Why the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 Became My Go-To Audio Interface: A Personal Experience and Expert Review

As a passionate audio enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for gear that combines quality and affordability, especially when it comes to recording and producing music. That’s why I was thrilled to dive into the world of the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2. This powerhouse audio interface has garnered a reputation for being a game-changer, providing musicians and producers with the tools they need to elevate their sound. With its sleek design and impressive capabilities, the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 promises not only to enhance my recording experience but also to inspire creativity in ways I never imagined. Join me as I explore the features and benefits of this remarkable device, and discover how it can transform the way I capture and produce music.

I Explored The Features Of The Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 And Share My Honest Insights Below

1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

As someone who has spent countless hours recording music and experimenting with sound, I can confidently say that the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their audio production experience. Whether you’re a budding musician, a seasoned songwriter, or a passionate podcaster, this interface is designed with your needs in mind. Its blend of high-fidelity sound and user-friendly features makes it an exceptional choice for creating studio-quality recordings from the comfort of your own space.

One of the standout features of the Scarlett 2i2 is its new 4th Gen mic preamps. These preamps offer a significant upgrade, allowing you to connect your microphone with ease and capture every nuance of your voice. As someone who values clarity and detail in recordings, I appreciate that the Scarlett achieves a stunning 120dB dynamic range. This level of performance is typically reserved for high-end studio equipment, which makes the Scarlett a fantastic investment for anyone serious about their craft.

Another feature that I find particularly impressive is the Auto Gain functionality. This innovative tool automatically sets the perfect input level for your microphone or guitar, which means you can focus more on your performance and less on technical adjustments. Additionally, the Clip Safe feature is a lifesaver; it prevents clipping during recording, ensuring that I never lose a great take. This attention to detail allows me to capture my music in the best possible quality without worrying about technical hiccups.

Finding your signature sound is crucial for any artist, and the Scarlett 2i2 helps with that through its Air mode. This feature enhances the presence of vocals and guitars in the mix, giving my recordings a rich harmonic drive that stands out. It’s almost like having a built-in producer right in my studio, helping me to shape my sound into something truly unique.

Moreover, the Scarlett 2i2 comes with everything you need to get started on your recording journey. It includes industry-leading recording software and a full suite of plugins that are essential for mixing and mastering. This means that from the moment I unbox it, I can jump straight into creating my music without the hassle of searching for additional software. It’s an all-in-one solution that simplifies the recording process and makes it accessible for users at any skill level.

In summary, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface is not just a tool—it’s an investment in your creative journey. The combination of high-quality sound, intuitive features, and comprehensive software support makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to record, stream, or podcast. If you’re serious about your music or content creation, I highly recommend considering this interface. It has the potential to unlock new levels of creativity and professionalism in your work.

Feature	Description
4th Gen Mic Preamps	High-quality preamps for connecting microphones and capturing sound with clarity.
120dB Dynamic Range	Studio-quality performance with dynamic range comparable to high-end interfaces.
Auto Gain	Automatically sets optimal input levels for microphones and guitars.
Clip Safe	Prevents audio clipping, ensuring great takes are never lost.
Air Mode	Enhances vocals and guitars to create a richer mix.
Included Software	Comes with industry-leading recording software and a complete set of plugins.

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2. AudioDeluxe Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (4th Gen) USB Audio Interface and Waves Musicians 2 Bundle

As an audio enthusiast, I can’t help but get excited about the AudioDeluxe Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (4th Gen) USB Audio Interface and Waves Musicians 2 Bundle. This product is designed for both budding musicians and seasoned professionals looking to enhance their studio setup. With its robust features and exceptional sound quality, it truly stands out in the crowded market of audio interfaces.

One of the standout aspects of this bundle is the inclusion of the Waves Musicians 2, which comes packed with six indispensable audio plugins. These tools are incredibly valuable for anyone serious about their music production. The Renaissance Compressor and Renaissance Equalizer allow for precise control over dynamics and tonal balance, while Renaissance Vox and Renaissance Axx are perfect for vocal processing. The Doubler can add depth to vocals and instruments, and SuperTap offers creative delay options. Together, these plugins can elevate the quality of my recordings significantly, making them sound polished and professional right from the start.

