Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is a USB audio interface with eight balanced inputs and ten outputs, in addition to both S/PDIF and ADAT inputs and outputs, thus putting a total of 18 inputs and 20 outputs at the user's fingertips. The eight redesigned preamps each provide up to 69dB of gain and are suitable for both microphone and line-level signals while also promising improved sound quality. Switchable 48V phantom power is provided to allow condenser microphones to be connected, and the two combo socket inputs on the front can in turn be switched to Hi-Z in order for electric guitars and basses to be directly plugged in. The excellent sound provided by the Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is due in large part to its AD/DA converters, which are the same as the ones found in Focusrite's premium line of RedNet interfaces and, with a 122dB dynamic range, can record in up to 24bit/192kHz quality. Overall, this new generation represents a functional and sonic upgrade over the previous models, which had already achieved bestseller status worldwide thanks to their sound, impressive features, and attractive price-performance ratio.

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is a 19"/1U rack interface with an integrated power supply that is primarily aimed at professional users, with features that also include two independent headphone preamps, a talkback microphone, A/B monitor speaker switching, ten multi-segment LED level meters (one for each input channel and two for the outputs), and wordclock and MIDI interfaces. Routing, monitor mixes, and other functions of the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen - including even the preamp gain levels - can be configured using Focusrite Control 2, which is available as a computer programme and an app, while the 18 inputs provide sufficient flexibility for more complex multi-track recordings and the ten analogue outputs allow signals to be sent to external mixing desks, alternative monitor setups, and external effects units.

So that users can start recording as soon as they've unpacked the interface, Focusrite has put together a comprehensive software package comprising perpetual licences for the DAWs Ableton Live Lite, Steinberg Cubase LE and Avid Pro Tools Intro+ for Focusrite. Also included is the Hitmaker Expansion plug-in bundle, which offers a wide range of tools for making and producing music, including Softube Flow Guitar Essentials for realistic guitar sounds, Celemony Melodyne Essential for pitch and timing correction of vocals and instruments, Relab LX480 Essentials for reverb effects, and virtual drum and piano plug-ins from XLN Audio. The bundle also contains the Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite, featuring digital models of the EQ and compressor from Focusrite's Red hardware series. Rounding off the bundle is a two-month subscription to LANDR Studio, along with five masters that remain redeemable even after the subscription has ended – for adding the final polish to any project.