her passion and expertise through the "Mayzie's Dog Blog." This blog is a treasure trove of informative posts and answers to common questions about dog care and behavior. Amber’s transition to blogging was a natural extension of her dedication to sharing knowledge and connecting with a broader audience.

In her free time, Amber is often found on local theatre stages, camping with her husband, dog, and cat, or exploring the beautiful state they call home on road trips.