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Average Price: $641
High-end/Boutique
$150
$501+
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Budget
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Fourth Generation USB Audio Interface". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Experience the next level of studio recording with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Fourth Generation USB Audio Interface, a true powerhouse for musicians and producers alike. This interface is designed to meet the demands of both beginners and seasoned professionals, offering a perfect blend of state-of-the-art mic preamps and RedNet-derived AD/DA conversion. With 18 inputs and 20 outputs, it seamlessly integrates your analog instruments and digital gear, making it the central hub for your recording setup.
The Scarlett 18i20 shines with its Auto Gain and Clip Safe features, ensuring optimal recording levels and protecting your precious takes from unwanted clipping. The re-engineered Air Mode adds a touch of studio console magic, enhancing your sound with high-end presence and harmonic richness. Whether you're capturing the subtlety of an acoustic guitar or the dynamic range of a full band, the 18i20 delivers clarity and detail no matter the source.
Built with user convenience in mind, the Focusrite Control 2 software allows for intuitive management of complex routing and monitoring setups, while the Easy Start tool gets you up and running with minimal hassle. The custom-designed headphone amplifier and built-in talkback mic further streamline your workflow, making this interface not just a piece of gear, but a complete studio solution.
Key Features:
- Eight 4th Gen mic preamps with 69dB of gain
- Air Mode for enhanced sound presence
- RedNet-derived AD/DA converters with 122dB dynamic range
- Auto Gain and Clip Safe for optimal recording levels
- Focusrite Control 2 software and mobile app for easy management
- Built-in talkback mic and A/B speaker switching
- Comprehensive I/O including ADAT, SPDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock
- Includes a software bundle with Pro Tools Artist and Ableton Live Lite
Owner's manual
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Fourth Generation USB Audio Interface User ManualProduct specs
| Available since | November 2024 |
| Recording / Playback Channels | 18x20 |
| Number of Mic Inputs | 8 |
| Number of Line Inputs | 8 |
| Instrument Inputs | 2 |
| Number of Line Outs | 10 |
| Headphone Outs | 2 |
| Phantom power | Yes |
| Number of S/PDIF Connectors | 2 |
| Number of ADAT Connectors | 4 |
| Numer of AES/EBU Connectors | 0 |
| Number of MADI Connectors | 0 |
| Ethernet | 0 |
| Other Connectors | No |
| MIDI interface | Yes |
| Word Clock | 1xOut |
| Max. sample rate (kHz) | 192 kHz |
| Max. resolution in bit | 24 bit |
| USB Bus-Powered | No |
| Incl. power supply | Yes |
| USB Version | 2.0 |
| Width in mm | 442 mm |
| Depth in mm | 259,73 mm |
| Height in mm | 46,6 mm |
| Connection Format | USB port Type C |
| Included in delivery | USB-C to USB-A Cable, Software |
| Zero latency monitoring | 1 |
FAQs
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What are the main connectivity options for the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen?
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The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen offers USB 2.0 Type C connectivity, with 18 inputs and 20 outputs, including 8 mic inputs, 8 line inputs, 2 instrument inputs, 10 line outs, and MIDI interface.
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Is the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live and Pro Tools?
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Yes, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is compatible with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live and Pro Tools, making it a versatile choice for various music production setups.
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Does the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen support phantom power for condenser microphones?
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Yes, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen provides phantom power, which is essential for powering condenser microphones.
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What is the maximum sample rate and bit resolution of the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen?
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The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen supports a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz and a bit resolution of 24-bit, ensuring high-quality audio recording and playback.
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Does the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen offer zero latency monitoring?
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Yes, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen includes zero latency monitoring, allowing you to monitor recordings in real-time without any noticeable delay.
Videos
Full Transparency
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen Review - Is This The Best Budget Audio Interface For 2025?
Reviews
PROS
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All inputs include preamps, ideal for boosting weak signals
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Digitally-set headphone levels allow precise, repeatable audio setups
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Front and rear input access for flexible connectivity
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Power switch enables easy power management without disconnecting USB
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Individual phantom power control for each channel
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USB-C connectivity and easy-to-read multicolor metering
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Enhanced Focusrite Control software supports DAW integration and automatic routing
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Loopback feature removes need for third-party software like Voicemeeter Banana
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Metal body and tight, noiseless jacks ensure durability and reliable performance
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Capable of high sampling rates up to 192 kHz
CONS
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48V settings not retained after power down, unlike previous generation
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Installation issues reported on some PCs, requiring resets or troubleshooting
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Software sliders don't control physical knobs, limiting remote adjustments
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Fourth Generation USB Audio Interface.
Features and functionality
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The 4th Gen Scarlett 18i20 includes a new digital input select for gain adjustment and a sleek LED display, enhancing user interface aesthetics.
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The 18i20 4th Gen boasts converters with 122dB dynamic range, an upgrade from the smaller Scarlett models' 120dB.
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The 18i20 4th Gen incorporates auto gain, clip safe, and Air functions, mirroring those of smaller 4th Gen models but with additional inputs and a World Clock.
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Some units from August 2024 have issues with phantom power consistency and Auto Gain functionality, resolved in later manufacture dates like October 2024.
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Connecting the Scarlett 18i20 directly to a Mac instead of through a USB hub may resolve audio output issues.
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The Scarlett 18i20's dual connectors for Inputs 1 and 2 prioritize front inputs over rear, but some units incorrectly disable both rear inputs.
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Some units incorrectly disable both rear inputs when only one front input is used, contrary to the intended design where each front input should only disable its corresponding rear input.
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Comparisons
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The 4th Gen Scarlett 18i20 is compared favorably against the Apollo x8p, offering superior dynamic range at a significantly lower price point.
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User experience
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Owners transitioning from 3rd Gen to 4th Gen Scarlett 18i20 report significant improvements in sound quality.
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Some owners experience audio being visible on meters, but no sound output, requiring multiple restarts of the unit or Mac to resolve.
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Owners encountering dual input issues report successful resolutions through warranty replacements, indicating it might be an isolated defect rather than a widespread problem.
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Customer service has acknowledged the issue as rare, suggesting that most units don't exhibit this fault, and affected users plan to exchange for properly functioning models.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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