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Average Price: $279

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Description

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 is your gateway to professional studio recording with a compact, yet robust design. This second-generation interface offers unparalleled flexibility and sound quality, housed in a rugged metal unibody chassis. With four Focusrite mic/instrument preamps on the front panel and a wealth of additional I/O on the back, this interface is ready to handle up to 18 inputs and 6 outputs simultaneously. Perfect for home or project studios, it's designed for expandability with four rear line inputs, eight channels of optical input, and two channels of S/PDIF I/O.

Whether you're solo recording or managing multiple tracks, the Scarlett 18i8 ensures a seamless experience with its super-low latency capability. This allows you to monitor your mix with native plug-in effects in real time, helping you to capture performances exactly as you envision them. The Focusrite Control software adds another layer of flexibility, enabling you to create and save up to six separate mixes that can be easily rerouted to any output. Plus, with the free iOS Control app, you can adjust your mixes remotely using any iOS device.

Key Features:

  • Second-generation technology with optimized sound and lower latency
  • 18-in/6-out simultaneous I/O capability
  • Four mic/instrument preamps for versatile front-panel input
  • High-quality converters with sample rates up to 192kHz
  • Super-low latency for real-time monitoring with plug-ins
  • Focusrite Control software for flexible routing and multiple mix creation
  • Rugged metal unibody construction
  • Includes an exclusive software bundle for immediate setup and use

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

What are the main connectivity options for the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8?

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 offers USB connectivity to your computer, along with 8 analog inputs, 4 analog outputs, 10 digital inputs via ADAT/Optical and S/PDIF, and 2 digital outputs via S/PDIF. It also includes MIDI input and output for integrating with other MIDI-compatible gear.

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

Yes, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 is compatible with both Windows and macOS, making it a versatile choice for users of either operating system.

How many mic preamps does the Scarlett 18i8 have?

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 is equipped with 4 high-quality mic preamps, allowing for clear and professional audio recording.

Can the Scarlett 18i8 handle high-resolution audio recording?

Yes, the Scarlett 18i8 supports a sample rate of up to 192 kHz and a bit depth of 24-bit, making it suitable for high-resolution audio recording.

Does the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 require an external power source?

Yes, the Scarlett 18i8 is not bus-powered and requires an external power source, which is supplied with the interface.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

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Musician's Friend

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Video thumbnail for Focusrite // Recording Banfi with the Scarlett 18i8 by Focusrite

Focusrite // Recording Banfi with the Scarlett 18i8

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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]

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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

PROS

  • Survives long-term use, even after initial power supply issues

  • Crisp and clean sound quality enhances recordings

  • Effective customer service from Focusrite

  • Enables excellent submixes and headphone mixes for recording

  • Preamps provide solid, high-quality sound

  • Noticeable improvement over internal PC soundcards

  • Eliminates the need for an external mixer in home studios

  • Offers multiple separate headphone mixes, crucial for studio recording

CONS

  • Initial power input socket issues reported

  • May require a power supply replacement over time

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite Scarlett 18i8.

Features and functionality

  • The 18i8 includes 4 front-facing inputs, which are highly valued for easy access in home studio setups.

    Source
  • It offers 4 line outs, 2 stereo headphone outs, and stereo SPDIF, providing flexibility for different audio routing needs.

    Source
  • The Monitor knob on the Scarlett 18i8 is observed to act as a MIDI controller, controlling the app fader even when audio output issues are present.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners use the 18i8 to record electronic drum kits via USB MIDI and connect guitar/bass amps through line inputs.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Pairing the 18i8 with a Focusrite Octopre adds 8 inputs and 8 line outputs, significantly expanding its capabilities.

    Source
  • Restoring factory defaults in Focusrite Control can resolve audio output issues, suggesting that software settings may inadvertently cause audio disruptions.

    Source

User experience

  • Long-term users report zero issues with the 3rd Gen Scarlett 18i8, even after 5-6 years of use.

    Source
  • Some owners have successfully resolved audio issues by reinstalling software and restarting their systems, indicating these steps as potential fixes for similar problems.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users have reported issues with headphone knobs not controlling the Focusrite Control app, highlighting a potential software glitch or compatibility issue with certain macOS versions.

    Source

Other

  • Active studio monitors are necessary for proper function with this interface, as mentioned by a user who uses Mackie MR524 and HR824mk2 monitors.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 47 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
K

very useful

was really good until it blew up. Was 11 years old so cant be too disappointed

edit, new power supply fixed the issue. it now works perfectly, which is amazing considering the age

chris_iceheart

like...exploded ??

K

no, more of a pop noise. turned out to be the power supply and a new one fixed it, now works perfectly.

cdileo98

So far 5 stars...

I have only had this guy for a few weeks, but so far it is sweet! I haven't had any time to really record stuff with it yet, but I have done a few soundchecks... It sounds totally crisp and clean! I will continue this review after I have used it a bit more!

jerry_lowery

effective and versitile

had a slight issue with the power input socket when I first got it but the guys at focusrite set me straight and treated me well. I use this thing every day in conjunction with 18i20 with ease and the mixing allows for excellent submixes and headphone mixes for small recording situations

paradigm

Versatile interface with impressive preamps and headphone mixes

I was in search of an interface that provided separate headphone mixes, and more than one. I also heard countless time about how solid Focusrite's pres are. They don't disappoint! This is the soul of my studio.

holdenrodi

Since day one

Upgraded from internal PC soundcard to this and the different was phenomenal. Then again, anything is better than the stock soundcard lol.

depilkington

great upgrade

Excellent upgrade for my studio, decided I no longer need a mixer!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Hetfield uses Focusrite Scarlett 18i8

James Hetfield

Bassist, Drummer

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video of James playing in his home music room you can see a Focusrite of some sort. I can't confirm whether it's the 18i8. But it clearly has 4 inputs in the front and 4 control knobs. It could also possibly be the Clarett 4-pre USB.

See how Matoma uses Focusrite Scarlett 18i8

Matoma

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Matoma is seen working on his mixtape, with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 visible on his desk next to some books.

See how Angel Vivaldi uses Focusrite Scarlett 18i8

Angel Vivaldi

Guitarist

...
Verified via angelvivaldi

Guitarist Angel Vivaldi confirms on his official website's "Rig" page that he uses the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 interface.

See how Sithu Aye uses Focusrite Scarlett 18i8

Sithu Aye

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

uses it as an all-round sound card

S

Stin

Bassist

Chat Pile

...
Verified

In a YouTube video, Stin discusses using a 4-channel Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 for recording.

See how Christopher Bill uses Focusrite Scarlett 18i8

Christopher Bill

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Christopher Bill | ClassicalTrombone

In the attached gear list from Christopher's website, under the software & hardware section, he cites his use of the Focusrite 18i8 interface. The generation isn't specified, though.

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 Scarlett 18i8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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primecandidate

primecandidate

Gear IQ 147

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