Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB-C Audio MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)

Focusrite 18i8 Overview

Key Features

• 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

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.

Great for Project Studios and Expanded Home Setups

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.

Pristine, High-Resolution Conversion

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.

Scarlett Mic Preamps with Customizable Tone

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.

Instrument/Line Switching

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.

Rear-Panel Line Inputs

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.

Straightforward Controls and Level Indication

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.

Dual Independent Headphone and Main/Alt Monitor Outputs

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).

Virtual Loopback for Mix-Minus and More

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.

MIDI I/O

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.

Stereo Digital I/O

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.

8-Channel ADAT Optical Input

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.

Powerful Software Control

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.

Extensive Software Bundle

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

Focusrite 18i8Specs

Key Specs

Signal Processing

Connectivity

Performance

Digital Audio

Audio Storage & Playback

Compatibility

Power

Physical

Packaging Info

• Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
• USB-C to USB-A Cable
• Power Supply