Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (Gen 3) Review

18x8 USB Audio/MIDI Interface

84,052 reviews
10
focusrite.com
Focusrite
  • 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 84,052 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (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 18i8 (Gen 3). For example, 90% of 63,640 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (Gen 3) have given positive feedback.

90%
Sound quality
90% of users are satisfied, based on 63,640 reviews
88%
Value for money
88% of users are satisfied, based on 63,214 reviews
88%
For beginners
88% of users are satisfied, based on 60,439 reviews
87%
Easy to use
87% of users are satisfied, based on 58,900 reviews
92%
Quality of material
92% of users are satisfied, based on 52,071 reviews
81%
Tech Support
81% of users are satisfied, based on 5,076 reviews
92%
Volume control
92% of users are satisfied, based on 5,020 reviews
82%
Sturdiness
82% of users are satisfied, based on 2,505 reviews
94%
Style
94% of users are satisfied, based on 2,505 reviews
92%
Versatility
92% of users are satisfied, based on 1,809 reviews
Average Rating (84,052 ratings)
93%
Amazon.ca ( 49,510 ratings )
92%
Amazon.com ( 2,561 ratings )
94%
Amazon.co.uk ( 2,515 ratings )
94%
Amazon.de ( 2,505 ratings )
92%
Amazon.fr ( 2,505 ratings )
94%
Amazon.sa ( 2,502 ratings )
94%
Amazon.ae ( 2,501 ratings )
94%
Amazon.com.au ( 2,498 ratings )
94%
Amazon.se ( 2,497 ratings )
94%
Amazon.pl ( 2,497 ratings )
94%
Amazon.com.mx ( 1,809 ratings )
94%
Amazon.it ( 1,809 ratings )
94%
Amazon.es ( 1,464 ratings )
94%
Amazon.nl ( 1,461 ratings )
94%
Amazon.eg ( 1,064 ratings )
96%
Amazon.cn ( 1,064 ratings )
96%
Amazon.in ( 771 ratings )
92%
Amazon.com.tr ( 769 ratings )
94%
Amazon.co.jp ( 769 ratings )
94%
Amazon.com.br ( 768 ratings )
92%
Thomann ( 83 ratings )
96%
Reverb ( 40 ratings )
96%
B&H Photo Video ( 33 ratings )
90%
SweetWater ( 26 ratings )
90%
Guitar Center ( 20 ratings )
80%
Adorama ( 4 ratings )
40%
Musicians Friend ( 4 ratings )
70%
Zzounds ( 3 ratings )
90%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 21 to 40 of 90 Reviews

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (2nd Gen)

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface

Dec 12, 2019

Reviewed by Shane P. on Reverb

Has worked well with for 4 mic drum recording. Only issues I've had is that sometimes signal is lost when recording in Logic Pro. Usually turning device off and on again reconnects the signal right away. Other than that, it works as expected. I have used it with my electric Roland drum set and it works great there as well.

unfortunately I can't give it a zero

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3) Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)

Jul 2, 2020

Reviewed by Bob on Guitar Center

Can't get rid of the crackling in the audio nor the latency. Have tried every solution I can find on line and nothing works. I'd rather record into my phone

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface

Jun 3, 2019

Reviewed by Rick K. on Reverb

Got this to replace a Pro 24 firewire interface on a newer Mac. The latency seems lower on the Scarlett. The mic pres sound natural and the overall sound is comparable to some much more expensive units. The new Focusrite control software is laid out clean but still not really intuitive at first glance but once you understand the signal flow it's easy to set up various routings. Overall I'd say it's built well, functions well and is a good value.

Great tool

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

Aug 27, 2020

Reviewed by Jacob N. on Reverb

I have a Scarlett 2i2 as well and decided to upgrade to this model for more inputs/outputs. Still works seamlessly with my MacBook Pro and Logic X and sounds great. I wish I could control some of the settings with physical buttons (like direct monitoring) as I do on the 2i2, but also find the ability to save profiles in the digital interface convenient. Definitely will and have recommended it to others looking for a simple and professional I/O.

Music Ahoy

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation) Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)

Jun 21, 2016

Reviewed by granz on B&H Photo Video

Yargh! If ye be voyaging the sonic seas, this is the vessel to do so. I've owned the zoom h4n skipper and similar tugboats but this is the ship that will take you to warmer waters. These pirate analogies mean this has an immaculate ease of use, easy setup with busses in your DAW of choice and excellent quality recordings. Latency is extremely low, the pre amps are crystal and the dedicates headphone volumes are glorious. Highly recommend.