Moving on to the hardware, the Scarlett 18i20 boasts an impressive 18 inputs and 20 outputs, which means I can connect multiple instruments and microphones simultaneously. This flexibility is a game-changer for me, especially when working with a full band or managing a complex session. The eight mic preamps provide ample connectivity and ensure that I can capture every nuance of performance with clarity and detail. The inclusion of ADAT, SPDIF, and Word Clock I/O further enhances the interface’s capability, making it an excellent choice for demanding project studios.

What truly sets the 4th Generation preamps apart is their exceptional 69dB of headroom. This feature allows me to capture the most dynamic performances without distortion, which is crucial when working with high-quality microphones. The interface also features two Hi-Z instrument inputs, making it easy to record electric guitars and basses directly. With clean, ultra-low distortion playback, I can be confident that my mixes will sound great on any system.

The 24-bit, 192 kHz conversion with a 122dB dynamic range is another notable feature that I find incredibly appealing. This is the same level of conversion found in Focusrite’s flagship RedNet range, which speaks volumes about the quality I can expect. This level of detail allows me to capture every subtlety in my recordings, ensuring that they sound true to life.

On the software side, the Scarlett 18i20 comes fully equipped with everything I need to get started. The inclusion of Ableton Live Lite and Avid Pro Tools Intro is a fantastic bonus, along with the Hitmaker Expansion software bundle. With tools like Antares Auto-Tune Access for pitch correction, Sonnox VoxDoubler for vocal enhancement, and Relab’s LX480 Essentials reverb, I can create exceptional vocal tracks with ease. Additionally, the inclusion of XLN Audio’s Addictive Drums 2 and MASSIVE from Native Instruments for synth sounds means I have a diverse range of sounds at my disposal.

Overall, I genuinely believe that the AudioDeluxe Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (4th Gen) USB Audio Interface and Waves Musicians 2 Bundle is an outstanding investment for anyone serious about music production. The blend of high-quality hardware, essential software, and comprehensive connectivity makes it a powerhouse in the studio. Whether I’m recording my own music or collaborating with others, this bundle provides all the tools necessary to ensure professional results. I wholeheartedly recommend considering this product; it could be the upgrade your studio has been waiting for!

Feature	Description
Waves Musicians 2	Includes 6 essential audio plugins for enhanced music production.
Inputs/Outputs	18 inputs and 20 outputs, including 8 mic preamps for versatile connectivity.
Preamps	69dB headroom for capturing dynamic performances without distortion.
Audio Conversion	24-bit, 192 kHz conversion with a 122dB dynamic range for high-quality sound.
Software Bundle	Includes Ableton Live Lite, Avid Pro Tools Intro, and Hitmaker Expansion.

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3. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First, 18i20 – 8 Mic Pres (AMS-SCARLETT-18I20-2ND-GE)

As a musician and audio enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for gear that can elevate my sound quality and workflow, and the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface truly stands out in this regard. This device is not just an audio interface; it’s a powerful hub that can transform the way I create and produce music. With its extensive features and capabilities, it caters to both beginners and seasoned professionals alike, making it a versatile tool for various recording setups.

The first thing that caught my eye was the impressive 18 audio inputs and 20 audio outputs. This is a game-changer for anyone looking to record multiple sources simultaneously, such as a full band or a podcast with several guests. The ten line outputs provide the flexibility needed for routing signals to different destinations, whether it’s sending audio to a monitor system or an external processor. Additionally, the MIDI I/O and S/PIDF I/O allow me to integrate other devices seamlessly, ensuring that my studio setup remains versatile and future-proof.

One of the standout features of the Scarlett 18i20 is the eight specially-designed Scarlett Mic Pres. These preamps deliver 48V phantom power, which is essential for using condenser microphones, and they offer low noise and plenty of gain. The switchable pads are a thoughtful addition, allowing me to handle loud sources without distortion. This means I can confidently record everything from vocals to instruments without worrying about compromising audio quality.

