Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen Overview - What are the basic features?

What are some of the basic features of the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen? Would it be a good fit in your home recording studio? What exactly are you looking for in an audio interface? Does the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen have everything you're looking for? In this video I go over some of the main features of it!
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#AudioInterface #FocusriteScarlett #MusicProduction

[@ZachWirchak]

Is the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen an audio interface you're looking into?

[@scottcupp8129]

I just bought one from Sweetwater today. I just built a new recording system and unfortunately the new computer is not compatible with my older interfaces. The new machine will be a secondary recording rig I guess. My new interface will go with my new DAW computer. currently I have two Presonus Firestudio Projects. They run great on my older DAW that I built years ago ( Built around an ASUS P6TD motherboard ) and it still runs awesome. But yeah, I am looking forward to getting my new interface to see what this new machine can do

[@ZachWirchak]

@@scottcupp8129 I ran a Presonus Firestudio for years! It was my big upgrade from my first recording interface, which was a M-Audio Delta 10/10 PCI card! I think you'll be very happy with the Focusrite once you're really able to stretch it's legs!

[@devine4k460]

How do I get 18 inputs from this? Do I need to add more hardware or I can do it directly with the 18i20

[@scottcupp8129]

@@ZachWirchak Thank you so much! Oh yes, the Delta 10/10. I remember it well. That was my first one too :)

[@scottcupp8129]

@@ZachWirchak And here it being 4 weeks later since the original comment, yes I am loving this 18i20 in my in home studio B ( the OTHER bed room studio LOL) It's just my wife and I in the apartment so she is cool with one unused bedroom being my Studio A (where all the cool synthesizers including a vintage Yamaha DX7 and Yamaha DX7s reside) with the 2 Firestudio projects and studio bedroom B with the 18i20 and an Arturia Keylab 49 Essential. Both machines just recently got upgraded to Cubase 12 Pro. I've got a really cool wife LOL

[@timdowney8947]

Looking forward to the review video. I’m interested in getting one of these. I’d like to see how to set up fx loops and how it works in a DAW

[@ZachWirchak]

So far, it's been rad. I'm going to be making 2 video in the next little while. One of them will be the review, and the other is how I set up my analog gear with it and the DAW. Thanks for watching BTW!

[@YassineKhalfalli]

Good work man, I wanted to let you know that your music is a bit loud in my opinion but I wish you the best of luck

[@anaayala7435]

Bleu puis Vert from Jean Sébastien Simonoviez was recorded with focusrite scarlett 18/20 3rd generation

[@anaayala7435]

Nisipadawa from Jean Sébastien Simonoviez was recorded with focusrite scarlett 18/20 3rd generation

[@TeamRTPOfficial]

Thanks Zach I have a question, can you guide me, why do we need 10 OUTPUTS back, and 2 monitor headset in front. Is there way I can change or utilize the back outputs?? mean any software toggle to make them as inputs? Thanks for your time!!!

[@brobob52]

Going to buy this for my drum kit. If anyone knows how to sound proof a room efficiently to where someone upstairs wont hear(if even possible) let me know. Tired of practicing on an e kit, i need an acoustic to really boost my progress.

[@ZachWirchak]

This thing will be perfect for your kit!

[@Patriots21777]

was wondering if you knew how to connect a presonus monitor station 2nd gen to the Focusrite 18i20 ?

[@ZachWirchak]

Are you hoping to have it run your monitors and your headphone mixes?

[@user-re9ww9ss5k]

What is the lock light on the 18i20? How to turn it off how to get my mics to work

[@duzzyspiritual1443]

Can this be used for Dolby Atmos?

[@rodneypaulhardy]

Good video brother! Does this unit do direct monitoring along with being able to hear the tracks from my daw? For instance if I wanted to hear my guitar I'm recording through direct monitoring, can I still hear my programmed drum track coming from the daw as well?

[@ZachWirchak]

Yes you can! You can setup custom mixes with the Focusrite Control app. It is super handy!

[@rodneypaulhardy]

@@ZachWirchak Thanks man! I really appreciate you getting back to me.

[@ZachWirchak]

@@rodneypaulhardy absolutely! No problem!

