Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $279
Standard/Professional
$150
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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.
Videos
Musician's Friend
How To Choose a Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Gen Audio Interface - Features and Specifications
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
User experience
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
5.0 out of 5
Based on 6 Reviews and 47 Ratings
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
197
like...exploded ??
no, more of a pop noise. turned out to be the power supply and a new one fixed it, now works perfectly.
75
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
145
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.
393
Artist usage
Add artist
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.
In an Instagram post, Matoma is seen working on his mixtape, with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 visible on his desk next to some books.
Guitarist Angel Vivaldi confirms on his official website's "Rig" page that he uses the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 interface.
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
Show yoursMore Focusrite Audio Interfaces
Accessories & Related Items
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Audio Interfaces
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
paradigmGear IQ 179
-