Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB Audio Interface 3rd Gen
SKU: FOC-18I8GEN3
Key Features
- USB Type-C Connectivity
- 4 Scarlett Mic Preamps, 4 Line In
- 2 Headphone Outs, 4 Line Outputs
- 24-Bit / 192 kHz Converters
- AC Powered / Mac and Windows
- Phantom Power, Pads, MIDI, S/PDIF, ADAT
- Mic Air Mode, Multicolor Gain Halos
Details
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB Audio Interface 3rd Gen is 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.
Great for Project Studios and Expanded Home Setups
With its desk-friendly size, USB Type-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
- Access to the Focusrite Plug-In Collective: Receive free versions of innovative software and benefit from discounts
Specifications
| Form Factor | Tabletop |
| Display | None |
| Channels of I/O | Analog: 8 Input / 6 Output at 192 kHz Digital: 10 Input / 2 Output |
| Maximum Sampling Rate | 192 kHz / 24-Bit |
| Number of Microphone Preamps | 4 Preamps |
| Input Level Adjustment | 4 x Knob |
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Pad | Mic/Line/Hi-Z: -10 dB (Switchable per Channel) |
| Gain/Trim Range | Mic/Line/Hi-Z Inputs: Up to +56 dB |
| High-Pass Filter | None |
| Solo/Mute | None |
Connectivity
| Analog Audio I/O | 2 x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Mic/Line/Hi-Z Input (Front Panel) 2 x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced Mic/Line Input (Front Panel) 4 x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Input 4 x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Output 2 x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output (Front Panel) |
| Phantom Power | 48 V, Selectable On/Off (on 4 Channels) |
| Digital Audio I/O | 1 x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input 1 x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output 1 x TOSLINK Optical ADAT Input |
| Host Connection / USB | 1 x USB Type-C (USB 2.0) |
| MIDI I/O | 1 x DIN 5-Pin Input 1 x DIN 5-Pin Output |
| Wireless Connectivity | None |
Performance
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.1 dB |
| Maximum Input Level | Mic Inputs: +9 dBu (Min Gain) Hi-Z Inputs: +12.5 dBu (Min Gain) Line Inputs: +22 dBu (Min Gain) |
| Maximum Output Level | Line Outputs: +15.5 dBu at 0 dBFS (Balanced) Headphone Outputs: +7 dBu |
| Impedance | Mic Inputs: 3 Kilohms Hi-Z Inputs: 1.5 Megohms Line Inputs: 60 Kilohms Line Outputs: 430 Ohms Headphone Outputs: < 1 Ohm |
| Dynamic Range | Mic Inputs: 111 dBA Hi-Z Inputs: 110 dBA Line Inputs: 110.5 dBA Line Outputs: 108 dBA Headphone Outputs: 104 dBA |
| THD+N | Mic Inputs: < 0.0012% Hi-Z Inputs: < 0.03% Line Inputs: < 0.002% Line Outputs: < 0.002% Headphone Outputs: < 0.002% |
| EIN | Mic Inputs: -128 dB A-Weighted |
Digital Audio
| Sample Rates | Up to 192 kHz (AD/DA Conversion) |
| Sample Rate Conversion | None |
| Bit Depths | Up to 24-Bit (AD/DA Conversion) |
| Sync Sources | ADAT, Internal, S/PDIF |
| Memory Card Slot | None |
Compatibility
| OS Compatibility | macOS 10.12 or Later Windows 7 or Later |
| Included Software | Ableton Live Lite Pro Tools First |
| Compatible Software (Not Included) | Any Core Audio (Mac) Compliant Software |
| Mobile Device Compatibility | None |
| Required Hardware | Available USB 2.0 Port USB Cable (Included) |
| Internet Connection | Required for Software/Driver Download |
Power
| Power Requirements | AC/DC Power Adapter (Included) |
| AC/DC Power Adapter | 12 VDC at 1 A, Center-Positive (Included) |
Physical
| Anti-Theft Features | Kensington Security Slot |
| Dimensions | 9.49 x 6.28 x 2.4" / 24.1 x 15.95 x 6.1 cm |
What's In The Box
- Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
- USB Type-C to USB Type-A Cable
- Power Supply
- Limited 3-Year Warranty