Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen - USB Audio Interface Review

The 18i20 is an often-recommended interface for those who need a couple more in- and outputs. In this video I’m going to put the interface to the test and share my experience of using it with you.
Amazon US | Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen: amzn.to/3B1eR6D *
Thomann EU | UA Volt 2: www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite... *
Support the channel on Patreon: / juliankrause **
Follow me on Twitter: / thejuliankrause
00:00 Intro
00:24 Hardware Overview
04:04 Internals
04:46 Mic Input Performance
06:25 Mic Preamp Performance
07:47 Line Input Performance
08:02 Main Output Performance
08:54 HP Output Performance
11:20 Software Overview
13:43 Round Trip Latency
13:57 Verdict
* Affiliate links from which I receive a commission for sales. This doesn't generate any additional cost for you. As an Amazon and Thomann Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
** Patreon is a platform where you can choose to support the channel by purchasing a monthly subscription.

[@okay1904]

Outstanding. Julian, you provide a service that is so unique. Telling us the truth about these audio interfaces. Most valuable - thank you. The variable frequency response with different levels of gain, and true gain of mic preamps as well as headphone performance are key examples which are never covered by manufacturers specs. Thank you.

[@575motocross4]

This was a ridiculously detailed and comprehensive review, appreciate the hardwork on it! Didnt expect to learn this much lol

[@FreddiBi]

Man, I respect the heck out of you! I come to your channel if I'm looking for a interface, or just want to check out new gear, which I do now and again in my line of work. You should know that your effort and dedication to clear and concise informative videos are showing, and it is very much appreciated! I tip my hat. Request: the podcast market is booming - would you have a look at the new Røde Rødecaster Pro II? Just came out, I believe.

[@alpenglow4243]

Your reviews are thorough, fair and very informative. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@niclasrundkvist]

Great review as always. And yes, a review of the Evo 16 would be awesome.

[@Bonzvy]

Excellent video! First time on your channel and i love how deep you go into the subject. i own a 18i20 3rd gen and i am happy with it. it does it job

[@bitflux2]

excellent review, better than most other outlets out there, instant sub, my scarlett is arriving today to record drums!

[@antonellosgnaolin]

Yes please! As always you have the greatest reviews of audio interfaces, I'm right now looking forward to upgrading my audio interface and I need to record at least 8 channels, so a comparison between this and the new Audient Evo 16 would be absolutely what I need, or at least a review for that! I'm definitely waiting for your opinions on that, and I'd love to see some of your opinions on this direct comparison on your video since those two audio interfaces are obvious contemporary competitors. Waiting for you!

[@robertcass123]

Very impressed with your knowledge young Man I glad I bought this

[@peccotunity]

Deine Videos sind einfach Doktorarbeiten. Mega klasse was du alles veröffentlichst. Für diese Werbung solltest Du von den Firmen gesponsored werden.

[@Slitter_the_Dubstep]

I want you to take a look at the Behringer UMC1820! An Audio Interface that lends itself to be a direct comparison to the Scarlett 18i20

[@hiyouseemcool]

yes can we please get a comparison video of Scarlet 18i20 and Behringer UMC1820

[@georgevoulgarakis8894]

The feature i appreciate the most is the damn Power SWITCH. I don't understand why devices of all kind, and not just audio interfaces, don't have one anymore.

[@inthefade]

Penny pinching.

[@g_and_kikos_homestudio]

Great video. I just got a Scarlett 18i20 last month. I love it so far...

[@uwebaganz5144]

Great video as always, i love my 8i6 3rd gen and i use it with DT880 250 Ohms, so no problems there - i think it's solid for the price as the whole range

[@itsfelou]

Hey Julian, I don't usually comment on videos but I'll make an exception here. Keep up the good work, always appreciate the content !

[@torrerorojo]

Super Review! Thanks Julian!

[@juliancarmichael]

Your videos are so well done and helpful. I have been eyeing the scarlett 18i20 and Audient Evo 16. I would greatly appreciate your take on the Evo 16.

