Built to deliver top-shelf sound in a desk-friendly and easy-to-use format for panel podcasters, producers, and small bands who need mix-minus functionality when taking calls, the third-generation Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB audio/MIDI interface lets artists and content creators score pro-level tone with no learning curve.

Equally capable for tracking vocals and instruments, the four improved Scarlett microphone preamps feature switchable phantom power for condenser mics, pads to prevent distortion on loud input signals, and a selectable-per-channel Air circuit, which adds clarity-enhancing brightness based on Focusrite's legendary ISA preamplifier.

The first two XLR-1/4" combo inputs are software-switchable to allow them to accept signal directly from electric instruments such as guitar and bass or from line-level sources such as stereo mixer outputs, while combo inputs 3-4 can handle signal from mic or line sources. The rear panel sports four additional fixed-level 1/4" inputs to accommodate more line-level sources such as the outputs of external mic preamps.

Unlocking the ability to record at standard CD quality or high-fidelity resolutions, the 24-bit / 192 kHz AD/DA converters ensure that signals are captured and reproduced with detail and accuracy. With four balanced 1/4" monitor outputs, dual 1/4" stereo headphone jacks, and independent volume control of the two headphone outputs and the main/alt speaker outs, the Scarlett 18i8 can simultaneously feed multiple monitoring systems or outboard effects processors.

The virtual loopback function on the Scarlett 18i8 empowers podcasters with an easy mix-minus setup for taking calls without the caller being distracted by a delayed audio return signal. Also, traditional 5-pin MIDI I/O is provided for seamless integration of MIDI equipment such as a keyboard or sound module. S/PDIF stereo digital I/O jacks are also present, should you need to hook up outboard AD/DA converters or other digital gear. Route an external A/D converter into the ADAT optical input to record up to eight more channels of audio. You can even utilize your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to wirelessly control the Scarlett 18i8.

With its AC powering for stable power in the studio, space-saving USB-C connection, and extensive software bundle including elementary versions of Ableton Live and Avid Pro Tools music production workstations, virtual instruments, plug-in effects, loops, and more, the Scarlett 18i8 gives you plenty of powerful tools to kick-start your inspiration. Just connect the the Scarlett 18i8 to an AC power source via the supplied AC adapter, plug into your Mac/Windows computer or iPadOS tablet via USB, fire up your preferred audio recording software, and let the creativity flow.

Producers and Small Bands    AC Powered / Mac, Windows, iPadOS    4 Mic / Line / Hi-Z Preamp, 4 Line In    2 Headphone Outs, 4 Line Outputs    24-Bit / 192 kHz AD/DA Conversion    Mic Air Mode, Multicolor Gain Halos    48V, Zero-Latency Direct Monitoring    Virtual Loopback for Streaming    MIDI, S/PDIF, ADAT I/O    DAWs, VIs, Loops, and Samples

With its desk-friendly size, USB-C connectivity, and AC powering (via the included AC adapter), the Scarlett 18i8 is well suited for home and project studios that need some extra I/O without sacrificing a bunch of table space.

Thanks to its high-performance 24-bit / 192 kHz AD/DA converters, the Scarlett 18i8 is equipped to capture any source from vocals to acoustic and electric instruments clearly and accurately, so you never have to worry about the interface clouding your sound.

The four upgraded third-generation Scarlett mic preamps feature switchable 48V phantom power to accommodate your favorite condenser mics, and a selectable-per-channel Air setting, which reproduces the Air effect of Focusrite's original ISA mic preamp to impart enhanced brightness and openness on your vocal recordings. Use the selectable input pads to prevent distortion when tracking high-level sources such as acoustic drums or electric guitars equipped with active pickups.

Thanks to software-switchable instrument/line settings, the first two XLR-1/4" combo inputs on the Scarlett 18i8's front panel allow distortion-free recording of instruments such as electric guitar and bass, synthesizers, or drum machines with no need for DI boxes or amplifiers, or in Line mode they can be used for line-level sources like a mixer's stereo output or the line outs from guitar and bass amps. Combo inputs 3-4 are able to handle mic- or line-level sources.

With four balanced 1/4" line inputs on the back of the Scarlett 18i8, you can patch in line-level sources such as external mic preamps, an outboard mixer, or synthesizer sound modules while leaving the front-panel inputs free for direct connection of mics, instruments, or other line-level sources.

The Scarlett 18i8's independent gain knobs and multicolor gain halo meters mean that you'll have no trouble getting set up and dialing in the perfect levels.

The four balanced 1/4" TRS monitor outputs on the rear panel enable hum-free connectivity with two pairs of balanced studio monitors, and their anti-thump technology protects your speakers if the interface is powered on while the speakers are on. To allow critical listening through headphones for two people, there are two front-panel 1/4" headphone jacks, each with its own dedicated volume knob. The large knob on the Scarlett 18i8 is allocated for controlling the volume of the main monitor outputs (1-2) or the alt monitor outputs (3-4).