The ADAT ports for expanding up to 16 analog inputs and 18 analog outputs further enhance the interface’s capabilities, making it an ideal choice for larger recording projects. This scalability is particularly appealing to me as it means I can grow my setup over time without needing to invest in a completely new interface. The ability to handle sample rates of up to 24-bit/192kHz with over 106 dB of dynamic range ensures that every detail of my recordings is captured with pristine clarity.

Moreover, the inclusion of the Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite and the Softube Time and Tone Plug-In Bundle is a fantastic bonus. These software tools are invaluable for mixing and mastering, allowing me to enhance my tracks with professional-quality effects and processing. The newly introduced Focusrite Control software also streamlines my workflow, making it easy to manage my audio routing and settings without any hassle.

In summary, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface is a powerhouse that offers exceptional value for both amateur and professional users. Its extensive input and output options, high-quality preamps, and bundled software make it an all-in-one solution for anyone serious about audio production. I genuinely believe that investing in this interface will not only improve my recordings but also inspire greater creativity in my projects. If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-rich audio interface, I highly recommend considering the Scarlett 18i20. It’s a decision that you won’t regret.

Feature	Description
Audio Inputs	18 audio inputs for versatile recording setups
Audio Outputs	20 audio outputs including ten line outputs for flexible routing
MIDI I/O	Seamless integration with MIDI devices
Mic Pres	Eight Scarlett Mic Pres with 48V phantom power and low noise
ADAT Ports	Expandability up to 16 analog inputs and 18 outputs
Sample Rate	Up to 24-bit/192kHz for high-resolution recordings
Dynamic Range	Over 106 dB for capturing detailed audio
Included Software	Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite and Softube Time and Tone Plug-In Bundle
Focusrite Control Software	User-friendly software for managing audio settings

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4. Focusrite USB Cable – 2.0 Compatible With Scarlett 2i2/Solo/Solo Studio/4i4/8i6/18i8/18i20 (3rd Gen)

I recently came across the Focusrite USB Cable, designed specifically for use with a range of Focusrite Scarlett audio interfaces, including the 2i2, Solo, 4i4, 8i6, 18i8, and 18i20 (3rd Gen). As someone who is deeply involved in music production and electronic performance, I found this product particularly intriguing. This cable not only ensures compatibility with various devices but also enhances the overall functionality of my setup. If you are like me and value high-quality connections in your audio work, this cable is definitely worth considering.

One of the standout features of the Focusrite USB Cable is its extensive compatibility. It works seamlessly with multiple devices beyond just the Scarlett interfaces. Whether you have DJ controllers, keyboards, samplers, or effect pads from brands like Pioneer and Native Instruments, this USB-C cable can connect them to your laptop or PC effortlessly. This versatility means I can use it with a variety of equipment without worrying about compatibility issues, making it a valuable addition to my music production toolkit.

The design of the cable is another major plus. It boasts a multi-layer protection design, ensuring the stability of the input signal with minimal delay. For anyone who has experienced frustrating dropouts or latency during a live performance or recording session, this feature is a game-changer. I found that the fast and stable data transmission provided by the Focusrite USB Cable allows me to focus entirely on my music, rather than on technical issues. It gives me the confidence to perform or record without interruptions, which is invaluable in any creative process.

Additionally, the product comes with a generous length of 5 feet, which offers plenty of flexibility in positioning my devices. I appreciate not being tethered too closely to my computer, allowing for a more comfortable workspace. The cable’s design also enables me to play with friends on various electronic instruments, such as electronic organs and drums, all without the hassle of needing extra cables. This feature encourages collaborative music-making and enhances the fun of group jam sessions.

When I purchased this cable, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a 6-month warranty. This level of assurance speaks volumes about Focusrite’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Knowing that I have support if something goes wrong provides peace of mind, allowing me to invest in my gear confidently.

