Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 (Gen 3) 18-in/20-out USB Audio Interface

This interface is lovely, software is intuitive and easy to access. Would give 5 stars if it had DC coupled outputs. For the money, I can't imagine doing much better if you have a lot of instruments and require lots of audio routing. If you are looking to interface with Eurorack or other systems that use cv/gate input/ouput, maybe look at MOTU units. ADAT i/o's work seamlessly with many ADAT expansion units. Build quality is solid, sounds fantastic and looks real nice. Overall, highly recommended unit. Hope to see DC coupled outputs in future units, its a must in my opinion, and wish more companies would realize this (Do this Focusrite, and you got the best interface on the market and 5 stars from me).

Have moved from an Edirol FA-66 and wanted more preamps.The recorded audio sounds noticeably better, I'm absolutely delighted with it. Feels very solid too.The only bugbear is that I haven't, yet, been able to get it going properly on Linux, which would be my preference. It is recognized and does function, but there are perceptible clicks and pops in playback. It seems bombproof on Windows, though, and ultimately I've taken the view that it's about music, not the OS.In an ideal world, I'd like every function to have a hardware control, and not rely on proprietary software (which doesn't support Linux) to configure it, but it does work and, again, it would need to be awful to outweight the positives of the sound.Despite sounding like I'm complaining, I'm really ... MoreHave moved from an Edirol FA-66 and wanted more preamps.The recorded audio sounds noticeably better, I'm absolutely delighted with it. Feels very solid too.The only bugbear is that I haven't, yet, been able to get it going properly on Linux, which would be my preference. It is recognized and does function, but there are perceptible clicks and pops in playback. It seems bombproof on Windows, though, and ultimately I've taken the view that it's about music, not the OS.In an ideal world, I'd like every function to have a hardware control, and not rely on proprietary software (which doesn't support Linux) to configure it, but it does work and, again, it would need to be awful to outweight the positives of the sound.Despite sounding like I'm complaining, I'm really not - the 5 stars are meant and I would recommend it for anyone making a similar step-up.

A nice upgrade from Gen 2

I had two 18i20 2nd Gen interfaces chained together. I decided to go ahead and grab a 3rd Gen, due to the reported lower latency.I must say, I am impressed! I noticed the absence of lag immediately while recording. Excellent sound, and the software makes routing quite simple.I'll be using one of my 2nd Gen units as an Octopre, in order to expand the ins/outs of the 3rd Gen. From what I understand, this should not create latency, as the connection between the 2nd and 3rd Gen units will be optical.We use this in our home studio, and we also use it for live performances. We split the outs with a 16-channel snake splitter. The short snake stays in the rack case and goes to our Behringer personal monitoring system. The long snake gets tossed on the stage, and the ... MoreI had two 18i20 2nd Gen interfaces chained together. I decided to go ahead and grab a 3rd Gen, due to the reported lower latency.I must say, I am impressed! I noticed the absence of lag immediately while recording. Excellent sound, and the software makes routing quite simple.I'll be using one of my 2nd Gen units as an Octopre, in order to expand the ins/outs of the 3rd Gen. From what I understand, this should not create latency, as the connection between the 2nd and 3rd Gen units will be optical.We use this in our home studio, and we also use it for live performances. We split the outs with a 16-channel snake splitter. The short snake stays in the rack case and goes to our Behringer personal monitoring system. The long snake gets tossed on the stage, and the sound engineer plugs it in to the box on the stage... Bam, all is well! This will reduce lag between our unit and the house sound in live situations.I love Focusrite. Always good stuff, and always at an affordable price point.

