Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (3)
$429.99
Guitar Center
4.0 (22)
$449.99
Amazon
4.7 (924)
Used
Reverb
5.0 (12)
$399.99 New
$249.99 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (2)
$449.99
zZounds
4.5 (3)
$329.99
B&H
5.0 (12)
$449.99

Average Price: $374

Standard/Professional

$150

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

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

How many inputs and outputs does the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen have?

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.

Is the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen compatible with both Windows and macOS?

Yes, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.

What sample rate and bit depth does the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen support?

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.

Does the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen require external power?

Yes, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen is not bus-powered and requires an external power adapter, which is supplied with the unit.

Can I use the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen with MIDI devices?

Yes, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen includes 1 MIDI input and 1 MIDI output, allowing you to connect and use MIDI devices.

Focusrite

Focusrite

Focusrite // Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen - Overview feat. Hannie

Video thumbnail for Focusrite // Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen - Overview feat. Hannie by Focusrite

Focusrite // Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen - Overview feat. Hannie

Focusrite

Focusrite

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 Gen3 - EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW by BenoniStudio

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 Gen3 - EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW

BenoniStudio

BenoniStudio

Video thumbnail for Which Focusrite Scarlett Interface Should You Buy? [Solo vs 2i2 vs 4i4 vs 8i6 vs 18i8 vs 18i20] by Audio University

Which Focusrite Scarlett Interface Should You Buy? [Solo vs 2i2 vs 4i4 vs 8i6 vs 18i8 vs 18i20]

Audio University

Audio University

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Gen 8i6, 18i8 & 18i20: Overview, Features and Specs by Focusrite

Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Gen 8i6, 18i8 & 18i20: Overview, Features and Specs

Focusrite

Focusrite

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface (Review) by Kevin Chambers Product Reviews

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface (Review)

Kevin Chambers Product Reviews

Kevin Chambers Product Reviews

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

  • The 18i8 has four front-facing inputs, which many users find convenient for easy access in home studio setups.

    Source
  • The interface includes four line outs, two stereo headphone outs, and a stereo SPDIF output, providing flexibility for various audio routing needs.

    Source
  • Users report that the 18i8 offers transparent preamps and converters, delivering a faithful signal without coloration, which is ideal for mixing and production tasks.

    Source
  • Some users experience issues with the headphone knobs not controlling the app, even when the Focusrite unit appears functional.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Drummers appreciate the 18i8 for its capability to handle multiple inputs, making it suitable for recording electronic kits via USB MIDI.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners using the Focusrite Octopre with the 18i8 benefit from eight additional inputs and outputs, significantly expanding recording capabilities.

    Source
  • A user reported their satisfaction with Mackie MR524 monitors connected to the 18i8, suggesting compatibility with these specific active monitors.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • 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.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • 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.

    Source
  • Restoring factory defaults in the Focusrite Control app resolved sound issues for some users, highlighting a potential troubleshooting step.

    Source
  • Users noted potential setup confusion with Focusrite Control software versions, indicating a need for careful version selection and installation.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Reinstallation and system restarts resolved sound output issues, though users were unsure of the exact cause, suggesting a trial-and-error approach to troubleshooting.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 Review | PCMag

pcmag.com

Focusrite's Scarlett 18i8 impresses with its warm, clear sound quality, four mic preamps, and robust build—all at a reasonable price. Its dual headphone jacks with independent volume controls and integrated MIDI ports add to its versatility. Despite the lack of individual phantom power control and hardware metering, its stable drivers and attractive design make it a solid choice for home studios. However, those needing more precise input metering may want to consider the Scarlett 18i20. Overall, the 18i8 stands out in a crowded market with its excellent value and performance.

positive

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen review - Higher Hz

higherhz.com
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 15 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
metronohm808

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..

B

Great Interface

This Interface is absolutely great and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a home studio.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Melina Duterte uses Focusrite 18i8

Melina Duterte

Singer, Guitarist

Bachelor

...
Verified via Instagram

Posted on IG by Jay Som March 15, 2018

See how Reagan Renfrow uses Focusrite 18i8

Reagan Renfrow

Bassist

The Band CAMINO

...
Verified via SoundBetter

From Reagan's own SoundBetter page, Reagan shares that he uses the Focusrite 18i8

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Focusrite 18i8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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