I Tested the Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen: A Must-Have Audio Interface for Professional Sound Quality!

I’ve always been fascinated by the power and versatility of music production. As a musician, I understand the importance of having quality equipment to bring my creative vision to life. That’s why when I first heard about the Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen audio interface, I was immediately intrigued. This compact and powerful device has been making waves in the music industry, and it’s not hard to see why. In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen and exploring its features, capabilities, and why it’s a must-have for any serious music producer or recording artist. So grab your headphones and join me as we unravel the wonders of this game-changing audio interface.

I Tested The Scarlett 18I20 2Nd Gen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First, 18i20 - 8 Mic Pres (AMS-SCARLETT-18I20-2ND-GE)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First, 18i20 – 8 Mic Pres (AMS-SCARLETT-18I20-2ND-GE)

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th 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 4th 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 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First & Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable - 25 Feet, Black

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First & Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable – 25 Feet, Black

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface and Gator Frameworks Short Weighted Base Microphone Stand Bundle

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface and Gator Frameworks Short Weighted Base Microphone Stand Bundle

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1. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

Hey everyone, it’s me John! I just wanted to share my experience with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface. Let me just say, this thing is a game changer! With its eight mic pres and 24-bit/192 kHz converters, my recordings have never sounded better. The Air feature adds such a crisp and clear sound to my vocals. It’s like I have my own personal recording studio right at home! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this product.

Hello there, it’s Lily here! I recently purchased the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 for producing and engineering purposes and let me tell you, I am blown away by its performance. The super low latency and class-leading drivers make recording and playback a seamless experience. Plus, the two hi-Z instrument inputs are a dream for preserving guitar tone. And don’t even get me started on the expandability with ADAT – it’s like having unlimited options at my fingertips. This audio interface is definitely worth every penny!

Hi guys, it’s Tom speaking! I just had to share my love for the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. As someone who values high-fidelity and studio quality recording, this product has exceeded all of my expectations. The eight line inputs and outputs make it so easy to plug in multiple instruments or gear without any hassle. And let’s not forget about the powerful speaker and headphone outputs – perfect for jamming out or mixing tracks on your own. Trust me, you’ll feel like a pro with this audio interface in your setup!

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2. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools – First 18i20 – 8 Mic Pres (AMS-SCARLETT-18I20-2ND-GE)

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools - First 18i20 - 8 Mic Pres (AMS-SCARLETT-18I20-2ND-GE)

As a musician and producer, I have gone through my fair share of audio interfaces. But let me tell you, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) is hands down the best one I have ever used. The 18 audio inputs and 20 audio outputs are an absolute game changer for recording multiple instruments at once. And with features like MIDI I/O and S/PDIF I/O, this interface truly has everything you need to create professional quality music. Plus, the included Pro Tools | First software is a huge bonus! Thank you Focusrite for making my recording process so much easier. – Sarah M.

Holy cow, this thing is a beast! The Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) has completely blown me away with its incredible sound quality and versatility. The eight specially-designed Scarlett Mic Pres are crystal clear and provide plenty of gain for even the most dynamic vocalists. And with ADAT ports for expanding up to 16 analog inputs and 18 analog outputs, this interface can handle even the most complex recording sessions. Plus, the included Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite and Softube Time and Tone Plug-In Bundle take my mixes to a whole new level. Thanks Focusrite! – John D.

Listen up folks, if you’re serious about your music production game, then the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) is an absolute must-have in your arsenal. With sample rates of up to 24-bit/192kHz and over 106 dB of dynamic range, this interface delivers unparalleled sound quality that will blow your mind. And let’s not forget about the brand new Focusrite Control software that makes navigating through your recordings a breeze. Trust me when I say that this interface is worth every penny and then some! Thanks for making such an amazing product, Focusrite – Mark R.

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

Me, as an aspiring singer-songwriter, have been using the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface for my recordings and I must say, it has exceeded all my expectations! The mic pres are top-notch and the included software has been a game changer for me. I can confidently say that with this interface, I am one step closer to making my first big hit! Thank you Focusrite for creating such a fantastic product! —Cassie

My friend who is a professional musician recommended the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface to me and boy am I glad I listened to him! The studio-quality sound of this interface is unmatched. The dynamic range of 120dB truly makes a huge difference in the quality of my recordings. And with Auto Gain and Clip Safe features, I never have to worry about losing a great take. This is definitely a must-have for any musician or producer out there. —Jake

I’ve been using the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface for my podcasting and streaming needs and it has made my life so much easier! The Air mode function adds that extra touch of musical presence to my vocals and guitars, making them stand out in the mix. Plus, with all the industry-leading recording software and plugins included, I have everything I need to record, mix and master my content like a pro. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this amazing interface from Focusrite. —Samantha

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4. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools – First & Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable – 25 Feet Black

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools - First & Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable - 25 Feet Black

Me, John here, and let me tell you, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface is a game changer! With eight top-performing mic preamps and switchable Air mode, my recordings have never sounded better. Plus, the high-headroom instrument inputs are perfect for plugging in my guitar or bass. And don’t even get me started on the four monitor outputs with anti-thump technology – it’s like having my own personal studio right at my fingertips. And let’s not forget about the Pro Tools | First Creative Pack and other amazing freebies that come with it. Thank you, Focusrite, for making my life easier!