[@jordanlotus188]

Hi! Very nice. I am thinking to upgrade to 4 mics from one for recording in DAW (Ableton) .at present I am using scarlet solo studio 2nd gen 2i2. with one CM25 MKII condenser mic. Please tell , is it possible to connect 4 preamps/audio interface) with condenser mics to 18i20 as inputs ? as if I have 4 Scarlett studio with condenser mics.!! It will be very helpful for me to setup for recording vocal and instruments through condenser mics as I required. Please tell how to do. Please also meke more videos for 18i20 with audio recording using many mic inputs and DAW. Tanks in advance.

[@ZachWirchak]

Hello! Are you wanting to go MIC > PREAMP > 18i20 as your signal chain on 4 different channels? If so you can total to that with this interface. You can have up to 8 different mics setup, ready to go at any time.

[@999torres]

I got one of these for school yet have no idea what I’m doing the mic I’m using is the shure 57 and I’m using Logic Pro yet have a problem adjusting the gain on Logic Pro I’m looking to get audio at -6db yet stay in the -15db range and my audio isn’t clear.

[@ZachWirchak]

When you say the audio isn't clear, is it distorted or weak sounding? Are you getting a good level on the interface? And are you adjusting the gain or the level in Logic Pro? Your issue could be 1 of a few things, but should be totally fixable!

[@bonneman66]

I use RME Fireface and looking to change...does the Focusrite interface work in what RME calls OFF LINE MODE...meaning the interface has a default preset that loads stored I/O routing and operates without turning on the PC / DAW software? Hope this makes sense, I only ever used RME and using their terminology to explain. Thanks

[@ZachWirchak]

Yes you can! I've never used it, but I remember reading about it when I was looking at getting it. Their website says the following, "Standalone Mode, this allows you to pass audio through the interface even when it's is not directly connected to a computer." Hope that helps!

[@righteousone8454]

Yes it does. Make sure you save it in Control software, save Hardware Settings, turn off device, and disconnect from computer.

[@director2bob]

thanks for review. I have a Focusrite Clarett 8pre (thunderbolt model from 7 years ago) and just maxed out the 8 inputs and need to buy another 8 in interface. This unit sells for $400 less than the new Clarett 8 pre +. Do you know soundwise how this compares to the clarett specifically the older model I own? . A new 18i20 is cheaper than a used Clarett 8 pre and $400 less than the new Clarett 8 pre +. I am making electronic music so most of the inputs are going to be used for instruments like synths & drum modules. Thanks again for review and advice.

[@ZachWirchak]

In all the shootouts between the new Charett vs the 3rd Gen 18i20, the difference is pretty minor. The new Clarett is a better unit, but if you're pairing it with your older model, I'd say go with the 3rd gen 18i20. I feel the 18i20 is on par with the older Clarett. And if for some reason it isn't hitting the spot, you can always return it. That always helps me with my gear purchasing, if I don't love it, I'll send it back! But It's funny you're asking this question, I sent a lot of time over the past week or so researching if I want to get more I/Os. The desire to buy more gear is strong right now...

[@director2bob]

​@@ZachWirchak Thanks for response. So would the 18i20 be connected to the clarett 8 pre through ADAT and the clarett 8 pre still be interface to the computer through thunderbolt? This is what confuses me a tad. If I purchased a used Clarett 8 pre, would it go into a second thunderbolt connection or would it need to be connected to the older clarett 8 pre? Thanks for clarification.

[@ZachWirchak]

@@director2bob If I had the new 18i20 and the older 8pre, I'd have the 18i20 be the main controller and have the 8pre be the expansion unit. You should be able to just run an ADAT cable between the two and then USB-C from the 18i20 to the computer. Here is a link to the way you can lay it out - support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/115003394169-How-do-I-set-up-my-Focusrite-interface-in-Standalone-Mode-to-expand-the-number-of-inputs-outputs-in-my-recording-setup-using-Focusrite-Control-

[@kidsplaymusic]

can you add the focus rite pro4 to the scarlett

[@ZachWirchak]

Are you talking about the 4pre by chance? If so, here is a great write up by Focusrite about connecting the 18i20 and the 4Pre via ADAT. support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360001374219-Connecting-a-Scarlett-18i20-to-a-Clarett-4Pre-via-ADAT

