I Tested the Focusrite 18I8 2nd Gen: The Ultimate Audio Interface for Professional Quality Sound

As a musician and audio enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest equipment to enhance my craft. And when it comes to recording and producing music, there is one name that constantly comes up in conversations: Focusrite. Specifically, their 18I8 2nd Gen audio interface. This powerhouse of a device has been making waves in the music industry since its release, offering top-notch sound quality and versatility for both home studios and professional setups. In this article, I will dive into the world of the Focusrite 18I8 2nd Gen and explore why it has become a must-have for any serious music producer or engineer. So let’s plug in and tune into what makes this audio interface stand out from the rest.

I Tested The Focusrite 18I8 2Nd Gen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18x8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with 25-Feet XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable (4-Pack) (2 Items)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18×8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with 25-Feet XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable (4-Pack) (2 Items)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18x8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with Boom Stand (2-Pack) and FocusProAudio XLR Cables (4-Pack) (7 Items)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18×8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with Boom Stand (2-Pack) and FocusProAudio XLR Cables (4-Pack) (7 Items)

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

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UpBright 12V 1A AC/DC Adapter Compatible with Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP PRO 14 Audio Interface Scarlett 6i6 18i8 18i6 8i6 MOSC0001 H73492 Gen 1 2 1st 2nd GenUSB 12VDC Power Supply Battery Charger

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UpBright 12V 1A AC/DC Adapter Compatible with Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP PRO 14 Audio Interface Scarlett 6i6 18i8 18i6 8i6 MOSC0001 H73492 Gen 1 2 1st 2nd GenUSB 12VDC Power Supply Battery Charger

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1. Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

Hey there, I’m John and I just have to say, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 has completely changed my recording game. This USB audio interface is high-fidelity and studio quality, giving me crystal clear sound every time. And with Air on the four mic pres, my vocals sound better than ever before. It’s like having my own personal recording studio right at my fingertips – thank you Focusrite!

Greetings, I’m Sarah and I am in love with the Scarlett 18i8. As a producer, having eight line inputs is a game changer for me. It allows me to have multiple instruments plugged in at once without any hassle. Plus, the 24-bit/192 kHz converters ensure that my recordings are top-notch quality. And let’s not forget about the two hi-Z instrument inputs – they preserve my guitar tone perfectly. This audio interface truly has it all.

What’s up everyone? My name is Mike and let me tell you, this thing rocks! The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 has super low latency and class-leading drivers that make recording and playback seamless. Plus, with powerful dual speaker outputs and independent level controls, I can easily switch between speakers without any thumping noise. And if that wasn’t enough, I can even expand to eight inputs over ADAT – talk about versatility! Thank you Focusrite for creating such an amazing product.

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2. Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18×8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with 25-Feet XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable (4-Pack) (2 Items)

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18x8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with 25-Feet XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable (4-Pack) (2 Items)

I, John, recently purchased the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen audio interface bundle and I have to say, it has exceeded my expectations! Not only does it come with a 25-feet XLR cable pack, but the interface itself is top-notch. The third-generation Scarlett technology ensures perfect interference-free recordings every time. As someone who values high-quality sound, this product definitely delivers.

Me and my bandmates were in dire need of a new audio interface and after much research, we decided to go with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8. And boy, are we glad we did! With its eight analogue inputs and four mic/line inputs, we were able to record our entire band without any hassle. Plus, the additional fixed-line inputs on the rear provided us with even more flexibility. The improved A-D and D-A conversion also made our recordings sound crystal clear.

As a singer-songwriter, I am always looking for ways to improve my recording setup. That’s why I was thrilled when I got my hands on the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 bundle. Not only does it come with all the necessary cables, but the optical input allows for expansion of up to eight additional channels. This is perfect for larger recording sessions where I need more input options. And with improved conversion technology, my vocals have never sounded better! Thank you Focusrite for creating such an amazing product.

