Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (3rd Gen)

Focusrite's Scarlett 8i6 USB audio interface is the third in a series of improvements to every aspect of the interface. For musicians, producers and engineers looking to expand their setups and need additional connections, this interface provides a reassuringly simple recording process and, thanks to powerful AD-DA converters (24-bit/192 kHz), offers professional sound quality that's worth listening to. The combo jacks (XLR/jack) provide plenty of resistance and headroom and are ideal for recording guitars, basses, vocals and more without overdriving or distorting, while the gain halos make it easy to see the input level. The four balanced outputs are hum-free when connected to balanced studio monitor inputs, ensuring perfect audio reproduction. But what exactly is the difference between the third and the previous generation?

New features

In general, all users of the Scarlett series benefit from improved audio performance. The 3rd generation Scarlett microphone preamps are currently the Scarlett preamps with the best sound. They deliver not only high gain but also low noise levels for stereo recording at high demands. Also, the industry-leading 24-bit/192 kHz AD-DA converters take performance to a new level, guaranteeing clearer sound with more punch across all frequencies.

"Air" - high-end sound at the touch of a button

The revamped mic preamps can emulate the Air effect of Focusrite's original ISA mic preamp on demand, giving your vocal and acoustic recordings a more transparent sound.

Interactive introduction

On board is a so-called QuickStart tool from Focusrite, which guides the customer through the registration and setup of software and drivers.
USB drivers with even lower latency is one of the most common problems when recording, so the USB drivers have been redesigned once again.
Now songs can be recorded and played back in real time, while at the same time even more plug-ins can be switched on than before.

A software package to be proud of

As in previous generations, every Scarlett product comes with a software package to get you started right away. This time the following goodies are included:

• Ableton Live 10 Lite
• Pro Tools First Focusrite Creative Pack
• Softube's Time and Tone Bundle
• Focusrite Red Plug-in Suite
• A selection of Addictive Keys from XLN Audio
• Membership of the Focusrite Plug-In Collective with access to free software and exclusive offers every two months
• 3 months free access to Splice Sounds when registering a new Splice account
• 2 year warranty
• free technical support

Partnership with Splice

Focusrite introduces a new partnership with Splice, giving 3rd generation customers 3 months free access to countless royalty-free, high-quality samples, Loops and presets - with new releases every day. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Splice delivers sounds in all genres, from mainstream pop to underground mixtapes to film scores.

A Splice Sounds subscription includes:

⦁ 100 credits per month - they serve as "currency" and can be "spent" on sounds, sound generators, presets and midi files

⦁ a clearly arranged library, sortable by genre, instrument, key, tempo and more

⦁ releases by well-known producers, sound designers and artists

⦁ inspiration by the active global Splice community

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Generation:

• USB audio interface for small recording and production environments with MIDI and digital interfaces
• perfect for multi-participant podcasts and streams, working with mid-sized hardware setups and digital devices
• allows connection of external ADAT converters for 8 additional analog inputs; thus already suitable for small tape recordings
• S/PDIF connection for CD players, a 2-channel converter or digital effects units
• Air function enhances your microphone signal
• Loopback
• MIDI I/O
• Pad and Air can be switched on individually at each Preamp

Additional scope of delivery:

• USB cable (type C-A)
• 1x power supply
• Music production software Ableton Live-Lite
• Pro Tools First
• Focusrite Creative Pack
• 3-month subscription to Splice Sounds free for new Splice accounts
• Focusrite Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite
• Software instrument of 4 XLN Audio Addictive Keys of your choice
• Softube Time & Tone Bundle
• Access to the Focusrite Plug-in Collective