Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

Tackle bigger projects with lots of I/O in a compact USB interface: 4 Scarlett mic preamps, 2 Hi-Z instrument inputs, 8 line inputs, S/PDIF, ADAT and MIDI.

$449.99

  • 8 x  
    $56.25
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $75.00
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $112.50

Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 USB Audio Interface

No longer available at zZounds
The Focusrite 18i6 is a versatile audio interface featuring 18 ins and 6 outs and includes the Xcite+ software bundle.

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 is an 18" / 6 out USB 2.0 audio interface designed to make home multitrack recording a breeze. Alongside two award-winning Focusrite preamps, six high-quality analogue inputs allow you to simultaneously record guitar, bass, vocals and keys. You don't need to stop there either -- pop in the ADAT optical cable from an outboard eight-channel mic pre unit such as the Focusrite OctoPre MkII and you can track the drums at the same time.

Included with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 is Scarlett MixControl, an 18 x 6 DSP mixer. Offering a superb level of flexibility, the MixControl software enables you to create six separate mixes with ultra-low-latency. Route any combination of input signals and sequencer outputs to any of the Scarlett 18i6 outputs. Intuitive one-click configurations help you track, monitor and mix as quickly as possible.

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 comes with all of the additional tools needed to start making music straight away. Scarlett VST/AU/RTAS Plug-in Suite comes in the box, adding Focusrite compression, reverb, gating and EQ to your recording system.

Focusrite's established Xcite+ bundle is also included. The bundle features Ableton Live Lite (for all your production, performance and compositional needs), Novation's Bass Station soft synth and over 1 gig of royalty-free samples from Loopmasters.

Scarlett 18i6's two award-winning Focusrite preamps ensure low noise and distortion, whilst cutting-edge digital conversion captures your read more audio with pristine quality. 16 additional inputs allow you to capture inspired takes, without having to constantly re-patch your studio. Combined with USB interfacing technology, excellent routing flexibility and rock-solid driver stability, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 is the heart of the modern recording studio.

Features

- Two high-quality award-winning Focusrite preamps: The best sounding interface in its class. Focusrite's 25-year legacy forms the foundation of this interface, with two award-winning preamps.
- Total I/O count of 18 inputs and 6 outputs: All of the analogue and digital inputs you need for home multitrack recording. No need for breakout cables - every input & output has a dedicated socket.
- High-quality 24-bit/96kHz USB interface: Features professional conversion and jitter elimination technology, guaranteeing pristine audio quality and reliable synchronization.
- Scarlett MixControl ultra-low-latency DSP mixer/router: Provides an 18 x 6 DSP mixer with excellent routing flexibility, intuitive one-click configurations, and lower than 1.4ms latency
- Scarlett VST/AU/RTAS Plug-in Suite, for use in the mix: Upgrade your standard sequencer effects and bring a touch of class to your session with Focusrites Scarlett compression, reverb, gating and EQ.
- Xcite+ Software Bundle: Featuring a host of royalty-free loops and samples, a full-fledged soft-synth and Ableton Live Lite 8, providing an affordable upgrade path to Ableton Live.
- Two Hi-Z instrument inputs: No need for a separate DI. The first two channels feature high-gain instrument inputs.
- Dedicated front-panel headphone bus: Providing a fully customised monitor mix, with tactile level control available on the front panel.
- Monitor levels are always within reach: A front panel volume dial provides immediate control over the main stereo outputs.
- Switchable phantom power: Across both mic pre inputs, globally switchable direct from the front fascia.
- Software PFL: Allows the mix engineer to easily monitor a single mixer channel or complete mix.
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Microphone Inputs 1-2

- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.2 dB
- Gain Range: +13dB to +60dB
- THD+N: 0.001% (measured at 1kHz with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Noise EIN: 124dB analogue to digital (measured at 60dB of gain with 150Ohm termination (20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Input Impedance: 2kOhm

Digital Performance

- A/D Dynamic Range > 110dB (A-weighted), all analogue inputs
- D/A Dynamic Range > 106dB (A-weighted), all analogue outputs
- Clock Sources:
- Internal Clock
- Sync to Word Clock on SPDIF Input (RCA)
- Sync to Word Clock on ADAT Optical Input
- Clock jitter < 500 picoseconds
- Supported Sample Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz
- 18 input channels to computer: Analogue (8), SPDIF (2), ADAT (8)
- 6 output channels from computer: DAW (6)
- 6 output channels from Scarlett 18i6: Analogue (4), SPDIF (2)
- 18 input by 6 output mixer

Line Inputs (Inputs 1-2)

- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.2dB
- Gain Range: -10dB to +36dB
- THD+N: 0.001% (measured with 0dBFS input and 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Noise: -90dBu (22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Input Impedance: >10kOhm