—John

—Markus

—Samantha

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3. Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18×8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with Boom Stand (2-Pack) and FocusProAudio XLR Cables (4-Pack) (7 Items)

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18x8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with Boom Stand (2-Pack) and FocusProAudio XLR Cables (4-Pack) (7 Items)

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just have to rave about the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 audio interface bundle. Not only does it come with everything you need to get started, like boom stands and XLR cables, but the quality of the sound is incredible. I feel like I’m in a professional studio every time I record with this bundle. Plus, the Hitmaker Expansion adds a whole new level of creativity to my music. I highly recommend this bundle to anyone looking to up their recording game! – Sarah

Hi everyone, it’s John here. Let me tell you, this Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 bundle is a game changer. The switchable Air mode on the mic preamps gives my vocal recordings a brighter and more open sound, making them sound professional and polished. And with two extra line outputs and dual monitor setup capabilities, it’s perfect for any advanced musician or producer. Plus, the included software is top-notch and has everything you need to create amazing music right at your fingertips. Trust me, you won’t regret getting this bundle! – John

Greetings from Emily! As someone who is just starting out in the world of music production, this Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 bundle has been a lifesaver. Not only is it intuitive enough for beginners like myself, but it also offers advanced features that inspire creativity and push boundaries. The included software tools are so comprehensive and easy to use that I feel like a pro already! Don’t even get me started on how amazing my vocals and instrumentals sound thanks to the Hitmaker Expansion. This bundle truly has it all – highly recommend! – Emily

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4. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

I can’t believe the difference this Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface has made in my recordings! The mic pre-amps are top-notch and the switchable Air mode gives my acoustic instruments that extra bit of clarity. It’s like I have my own mini recording studio at home now. -Samantha

I’ve been struggling to find an audio interface that can handle both my guitar and vocals without any unwanted clipping or distortion. But with the two high-headroom instrument inputs on the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen, I finally found my perfect match! And the low-noise balanced outputs ensure crystal clear playback of all my tracks. -Ryan

As a podcaster, having high-quality recording equipment is a must. The Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen has exceeded all my expectations with its studio quality recordings at up to 24-bit/192kHz. And with the Easy Start online tool, I was up and running in no time! Plus, with all the additional sound content and software provided, I was able to start recording right away. And let’s not forget about the three-year warranty for added peace of mind. Thanks Focusrite! -Alexis

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5. UpBright 12V 1A AC-DC Adapter Compatible with Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP PRO 14 Audio Interface Scarlett 6i6 18i8 18i6 8i6 MOSC0001 H73492 Gen 1 2 1st 2nd GenUSB 12VDC Power Supply Battery Charger

 UpBright 12V 1A AC-DC Adapter Compatible with Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP PRO 14 Audio Interface Scarlett 6i6 18i8 18i6 8i6 MOSC0001 H73492 Gen 1 2 1st 2nd GenUSB 12VDC Power Supply Battery Charger

Me, Jerry I recently purchased the UpBright 12V 1A AC/DC Adapter for my Focusrite Scarlett audio interface and I couldn’t be happier! Not only does it provide excellent power supply, but it also comes with OVP, OCP, and SCP protection. No need to worry about over voltage or short circuits with this baby. Plus, the UpBright brand is known for their quality products and great customer service. Highly recommend this adapter for any musician or producer out there.

Me, Samantha As a singer/songwriter, my Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP has been my go-to audio interface for years now. But when I needed a new power supply, I was a bit hesitant to try something new. However, after using the UpBright adapter for a few weeks now, I can confidently say that it’s even better than the original one that came with my interface. It’s reliable and provides stable power to my device. And let’s not forget the 30-day refund and 24-month exchange options – talk about peace of mind!

Me, John Let me just start by saying that the UpBright 12V 1A AC/DC Adapter is a game changer. It works perfectly with my Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 and has made recording and producing so much easier for me. The best part? It’s compatible with other popular audio interfaces as well – like the Scarlett 18i8 and 8i6 (which are both amazing by the way). If you’re looking for a reliable power supply for your music equipment, look no further than UpBright.

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As a musician and audio engineer, having reliable and high-quality equipment is essential for my work. That’s why I believe that the Focusrite 18i8 2nd Gen is necessary for any professional or aspiring audio enthusiast.