Focusrite 18i20 3rd Gen

This newest version of the top of the Scarlett range is an excellent sounding interface with a ton of I/O available. The unit itself is beautiful to look at, and the setup is quite easy. In use I found the 18i20 to be mostly self explanatory, things seem to work as they should. In addition to the Focusrite Control software there are also iOS versions that work with iPhone and iPad.Audio quality is very good for the price point. Clean and very usable for professional work, although not up to the level of "esoteric" converters that cost much more. I'm using my 18i20 as a bridge between some older Apogee converters and my computer, for audio playback from my computer, and quick and easy recordings on it's own. It's a versatile and thoroughly modern unit.My only gripe ... MoreThis newest version of the top of the Scarlett range is an excellent sounding interface with a ton of I/O available. The unit itself is beautiful to look at, and the setup is quite easy. In use I found the 18i20 to be mostly self explanatory, things seem to work as they should. In addition to the Focusrite Control software there are also iOS versions that work with iPhone and iPad.Audio quality is very good for the price point. Clean and very usable for professional work, although not up to the level of "esoteric" converters that cost much more. I'm using my 18i20 as a bridge between some older Apogee converters and my computer, for audio playback from my computer, and quick and easy recordings on it's own. It's a versatile and thoroughly modern unit.My only gripe with the 18i20 is that there is no output metering on the front of the unit, only input metering. Perhaps there is a way to switch the metering to output, but I haven't found it yet. There is metering in the control software, but I would like to see it on the front of the hardware.Other than that issue I find this to be a well designed interface with a useful feature set. The two headphone outputs are very welcome as well. I'm definitely pleased with my 18i20. ProAudioStar provided great service at a great price and got this to me very quickly--especially considering the lockdown we are all going through right now. Much appreciated.

Glad I did not overspend for thunderbolt

Was looking to spend more on thunderbolt but this is what GC had in stock. Super stable. Unnoticeable latency when tracking drums. Keep in mind I have a 12th gen Intel PC which allows for low buffer settings. Great sounding conversion. Sturdy feel and overall build. Really nice surprise is input level trim which is really useful for outboard preamps and makes gain staging super easy. My recordings sound much better than my more expensive interface that died.

Great unit with one annoyance

Overall this is a great interface. Lots of I/O and so far the drivers seem really stable with low latency (Windows 10, Cubase 12). Everything sounds clear with lots of headroom to spare. I also really like having the dim and mute buttons as opposed to software-only control for those features.My only complaint that would reduce my rating to 4.5 stars is I could is the headphone output mapping. Headphone outs 1 and 2 are hardwired to outputs 7/8 and 9/10, respectively. This is common practice but I really wish headphone out 1 was tied to the main speaker outputs (1/2) as that's where I'm always sending the full mix. I bought this interface for extra I/O to integrate with outboard gear and I was bummed to learn I have two less outs than I thought (at least if I also ... MoreOverall this is a great interface. Lots of I/O and so far the drivers seem really stable with low latency (Windows 10, Cubase 12). Everything sounds clear with lots of headroom to spare. I also really like having the dim and mute buttons as opposed to software-only control for those features.My only complaint that would reduce my rating to 4.5 stars is I could is the headphone output mapping. Headphone outs 1 and 2 are hardwired to outputs 7/8 and 9/10, respectively. This is common practice but I really wish headphone out 1 was tied to the main speaker outputs (1/2) as that's where I'm always sending the full mix. I bought this interface for extra I/O to integrate with outboard gear and I was bummed to learn I have two less outs than I thought (at least if I also want to have the full mix to my headphones). Not a deal breaker, but not ideal.

Plug and play

I've had this a couple of days so far and have been using with a 2017 macbook pro. I cannot fault it. I've had issues with compatibility or massive latency before with other interfaces (presonus, motu) and a windows machine and had to sell them again and got nothing achieved.This was a much cheaper smaller model than both of those 18 input models and so far as been way better on latency and performance. Even monitoring my guitar without using the direct monitoring and applying ableton native effects to get a distorted sound.I've only recorded some electric guitar (a cheap one) directly in or used AU/VSTs so I cannot comment on the quality of the recordings exactly but its really brought me some joy and I have the freedom to record. I think for this price point ... MoreI've had this a couple of days so far and have been using with a 2017 macbook pro. I cannot fault it. I've had issues with compatibility or massive latency before with other interfaces (presonus, motu) and a windows machine and had to sell them again and got nothing achieved.This was a much cheaper smaller model than both of those 18 input models and so far as been way better on latency and performance. Even monitoring my guitar without using the direct monitoring and applying ableton native effects to get a distorted sound.I've only recorded some electric guitar (a cheap one) directly in or used AU/VSTs so I cannot comment on the quality of the recordings exactly but its really brought me some joy and I have the freedom to record. I think for this price point its certainly worth the value. I look forward to plugging in vocals, recording acoustic guitar and my synth when I get some time and I look forward to doing so and contolling the latter by MIDI.I've only not given it 5 as then they would have nowhere to improve, though I have to admit I cannot think of anything they could do yet.

