Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 - USB 2.0 Audio Interface with 8 Preamps

Description

The Scarlett 18i20 from Focusrite is a multi-channel USB-based audio interface that features eight of the company's microphone preamplifiers, and is designed specifically for use in a computer environment. The microphone preamps deliver excellent headroom and dynamic range with low noise and minimal distortion. The two front-panel inputs also offer 10 dB pads for handling high level inputs without distortion.

The interface features eight analogue input and outputs, with the remaining I/Os of the eighteen inputs and twenty outputs being handled via digital. The analogue inputs can be accessed via six Combo XLR/TRS microphone/line connectors, while the two front panel Combo inputs add instrument inputs and the 10dB pads. Ten analogue line outputs, which include two independent headphone outputs on the front panel, take care of the analogue output, while ADAT and S/PDIF digital I/O, plus MIDI I/O and Wordclock out for digital synchronisation extend the functionality of the unit.

The ADAT interface can be used to bring in digital sources, or to add extra preamps for situations that require recording a complete band. The included Scarlett MixControl software delivers a low-latency 18 x 16 DSP mixer with powerful routing and monitoring capabilities. Additionally, the unit ships with a comprehensive set of software tools, including a DAW, a plug-in pack, a virtual instrument and 1GB sample library, suitable for using on Windows, Mac, and even iOS platforms. iOS functionality requires the separate purchase of Apple's Camera Connection Kit.

The Focusrite Red 2 and Red 3 Plug-In Suite (AAX, Audio Units, VST) delivers accurately modelled plug-ins based on the classic Focusrite Red 2 AEQ and Red 3 Compressor hardware. The plug-ins allow for conveniently exploring the sound of the hardware originals from within Pro Tools (10 and above), along with other audio software. The software is a free download for new and current owners of the Scarlett 18i20.

Key Features

• Eighteen input, twenty output USB 2.0 interface
• Up to 24-bit/96kHz operation
• Eight Focusrite preamps
• Dual independent headphone buses can provide two independent, fully-customised monitor mixes, each with an independent front-panel level control
• S/PDIF and ADAT input and output with four channels of ADAT Lightpipe available via SMUX 2
• MIDI I/O
• Scarlett MixControl low-latency DSP mixer/router for flexible and intuitive one-click set-up solutions - provides an 18 x 16 DSP mixer with comprehensive routing and monitoring options
• Route any input signal or DAW output, or a mix of both to any output
• Includes Ableton Live Lite production and performance software, Scarlett Plug-in Suite (AEQ, compression, gating, reverb), Novation Bass Station software model of the Novation analogue mono-synthesiser, and 1GB of Loopmasters samples
• Focusrite Red 2 and Red 3 Plug-In Suite (AAX, Audio Units, VST) delivers accurately modelled plug-ins based on the classic Focusrite Red 2 AEQ and Red 3 Compressor hardware
• Compatible with Mac, Windows and iOS

Specifications