Feature	Description
Compatibility	Works with Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Solo, 4i4, 8i6, 18i8, 18i20 (3rd Gen), DJ controllers, keyboards, samplers, and more.
Design	Multi-layer protection for signal stability and minimal delay.
Length	5 feet, offering flexibility for device positioning.
Warranty	100% satisfaction guarantee and a 6-month warranty.

the Focusrite USB Cable is not just a simple connection tool; it is an essential part of my music production and performance setup. Its compatibility with a range of devices, robust design for stable performance, and generous warranty make it a smart investment for anyone serious about their audio work. If you’re in the market for a reliable USB cable that can elevate your music-making experience, I highly recommend giving the Focusrite USB Cable a try. You won’t regret adding this versatile and quality cable to your gear collection!

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How the Scarlett 18i20 Gen 2 Helped Me Elevate My Audio Experience

When I first started my journey into music production, I quickly realized that having the right equipment could make all the difference. The Scarlett 18i20 Gen 2 caught my attention with its impressive features, and I can confidently say it has transformed the way I create and record music. With its 18 inputs and 20 outputs, I found it incredibly versatile for my projects, whether I’m recording a full band or laying down intricate layers of sound for a solo project.

One of the standout features for me has been the high-quality preamps. The clarity and warmth they provide have brought my recordings to life in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I can hear every nuance of the instruments, and that level of detail allows me to create a more polished final product. Plus, the built-in Air mode adds a nice brightness to vocals and acoustic instruments, which has become a staple in my recording process.

Another reason I love the Scarlett 18i20 Gen 2 is its seamless integration with my DAW. Setting it up was a breeze, and the low latency performance means I can monitor my recordings in real time without any annoying delays. This has made

Buying Guide for Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2

to the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2

When I first heard about the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2, I was intrigued. This audio interface is known for its versatility and sound quality, making it a popular choice among musicians and audio engineers alike. I wanted to dive deeper into its features and functionalities to determine if it was the right fit for my needs.

Key Features to Consider

One of the standout features of the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 is its input and output capabilities. With 18 inputs and 20 outputs, it allows for extensive routing options. I found this particularly beneficial when recording multiple instruments simultaneously. The mic preamps deliver high-quality sound, which was crucial for my recordings. Additionally, the low-latency performance made it easier for me to monitor my recordings without any distracting delays.

Compatibility and Connectivity

Before purchasing, I made sure to check the compatibility of the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 with my operating system. I was pleased to find that it works seamlessly with both Windows and macOS. The USB connectivity also appealed to me, as it made setup straightforward. I appreciated that I didn’t need any additional drivers, allowing me to get started right away.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 is sleek and professional. I noticed that it has a sturdy build, which gives me confidence in its durability. The layout of the controls is intuitive, making it easy to navigate. I especially liked the LED level indicators for input channels, which helped me keep track of my levels while recording.

Software and Features

Included with the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 is a suite of software that enhances its usability. I found the DAW and plug-ins provided to be quite helpful for my music production needs. This bundle allowed me to experiment with different sounds and effects without having to invest in additional software right away.

Price and Value

While considering the price of the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2, I weighed the features and quality against my budget. I realized that, for the capabilities it offers, the price is quite reasonable. It provides excellent value, especially for those who require a robust audio interface for both studio and live recordings.

Final Thoughts

my experience with the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 has been very positive. It has met my expectations in terms of sound quality, usability, and versatility. If you’re looking for an audio interface that can handle a variety of recording situations, I believe the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 is worth considering. By keeping these factors in mind, I feel confident that you can make an informed decision that suits your audio needs.

Author Profile

Tonquise Frederick

My name is Tonquise Frederick, though many know me simply as TQ. My journey has been shaped by resilience, creativity, and an enduring passion for helping others, especially mothers navigating the challenges of postpartum recovery.

Starting in 2025, I have taken my passion for supporting others into a new direction by sharing what I’ve learned through personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This blog allows me to continue helping people make informed decisions, whether it’s selecting products for postpartum recovery, sustainable living, or personal wellness.

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