Porper USB Recording interface for Portable Solutions

Compared to the 6i6 which I have been using for years now this unit stands out for three things.1.) The control software is a doddle to use and the old Mix Control that came with the 6i6 was a disaster area.2.) The feedback through the headphone sockets on the 6i6 was an issue that always anyed me. The 8i6 has done away with that.3.) The Air circuit on the 8i6 is a really nice feature and really lifts up your vocals and guitars.I have been really happy otherwise with the 6i6 and it served me well over the years, despite the few quirks and quibbles. I am hoping the 8i6 is going to be a good companion too.

So Far, So Good

I got this interface as a replacement for the MOTU 896HD, as that one was making the audio crackle and sound horribly distorted after several hours. It was even hot to the touch when it was switched on. This machine? The Focusrite Scarlet 18I20 is the exact opposite of the MOTU! For half the price of the MOTU, I've got the best audio ever, without any crackles and mains hums! It's so amazing it's not even funny! It even stays cool to the touch no matter how long it's been switched on! And, unlike the MOTU, it's made of all metal instead of plastic and cheaply made parts. Focusrite is a wonderful company. I have their Red3 Dual Compressor and Limiter, which I got in 2004, and it still works wonders to this day! If only Focusrite Control could let you add an audible ... MoreI got this interface as a replacement for the MOTU 896HD, as that one was making the audio crackle and sound horribly distorted after several hours. It was even hot to the touch when it was switched on. This machine? The Focusrite Scarlet 18I20 is the exact opposite of the MOTU! For half the price of the MOTU, I've got the best audio ever, without any crackles and mains hums! It's so amazing it's not even funny! It even stays cool to the touch no matter how long it's been switched on! And, unlike the MOTU, it's made of all metal instead of plastic and cheaply made parts. Focusrite is a wonderful company. I have their Red3 Dual Compressor and Limiter, which I got in 2004, and it still works wonders to this day! If only Focusrite Control could let you add an audible click when you switch Fantom power and other parameters on and off, for those like me who are sight challenged (I have no sight at all), who can't see lights. Other than that, I give this machine 5 stars! Better yet, I give it 1,000,000,000,000,000 stars!

Works perfect for 5.1 or 7.1 in your DAW, games, and movies!

As most of you have noticed by now, it's extremely difficult to find software drivers in an audio interface that also work with 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound in Windows. Focusrite makes awesome drivers for Windows that work in both ASIO and WDM. I previously fought for over two years with an expensive Antelope Discreet 8 Synergy Core interface. Antelope's drivers on Windows are slow and unreliable AND they do not work in any way for 5.1 surround setups outside of the DAW. I consulted with the Antelope audio engineers and they said that their drivers will not work for 5.1 games or movies. I'm never buying another Antelope interface ever again! The Antelope hardware is great, but the drivers are garbage for Windows users. There's a night and day different between ... MoreAs most of you have noticed by now, it's extremely difficult to find software drivers in an audio interface that also work with 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound in Windows. Focusrite makes awesome drivers for Windows that work in both ASIO and WDM. I previously fought for over two years with an expensive Antelope Discreet 8 Synergy Core interface. Antelope's drivers on Windows are slow and unreliable AND they do not work in any way for 5.1 surround setups outside of the DAW. I consulted with the Antelope audio engineers and they said that their drivers will not work for 5.1 games or movies. I'm never buying another Antelope interface ever again! The Antelope hardware is great, but the drivers are garbage for Windows users. There's a night and day different between Antelope's drivers and Focusrite's drivers in Windows.The Focusrite Control software also searches and handles any firmware updates automatically. After you install the Focusrite Control drivers, in you Windows Sound options you can click on the Focusrite USB driver and get a Configure button at the bottom. Clicking on that Configure button takes you to the Speaker Configuration where you have the following choices: Stereo, Quadraphonic, 5.1 Surround, and 7.1 Surround. From there any games you play that have 5.1 surround like, Alien Isolation, Division 2, Tome Raider, etc. will work perfectly! Also movies going through my Cyberlink Power DVD software sound amazing!By the way, for my setup, I'm running the Scarlet 18i20 3rd Gen, two Adam A77Xs and three Adam A7Xs. So if you are a 5.1 sound junky like I am, and you want your DAW, your games, and your movies to run through your audio interface with reliable drivers that just work in Windows... then you'll want to stick with Focusrite!