[@jezgomez]

Danke schone Julian. I'd love to see the UMC1820 put through a similarly thorough inspection. For it's price it just seems to good to be true!

[@AhmedShata]

Great review as always! I would love to see a full review of the EVO16 as I'm considering it. Thank you!

[@KordTaylor]

Nice video! You go deep. Sounds like a great interface for the $z 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

Thanks for the heads up on the headphones!

[@snailer6788]

Thanks Julian, your content is always outstanding! And yes, please do an Audient Evo 16 review!

[@ignasibb]

Absolutely. Full review of EVO16 please!! Great videos, thanks for all the information.

[@alexeysmirnovguitar]

Audient EVO 16 will be great to see on your channel. I might buy this unit if it shows good performance. Thanks for your work!

[@NoName_4]

Danke für deinen Videos Ich lerne so viel!

[@alx8856]

review of the evo 16 would be awesome. great video

[@SWATTECHNOLOGIES]

I've had this unit for about a year Julian. Agree with your 2 points about talkback and headphone output. When I switched to the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80-ohm, problem solved. However, when I first used my audio technica headphones I was using, I did have a "what the heck" reaction. Thank you for clarifying this issue on your broadcast.

[@breezyoakk]

too bad, i really like this interface due to the fact that it has two headphone outs and can be rack mounted, but for me who is mainly using the AT m50x, the THD is too high

[@timmarcusmoore]

Great review, this is very helpful. I'd also like to see the EVO16 review you mentioned. Thanks!

[@ERICDIZZYASMR]

Aye bro, this video told me everything I needed to know about the product. Thank you for getting straight to the point. I feel less intimated by it now.

[@xtradark4621]

Amazing review! You go into lots of technical details that are very important to me. Can you do a similar style review for the Steinberg AXR4? It is an extremely under-reviewed interface that hasn't been tested by anyone online to this extent.

[@vewilli]

I use it as a keyboard mixer primarily as I also have an Antelope ZenQ for vocal recording … Super review!

[@DavidMilesMusic]

Its excellent. If you are deciding between this and another I can confirm its a dream. Use it in my studio every day.

[@PeterPiklMusic]

Evo 16 Yes! Great Review as always... thanks

[@1032godofwar]

comprehensive review!!

[@abhijitb1]

Please please do review the EVO 16. It's the one I'm most anticipated and you are one of the few reviewers I trust!

[@Spider._.dust_music]

Great info🤘thx so much

[@leonardobadilla3374]

Thanks for this video!

[@joneshendershot]

Hi Julian, Your reviews are quite helpful in so many ways. I know there are a lot audio interfaces and you can't review them all but I wonder if you would consider reviewing a few items like the Zoom Livetrack L-8. It bridges several genres of audio production such as podcasting, live sound, studio audio interface and field recorder. In many ways it seems like a very useful tool for people who have their hand in many different facets of audio recording. Thanks again. Jones

[@tucano6000]

Hey Jones, big fan and user of the L12 here. One thing I noticed, I worked on a Motu Ultralite Hybrid for years, switched to Livetrak as an audio interface because the Motu eventually broke down, didn't really notice any big difference, then switched to a RME Fireface and noticed an incredible difference in quality / detail. It was quite shocking, I had to re-do a lot of mixes that I had done on the L12. I think it's fine to use the Livetrak as a audio interface to record jams, live shows, etc, but not as your main studio audio interface, if the desired goal is to release music.

[@PodcastMeister]

Great review Julian, thanks! I would love to hear your opinion on the Evo 16 too (as well as the Rodecaster Pro I/II and the Tascam Mixcast4 especially on how they stack up in your mega table of truth 🤥😂 One more thing: you don’t actually need a hook for us to stick around. 👍😉

[@tricogustrico]

You are the definitive audio interface reviewer

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

Thanks for the video

[@Kmuggle]

Great review as always. This one helped me eliminate the 18i20 Gen 3 from consideration. YES ... review the Audient Evo 16 as soon as you can get your hands on one ... there is so much pre release hype about the Evo 16 ... how convenient it is to use ... but not a peep about sound quality. Lots of people seem interested in the Evo 16 and a prompt review of the sound quality could potentially save some of us from purchasing a dud.

