Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $374
Standard/Professional
$150
$501+
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Budget
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Focusrite 18i8". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 is your gateway to professional-grade studio recording, offering flexibility and pristine audio quality in one robust package. This third-generation audio interface is tailor-made for recording engineers and producers who demand adaptability, whether working from a home studio or on the go. With its four best-ever mic preamps featuring the Air mode, the 18i8 breathes life into your vocal and acoustic recordings, imparting a brighter and more open sound reminiscent of a high-end studio console.
Engineered to accommodate a wide range of inputs, the Scarlett 18i8 includes eight analog inputs—four mic/line inputs, two high-headroom instrument inputs, and four additional fixed-line inputs. An optical input expands your setup with up to eight additional channels, perfect for larger recording sessions. High-performance converters deliver clarity and precision up to 24-bit/192kHz, ensuring your mixes remain true to your vision.
Designed for both the road and the studio, this interface connects seamlessly to your Mac or PC via USB, offering enhanced portability. Dual independent headphone outputs provide monitoring flexibility for both the engineer and artist. Plus, with virtual loopback inputs, you can effortlessly capture stereo feeds for podcasting, live streaming, or sampling tasks.
The Scarlett 18i8 is more than just hardware; it comes bundled with essential software tools to kickstart your creative journey. Take advantage of the included three-month subscription to Splice Sounds and Avid Pro Tools Artist, alongside Focusrite's Hitmaker Expansion, featuring industry-standard plugins like Antares Auto-Tune and XLN Audio Addictive Keys.
Key Features:
- Four mic preamps with switchable Air mode
- Two high-headroom instrument inputs
- Eight balanced line inputs
- High-performance converters up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Four monitor outputs with anti-thump technology
- Dual independent headphone outputs
- Virtual loopback inputs for easy streaming and sampling
- Bundled software: Three-month subscriptions to Splice Sounds and Avid Pro Tools Artist, plus the Hitmaker Expansion
Product specs
| Brand | Focusrite |
| Model | Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface |
| Year | 2019 - 2025 |
| Made In | United Kingdom |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Bus-Powered | No |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS |
| Computer Connectivity | USB |
| Digital Input Format | ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF |
| Digital Output Format | S/PIDF |
| Electronics | Analog, Digital, Solid State |
| Format | Desktop Standalone |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 8 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 4 |
| Number of Channels | 24 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 10 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 2 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 2 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 1 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 1 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 4 |
| Sample Rate | 192 khz |
| Simultaneous I/O | 18 x 6 |
FAQs
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How many inputs and outputs does the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen have?
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The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen features 18 inputs and 8 outputs, including 4 mic preamps, 2 headphone outputs, and digital inputs and outputs via ADAT/Optical and S/PDIF.
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Is the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen compatible with both Windows and macOS?
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Yes, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.
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What sample rate and bit depth does the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen support?
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The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen supports a sample rate of up to 192 kHz and a bit depth of 24-bit, ensuring high-quality audio recording and playback.
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Does the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen require external power?
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Yes, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen is not bus-powered and requires an external power adapter, which is supplied with the unit.
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Can I use the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen with MIDI devices?
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Yes, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen includes 1 MIDI input and 1 MIDI output, allowing you to connect and use MIDI devices.
Videos
Focusrite
Focusrite // Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen - Overview feat. Hannie
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite 18i8.
Features and functionality
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The 18i8 has four front-facing inputs, which many users find convenient for easy access in home studio setups.
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The interface includes four line outs, two stereo headphone outs, and a stereo SPDIF output, providing flexibility for various audio routing needs.
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Users report that the 18i8 offers transparent preamps and converters, delivering a faithful signal without coloration, which is ideal for mixing and production tasks.
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Some users experience issues with the headphone knobs not controlling the app, even when the Focusrite unit appears functional.
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Use cases and applications
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Drummers appreciate the 18i8 for its capability to handle multiple inputs, making it suitable for recording electronic kits via USB MIDI.
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User experience
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Owners using the Focusrite Octopre with the 18i8 benefit from eight additional inputs and outputs, significantly expanding recording capabilities.
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A user reported their satisfaction with Mackie MR524 monitors connected to the 18i8, suggesting compatibility with these specific active monitors.
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Value and pricing
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A deal at $150 for a 3rd Gen 18i8 is considered excellent by multiple users, especially for those upgrading gradually in a home studio environment.
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Comparisons
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Some users find no significant difference between Focusrite and Audient preamps at this price point, but prefer Audient's DI and mixer software for guitar and bass applications.
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Software and compatibility
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A former Focusrite LS56 owner switched to Audient iD44 due to Focusrite's lack of support for Firewire interfaces on Apple Silicon, highlighting the importance of checking compatibility with new systems.
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Restoring factory defaults in the Focusrite Control app resolved sound issues for some users, highlighting a potential troubleshooting step.
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Users noted potential setup confusion with Focusrite Control software versions, indicating a need for careful version selection and installation.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 15 Ratings
187
Serves well
Straight outta the box and it works. Cracking sound, an ample amount of ins/outs inc. 5 pin MIDI S/PDIF XLR 1''4. I use it live and in the studio, all round ace..
Artist usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Focusrite 18i8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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