Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 GEN2 Portable USB Audio Interface

Focusrite‘s second-generation Scarlett 18i8 is a table-top audio interface designed specifically for use in a computer environment. The device sports a total of eighteen inputs and eight outputs and communicates with computers via USB 2.0. It’s designed to operate handily at resolutions and sample rates of up to 24-bit/192 kHz, while its combination front-panel inputs render it suitable for tracking instruments with much in the way of headroom and little in the way of distortion.

In addition to its two balanced monitor outputs, the 18i8 offers two volume-controllable headphone outputs on the front. The unit is also expandable, able to handle eight more inputs by means of an on-board ADAT port, while securing additional digital connections with MIDI and S/PDF I/Os. The 18i8 provides a round-trip latency as low as 2.74 ms at 96 kHz, allowing you to record and monitor processed sound sources in real time.

Features:

• Compact USB 2.0 audio interface
• Excellent I/O configuration for home and project studios
• Class-leading converters, sample rates up to 24-bit/192kHz
• Vanishingly low latency lets you monitor with plug-ins, no DSP required
• Rugged metal unibody construction and great-feeling knobs
• Unique halo gain indicators make it easy for you to check settings at a glance
• A ton of I/O for an interface in this class
• Flexible routing options make it easy to change signal flow without replugging cables

Multiple I/Os, Front and Back

Four Scarlett combination inputs—two of them redesigned to improve upon the first-generation’s headroom—allow you to plug in 1/4″ instruments or XLR sound sources via the front panel. They also support 48V phantom power. On the rear, four 1/4″ jacks handle line inputs, while two balanced monitor outputs provide your main speaker connections. This device also sports MIDI I/Os, as well as an ADAT expansion port to hook in eight more channels of inputs.

Intuitive Mix Control and Additional Software

Focusrite Control—an included internal mixer—is designed to facilitate and power an intuitive array of routing setups. It also provides access to internal hardware functions. Furthermore, the 18i8 includes software such as an exclusive Focusrite edition of Pro Tools | First Pack, Ableton Live Lite, the Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Foscusrite’s Red Plug-In Suite, and 2GB of Loopmasters samples.

New Metal Parts

Metal gain controls and a red metal chassis round out its rugged, industrial design.