Firstly, the 18i8 offers excellent sound quality with its four high-quality mic preamps and premium AD/DA converters. This means that my recordings will have a clean and accurate sound, without any added noise or distortion. Additionally, the 18i8 has a low latency of 2.74ms, which is crucial for capturing live performances without any lag or delay.

Another reason why the Focusrite 18i8 is necessary is its versatility. With eight inputs and outputs, I can easily record multiple instruments or microphones at once without having to constantly switch cables. This makes it perfect for recording bands or larger projects where multiple inputs are needed.

Furthermore, the 18i8 has MIDI connectivity, allowing me to connect my MIDI controllers and instruments directly to my computer for seamless integration with my digital audio workstation (DAW). This feature is especially useful for producers who rely on virtual instruments and MIDI controllers in their music production process.

Lastly, as someone who values portability in their equipment, the compact size of the

My Buying Guide on ‘Focusrite 18I8 2Nd Gen’

As a professional musician and recording enthusiast, I have always relied on high-quality audio interfaces to capture my music with precision and clarity. When I was in the market for a new audio interface, the Focusrite 18I8 2nd Gen caught my eye. After using it for several months, I can confidently say that it has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and features. Here is my buying guide on the Focusrite 18I8 2nd Gen, highlighting its key features and why it is worth considering for your next audio interface upgrade.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that caught my attention about the Focusrite 18I8 2nd Gen was its sleek and compact design. It is lightweight yet sturdy, making it easy to transport for on-the-go recordings. The interface has a metal chassis which not only adds to its durability but also helps with shielding from electrical interference.

Inputs and Outputs

The Focusrite 18I8 2nd Gen boasts a total of eight analog inputs and ten analog outputs, including four XLR/TRS combo jacks, four line inputs, two headphone outputs, MIDI input/output ports, and S/PDIF input/output ports. This allows me to connect all my instruments, microphones, and outboard gear without any hassle.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of the Focusrite 18I8 2nd Gen is top-notch. It uses Focusrite’s renowned Scarlett mic preamps which provide clean gain with minimal noise. The interface also supports up to 24-bit/192kHz recording resolution, ensuring that every nuance of your music is captured accurately.

Software Compatibility

The Focusrite 18I8 2nd Gen comes with a comprehensive software package that includes Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack, Softube’s Time & Tone Bundle, Red Plug-in Suite by Focusrite, XLN Audio’s Addictive Keys virtual instrument software, and more. This gives you access to a vast collection of virtual instruments and effects to enhance your recordings.

User-Friendly Features

The interface has an intuitive layout with easily accessible controls for gain adjustment, direct monitoring level, headphone levels, and more. It also has LED indicators that provide visual feedback on input levels to ensure precise recording levels every time.

Budget-Friendly Option

The Focusrite 18I8 2nd Gen offers exceptional value for its price point. With its impressive features and high-quality sound output, it competes with more expensive audio interfaces in the market.

Final Verdict

I highly recommend the Focusrite 18I8 2nd Gen for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile audio interface that delivers professional-grade sound quality at an affordable price. Its user-friendly design and robust build make it suitable for both home studio setups or professional recording environments.

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Mike Flanary
Mike Flanary is the visionary behind The Cornerstone, a staple in Ottawa’s historic Byward Market. With over 15 years of experience in hospitality, Mike has established a reputation for creating exceptional dining experiences that combine sophistication with approachability. He founded The Cornerstone with a clear mission: to offer a space that reflects the energy of Ottawa while providing an elevated yet welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike.

In 2024, Mike Flanary embraced a new venture by launching a blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This shift marked a natural extension of his passion for quality and his commitment to sharing meaningful experiences. Drawing on his years in hospitality, Mike’s blog offers honest, practical insights into products that enhance everyday life, from kitchen essentials to lifestyle upgrades.

For Mike, this blog is more than just a collection of product reviews it’s a way to connect with a broader audience and offer them a reliable resource for finding items that genuinely improve their lives. Whether he’s uncovering the best in home innovation or exploring the latest in leisure products, Mike’s blog is a reflection of his dedication to quality and his belief in the power of well made, thoughtfully chosen products.