Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is a USB audio interface with eight balanced inputs and ten outputs, in addition to both S/PDIF and ADAT inputs and outputs, thus putting a total of 18 inputs and 20 outputs at the user's fingertips. The eight redesigned preamps each provide up to 69dB of gain and are suitable for both microphone and line-level signals while also promising improved sound quality. Switchable 48V phantom power is provided to allow condenser microphones to be connected, and the two combo socket inputs on the front can in turn be switched to Hi-Z in order for electric guitars and basses to be directly plugged in. The excellent sound provided by the Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is due in large part to its AD/DA converters, which are the same as the ones found in Focusrite's premium line of RedNet interfaces and, with a 122dB dynamic range, can record in up to 24 bit/192kHz quality. Overall, this new generation represents a functional and sonic upgrade over the previous models, which had already achieved bestseller status worldwide thanks to their sound, impressive features, and attractive price-performance ratio.

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is a 19"/1U rack interface with an integrated power supply that is primarily aimed at professional users, with features that also include two independent headphone preamps, a talkback microphone, A/B monitor speaker switching, ten multi-segment LED level meters (one for each input channel and two for the outputs), and wordclock and MIDI interfaces. Routing, monitor mixes, and other functions of the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen - including even the preamp gain levels - can be configured using Focusrite Control 2, which is available as a computer programme and an app, while the 18 inputs provide sufficient flexibility for more complex multi-track recordings and the ten analogue outputs allow signals to be sent to external mixing desks, alternative monitor setups, and external effects units.

To allow users to get started right away once they have purchased the Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen, Focusrite has included a "Quick Start Tool", with which the USB audio interface can be put into operation with just a few mouse clicks on either a macOS or Windows operating system via the USB-C interface. The necessary DAW software is also provided, with a choice of Ableton Live Lite or a three-month license for Pro Tools Artist (including plugin bundle subscription) included in the package. Last but not least, the scope of delivery for all Scarlett audio interfaces also includes the Hitmaker Expansion, which provides a range of software instruments and effects as well as tools to help the user enhance the quality of their music productions.

The Hitmaker Expansion is a complete package for music producers that includes everything from guitar sounds courtesy of the Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555, pitch correction with Antares Auto-Tune Access, and the Sonnox VoxDoubler through to reverb effects from Relab LX480 Essentials, the Brainworx Bx_console Focusrite SC channel strip, and two items from XLN Audio: Addictive Drums 2: Studio Rock and Addictive Keys Studio Grand Piano. A new addition is the Massive software synth from Native Instruments, which offers 1,300 presets. Focusrite's own Red 2 & 3 plugin suite is also included, as is the Fast Balancer, which uses AI to help provide an optimised mix, and the package is rounded off by a two-month subscription for the Landr studio mastering tools and a three-month Splice Sounds membership for new customers.