Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (Gen 3) Review
18x20 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
- Ableton Live Lite music making software
- Pro Tools First Focusrite Creative Pack
- Focusrite Red 2 & Red 3 Plug-in Suite
- A choice of 1 of 4 XLN Audio Addictive Keys virtual instruments
- Softube Time & Tone Bundle
- Access to the Focusrite Plug-in Collective
- Free 3-month Splice Sounds subscription with new Splice accounts
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 83,030 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (Gen 3). This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (Gen 3). For example, 90% of 62,448 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (Gen 3) have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 65 Reviews
Excellence!
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Rackmount 18x20 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Ale on B&H Photo Video
I used the MAudio Profire 2626 Highdefinition Firewire Audio Interface in my studio for several years. Recorded a couple of albums with it, and I was relatively satisfied. Then I updated my studio computer, which did not have a Firewire port. In addition to that, M-Audio had not produced a driver for Windows 10. I realized it was about time to upgrade my audio interface. I did a very extensive research. I read reviews, asked colleagues, etc, and everything started to point to the Scarlett 18i20. I then purchase it, and so far it has exceeded all my expectations. The sound quality is crystal clear; the configuration software included works perfectly in real time. Not the most important thing, but its look is spectacular, and the position of every knob, input, and output is in the right place. The two headphone outputs in the front come handy when there are two musicians recording at the same time. As I use this interface I get the feeling that I am working with an appliance 100% professional. With Sonar it blends really good, no audio drops or audio engine error messages at all. So far I haven't noticed anything negative about it. ... More
Works perfect for 5.1 or 7.1 surround in DAW, games, movies!
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Rackmount 18x20 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Daniel on B&H Photo Video
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 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 (looking to also get an Adam Sub8 in the near future). 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! ... More
Great audio interface used for live music recording
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by Youssef on Guitar Center
First time I purchase an audio interface so can't compare it to anything else however for someone with no recording experience I did not struggle to understand how to use it and download the recording tools. Has allot of nice features and would highly recommend it. Focusrite's customer service were very helpful and very surprised with their professionalism. One small comment, I purchased this to have the ability to plug more than 4 mics in one go and was my first question to the sales person at guitar center and the reason I purchased it what they failed to tell me was that I would have to upgrade software or buy one that is not included in this package which was a downer and came as news to me once I started recording. Loyal GC customer but Would be nice if staff were more trained on certain products and knowledgeable to avoid such issues. ... More
A nice upgrade from Gen 2
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by XavierX on Guitar Center
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 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. ... More
Great Audio Interface with quick simple setup
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by JW on Guitar Center
Everything about this unit is awesome. Setup was super fast and easy. Sound quality is near pristine. The only hiccup I ran into was the phantom power turns itself off each time you power the unit up. Phantom power isn't "per channel". It powers in blocks of 1-4 and 5-8, which isn't a big deal for me. I am certain that it is a safety measure that cases it to turn off phantom power when the device is turned on, so just remember you have to turn it on manually with each reboot. Aside from that, this is an amazing interface. I upgraded from an older Motu 8pre Firewire interface that had become flaky. This is a welcome new addition to our studio.
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Great unit with one annoyance
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Rackmount 18x20 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Spencer on B&H Photo Video
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 want to have the full mix to my headphones). Not a deal breaker, but not ideal. ... More
Great sound, and truly handles up to 18 ins
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Luis D. on Reverb
I bought this unit for its expandability. I paired it with a Focusrite Saffire 40 Pro and noticed a slight difference in the sounds of the preamps. I feel that the preamps on the Scarlett are super clean and do not color the signal whereas the Saffire has a slight warmth in its preamps. This isn’t a complaint, it’s just something that brings extra diversity in the recorded sound. The Mixer Control is pretty cool and easier to use than on the Saffire model. Also, the bundled software and plugins are good, except for the Protools First, which I find to be silly. Overall, for its price, this unit will deliver a good sound. If your tastes require preamps that inject a colored sound, you will not like this unit. However, that’s what EQs are for. I’m happy with my unit knowing I can record a full 16 channels at once. ... More
Great multichannel
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Rackmount 18x20 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Ronnie on B&H Photo Video
I was able to route a pc computer 6 channels into the analog input and custom mix to also use the USB from a IMAC pro to have 5.1channel output from either computer to a set of 5 monitors and subwoofer. The control software requires that you setup one mix with 6 hardware inputs and 6 playback channels but mute any channels not required for that specific output channel.