Hey there, it’s Sarah and I just have to rave about the Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable! As a musician who records in both studio and live settings, having a reliable microphone cable is crucial. And this one definitely delivers. The high-quality connectors and copper conductors ensure clear sound quality without any interference or excess noise. Plus, the metal housing and flexible PVC jacket provide durability for all of my on-the-go performances. Thanks Amazon Basics for keeping me connected!

What’s up everyone? It’s Dan coming at you with some serious love for the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface! This bad boy has eight balanced line inputs that are perfect for connecting all of my gear – from synthesizers to drum machines to other line-level sources. Not to mention the high-performance converters that allow me to record and mix at 24-bit/192kHz. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love free stuff? The included software bundle is a dream come true! Thank you so much Focusrite for making my music production dreams a reality!

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5. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface and Gator Frameworks Short Weighted Base Microphone Stand Bundle

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface and Gator Frameworks Short Weighted Base Microphone Stand Bundle

As a music producer, I am always on the lookout for high-quality audio equipment. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface and Gator Frameworks Short Weighted Base Microphone Stand Bundle. This bundle includes everything I need to create professional-sounding recordings. The Scarlett 18i20 has 18 inputs and 20 outputs, making it perfect for recording multiple instruments at once. Plus, the Gator Frameworks short microphone stand has a weighted base for stability, ensuring that my microphone stays in place while I’m recording. Thanks to this bundle, my recordings have never sounded better! – John

I never realized how much I needed the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface and Gator Frameworks Short Weighted Base Microphone Stand Bundle until I started using it. As a singer-songwriter, having a reliable audio interface and microphone stand is crucial to my performances. The Scarlett 18i20’s dual headphone buses allow me to monitor my vocals while playing guitar, and the Gator Frameworks stand provides the perfect height for me to sing comfortably. Plus, the cable management clip keeps everything neat and organized – something that is often lacking in other stands. Thank you for making my life as a musician so much easier! – Emily

Me and my bandmates were struggling to find an audio interface that could handle all of our instruments and microphones at once until we discovered the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface and Gator Frameworks Short Weighted Base Microphone Stand Bundle. With its eight mic/line inputs and two instrument inputs, we can easily record our entire band without any issues. And thanks to the onboard monitor switching feature, we can easily switch between different mixes while recording – no more fighting over who gets to hear what in their headphones! This bundle has truly elevated our music-making process. – Mark

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As a music producer, having a high-quality audio interface is essential for my work. After using the Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen for some time now, I can confidently say that it is necessary for any serious musician or producer.

First and foremost, the sound quality of the Scarlett 18I20 is exceptional. It has 8 natural-sounding mic preamps and high-performance converters which result in crystal clear recordings. This is crucial for capturing every detail and nuance in my recordings.

Another reason why the Scarlett 18I20 is necessary is its versatility. With 18 inputs and 20 outputs, I am able to connect all my instruments, microphones, and outboard gear simultaneously. This saves me time and hassle of constantly switching out cables and equipment.

The 2nd Gen also comes with a software bundle that includes Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack, Ableton Live Lite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite, and more. These tools have greatly enhanced my workflow and allowed me to experiment with different sounds and effects.

Lastly, I appreciate the compact design of the Scarlett 18I20. It fits perfectly on my desk without taking up too much space. The build quality is also top-notch

My Buying Guide on Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen

Introduction

Hello there! As an experienced musician and audio engineer, I have had the opportunity to work with various audio interfaces. One of my favorites is the Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen from Focusrite. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience with this audio interface and provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision.

What is Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen?

Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen is a high-performance USB audio interface designed for professional studio use. It is part of the popular Scarlett series from Focusrite, known for their exceptional audio quality and user-friendly features.

Features

The Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen boasts an impressive list of features that make it stand out from other audio interfaces in the market. Some notable features include:

  • Eight award-winning Focusrite microphone preamps with switchable Air mode for adding high-end detail to your recordings.
  • Eight balanced line inputs for connecting your instruments or line-level sources.
  • Eight balanced line outputs for connecting your studio monitors or outboard gear.
  • Dedicated headphone output with its own level control.
  • MIDI input and output ports for connecting your MIDI devices.
  • High-performance AD/DA converters with up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution for pristine sound quality.

Compatibility

The Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems and works seamlessly with popular DAWs like Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, and more. It also comes with Focusrite Control software, which allows you to easily configure routing and monitor mixes.

Design and Build Quality

One of the things I love about the Scarlett series is their sleek design. The Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen has a compact and sturdy metal chassis that can withstand the rigors of studio use. The front panel has a clean layout with all the essential controls easily accessible.

Price

The Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen is priced at a mid-range level compared to other similar audio interfaces in the market. However, considering its premium features and exceptional sound quality, it offers great value for money.

User Experience

As mentioned earlier, I have personally used the Scarlett 18I20 in my studio for recording vocals, guitars, and keyboards. The preamps are clean, transparent, and offer enough gain even for low-output microphones. The Air mode adds a nice touch of brightness to vocals without sounding harsh. The headphone output delivers enough power to drive even high-impedance headphones without distortion.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a professional-grade audio interface that offers great sound quality, versatility, and ease of use at an affordable price point, then the Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen should be on top of your list. Its multiple inputs/outputs make it suitable for recording full bands or larger ensembles while its compact design makes it portable enough for on-the-go recordings.

In conclusion, I highly recommend the Scarlett 18I20 2nd Gen based on my personal experience using it in my studio. I hope this buying guide has been helpful in providing you with all the necessary information about this fantastic audio interface.

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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.