- Number of Channels: 18
- Number of Preamps: 8
- Sample Rate: 192 kHz / 24 bit
- Bit Depth: 24 bit
- Outputs: Jack 6,3 mm TS
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen USB Audio Interface
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is a rack-mountable USB audio interface with 26 simultaneous inputs and 26 outputs, designed as the centerpiece of a project or professional studio. Eight remote-controllable mic preamps, RedNet-derived 24-bit/192 kHz conversion, and ADAT plus S/PDIF digital I/O make this interface a flexible hub for full-band tracking sessions and hardware synth racks.
- Eight ultra-low-noise mic preamps with 69 dB of clean gain and independent phantom power per channel
- RedNet-derived AD/DA conversion delivers 122 dB of dynamic range on the playback side
- Auto Gain sets all eight preamp levels instantly, while Clip Safe prevents digital clipping in real time
- Ten balanced 6.3 mm TRS line outputs drive two pairs of monitors with hardware A/B switching
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen — USB Audio Interface
This rack-mountable USB audio interface is built as a studio centerpiece. With 26 simultaneous inputs and 26 outputs, eight remote-controllable mic preamps, and 24-bit/192 kHz conversion, the unit handles full-band tracking and hardware synth racks. This model is the right choice for engineers needing studio-grade I/O density in a single 1U chassis.
RedNet conversion, Auto Gain, and built-in talkback
What separates this generation from earlier Scarletts is the conversion chain: AD/DA stages taken directly from Focusrite's flagship RedNet interfaces. Auto Gain sets levels across all eight preamps at once, while Clip Safe prevents digital clipping in real time. A built-in talkback microphone and Focusrite Control 2 apps complete the feature set.
Inputs, outputs, and digital expansion
Eight rear combo XLR/TRS preamps plus two front-panel XLR/TRS inputs (with switchable Hi-Z instrument mode) cover every tracking scenario. Ten balanced 6.3 mm TRS line outputs drive two pairs of monitors plus outboard gear. ADAT (dual optical, up to 16 channels at 48 kHz) and S/PDIF expand the system; AES/EBU is not supported.
- Number of Channels: 18 — base input count before ADAT expansion
- Number of Preamps: 8 — remote-controllable via Focusrite Control 2
- Phantom Power: Yes (independent per channel)
24-bit/192 kHz conversion with RedNet-derived AD/DA
The fully shielded preamp section delivers 69 dB of clean gain — enough for ribbon, dynamic, and condenser microphones including low-output models. Conversion runs at 24-bit/192 kHz with 122 dB dynamic range on the D/A side, and Air Mode adds two flavors of console-style coloration.
- Sample Rate: 192 kHz / 24-bit
- Bit Depth: 24-bit
- Mic Preamp Gain Range: 69 dB
Line outputs, headphone amps, and routing
Ten balanced 6.3 mm TS line outputs feed two pairs of monitors with hardware A/B switching. Two independent custom headphone amplifiers deliver clean playback for high-impedance cans. Loopback routes stereo audio into the DAW, and Focusrite Control 2 exposes six onboard mixers for custom cue mixes.
- Outputs: Jack 6.3 mm TS (balanced) — 10 line outs plus 2 headphone outs
- Headphone Output: Yes (2 independent)
- Connectivity: USB Type-C (USB 2.0 protocol)
Number of Channels: 18
This product offers 18 channels, allowing you to efficiently connect and manage multiple audio sources simultaneously. Each channel operates independently, giving you full control over each input, greatly expanding your ability to create and edit sound.
Number of Preamps: 8
8 preamplifiers provide high quality sound processing for 8 independent channels. Each preamplifier ensures clear and detailed sound, minimizes noise, and provides excellent dynamics.
Phantom Power: Yes
Phantom power provides the necessary voltage for condenser microphones that require an external power source to operate properly. This power supply is built directly into the microphone input, eliminating the need for additional power supplies.
Bit Depth: 24 bit
The 24-bit depth provides significantly more dynamic range and detail than standard 16-bit recording. With 24-bit depth, you can capture finer details and wider dynamic range, perfect for professional recording, mastering, and applications where accuracy and sound quality are critical.
S/PDIF: Yes
S/PDIF is a digital interface used to transfer high-quality audio between devices such as CD players, audio interfaces, amplifiers, and home theaters. It transfers audio signals in digital form without any loss of quality. S/PDIF ensures clean and accurate signal transmission without the need for conversion to analog form, minimizing noise and interference, making it ideal for professional and home audio systems.
ADAT: Yes
ADAT is a digital transmission protocol that allows the transmission of up to 8 channels of digital audio over a single optical cable (Toslink). It is often used in studio applications to increase the number of audio channels between devices such as audio interfaces and digital mixers. ADAT allows for high-quality audio transmission while providing more channels at lower sample rates. This format is ideal for situations where it is necessary to transmit multiple channels of digital audio without loss of quality.
Outputs: Jack 6,3 mm TS
A universal connector used to connect various audio devices.
Headphone Output: Yes
The headphone output allows direct connection of headphones for private listening. This output provides a convenient way to enjoy the sound without disturbing others or ambient noise.
Package Contents
- USB-C to USB-A converter
- Manual
- USB-C Cable
DA Conversion: Yes
DA conversion allows digital signals to be converted to analog signals with high accuracy. This process ensures that digital audio is reproduced with minimal distortion, preserving all the fine details and dynamics of the original sound. Thanks to high-quality DA conversion, the sound is clear, rich, and true to the original when played through speakers or headphones.
AD Conversion: Yes
High-quality AD conversion ensures that every detail and dynamic range of analog audio is preserved when converted to digital form, ideal for professional recording and production. This allows analog sound sources such as microphones and instruments to be accurately recorded in digital systems.
Number of Channels
Number of Preamps
Phantom Power
Word Clock
ADAT
Interface
MIDI Interface
Software
Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555, Sonnox VoxDoubler, Red 2, Hitmaker Expansion Bundle, Plug-in Collective access, Ableton Live 11 Lite, Red 3, Addictive Keys, Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC, Antares Auto-Tune Access, Native Instruments MASSIVE
Controls
Gain, Headphone (2 x), Direct Monitoring, Phantom, Air, Instrument, Safe
DA Conversion
AD Conversion
Sample Rate
Bit Depth
24 bit
USB version
2.0
AES/EBU
Rackmountable
S/PDIF
USB
Yes
Ethernet
Instrument Inputs
Microphone Input
Line Inputs
Line Output
Outputs
Headphone Output
Optical Out
Yes
Offer Configuration
Standard offer
Package Contents
USB-C Cable, Manual, USB-C to USB-A converter
Power Supply
100V - 240V
UK/EU Power supply included
Yes
Length (cm)
44.2
Width (cm)
25.9
Height (cm)
4.65
Weight
3,3 kg
Made in
China
Documents
Instructions for use
Manufacturer information
Safety instructions
Please refer to the user manual for the specific safety instructions for this product.