Line Inputs 3-8

- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.2 dB
- Input Level: +10dBu for 0dBFS (balanced inputs)
- THD+N: 0.001% (measured at 1kHz with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Noise: -100dBu (22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Input Impedance: >10kOhm

Instrument Inputs (Inputs 1 and 2)

- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
- Gain Range: +13dB to +60dB
- THD+N: 0.004% (measured with 0dBu input and 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Noise: -87dBu (20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)

Analogue Audio Outputs (Outputs 1-2)

- 2 Electronically Balanced Outputs
- Maximum Output Level (0dBFS): +16dBu
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.2 dB
- THD+N: 0.001% (0dBFS input, 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)

Crosstalk (Channel Isolation)

- Any input to input: > 100dB
- Any output to output: > 100dB
- Any input to output: > 100dB

Digital Performance

- A/D Dynamic Range > 110dB (A-weighted), all analogue inputs
- D/A Dynamic Range > 106dB (A-weighted), all analogue outputs
- Clock Sources:
- Internal Clock
- Sync to Word Clock on SPDIF Input (RCA)
- Sync to Word Clock on ADAT Optical Input
- Clock jitter < 500 picoseconds
- Supported Sample Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz
- 18 input channels to computer: Analogue (8), SPDIF (2), ADAT (8)
- 6 output channels from computer: DAW (6)
- 6 output channels from Scarlett 18i6: Analogue (4), SPDIF (2)
- 18 input by 6 output mixer

Weight and Dimensions

- Dimensions (W x H x D):
- Unboxed: approx. 215mm x 45mm x 220mm (8.5" x 1.8" x 8.7")
- Boxed: approx. 335mm x 275mm x 125mm (13.2" x 10.8" x 4.9")

- Weights:
- Net Weight: 1.5kg / 3.3lbs
- Gross Weight: approx. 2.39kg / 5.3lbs

Analogue Channel Inputs (Inputs 1-8)

- 2 Mic XLR Combo (channels 1-2) on front panel
- 6 Line TRS (channels 3-8) on rear panel
- Automatic switching between Mic / Line (channels 1-2)
- Switching between Line / Instrument Inputs (channels 1-2) via Scarlett Mix Control Application

Digital Channel Inputs (Inputs 9-18) 44.1 - 96kHz

- Stereo S/PDIF input on RCA
- 8 optical ADAT channels (4 channels at 88.2 / 96kHz)

Analogue Audio Outputs (Outputs 1-4)

- 2 TRS Jacks
- Output Level control (analogue)
- Separate Stereo Headphones Mix (outputs 3/4) on TRS with independent analogue volume control

Digital Channel Outputs (Outputs 5-6) 44.1 - 96kHz

- Stereo S/PDIF Output on RCA

Other I/O

- 1 USB Type B Connector
- 2 Standard 5-pin DIN MIDI connectors: In and Out
- DC Power Input Connector (for use with supplied universal input power supply)

Front Panel Indicators

- 8 2-segment input meters, -18 and 0dBFS
- LKD Lock Indicator
- USB Host Connected Indicator
- Instrument input source selection LED for channels 1 and 2
- Phantom Power (48V) switch and LED for inputs 1 and 2

Compatibility

MAC: OS X 10.6.5 Snow Leopard

WINDOWS: Windows 7 (All versions), Windows Vista (32bit only), or Windows XP SP3 (32bit only)

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 310-322-5500
Web: https://support.focusrite.com/

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (2 ratings)
Submitted August 30, 2012 by Greg S in Gibsonton, FL

"Outstanding Interface"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
After struggling with two other similarly priced USB audio adapters, I decided to give the Scarlett 18i6 a try since zZounds has such a great return policy. The installation was extremely easy and with large number of inputs available to me, I was able to get rid of the mixer sitting on of my desk to free up some valuable real estate. The drivers work flawlessly on my Windows 64-bit Pro i7 PC. I have not experienced any of the clicking, popping, or latency while using this device that I experienced with the other interfaces. Unfortunately, this interface does not have the internal routing feature that its little brother, the Scarlett 8i6, has but I think the included Mix Control software is fantastic and very easy to use. On the hardware front, the device feels solid and I get the impression that it'll last me a pretty long time. The LEDs are easy to read but the knobs are a little smallish for my giant hands but they aren't any different from other interfaces I have used. In terms of manufacturer support, prior to the purchase I called Focusrite to inquire about the internal routing feature. I was on the phone with support in less than 5 minutes and the rep gave me a solid, no BS answer to my question. In terms of post sales support, I have not had to call them. However, I did have to call their support group for my Novation synth recently and was given a solid solution to my problem in a relatively short timeframe. Based on that experience I feel confident that read more tech support has my back on this device should I ever need it. In all, I am very happy with my purchase. Should anything happen to it, I would happily go out and purchase another.

Musical Style:
Industrial and ambient electronic music
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