Much better than the 2nd Gen Scarlett
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by Talking Harpo on Guitar Center
This was an upgrade from the 2nd Gen 18i20, which is a very good product. But this 3rd Gen handles hotter signals a little better to my ears. I havent used the talkback feature or the AIR preamp emulation but am totally looking forward to it. combine this with the Octopre and your in business
SO far so good.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by Joe K. on Guitar Center
I have to admit I have been out of the game for a few years. Decided to pull out the old gear and a few things weren't compatible with the new software on my computer. So I got some advice from a super knowledgable tech on the at their call center. He recommended this and I must say it was plug and play essentially and very versatile. What a nice treat to come back with easy to operate hardware. I like the number of ins and outs and the ease of use and the talkback mic button, yeah don't forget about that feature. I can even use my ipad as the controller so that I don't have to be right at the computer or hardware. I mean overall this is fast and clean and its red!!! I always have loved a sexy red head... I mean red audio component. ... More
Why would I want anything more?
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Rackmount 18x20 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Paula on B&H Photo Video
Do you have a need for multi-microphone recording? Look no further. This is for sure one of my favorite pieces of gear. All of the inputs are well crafted, Purchased a case specifically for this and a power conditioner and they work seamlessly together. The USB-C input means I can use it directly with my newer generation of Mac computer M1. The audio quality is great, you can power 48v channels 1-4 and 5-8, and makes audio routing very easy. There is a built-in microphone for talkback from the control room which means I don't need to route another microphone specifically for talkback. It's a solid build, and I can foresee it holding up for a LONG time. ... More
Fantastic Interface at this Price Point
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by Bobby on Guitar Center
I use the Focusrite 18i20 in a home studio capacity. I needed multiple ins/outs to route to inputs of my hardware samplers and effects processors, as well as ADAT to extend the number of Inputs available. This interface not only met my needs, it's probably the smoothest working and cleanest sounding interface I've used to date. Along with a traditional 16ch mixer and a 10ch line mixer, this is the central hub of my sound routing.
Sounds Great But Could Improve
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Tyler S. on Reverb
Almost everything about the Scarlett 18i20 3rd gen is fantastic. The only problem is the Focusrite Control software that is required to function (to be fair, it is free). It is extremely unintuitive and is easily the worst part. However, once you figure that out it is amazing.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Max A. on Reverb
This is an amazing device and I still enjoy using this device immensely. For the money and my knowledge level on pro audio, this was the right device for me 2 years ago. The Pros are it has a great community of users who post about it online and on YouTube so you can get up to speed very quickly. Cons are that the software is pretty complicated and not intuitive. I also wish there were more features with the Focusrite Control software, from a hardware standpoint this device is dependable and once you set it up, and backup your config you don't have to revisit those settings. ... More
Awesome interface.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by Jon G. on Guitar Center
I use this in my home studio to record synths and a phantom powered microphone into Ableton Live 10 with ASIO drivers. I had been contemplating buying this for many months and wish now that I had bought it sooner.
Limitations Not Identified In User Doc
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Rackmount 18x20 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Windows Multichannel Adict on B&H Photo Video
Wanted to route audio streams to 8 analog outputs and could not do it. Windows driver exposes 2-channel line out device. Windows applications unable to access analog channels 3-10. Multichannel formats not available for selection in Windows. If this limitation was identified in the user manual, it would saved me a lot grief as I wouldn't have purchased it in the first place. Needless to say, I will be returning this product.
Excellent interface, easy set up, nice extras
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by Lex on Guitar Center
We purchased this to expand our home recording abilities and I've been very happy with it. It was pretty easy to set up and to download the bonus software using their youtube setup videos. I also appreciated the tutorials on recording samples and instruments, which I actually learned from. I also like the build and look of the unit, it's small and sits right under my laptop, or could be rack mounted. Having two headphone out jacks is nice too for co-production.
Best Option For Multi-device recordings
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Rackmount 18x20 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Charles on B&H Photo Video
The Scarlett 18i20 Audio Interface is the best option if you're recording with multiple mics and instruments. Don't even consider anything else! B&H offers the best price, delivery and service of anyone as well... so don't waste your time - shop and purchase with B&H and you can't go wrong. I've been buying photo, computer and sound/recording equipment from them for over 20 years and never had a single bad experience ever!
I would buy this product again and again
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Rackmount 18x20 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by lpcrispo on B&H Photo Video
I didn't test it out entirely yet, but i did try to record a single track of audio and it was perfect! Even routing the sound to my D.A.W., back to the Scarlett for monitoring was nearly without any latency ! The sound was rich and full and everything is perfect! I can't wait to try to track 8 mics at the same time though! :P the only downside : Mixcontrol is not easy to understand at first sight!
Its nice
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Rackmount 18x20 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Cory on B&H Photo Video
So far using it with 3 mics to record simultaneously has worked flawlessly. This is my first interface since Firewire and the only thing it lacks from my previous interface is the ability to have a custom mix for each output pair which I believe is a super niche feature of that old interface I had. Least to say, I would recommend this to anyone shopping for inputs and outputs.
