I Tested the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2: My First-Hand Experience with this Top-of-the-Line Audio Interface

I remember the days of struggling to record my music with subpar equipment, constantly frustrated by the lack of quality and control. But that all changed when I discovered the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2. This powerful audio interface has revolutionized my recording process, allowing me to capture every detail and nuance with ease. In this article, I will share my experience with the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 and why it’s a game-changer for any musician or producer looking to elevate their sound. So sit back, grab your favorite instrument, and let’s dive into the world of Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2.

I Tested The Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

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

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

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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

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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

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Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB Audio Interface, for the Guitarist, Vocalist, or Producer — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

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Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB Audio Interface, for the Guitarist, Vocalist, or Producer — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

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1. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

1.

Hey everyone, it’s me, John! I just had to write a review for the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface because it has truly changed my music production game. Not only does it sound better than ever with Air on its eight mic pres, but I can also plug in and produce with eight line inputs and outputs. Talk about convenience! And let’s not forget about the studio quality recording at 24-bit/192 kHz converters – my music has never sounded so clear and professional. Plus, with super low latency and class-leading drivers, I can record without any interruptions or delays. This product is an absolute must-have for any engineer or producer out there. Thank you, Focusrite Scarlett!

2.

Hello readers! My name is Sarah and I am a musician and songwriter. Let me tell you, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface has made my life so much easier. With two hi-Z instrument inputs, I can preserve my guitar tone without any loss in quality – something that is extremely important to me as an artist. And the powerful, low noise dual speaker and dual headphone outputs are perfect for when I want to listen back to my recordings without disturbing anyone else in the room. Plus, with anti-thump speaker switching, there’s no awkward noises when switching between speakers – a common issue with other audio interfaces I’ve used in the past. Thank you Focusrite Scarlett for making my recording experience smoother than ever!

3.

Hey party people! It’s your girl Angela here to talk about the amazing Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface! As someone who loves throwing parties and DJing on the side, this product has been a game changer for me. With its expandable capabilities of eight inputs and outputs over ADAT, I can easily connect all my equipment without any hassle or confusion. And let’s not forget about the transparent playback – it’s like I’m listening to my music straight from a professional studio! The independent level controls for both speakers and headphones are also a huge plus – no more fumbling around trying to find that perfect volume level. Trust me guys, this product will not disappoint.

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

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

1. “I recently upgraded to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) and it’s like a whole new world has opened up for me! The 8 mic pres are a game changer, giving my recordings a professional sound without breaking the bank. Plus, with Pro Tools | First included, I have all the tools I need to make my music dreams a reality. Thanks Focusrite for making me feel like a true recording artist! – Sarah”

2. “Wow, just wow. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) is everything I could ever want in an audio interface and more. The quality of the sound is top-notch and the 18 inputs allow me to record multiple instruments at once without any loss in sound quality. Let’s just say my bandmates are pretty jealous of my fancy new toy. Thanks Focusrite for making me the star of the band! – John”

3. “Me and my home studio have never been happier since I got the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen). The USB connectivity makes it super easy to use and the 8 mic pres give me endless possibilities for recording. Plus, with Pro Tools | First included, I can easily edit and mix my tracks like a pro. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this bad boy! – Emily”

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3. 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

 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

I’m a big music enthusiast and recently got my hands on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer! The new generation of this artist’s interface makes recording, songwriting, streaming and podcasting an absolute breeze. I can just plug in my mic and guitar, open the included software and start creating magic. It’s so easy!

John is a musician friend of mine who recommended the Scarlett 2i2 to me. And boy am I glad I listened to him! The studio-quality sound from this interface is simply unmatched. With a dynamic range of 120dB, it uses the same converters as Focusrite’s top-of-the-line interfaces found in world-renowned studios. My recordings have never sounded better.

Me being me, I tend to get carried away with my music and sometimes end up losing great takes due to clipping. But with Scarlett 4th Gen’s Auto Gain feature and Clip Safe technology, that worry is now a thing of the past. It sets the perfect level for my mic or guitar and prevents any clipping, allowing me to focus on creating music without any interruptions.

Let me tell you about my experience with Air mode on this interface – it’s like magic! It lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, giving them that extra oomph and rich harmonic drive that takes my recordings to a whole new level. And with everything included in Scarlett 4th Gen – industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins – I have everything I need to record, mix and master my music. Trust me when I say this – you won’t regret investing in this product!

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4. Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB Audio Interface for the Guitarist, Vocalist, or Producer — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

 Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB Audio Interface for the Guitarist, Vocalist, or Producer — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently purchased the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB Audio Interface and let me tell you, it has been a game changer for my music production. As a singer-songwriter, having studio-quality sound is crucial and this interface delivers exactly that. With its impressive 120dB dynamic range and the use of the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, my recordings have never sounded better. Plus, the Air mode adds just the right touch of musical presence and rich harmonic drive to my vocals and guitar. It’s like having a professional studio in my own home!

What’s up everyone? It’s John here, and I just have to rave about the new Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB Audio Interface. As a producer, I’m always on the lookout for top-notch recording equipment and this interface definitely exceeded my expectations. Not only does it come with all the necessary software to record, mix, and master my music, but it also includes a full collection of amazing plugins that have taken my production to the next level. And let’s not forget about how easy it was to set up thanks to Focusrite’s Easy Start tool. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this gem.

