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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

USB 2.0 Audio Interface, 18-in/8-out, 24-bit/192kHz, with 4 Mic and 2 Instrument Inputs; 8 Line Inputs, 4 Analog Outputs, ADAT Input, MIDI and S/PDIF I/O, Dual Headphone Buses, and Bundled Software - Mac/Win
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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
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This article was Written By

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Flexible Foundation for a Serious Studio

Focusrite’s Scarlett 18i8 is an ideal audio interface for engineers and producers who have to adapt to ever-changing recording situations. Its ample connectivity also makes it a cinch for podcasters and content creators who use multiple mics simultaneously. Four award-winning Focusrite mic/instrument preamps and two instrument inputs are right on the front panel where you need them. Boasting a total of eight line inputs, an ADAT input, four analog outs, plus S/PDIF and MIDI I/O, the 18i8 gives you generous connectivity and the flexibility you need to handle challenging setups. The third-generation Scarlett 18i8 advances the state-of-the-art in USB audio interfaces with four upgraded Scarlett mic preamps, high-performance 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA converters, optimized preamp gain structure, vanishingly low latency, instrument inputs that handle scorching hot pickups, and speaker switching technology for dual-monitor setups. The mic preamps now feature Focusrite’s acclaimed Air mode that provides the coveted Air effect modeled on the company’s legendary ISA console transformers to give your voice and instrument recordings a brighter, more open sound. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 is the perfect foundation for a serious home or mobile studio. Fire up the included software and start producing great-sounding music today.

Optimized third-generation technology

The 3rd-generation Focusrite Scarlett 18i8's exterior has undergone a sleek makeover. Under the hood, though, it's been tweaked and upgraded to deliver better sonics, lower latency, and enhanced ease of use. With sample rates up to 192kHz, you've got studio-grade sound you can take anywhere. Focusrite has added their renowned Air circuit to their already-amazing Scarlett mic preamps. The instrument inputs have also been re-engineered to handle the hottest active pickups. Lastly, Focusrite has wired analog protection circuitry across the Scarlett 18i8's inputs and outputs, safeguarding your interface from damaging power surges.

Super-low latency for better performances

You know you perform better when you've got a great-sounding monitor mix with everything you need to hear to be inspired — for example, reverb and delay on a guitar solo. The Scarlett 18i8's super-low latency lets you monitor with native plug-in effects in real time, so you can hear your parts as you envision them and record better performances. At Sweetwater, we know you can't put a price on that. But if you prefer the simplicity and convenience of monitoring your input direct with guaranteed low-latency, simply engage the Direct Monitor circuit. A duo of virtual loopback inputs allows you to capture a stereo feed of any combination of hardware input and software playback channels, making podcasting, live streaming, and sampling tasks a cinch.

Award-winning Focusrite preamps with Air

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 is equipped with four vibrant and pristine Focusrite preamps. For over 25 years, Focusrite's award-winning pres have proven their mettle in pro studios around the world. Focusrite ports their considerable design savvy into the transparent, low-noise, low-distortion preamps in the Scarlett 18i8. This is the same technology found in Focusrite's flagship products, giving you gobs of available headroom to accommodate your dynamic, condenser and ribbon mics on any source, no matter how boisterous. Of course, you also get phantom power for your mics that require it. Add to that Focusrite's switchable Air mode, and you've got the sound that launched a thousand hits.

Keep an eye on your levels with intuitive halo indicators

Your mom always said to watch your levels. Well, perhaps she didn't, but you know you should — and the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 makes it easy. The 18i8's innovative halo indicators always let you know when you've got a healthy signal level for recording. If the halo is red, your signal is clipping, and you should back down your gain. The halo will momentarily turn amber as the level returns to a happy level — at which point it will turn green. Simple and intuitive, isn't it?

Includes an exclusive software bundle

Your new Focusrite audio interface comes with a killer software bundle headlined by a 3-month Avid Pro Tools Artist subscription and Ableton Live Lite. Focusrite has also partnered with Splice to give you a free 3-month Splice Sounds subscription when setting up a new Splice account. Splice Sounds offers millions of high-quality, royalty-free loops, one-shots, and presets, with new releases daily from your favorite sound designers, artists, and producers. Artists are using Splice to create all kinds of music, from chart-topping pop and Grammy-winning albums, to underground mix tapes, and even cinematic scores. Making studio-quality productions has never been easier when you buy a Focusrite. Along with this, you also get the Focusrite Hitmaker Expansion, which includes:

  • Antares Auto-Tune Access
  • Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555
  • Native Instruments Massive
  • Landr Studio (plus five free masters)
  • Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC
  • Focusrite Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite
  • XLN Audio Addictive Keys
  • XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2
  • Relab LX480 Essentials
  • Fast Balancer

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface Features:

  • High-performance 24-bit/192kHz converters
  • 4 upgraded 3rd-generation Scarlett mic preamps
  • Switchable Air mode gives your recordings a brighter, more open sound
  • 2 high-headroom instrument inputs for bass, guitar, or synths
  • 8 line inputs, 4 balanced analog line outputs
  • ADAT optical input, S/PDIF I/O, MIDI I/O
  • Unique, intuitive halo level indicators for optimized gain staging
  • Super-low latency lets you monitor with native plug-in effects in real time
  • Direct Monitor circuit for monitoring your input with guaranteed low-latency
  • Virtual loopback makes podcasting, live streaming, and sampling easy
  • Speaker switching technology for dual-monitor setups
  • Dual headphone outputs with independent level controls
  • 12V DC power supply required (included)
  • Quick Start tool gets you up and running fast
  • Free 3-month Splice Sounds subscription
  • Included software bundle
  • 3-year warranty

Additional Media

Warranty Info

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Tech Specs

  • Computer Connectivity: USB 2.0
  • Form Factor: Desktop
  • Simultaneous I/O: 18 x 8
  • Number of Preamps: 4
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • A/D Resolution: Up to 24-bit/192kHz
  • Analog Inputs: 4 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/Hi-Z), 4 x 1/4" (line)
  • Analog Outputs: 4 x 1/4" (line out)
  • Digital Inputs: 1 x Coax (S/PDIF), 1 x Optical
  • Digital Outputs: 1 x Coax (S/PDIF)
  • Headphones: 2 x 1/4"
  • MIDI I/O: In/Out
  • USB: 1 x Type USB-C
  • Software: 3-month Avid Pro Tools Artist Subscription, Ableton Live Lite, Hitmaker Expansion Bundle
  • OS Requirements - Mac: macOS 10.12 or later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 7 SP1 or later (Scarlett), Windows 10 v1809 or later (3-month Avid Pro Tools Subscription)
  • Power Supply: 12V DC power supply (included)
  • Height: 2.40"
  • Width: 9.49"
  • Depth: 6.28"
  • Weight: 2.9 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: AMS-SCARLETT-18I8-3G

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Amazing Interface!

I upgraded from the Scarlett 2i2 so I could record using 3 to 4 mics for my podcast and I absolutely love this one. Super easy to install the drivers and get it connected to my DAW. Aaron was extremely helpful during my purchasing process. Sweetwaters customer service is the bomb, and so is this interface. Would highly recommend!
Music background: Podcaster/guitar & bass player
Rated 5/5

Amazing Interface

To start, I am a novice at using an interface. I purchased another interface a PreSonus from Best Buy, but it was so confusing to setup and it didn't have enough ports, so after looking at Guitar Center (locally) for another option and not finding anything with good reviews...I called a musician friend of mine and he recommended the Focusrite Scarlett (and Sweetwater). Probably the best decision I have made in recent years. The Sweetwater folks were VERY helpful and made sure my questions were answered...and then the Focusrite arrived the next day. Right out of the box, you can tell this is a high-quality piece of equipment, all of the directions are straightforward, and I was up and running in less than an hour. Focusrite has a step-by-step online guide that is BRILLIANT. I am so happy with this purchase...and will never buy audio equipment from anyone other than Sweetwater in the future.
Rated 5/5

Looking to expand

The start-up is crazy easy. I wanted to go from a two-channel interface to a four channel. The online instructions are easy to follow. I have only done a test reun with the Scarlet but it sounds really, really good. excited to start on projects.
Music background: Intermediate level musician. Many years of experience.
Rated 5/5

So far so good!

I've been limited in the time I've been able to really get into using this Focusrite Scarlett but so far it's been great. Been watching tutorials but I still have much to learn. Everyday I get a little better at using it. No complaints whatsoever thus far. Using it along with a set of Adam Audio TV5's and running it through Logic Pro. Been a huge learning curve for me but I'm happy with my purchase.
Music background: Played guitar since 1988. Been in bands, recorded, toured, taught guitar for years. Now interested in building my home studio and recording my own music.
Rated 5/5

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8

Finally, an audio interface that's perfect for my needs. The four gain-adjustable preamps work great and I really like the halo clipping indicators. The separate monitor and headphone output controls make for a very convenient working environment.
Music background: Aspiring songwriter

If you're like a lot of the recording engineers here at Sweetwater, then you probably grew up with stories of the legendary Focusrite Forte console and its ISA preamps. Our relationship with Focusrite is extremely tight, and we regularly enjoy everything from the inside scoop on new gear to fish and chips when they stop by Sweetwater. While Focusrite still produces the classic analog preamps, EQs, and compressors we love, our Sales Engineers are just as excited to introduce our customers to their remarkable RedNet network audio platform, and we have worked with Focusrite to outfit studios, churches, venues, and schools with this awesome technology in action. From everyday audio interfaces to full system designs, if you want Focusrite gear, Sweetwater has you covered.

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