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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd gen)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd gen)

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$385.00 to $749.99 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (18)

1 Critic Review

2 Reviews

Find out who is using Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd gen)

10 community setups

13 wishlisted

124 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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4.0 (19)

$599.99

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4.5 (31)

$599.99

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4.8 (810)

Used

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5.0 (31)

$549.99 7 available New

$300.00 8 available Used

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5.0 (6)

$599.99

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5.0 (15)

$499.99

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4.8 (454)

$385.00

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Average Price: $536

High-end/Boutique

$150

$501+

Price Tier

In the Audio Interfaces category, Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd gen) is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd gen)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Dive into the heart of your recording setup with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen), a titan in the realm of audio interfaces. This powerhouse is designed to elevate your studio, whether it's nestled in your home or set up in a professional environment. With 24-bit/192kHz converters at its core, the Scarlett 18i20 ensures your recordings and playback are delivered with supreme clarity and detail.

The unit boasts eight Scarlett mic preamps renowned for their high headroom and clean gain, ensuring that your microphones capture every nuance of your performance. The "Air" mode breathes life into your recordings, emulating the iconic Focusrite ISA console’s transformer to infuse your vocal or instrument tracks with a bright, more open sound. This feature, alongside its comprehensive I/O — with options for mic, line, and instrument inputs, as well as ADAT, S/PDIF, and MIDI connectivity — makes the Scarlett 18i20 a versatile hub for any recording scenario.

Designed with the modern producer in mind, this interface simplifies your workflow with intuitive software control, a generous software bundle, and super-low latency monitoring. This allows for real-time processing with your favorite plugins, ensuring that what you hear is always tight and in time with your performance. Whether you're recording a full band, a solo project, or anything in between, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) is equipped to capture your creativity with fidelity and ease.

Key Features:

High-performance 24-bit/192kHz converters
8 upgraded 3rd-generation Scarlett mic preamps
Switchable Air mode for a brighter, more open sound
2 high-headroom instrument inputs
Extensive analog and digital I/O — 18 inputs and 20 outputs
Super-low latency for real-time monitoring with effects
Includes a comprehensive software bundle
Durable, rack-mountable design for professional and home studios
2-year warranty and acclaimed Focusrite customer support

Product specs

Brand	Focusrite
Model	Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Finish	Black
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	ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF
Electronics	Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format	19-inch Rackmount
Number of Analog Inputs	8
Number of Analog Outputs	10
Number of Channels	38
Number of Digital Inputs	10
Number of Digital Outputs	10
Number of Headphone Outputs	2
Number of MIDI Inputs	1
Number of MIDI Outputs	1
Number of Mic Preamps	8
Sample Rate	192 khz
Simultaneous I/O	18 x 20

FAQs

What are the main connectivity options for the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen?: The Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen connects to your computer via USB and offers a range of inputs and outputs, including 8 analog inputs, 10 analog outputs, ADAT/Optical, S/PDIF digital I/O, and MIDI I/O, making it highly versatile for various recording setups.
Is the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen compatible with macOS and Windows?: Yes, the Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen is compatible with both macOS and Windows operating systems, providing flexibility for users on different platforms.
Does the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen require external power?: Yes, the Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen is not bus-powered and requires an external power supply to operate.
How many mic preamps are included in the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen?: The Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen includes 8 high-quality mic preamps, allowing for multiple microphone inputs simultaneously.
What sample rate does the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen support?: The Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen supports a sample rate of up to 192 kHz, ensuring high-resolution audio recording and playback.

Videos

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Focusrite

Focusrite // Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen - Overview feat. Tom C. Walker

Focusrite

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen – USB Audio Interface Review

Julian Krause

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen REVIEW

Zach Wirchak

Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen - Quick Start Up Guide - How To Use

Virtual Verghini

Focusrite 18i20 3rd Gen - 1 Year Later! Still worth it?

