User Guide for Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Audio Interface

Quick guide from the manual

To ensure proper operation of your Scarlett 18i20, you must install the Focusrite Control software before connecting the interface to your computer. The device does not require separate USB drivers for Mac; for Windows, the necessary drivers are included in the Focusrite Control installer. Always register your product at focusrite.com/register to access the software bundle and updates.

Hardware features

The Scarlett 18i20 features a comprehensive set of inputs and outputs for professional audio recording:

• Front Panel: Includes two combo inputs (Mic/Line/Instrument) with gain controls, 48V phantom power switches, pad switches, and instrument switches. It also houses input meters, monitor level control, dim/mute switches, and two headphone outputs.
• Rear Panel: Features six additional combo inputs (Mic/Line), ten balanced line outputs, ADAT optical I/O, S/PDIF I/O, MIDI I/O, and Word Clock output.

Software installation and setup

Follow these steps to get started:

1. Go to focusrite.com/register and enter your serial number and bundle code.
2. Download and install the Focusrite Control software.
3. Restart your computer after installation.
4. Connect the Scarlett 18i20 to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
5. Power on the unit using the front panel switch.

Audio setup in your DAW

Once connected, ensure your DAW is configured to use the Scarlett 18i20 as the audio device. In your DAW's audio preferences, select the Scarlett 18i20 (or Focusrite USB 2.0 driver on Windows). You may need to enable specific input and output channels within your DAW's I/O preferences to make them available for recording and playback.

Low latency monitoring

To avoid latency issues during recording, use the Focusrite Control software to route input signals directly to the headphone outputs. This allows performers to hear themselves in real-time without the delay caused by the computer's processing buffer. Ensure your DAW is not routing the same inputs to outputs simultaneously to avoid echo.

Working with surround sound

The Scarlett 18i20 supports multichannel formats like 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound. Use Focusrite Control to route DAW monitor outputs to the appropriate physical outputs corresponding to your speaker configuration (e.g., Left, Right, Centre, LFE, Surround channels).

ADAT and stand-alone usage

The ADAT optical port allows for expansion using external preamplifiers (e.g., Focusrite OctoPre MkII). Additionally, the unit can function as a stand-alone mixer. You can configure a mix in Focusrite Control, upload it to the hardware, and use the interface to control levels of connected sources (like keyboards) without a computer.

Technical specifications

The interface supports sample rates up to 192 kHz. It provides 18 inputs (8 analogue, 8 ADAT, 2 S/PDIF) and 20 outputs (10 analogue, 8 ADAT, 2 S/PDIF). All analogue inputs feature high-quality pre-amplifiers with 50 dB of gain range.