The Scarlett 18i8 features one pair of virtual loopback inputs, allowing you to capture a stereo feed of any combination of hardware input and software playback channels, making podcasting, live streaming, and sampling tasks much easier.

Spin the Scarlett 18i8 around and you'll find traditional 5-pin MIDI I/O ports, perfect for hooking up a MIDI keyboard controller, a synthesizer/workstation, or a sound module for MIDI recording, editing, and sequencing.

In addition to having flexible analog I/O, the Scarlett 18i8 offers S/PDIF stereo digital input and output ports via coaxial jacks. Use the S/PDIF input to record the output of a digital DJ mixer or an external mic preamp outfitted with an A/D converter and S/PDIF output. Run the Scarlett's S/PDIF output to a high-end D/A converter for extra processing or mastering with analog gear.

The inclusion of an ADAT optical input port on the Scarlett 18i8 means that you can record up to eight more channels of audio, a perfect way to pipe in an external 8-channel mic preamp with an onboard A/D converter.

Route your audio, cue mix, loopback, and monitor mixes from your Mac or Windows computer via the Focusrite Control desktop software. Tap into even more convenience by using the Focusrite Control iOS app on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to remotely control your Scarlett when connected to Focusrite Control Desktop.

The Scarlett 18i8 comes with a powerful bundle of music-making software from industry-leading brands. From recording to final mixdown, this bundle features tools that will help you get the sound you imagined.

• Ableton Live Lite: Popular music production software
• Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack: The main elements and workflow of the industry standard Pro Tools in an entry-level package hundreds of virtual instrument sounds, 500MB of loops, and great-sounding effects
• 3 Months of Splice Sounds: Get access to millions of high-quality, royalty-free loops, one-shots, and presets, with new releases daily
• Focusrite Red 2 and Red 3 Plug-In Suite: Accurate models Focusrite’s classic Red 2 Equalizer and Red 3 Compressor
• XLN Audio: Choose of one of four XLN Audio Addictive Keys virtual instruments
• Softube Time and Tone Bundle: World-class reverb, delay, and distortion plug-ins and an easy-to-use mastering tool from Softube

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. It says it comes with Abelton Live Lite, but isn't that a free on Abelton's website? Why do they mean when it comes with a license to a free program?

A: The 18i20 includes a bundle code which allows you to download several different software programs such as an exclusive Focusrite edition of Pro Tools | First Pack, Ableton Live Lite, the Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Foscusrite's Red Plug-In Suite, and a library of LoopMasters samples. So the included bundle code allows you to access more software than just Ableton Live Lite.

Q: 2. will this work with protools 10?

A: Yes

Q: 3. Should I use Logic Pro with this? Doing a 4-mic podcast. How do I record the audio sent into it? Sorry, dumb questions.

A: The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation) can certainly be used with Logic Pro, or any other DAW of your choosing. As with any software, there will be a learning curve, but with the wealth of online learning resources it should not take long to develop a basic understanding of recording functions within your chosen program.

Q: 4. Does it have a TRS phone insert?

A: This unit does not have a TRS insert.

Q: 5. Are the preamps powerful enough for low input/gain hungry dynamic mics, like the Shure 7M7B? Planning on using this for a 3 or 4 mic podcast.

A: The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8's preamps are technically powerful enough for a dynamic microphone like SM7b or the RE20, but best results and the lowest noise floor will still be had with a mic activator such as the CL1 CloudLifter.

Q: 6. Wow, this here is now mid-May the year 2017. This here is allegedly a SECOND GENERATION computer interface product. This here uses USB 2.0 to connect? With these many channels? You've gotta be kidding. Nobody at Focusrite had heard of USB 3.0 and USB 3.1, for cripe's sake?

A: Hi Frank,Thanks for your feedback.The bandwidth of USB 2.0 is more than enough for the amount of data being passed to the computer. The larger bandwidth achieved by USB 3.0 and 3.1 would be redundant, as USB 2.0 can comfortably handle the amount of data being sent, and the speed of this transfer is not improved with USB 3.0 or 3.1.Please see the below article for more information on this.https://a href= http://support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/208095469-USB-2-0-vs-USB-3-0 target= _blank support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/208095469-USB-2-0-vs-USB-3-0/aBest regards,Laurence ClarkeFocusrite Customer Service

Q: 7. Are the monitor outs balanced?

A: The Monitor Output jacks on the Scarlett 18i8 are balanced 1/4 outputs.

Q: 8. Can I use this to monitor 5.1 on a mac Premiere Pro editing station?

A: As long as you can define which channels you are using from Premiere Pro, you should be able to use the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation) for a 5.1 surround setup.

Q: 9. Will this work with vMix?

A: Some users have reported Vmix working with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, but there is no official driver support.

Q: 10. Might be a dumb question but can I use this with an older ( 2012 )MacBook that uses the larger USB ports with just an adapter cable?

A: Yes this will work with your Macbook no problem The Focusrite scarlett 18i20 comes with the USB cable which is type A that will plug into your mac.