Ads

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
$449.99
B&H Photo Video
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
$419.99
SweetWater
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen
359€
Thomann
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Generation USB Interface - With Microphone Bundle
$499.96
Adorama
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Generation USB Interface - With Microphone Bundle
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Generation USB Interface
$419.99
Adorama
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Generation USB Interface
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Generation USB Interface - With Microphone Bundle
$499.95
Adorama
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Generation USB Interface - With Microphone Bundle
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface w/2x Mic, Headphone & Acc.
$839.99
Adorama
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface w/2x Mic, Headphone & Acc.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
$359.99
Guitar Center
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
$419.99
Musicians Friend
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
$283.63
Reverb
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface
$409
Reverb
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
$419.99
Zzounds
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

Amazing Value

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation) Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)

Feb 2, 2023

Reviewed by Philip on B&H Photo Video

I was looking for an Interface to upgrade my outputs and had my eye on the 18i8 for some time. I found this on the B&H site for an amazing price. I bought it, the shipping was fast, and it was delivered when they said it would be. Works great, I couldn't be happier. The best part I saved over 150.00 by buying it from B&H.

Great Interface

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3) Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)

Jul 8, 2020

Reviewed by Uncle Devin on Guitar Center

This is a great device. I had to replace my 1st Generation device because it stopped working suddenly after four years. Other than that, I love this device.

Awesome for the price

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3) Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)

Jun 24, 2020

Reviewed by DMc on Guitar Center

Would buy it again

Almost perfect!

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface

Aug 6, 2022

Reviewed by Steven T. on Reverb

The front headphones have low volume until they reach about 75% rotation then it jumps to being loud. And I can hear crackling when turning the knobs. I’m assuming a new machine right out of the box won’t have this issue but I don’t know? Everything else on the interface is in working order and is great!

Quality Audio Interface

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation) Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)

Mar 8, 2023

Reviewed by Domenic on B&H Photo Video

This isn't my first Focusrite. The quality, as always, is top notch. Easy to Set up and Use. The software to set up configuration was easy to use. I had a question at the time of set up and was surprised that Focusrite Support answered my call in less than one minute and answered my question immediately. You can't go wrong with this unit..

Does not work, no input, and not out put

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3) Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)

Apr 17, 2020

Reviewed by Dee. on Guitar Center

I like the one user's remark "If Rice Krispies Made an Audio Interface......", He/She hit that right on the button. Tech support is even worse. Mine turns on but no input or out put. Hearing this user it seems this brand is, hit or miss. When I got this I didn't have monitors or the software to use it at the time, now that I have all of it, noting, and the time to return it has expired.

Simple, Coherent USB Interface With Ableton 10 Lite DAW

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3) Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)

Apr 9, 2020

Reviewed by Rock Paperstone on Guitar Center

I've been using it for home recording. It's nice to have the extra inputs available for when friends with instruments stop by. Learning to use Ableton 10 Lite has been an up hill struggle but I've managed to get it working for simple projects. Take my advice and get the fastest computer that you can afford with deep memory. Even though Ableton Lite restricts the number of inputs that you can use, four tracks is enough to lag an i5 with 8GB of RAM.

Great for drum tracking!

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface

Jun 18, 2019

Reviewed by Justin S. on Reverb

Great interface for tracking drums and other instruments. Has 4 main XLR inputs with phantom power supplies for each pair of inputs, which is great if you may use sensitive dynamic microphones with condensers. Virtually no latency, and 2 headphone outputs make drum tracking with your buddy controlling the levels easy!

Love it

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface

Apr 20, 2019

Reviewed by Taylor C. on Reverb

Been using it for about 2 weeks now and it works wonderfully. Sound quality is amazing for the price, it's built really well, looks slick, software is easy to use and figure out. I'm excited to start recording some music now.

Love Focusrite

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface

May 30, 2019

Reviewed by Ron C. on Reverb

This isn't my first Focusrite product and I don't think you should buy any other interface regardless of your DAW. The only disappointment was that I hoped to be able to use the optical in for the output of my Video Monitor... you have to get one higher up the Focusrite product line to do that.

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

Nov 11, 2021

Reviewed by Che M. on Reverb

This is such an amazing interface. I've used M-audio, previous Focusrite gear, even some universal audio gear, but nothing is as good as this interface to me. Everything sounds so clean and polished. Focusrite really stepped up their game. couldn't recommend this any more.

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

May 22, 2020

Reviewed by Jason C. on Reverb

Its perfect and makes setup so easy. The online tutorials are also really good. Focusrite even goes above and beyond explaining setup with Pro Tools and other software. Sounds amazing, looks amazing and has room to grow with me.

Excellent sound quality!

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation) Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)

Jun 22, 2020

Reviewed by Howard on B&H Photo Video

For the price and sound quality, this is an outstanding product. My only objection is the Focusrite Control app - which is not at all intuitive. However, the average user will not have to use it much, so not a big deal.

Great card for the money!

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3) Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)

Nov 21, 2019

Reviewed by InSinner8 on Guitar Center

I use Ableton and several outboard synths and the 18i8 is a perfect choice for routing out MIDI and routing audio back into Ableton. Super low latency, no problems at all that way - but I do have an up to date MBP with i7 @2.9 quad, 16gb RAM, and dual graphics processing.

Red does it again

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation) Review

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)

Apr 12, 2016

Reviewed by J Magenta on B&H Photo Video

I mainly use the Scarlett 18i8 just to receive clock and interface my Apogee. It works great. I had a software called tech support, the answered right away and solved the problem in a few minutes. They have great tech support. I am recommending this box o a few of my friends.

Showing 21 to 40 of 90 Reviews