Zach Wirchak

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

Focusrite

Reviews

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PROS

Superior sound quality with sweet and open-sounding preamps
Versatile connectivity with 18 inputs and 20 outputs
Includes useful software plugins as a bonus
Zero-latency monitoring for seamless recording
Rack-mountable with a compact design for studio integration
AIR mode enhances clarity for vocals and acoustic instruments
Easy-to-use Focusrite Control software for efficient workflow
Compatible with multiple operating systems, including Linux
Standalone mixer functionality allows use without a computer
Provides significant improvement in sound over previous models and competitors

CONS

Headphone amps lack power, requiring external amplification for high-impedance headphones
Software can be unintuitive and necessitates a learning curve
Limited physical controls necessitate reliance on software for configuration
Proprietary drivers limit full functionality to Windows and Mac
ADAT connections can be unreliable, particularly in mobile setups
Some users report pops and clicks during extended recording sessions
Only one bus mixer available, limiting routing flexibility for complex setups

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd gen).

Features and functionality

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The 18i20 includes 2 ADAT inputs/outputs, allowing expansion for up to 8 additional channels using devices like the Behringer ADA8200 with Midas preamps.
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The 4th gen's auto-gain feature is optional and can be disabled, providing flexibility for users who prefer manual gain control.
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Users praise the 4th gen's digitally-controlled input gain for maintaining consistent L/R stereo levels, reducing the need for manual adjustment.
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The 3rd gen includes individual gain knobs, which some users prefer for direct control without menu navigation, unlike the 4th gen's centralized main knob adjustment.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners find the 18i20 ideal for recording drums, with enough inputs for a full kit setup and the potential for future expansion.
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The 4th gen's spdif ports are highlighted for integrating external effect racks, expanding its versatility for complex recording setups.
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User experience

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The interface is praised for its simplicity, making it suitable for beginners who want to easily manage multiple instruments like guitars, bass, and synths.
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Value and pricing

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Many users highlight the 18i20 as a solid middle-ground option, offering a balance of features and affordability without needing to invest in high-end preamps immediately.
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Refurbished 3rd gen units are available at a discount with full warranty and software bundle, providing a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.
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Software and compatibility

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The 4th gen Focusrite Control app allows adjustments away from the computer, enhancing convenience during sessions.
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The 3rd gen's remote adjustment via Focusrite Control 2 was discontinued, offering less convenience compared to the 4th gen's ongoing support for mobile control.
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Comparisons

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Users suggest considering the MOTU 828es as an alternative, noting it as a potentially better choice for those seeking more advanced features in a similar price range.
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Second-hand older interfaces like older Presonus or M-Audio models are mentioned as budget-friendly alternatives, though the Behringer models are noted for having darker preamps.
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Critic Reviews

Real-World Review: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen Interface

mixonline.com

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) is a robust audio interface that delivers exceptional sound quality for a price that won't break the bank. With 18 inputs and 20 outputs, it’s ideal for studio recording and offers impressive features like dual headphone outputs and a talkback button. The “Air” mode adds a nice brightness to recordings, enhancing vocals and instruments. However, the USB-C connection can be finicky, occasionally leading to disconnection issues. Also, the phantom power control is not channel-specific, which may frustrate some users. Ultimately, for its price point and capabilities, the Scarlett 18i20 is a strong contender in the audio interface market, perfect for both beginners and seasoned pros alike.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 18 Ratings

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parhelia_0000

10745

about 5 years ago

The gold standard of USB audio interfaces.

Before I acquired the 18i20 audio interface, I was struggling so much to record stereo guitars with a Scarlett 2i2 2nd generation audio interface. Sure, it did the job for the time being, but it had latency issues and the mic preamps weren't that great for vocal tracking.

Enter the Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen. Focusrite really stepped up their game and added the AIR mode, which significantly improves clarity on vocals as well as acoustic instruments. Not only that, thanks to the 18i20, I now have access to all 8 inputs, not only for recording stereo guitars, but also for forward compatibility so that I can add on outboard gear to my studio rack setup later in the future. It works very well with my newly built Windows 10 PC based around the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X processor.

If you're a studio engineer or a musician who needs access to all 8 inputs, and/or forward compatibility with outboard gear, take a serious look at the Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen. This is the gold standard of USB audio interfaces if you take your craft seriously.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Zero Latency Settings for a Windows 10 platform based around an AMD Ryzen 7 3700X processor: 24-bit 44.1 kHz Sample Rate, Buffer Size 64, Clock Source Internal

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Progressive rock Progressive metal

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