The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) is a flagship 1U rackmount USB audio interface that established itself as the gold standard for budget-conscious project studios, band rehearsal spaces, and tracking rooms. Offering 18 inputs and 20 outputs, it combines eight transparent Scarlett microphone preamplifiers with class-leading $24\text{-bit}/192\text{kHz}$ conversion to deliver a high-channel-count front end without breaking the bank.

Compared to its first-generation predecessor, the 2nd Gen 18i20 made significant strides in operational performance: introducing super-low latency for tracking through native DAW plugins, refined gain staging with improved headroom on instrument inputs, and cleaner conversion specs across the board. Combined with dual ADAT optical expansion (allowing you to easily scale up to 16 mic preamps with an external unit like an OctoPre) and the flexible Focusrite Control software matrix, it remains one of the most practical and reliable workhorse interfaces on the secondhand market.

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) is an exceptionally functional 1U rackmount interface that offers maximum I/O flexibility per dollar. Whether you are running a full band tracking session, integrating outboard analog hardware, or expanding your home studio into a complete multi-room setup, the 18i20 delivers dependable performance, clear conversion, and seamless digital expansion.

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) is a flagship 1U rackmount USB audio interface designed to serve as the central hub of modern project and commercial recording studios. Combining high-density I/O with industry-leading low latency, reference-grade $24\text{-bit}/192\text{kHz}$ conversion, and eight signature Scarlett microphone preamplifiers, the 2nd Generation Scarlett 18i20 offers pristine analog performance and comprehensive routing flexibility.

Each of the eight award-winning Scarlett preamps features an upgraded linear gain structure for precise level setting, exceptionally low noise floor, and expanded headroom to handle high-output sources. The two front-panel combination inputs feature re-engineered instrument stage circuitry capable of handling high-output guitar pickups without clipping. For expanded channel counts, the 18i20 includes dual ADAT optical I/O, allowing seamless integration of an external 8-channel mic preamp—such as the Focusrite Clarett OctoPre—to expand the system up to 18 inputs and 20 outputs.

Complete with flexible software control via Focusrite Control, dual independent headphone outputs with dedicated volume controls, onboard talkback functionality, and MIDI/S/PDIF connectivity, the Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) delivers complete control over tracking, zero-latency monitoring, and complex control-room cue mixes.

Key Features

• Eight Upgraded Scarlett Mic Preamps: Delivers natural-sounding amplification with linear gain structure, low noise, high dynamic range, and switchable $+48\text{V}$ phantom power across two independent banks (1–4 and 5–8).

• High-Precision 24-bit/192kHz Conversion: Class-leading digital converters ensure transparent audio capture and reproduction with exceptional clarity across all 18 inputs and 20 outputs.

• Super-Low Latency Performance: Allows monitoring with native DAW plug-in effects in real time, eliminating the need for complex outboard cue mixes.

• Extensive I/O Expansion via ADAT: Dual ADAT optical inputs and outputs enable up to eight additional channels of digital I/O at sample rates up to $96\text{ kHz}$ ($4\text{ channels}$ at $176.4/192\text{ kHz}$).

• Dual Front-Panel Instrument Inputs: Redesigned Hi-Z inputs provide extended headroom to handle hot passive and active electric guitar and bass pickups without unwanted distortion.

• Focusrite Control Software Integration: Intuitive software interface simplifies configuration of custom monitor setups, routing matrixes, and low-latency cue mixes.

• Comprehensive Studio Monitoring & Utility: Onboard talkback mic with front-panel activation button, dual independent headphone outputs, alt-speaker switching, and mute/dim controls.