[@TheKnutselaar]

Best review on YT 👌

[@saikousocial]

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh I've been waiting for this one!!!

[@MichaelNatrin]

Fantastic video.

[@jonoaerts]

Cheers for the great content, best reviewer out there! I would like to see some high end audio interfaces reviewed-RME ADI 2 Pro FS R, Prism Lyra, Lynx Hilo-It would be nice to compare the quality and see if it’s worth the extra investment. keep up the good work

[@nickkarach76]

Is the clarett+ or motu ultralite mk5 a significant increase in sound quality of the outputs/conversion? Trying to upgrade from my 18i8. Thank you and love the videos!

[@chrisz6918]

Yes, please review the Evo 16. From what i have seen so far, it should be perfect for my needs and has some features, that other Interfaces are missing. And, btw, it´s a shame that almost no manufacturer can produce an interface with low impedance Headphone Out, that has enough power and will not distort. Because of the too high Output impedance of my Interface, i couldn´t use the AKG 371, the sound was colored and it didn´t sound right. Let´s hope, that the Evo 16 does a better Job than most interfaces.

[@jemilmathewjoseph5607]

Much helpful detailed VDo, Pls Upload detailed comparison about UAD Apollo Interfaces

[@2aab64]

Love the videos, if you ever test the Audient Evo 16 I would be very curious to see how it stacks up. It is in the same price range but features digitally controlled gain, along with other cool features.

[@SWATTECHNOLOGIES]

Me too

[@moschop72]

+1

[@orquestralaudano]

Me too!

[@TheMelon9106]

+1

[@alexntemperley]

I'm waiting eagerly for Julian to review it as well

[@aagm.]

Love the videos, Julian. Got to your videos searching about DACs vs audio interfaces; have a Focusrite 18i20 and was dismayed to see such high THD+N at 32 ohms for the smaller Gen3 offerings. Started considering headphones with higher impedance but haven't canvassed how much more they would cost, or whether the improvement in sound quality would be worth it. Thoughts? Was so excited to see this model being reviewed, and to comment, that I haven't finished the video. Back to it. By the way, love the structured approach - thank you for your hard work in making this information available. Side thought - the Motu interface you featured in your previous review seems like a fantastic value for those on the entry-level market, but you already knew that 😉 Edit: 80+ ohms, noted!

[@LBJedi]

This was extremely interesting. I currently don’t need this many inputs, but if I ever reach that point, I will most certainly be returning to this video. Do you have any plans to review the Neve 88M Interface? It looks like it should be pretty amazing based on specs.

[@JStationC]

Julian! I’d love to see you review studio monitors! Consider getting a klippel once finances allow it!

[@VinceJackson1]

Great video & please do the Evo 16!!! The Ultralite 5 is back in stock but I want to see if the Evo has better audio quality. 👍

[@SonicVision]

As always, great, in-depth, review. What is your idea of the 'best' rack interface ($1000 or under), best inputes/outputs/headphone outs etc? Thanks.

[@JonathanNeumann]

Hi Julian! First, thanks so much for your great videos! I was wondering if you could maybe answer a question I've been asking myself: I use the Focusrite 18i20 (2nd Gen) together with an SPL Phonitor 2. What would be the optimal way to combine these two units? I of course use the Phonitor to drive my speakers as well as my headphones, but I'm not sure how to best feed the signal from the Focusrite to the Phonitor to achive the best possible sound quality. Cheers!

[@umavoz7]

Hi Julian... I am new to your channel and watched a few of your reviews. They are the best I've seen. I have a question: Between Audient Evo 8 and Tascam US-4x4HR, which is the best in your opinion? Or do you have any other suggestion in this price range? Thanks in advance....