[@IvejohnLe]

How do you insert an external effect to this Scarlett? Thank you

[@ZachWirchak]

I use Cubase Pro and the way I do it is as follows. I open up my Audio Connections (F4) > then I click on the External FX tab > then I click the Add External FX button > on the window that pops up, you can name the external device and choose if it will be stereo or mono > after it's been added to the list, then you just need to select the proper send and return lines. For my Compressor, it's set up as mono. I run from send 3 of the Scarlett to the input on the compressor, then output of the compressor to input 3 on the Scarlett. I then make sure that in the Focusrite Control app (comes free with the device), that Line Output 3 is set to mono and Playback 3. I plan on making a video on how to do it this week or next!

[@IvejohnLe]

@@ZachWirchak Thanks so much!

[@edmondkaram1174]

Thanks for the help on the set up! Just got one of these and look forward to using it. My band, GoKart Mozart, used the 18i20 to record our album called The Last Few Moments. Check us out on Spotify, Apple Music etc… thanks for the support!

[@ZachWirchak]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching! I'll give your band a listen a little later once I'm back in front of my computer!

[@johnmoney910]

How do i get the software that it comes with? I didnt know my 18i20 came with all of those plugins!

[@ZachWirchak]

Once you register the device with it's serial number with Focusrite, you should gain access to the plugins. I believe you also need an iLok or at least an account to register the plugins. Let me know if you have any more questions! Free, quality plugins are the best!

[@johnmoney910]

@@ZachWirchak Thank you for your video. I downloaded the plugins bro! I had my 18i20 for like 2 years and didnt know it came with any free plugins lol. I dont even know why i watch this video but im glad i did! Thanks again. And i havent used the plugins yet but i did download them and transferred the licenses to my ilok device!

[@ZachWirchak]

@@johnmoney910 Excellent! Well, I'll glad you watched the video! And I'm stoked you got some free plugins out of the deal!

[@amenramuxikllc5658]

SO THIS WOULD BE GREAT FOR SURROUND SOUND MIXING?

[@ZachWirchak]

It can absolutely be used for 5.1 and even 7.1 mixing. I looked into it for a little while, and if I remember correctly, there is an order you want to plug them in. For example the LFE is output 4 and the rears are output 7 & 8.

[@amenramuxikllc5658]

@@ZachWirchak wow thanks!!

[@ZachWirchak]

@@amenramuxikllc5658 No problem!

[@natesnautical]

The music is too loud. I need to concentrate just to hear you…thanks for the video though

[@ZachWirchak]

I appreciate the input! Thanks for watching!

[@tornadokat]

+1 to the music too loud and distracting.

[@ZachWirchak]

@@tornadokat Not sure how I let this one release with the music so loud. I've been double checking my exports since!

[@natesnautical]

I also final mix, Mostly tv stuff that I have video edited, episodic and reality. Most times I’d refer my Mixes to experienced engineers. But when budgets are small; I’ll do everything: my little advice would be. be to rather mix on your speakers. Headphones are fine for premix (laying doen tracks, working your way through a video edit, but to accurately hear my levels, I don’t trust the headphones, Only listening on those monitors….

[@jamesmcsparron]

The background music stopped me listening to all of your vid. Sorry man. Could you reupload with the background off or turned down? Please.

[@ZachWirchak]

Here is an unlisted version of the video with the music turned down. Not sure how the music level got past me on this one, but I've been double checking ever since! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIO2ap5tbZWbetE

[@jamesmcsparron]

@@ZachWirchak Thanks for that. Your video seemed informative but I lose focus very easily. 🥴😉. PS. I'm waiting on one of these from Thomanns. Very excited. Next couple o days hopefully. PPS. What genre of music do you play on your Spotify site? I've a couple I wouldn't mind trying?

[@ZachWirchak]

@@jamesmcsparron nice! That'll be a nice combo! As for genre, I'll work, listen and share all kinds of stuff! If you're wanting me to add some music to a playlist, I suggest sharing it on IG. Sometimes YT will flag links.

[@jamesmcsparron]

@@ZachWirchak Good stuff. Have you a linked IG here somewhere?

[@ZachWirchak]

@@jamesmcsparron There is a link on my KZbin channel main page.