Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen REVIEW

Now that I've spent a few months with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen audio interface, it's time for the review video! What do I like about it? Should you skip it, think about it or just flat out BUY IT!? In this review video I go over what I've enjoy the most from the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen audio interface!

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[ZachWirchak]

Looking at buying a new audio interface for your recording rig?! It might be a good call to seriously look at getting a Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen!

[FocusriteTV]

Glad you're enjoying it, Zach. Thanks for taking the time to create this 🙌🙏

[manaberry]

No placebo effect with monitors output. When I switched from an old 2i2 to my Apollo x6, I was blown away (that was pretty obvious as the x6 is a high-end AI, big gap). So pretty sure you got that effect too with a rack unit AI, which usually got better components (and headrooms due to proper power solution). Great video!

[bobwoolcock]

As I look at all the interfaces in this range with 8 inputs, so many, like this 18i20 have a major flaw - no independent 48 volt phantom power selection. Either a global switch that affects all the microphone inputs or, like this one, four channels at a time. Now, at a live gig you're unlikely to encounter a condenser mic that needs phantom power so just leave both switches off. However...all it take is for one of the mics to need it switched on and you've now got three inputs that can't be used. So you're down to five mic inputs. Unless you want to take a chance on damaging a dynamic or ribbon mic or having some sort of sound issue with current going into a mic not designed for it. How simple and cheap it would hav been to have switches for each input. I like everything else about the 18i20 but am leaning towards the eleven year old, still in production Roland Octa Capture. Couple old reviews complain of noise - hard to believe that would be a real world issue in a proper mix even though it might show up on test instruments.

[HabibiTommy]

Have the 18i20 almost a year. I updated to an Apollo X8 but can absolutely recommend that Interface. The sound is pretty good and the price is insane. The pres are solid and the build quality insane. Everything is fine with the interface.

[ajaesterling]

Thank you bro. Your right. It does sound "tighter". I thought it was me! lol. THANK you for that. I thought I was losing my mind. lol. Its incredible. Thanks again for the content. It was well served bro.

[MeynbergMusic]

Thanks buddy! Lots of useful insights! Would you still recommend getting one this day? The smaller ones got updated to the 4th generation, so would you recommend waiting toll Gen 4 drops on this baby?

[RadioFere]

Nice Review my friend! My question is: Would it work with a presonus DAW? (studio one five) I am not buying any Presonus products in the future!!!

[NickHillMakesMusic]

Thanks for the review man. I appreciate the insight

[danroberts]

This looks like exactly what I've been looking for. I plan to use it live as a solo show using reaper and having backing tracks. So having 8 mic inputs was a big deal since I'll need 4 for my guitar amps (stereo pair for clean and stereo pair for lead) as well as a least one for vocals. That's 5 and the other interface I've been looking at was the SSL 12 which only has 4 leaving me one short. It will connect to my macbook pro and I'll use a midi out to run my light show which will be programmed into reaper. So this looks perfect! Also, later when I decide to add my acoustic guitar (which is an electric Taylor) I can use one of the inputs and when I think about also adding my hammered dulcimer I'll still have two mic inputs for it as well. For live this should be perfect on a small one man show! Thank you for the great review!

[mrobjects]

Do you know if it can both send and receive spdif simulataneously? Many interfaces either send or receive spdif but not both at the same time. You can perhaps test by connecting a coaxial cable to spdif out and same cable to spdif in and see if it creates a loopback.

[bflatfive]

Yo Zach, what's up Jack! Big ups on the video Bro! Is that a USB-C connection on the back?

[RussellBobel]

I am considering making a similar jump from Scarlett Solo to this! Thanks for the review man!

[dcaves]

After 2 years are you still using the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20? or moved/upgraded to something else? Thanks Zach

[mikey]

Hi Zach great video! So I’ve been considering on upgrading my interface from a behringer umc404hd to the 18i20, but I’ve been having trouble on whether I should save the money and go for the 2nd gen, or just go for the investment to the third gen. I guess my real question is that is there any real difference between these two generations?

[yeshayahu]

Perfect for my hybrid set up with Traktor and Ableton. 😇

[Group_Anonymous]

Upgraded to an M1 Mac and wasn’t able to use my Focusrite Safire Pro 40, I guess I can still adat link it for more ins&out

[beatluxx]

Do you think we can have high quality recording with the 18i20?, because i heard a lot of people complain about the quality they say the preamp is poor and less detailled? I would like to hear a comparison between the 18i20 3rd gen vs the SSL12 interface, please sir..

[SheldonTam]

3:25 In Focusrite Control, is it possible to route all 20 Software (DAW) Playback streams to the Main Monitor Outputs for monitoring? Thanks.

[ronaldboykin]

Hello Zach! Thanks for the review! I use FocusriteI forget which one I use but l’ve been interested in this one you’re reviewing! They’ve gone up in price or you got a great price because Guitar Center is selling these for a little over $500 now, I just don’t think it’s worth this price! Everyone who sells it sells it for this price, even Amazon sells this price!