[@NiallEveritt]

Julian, thank you for these thorough and exhaustive reviews! If money was no object, which interface would you recommend? I'm looking for the best, cleanest performance with capacity for 16 inputs or above. Thanks again!

[@imakemusic1595]

Hello, great review! There is only one thing you didn't mention: are the 8 outputs (excluding the main L&R) fully usable to send 4 busses into an analog mixer or 3-4 can only be used as alt monitoring? thanks!

[@LivestreamUniverse]

Enjoy your reviews. Have you compared the performance of the Scarletts to the new Vocaster?

[@jona_KardCiv1]

I bought this during covid because it was available when my 1st choice wasn't. The Motu at the same price point. This has a bit more IO but no DSP. Running stereo in is sort of a pain because you can't pair inputs as stereo and control gain with just one knob. So you always have to check levels or knob positions. This mix software is easy to work with.

[@rainergerads4891]

Hey Julian, first of all, thanks for sharing your confidence-inspiring manner to bring your knowledge to us !!! All the best to you, und mach weiter so! Pleeeeeaaase take a look at "IK Multimedia AXE I/O" and "Universal Audio Apollo Twin"

[@thomasbroker69]

The best value audio interface out there!

[@_innerscape_]

I must compliment my ears 'cause I heard at first play of familiar CDs that the headphone out was a bit "grungy" and not as good sounding as other HP amps I have. All of this with a 25 Ohm load. At first I thought I was allucinating or hearing distortion that was present in those very familiar albums but never noticed. I should trust my ears more often... Thansk for confirming this!

[@bastienmartin6246]

Would like to see a video test of Arturia Audiofuse Studio if you can! Thanks a lot for the videos, really nice job!

[@GearHeadz101]

Plz do ESI u108 pre! I basiclly cannot buy recording equipment unless Julian Krausse has reviewed it.

[@circlemover]

Duet 3 review? if you can get your hands on one! ...king of the interface reviews...

[@robfel68]

Yes, please do a Audient Evo 16 review. Cheers!!!

[@aranash00]

Great review wondering how this stacks up against the clarett+ 8pre or the evo 16 you mentioned. Thanks!

[@SaturnVoyager11]

I love your videos, very informative. Any chance to review the Apogee Duet 3?

[@AndrehChamber]

Hey Julian, any chance you could review a device like the RODECaster PRO II to see how it compares to USB Audio Interfaces like the Audient, Focusrite, etc.? There are a lot of reviews in the internet but none are focused on pre-amps, RTL, A/D converters, etc.

[@Alleroc]

Been fairly satisfied with my 18i20 gen 3 aside from the software. The software is such a pain compared to the older focusrite control software.

[@Notmehimorthem]

Yes, you are right but support is excellent. I ring the company they either remote in or guide me by phone. The Hardware is excellent the best I have ever had in my studio. The "silence" is not at all colored and it has a slight virtyally imperceptible natural warmth, rather than the usual synthetic harshness

[@Alleroc]

@@Notmehimorthem Yeah, I absolutely love the hardware. It's been instrumental in getting my rig up and running. I'm running an MPC Key 61 with two 18i20's connected to it. Gives me a bunch of IO that I use for hardware effects and it all sounds so good.

[@CrisFuentes]

Please make a vídeo of the evo16, great vídeo!

[@Joey.Darkwoods-Studio]

So, what would be your best "all around" pick for an interface with a minimum of 4 XLR input up tp 8?

[@Notmehimorthem]

I have one, the unit is really good. The software is a bit obtuse, but support is excellent. I ring the company they either remote in or guide me by phone. The Hardware is excellent the best I have ever had in my studio. The "silence" is not at all electronially colored and it has a slight virtyally imperceptible natural warmth, rather than the usual synthetic harshness

[@TitoSpadini]

Hello, Mr. Krause. Please, would you mind to share with us some details about the audio equipment that you use for recording videos like this one? Thanks in advance.