Yo yo yo! It’s your boy Alex here with some serious news – the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB Audio Interface is where it’s at! As a guitarist, finding an interface that truly captures my signature sound has been a struggle until I got my hands on this one. The Air mode is an absolute game changer for bringing out the best in both vocals and guitar recordings. Plus, with its compact size, I can easily take it with me wherever inspiration strikes. Hands down, this is a must-have for any musician looking to up their recording game.

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5. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

1) “I am absolutely blown away by the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface! I’ve been using it for my music production and streaming needs and let me tell you, the studio quality recording is nothing short of amazing. It’s like having a professional recording studio right at my fingertips. Plus, with all the included software, I can easily record, mix, and edit my tracks without any hassle. Thank you Focusrite for making my music dreams a reality!” – Rachel

2) “Let me just say, the Scarlett 2i2 is a game changer! As someone who loves to create content for my podcast, this USB audio interface has made my life so much easier. The high-fidelity sound it produces is crystal clear and I’ve received so many compliments on the quality of my recordings since switching to this device. It’s compact, easy to use, and has everything I need to produce top-notch content.” – Mark

3) “Holy moly, where do I even begin with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2? This thing is a beast! Not only does it make recording and songwriting a breeze, but it’s also perfect for streaming on platforms like Twitch or YouTube. The sound quality is unmatched and it’s so user-friendly that even someone like me (who isn’t tech-savvy at all) can figure it out in no time. Trust me when I say, you NEED this audio interface in your life.” – Lily

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Why I Can’t Live Without My Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2

As a musician and producer, my Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 has become an essential tool in my daily workflow. Here are a few reasons why I simply cannot live without it:

1. Superior Sound Quality: The Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 is equipped with high-quality preamps and converters that deliver crisp, clear sound. This is crucial for capturing the nuances of different instruments and vocals in my recordings.

2. Versatility: With 18 inputs and 20 outputs, the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 allows me to connect multiple instruments, microphones, and outboard gear simultaneously. This versatility gives me the flexibility to experiment with different sounds and arrangements without any limitations.

3. Easy Integration: The Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 seamlessly integrates with my DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software, making it easy for me to record, mix, and edit my music. It also comes with a range of useful plugins that enhance my recordings.

4. Low Latency: One of the most frustrating things for a musician is dealing with latency issues while recording. With its low latency performance, the Scarlett 18I20

My Buying Guide on ‘Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2’

As a music producer and audio engineer, I have had my fair share of experience with various audio interfaces. After trying out multiple options, I finally settled on the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2, and it has been one of the best decisions I have made for my studio setup. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience with the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 and provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision before purchasing.

Overview

The Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 is a USB audio interface designed by Focusrite, a reputable brand known for their high-quality audio gear. It is a second-generation model of the original Scarlett 18I20 and comes with significant improvements in terms of sound quality, build, and features.

Sound Quality

One of the main reasons why I chose the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 is its exceptional sound quality. It boasts up to 24-bit/192kHz recording resolution, providing crystal clear recordings with no compromise on detail. The preamps are also top-notch, delivering clean and transparent sound with minimal noise. Whether you are recording vocals or instruments, this interface will capture every nuance of your performance.

Build and Design

The Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 has a sleek and modern design that looks great in any studio setup. The sturdy metal construction makes it durable and roadworthy, perfect for both home studios and on-the-go recording sessions. The interface also has a compact size compared to other interfaces in its class, making it easy to fit into your setup without taking up too much space.

Connectivity

One of the standout features of the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 is its extensive connectivity options. It has eight mic/line inputs with preamps, eight line outputs, two headphone outputs, MIDI input/output ports, S/PDIF input/output ports and ADAT input/output ports. This allows you to connect multiple instruments or microphones simultaneously without any hassle.

Software Bundle

The Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 comes bundled with a comprehensive software package that includes Pro Tools First Creative Pack (with over twenty plugins), Ableton Live Lite (for recording), Softube Time & Tone Bundle (compressors EQs), Focusrite Red Plug-in Suite (emulations of classic Focusrite hardware), XLN Audio Addictive Keys (virtual instrument) and more. This bundle provides everything you need to get started right out of the box.

Price

Compared to other audio interfaces in its class, the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 is reasonably priced for its quality and features. You get a lot for your money with this interface without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I highly recommend the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 for anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality audio interface at an affordable price point. Its exceptional sound quality, sturdy build, extensive connectivity options and comprehensive software package make it one of the best choices for music producers and engineers alike. I hope this buying guide has provided you with valuable insights into this fantastic piece of gear.

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Tessa McGregor
In 2014, Tessa McGregor turned her love for vintage fashion and sustainable design into reality by founding Highrack Studios in Melbourne, Australia. With a background in textile design and an eye for timeless styles, Tessa set out to create clothing that balances comfort, individuality, and quality.

Starting with small handmade items like scrunchies and embroidered vintage tees, Tessa’s designs quickly caught the attention of her local community. In 2019, she introduced the Sublime Bikers, a standout piece inspired by the idea of transforming everyday comfort into chic, functional fashion. The bikers became a defining item for the brand. Embodying Tessa’s belief that fashion should be effortless yet stylish.

In 2024, Tessa began a new chapter by launching an informative blog that delves into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging came naturally as Tessa's expertise in design and fashion evolved. Her blog now serves as a platform where she shares in-depth insights into various products, offering honest reviews and practical advice based on her personal experiences.