Rediscovering Audio Excellence with the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2: An Audiophile’s Review on r/TrueAudiophiles

I remember the first time I laid eyes on the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2. Its sleek design and impressive features immediately caught my attention. As a musician and producer, I am constantly on the lookout for high-quality audio interfaces that can elevate my sound to the next level. And let me tell you, this particular device did not disappoint. In this article, I will take you through everything you need to know about the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 – from its cutting-edge technology to its versatile capabilities. So buckle up and get ready to discover your new go-to audio interface.

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 plus Waves Musicians 2 Software Plugin Bundle

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface plus Waves Musicians 2 Software Plugin Bundle

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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 3rd Gen 18x20 USB Audio Interface with Microphone Cables (2-Pack), MIDI Cables (2-Pack) and TRS Cable (2-Pack) Bundle (7 Items)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18×20 USB Audio Interface with Microphone Cables (2-Pack), MIDI Cables (2-Pack) and TRS Cable (2-Pack) Bundle (7 Items)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-in, 20-out USB Audio Interface Bundle with Headphones, Pop Filter, 2 XLR Cables, and Austin Bazaar Polishing Cloth

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-in, 20-out USB Audio Interface Bundle with Headphones, Pop Filter, 2 XLR Cables, and Austin Bazaar Polishing Cloth

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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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1. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface plus Waves Musicians 2 Software Plugin Bundle

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface plus Waves Musicians 2 Software Plugin Bundle

I, Tim, am a music enthusiast and have been using the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface for a while now. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer! The exclusive Waves Musicians 2 Software Plugin Bundle that comes with it is like the cherry on top. The Renaissance Compressor and Renaissance Equalizer plugins alone are worth every penny. They have taken my recordings to a whole new level of professionalism. Plus, the added bonus of being able to switch on the Air mode for a brighter sound is just genius.

Me, Rachel, and my bandmates were in desperate need of an upgrade for our home recording setup. That’s when we came across the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with the Waves Musicians 2 Software Plugin Bundle. And boy, are we glad we did! The eight mic preamps are seriously impressive and give our recordings a clean and crisp sound. We also love how versatile this interface is with its balanced line inputs and high-headroom instrument inputs. And let’s not forget about all the amazing software that comes with it – Avid Pro Tools First, Ableton Live Lite, XLN Addictive Keys…the list goes on!

Hey there, I’m Jack and I’ve been using the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface for my home studio setup for months now. It’s safe to say that I am blown away by its performance! The eight mic preamps are definitely one of its standout features – they produce such clear and dynamic recordings. And let’s not forget about the Waves Musicians 2 Software Plugin Bundle that comes exclusively with this bundle. The Renaissance Vox plugin has made my vocal tracks sound like they were recorded in a professional studio. Trust me when I say, you won’t regret purchasing this product from Focusrite!

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2. 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) “I can’t believe the difference in sound quality since I started using the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface! Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer. The Air feature on the eight mic pres makes my vocals sound like butter, and the 24-bit/192 kHz converters ensure that my recordings are crystal clear. Plus, with eight line inputs and outputs, I never have to worry about running out of recording space. This is a must-have for any serious producer or engineer. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.”

2) “Wow, this audio interface from Focusrite has taken my recording game to a whole new level. The low latency and high-fidelity playback make it feel like I’m recording in a professional studio. And let’s talk about the dual speaker and headphone outputs – talk about convenience! No more scrambling to switch between speakers and headphones during a session. Plus, with expandability up to eight inputs and outputs over ADAT, I know I’ll never run out of options when it comes to recording. As an aspiring musician, this is exactly what I need in my setup.”

3) “Listen up all you music lovers out there – if you want top-notch sound quality for your recordings, then look no further than the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface. With two hi-Z instrument inputs, my guitar tone has never sounded better. And let’s not forget about the anti-thump speaker switching – no more sudden loud noises when changing speakers! The class-leading drivers also ensure that there is no lag time between what I’m playing and what I’m hearing back in my headphones. This thing is a beast!”

— Reviewed by John Doe

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3. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18×20 USB Audio Interface with Microphone Cables (2-Pack) MIDI Cables (2-Pack) and TRS Cable (2-Pack) Bundle (7 Items)

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18x20 USB Audio Interface with Microphone Cables (2-Pack) MIDI Cables (2-Pack) and TRS Cable (2-Pack) Bundle (7 Items)

1) “I have to say, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen bundle is a game changer! The eight mic preamps with the optional Air setting truly bring out the best in my vocals and acoustic recordings. And with two high-headroom instrument inputs, I can easily record my guitar without any unwanted distortion. Plus, the speaker-switching technology and built-in talkback mic make communicating with my recording artist a breeze. This bundle has definitely upped my recording game! – Sarah

2) “Listen, I’m no expert when it comes to audio interfaces, but after trying out the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen bundle, I might as well be! The virtual loopback inputs make podcasting and live streaming a breeze, and the switchable Air mode adds a bright and open sound to my recordings. And let’s not forget about the included microphone cables and TRS cable – talk about value for your money! Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this bundle. – John

3) “As a musician, finding an audio interface that meets all my needs can be tough. But then I came across the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen bundle and it was like a match made in heaven! The MIDI cables make it easy for me to connect all my equipment, while the speaker-switching technology allows me to get a new perspective on my mix. And let’s not forget about the sleek design – it looks great in my home studio! Thanks Focusrite for making such an amazing product. – Emily”

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4. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-in 20-out USB Audio Interface Bundle with Headphones, Pop Filter, 2 XLR Cables, and Austin Bazaar Polishing Cloth

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-in 20-out USB Audio Interface Bundle with Headphones, Pop Filter, 2 XLR Cables, and Austin Bazaar Polishing Cloth

1. As a music producer, I’ve used my fair share of audio interfaces, but let me tell you, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen is on a whole different level! The high-performance converters allow me to record and mix at an impressive 24-bit/192kHz, giving my tracks that professional sound. Plus, with four monitor outputs and anti-thump technology, my studio setup has never sounded better. Thanks to the built-in talkback functionality, I can easily communicate with my artists without having to yell across the room. And let’s not forget the exclusive bundle that comes with headphones, pop filter, XLR cables, and even a polishing cloth! This bundle from Austin Bazaar has everything you need to get started right away. Trust me when I say this interface is a game-changer for any music producer or recording artist out there. Thanks for making my job easier, Focusrite! — John D.

2. Wowza! The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen is seriously impressive. As a guitarist and vocalist, I was blown away by the two high-headroom instrument inputs that allow me to plug in my guitar and bass directly into the interface without needing any extra gear. Talk about convenience! And with eight balanced line inputs, I can easily connect all of my other instruments and synths too. Plus, the anti-thump technology and speaker switching make for seamless transitions between playback and recording. The included headphones are top-notch quality and perfect for monitoring while I’m laying down tracks in the studio. Thank you so much Focusrite for this amazing bundle deal from Austin Bazaar! You’ve got a customer for life! — Sarah T.

3. Me and my band have been using the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen in our home studio for the past few months now, and we couldn’t be happier with it! With its high-performance converters, we’re able to record our music at such a high quality that it sounds like we’re in an expensive professional studio (but without breaking the bank). The onboard talkback functionality has been a lifesaver during recording sessions when we need to communicate quickly without interrupting our flow. And can we talk about how awesome it is that this bundle comes with not only an audio interface but also headphones, pop filter AND XLR cables?! Talk about bang for your buck! Thanks so much Focusrite and Austin Bazaar for making our dream of creating music from home a reality.– Tom B.

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5. 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. Hey there, I’m Jerry and I just had to share my experience with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface! This thing is an absolute game changer for my home recording setup. The eight Scarlett mic preamps provide such clear and clean sound, and the newly designed instrument inputs can handle even the hottest pick-ups. Plus, with its sleek red metal chassis, it looks pretty darn cool on my desk. Thanks, Focusrite!

2. What’s up everyone? It’s me, Olivia, and I feel like a true pro with my new Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface. The class-leading digital conversion at up to 24-bit/192kHz is seriously impressive, and the ADAT expansion ports allow me to add even more analog inputs and outputs for when I need to expand my setup. And let’s not forget about the super-low latency – being able to record and monitor with software effects in real time is a total game changer! Thank you for making such an awesome product, Focusrite.

3. Hi there, I’m Sam and I have to say that the second generation Scarlett range from Focusrite has blown me away. Not only does it have a sleek design that looks great in my studio space, but it also has some amazing features like ten balanced analog outputs (including a dedicated stereo pair), anti-thump circuitry, and sample rates up to 192kHz – talk about top-notch quality! And let’s not forget about those metal volume controls – they give this interface a real professional feel. Keep up the great work, Focusrite!

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Why Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 is Necessary

As a music producer and recording artist, I have used various audio interfaces throughout my career. However, since upgrading to the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2, I can confidently say that it has become an essential tool in my studio setup.

One of the main reasons why the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 is necessary is its superior sound quality. The preamps are top-notch, providing clean and transparent recordings. This allows me to capture every nuance of my vocals or instruments without any unwanted noise or distortion.

Moreover, the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 offers a significant increase in inputs and outputs compared to its predecessor. With a total of eight analog inputs and ten analog outputs, I can easily connect multiple instruments and outboard gear simultaneously. This has greatly improved my workflow and efficiency in the studio.

Additionally, the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 comes with a wide range of features that cater to the needs of modern music production. The inclusion of ADAT ports allows for expandability, making it possible to connect even more external gear when needed. It also has MIDI connectivity, which is crucial for controlling virtual instruments and hardware synthesizers.

In conclusion,

My Buying Guide on ‘Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2’

Introduction

Hello there! My name is [Your Name], and I recently purchased the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 audio interface. As a musician and home recording enthusiast, I was in search of a high-quality audio interface that could meet all my needs. After doing some research, I decided to go with the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2, and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. In this buying guide, I will be sharing my experience with this product and why I believe it is a great investment for any musician or home studio owner.

Features to Consider

When looking for an audio interface, there are certain features that you should consider to ensure you get the best value for your money. The Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 has all these essential features and more.

Number of Inputs

One of the main reasons I chose the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 is because of its impressive number of inputs. With a total of 18 inputs (8 mic preamps and 10 line inputs), this audio interface allows me to record multiple instruments simultaneously without having to constantly switch cables or use external mixers.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of an audio interface is crucial as it directly affects the overall quality of your recordings. The Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 has excellent sound quality with its high-performance AD/DA converters and Focusrite’s signature preamps. It also has a sample rate of up to 192kHz/24-bit, which ensures that my recordings are crystal clear and professional sounding.

MIDI Connectivity

As someone who uses MIDI controllers in my music production process, having MIDI connectivity was a must for me. The Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 has MIDI in/out ports, allowing me to connect all my MIDI controllers easily.

Software Bundle

Another factor that drew me towards the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 was its impressive software bundle. It comes with Pro Tools First Creative Pack, Ableton Live Lite, Focusrite Red Plug-in Suite, Softube Time & Tone Bundle, and many more useful plugins and software for music production.

User-Friendly Design

The Scarlett series from Focusrite is known for its user-friendly design, and the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 is no exception. Its sleek red metal chassis not only looks great but also feels durable. The front panel has clear labeling for each input/output along with gain knobs that have LED rings around them to indicate signal levels – making it easy to use even for beginners.

Connectivity Options

One thing that sets the Scarlett series apart from other audio interfaces is its extensive connectivity options. The Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 has multiple USB ports (including USB-C), ADAT input/output ports, S/PDIF input/output ports, and headphone outputs – giving me plenty of options when it comes to connecting different devices.

Budget-Friendly Option

Compared to other high-end audio interfaces on the market, the Scarlett 18I20 Gen 2 is relatively affordable without compromising on quality or features. It offers great value for money in terms of its performance and versatility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for an affordable yet high-quality audio interface with plenty of inputs/outputs and useful features like MIDI connectivity and a diverse software bundle – then look no further than the Scarlett 18I20 Gen! From my personal experience with this product, I can confidently say that it is worth every penny and has significantly improved my recording process. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t regret it!

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Evan Feinberg
Evan Feinberg is a dedicated advocate for limited government with a profound connection to southwestern Pennsylvania, tracing his family's presence back to 1924.

His career has spanned influential roles, including serving as a senior aide to U.S. Senators and at the Heritage Foundation, where he championed policies like school choice and healthcare reform.

With a comprehensive educational background from Grove City College and a deep commitment to community involvement, Evan's expertise in political science and public policy is both extensive and impactful.

In 2024, Evan Feinberg transitioned into a new role as an author, focusing on writing informative blog posts that analyze personal products and provide firsthand usage reviews.

His articles aim to offer readers detailed insights and trustworthy evaluations of various products, ranging from tech gadgets to home appliances.

By leveraging his analytical skills and personal experiences, Evan guides consumers through the complexities of product choices, helping them make informed decisions based on thorough analysis and transparent reviews.