[@PetraKann]

I have this very Focusrite interface. For value and input/output numbers this interface suits my needs. The two headphone jacks with individual control was another reason I purchased this model. Obviously a rack mount that needs 240V AC is not very portable. It sits in my studio and it was great when i need to record a drum kit or a live band. Personally, i find microphone quality to be more important. At the moment my set of mics costs almost 15 times more than I paid for the 18i/20. I also prefer to buy musical instruments and some specialised software.

[@chrisraphel7194]

I would love you to do your comprehensive analysis on the Scarlett 8i6..

[@zdravkodimitrov]

I would really love to know how it compares to the Arturia AudioFuse 8pre

[@matovrecords115]

PLEASE MAKE A REVIEW OF THE PRESONUS STUDIO 192! THANK YOU. VERY HELPFUL VIDEOS. I RECOMMEND YOUR CHANNEL.

[@ralmslb]

How do you test the frequency response of the Mic inputs? I've been looking for a good Audio Interface to use with RTA mics for PA response analysis and don't know what to pick.

[@CandlelightVideo]

Great review. Do you have one walking through their software for the interface in more detail.. also wondering if their software runs on an Android tablet? I'm looking for a portable 6+ input ISO field recorder that lets us quickly monitor individual channels, and which records 48Khz 24-bit or higher... oddly difficult to find with these basic features?! Someone recommended I look at the Scarlett line... unclear how we'd monitor all inputs on their smaller-footprint model while in the field.

[@irishRocker1]

Would be great to include some guitar preamps like AxeFx FM3/9, Quad Cortex, and the Eleven rack. Would be interesting to see if the mic inputs on those units are comparible or just a garbage after thought. Headphone output too.

[@carlosserrano3985]

Of course, the EVO 16 needs to be reviewed!

[@catalystcollide3473]

Excellent review and info. Would be curious to see how the Presonus Quantum and similarly priced rack mount interfaces compare.

[@tomhorsky9568]

Julian, what is the output level of the interface? I don't use a DAW, but use the TRS L/R mains to input into my recording device. Does this unit have a L/R output? And, what is its output level? Thanks

[@infinagon]

Ahh my old interface. Very good interface in my opinion. Hard to beat in its price range.

[@mrjtibor]

Hi Julian! I would like to ask for your recommendation. I am looking for an audio interface to record my stereo signal coming from a looper. I need two Hi-Z input , MIDI function, USB-C connection, a monitoring knob (between input and playback). and a loopback function would be also great. I found that the Motu M4 has these features, but I dont know what other interfaces could be proper too. Can you give me advice? Thank you!

[@BangBangSystems]

Do you have any plans for testing the Neumann mt48 and Avid Mbox studio? I really like your channel.

[@karunthapa354]

Hey Julian alot of new budget audio interfaces have now come into the market Could you make a review about your personal favourite among them pleaee

[@louisrmusic]

Hi Julian, could you review the Arturia AudioFuse ? I'd like to see how it competes vs the Clarett+ !

[@tatangakarvel8667]

Thanks for this great video! After 12 years my Scarlett 8i6 1st Gen died (power plug smells funny, guess it did the trick). Clarett 4 VS 18i20.. hard choice. Especially considering that Clarett seems to have software issues. Any of you got an alternative? :D Note: Got Neumann monitors, so output should be up for the task. 😅

[@codgerfiasco]

It's my understanding that cheap preamps use eq to sweeten the sound coming in. If that is the case does eq/processing introduce any artifacts? Should phase or pre ringing or transient response of signals be measured or is that covered by the THD measurement?

[@jensbuhler9360]

Hi, thanks for your detailed reviews of these budget-ish Interfaces that many people will likely find helpful if they don't want to get a separate AMP for their headphones (like me) ^^ Out of curiosity and because I'm thinking of switching from my gaming headset to IEMs and a XLR mic: which Audio Interface would you (yourself or anyone in your great community) recommend for a very basic setup of XLR mic input and good Headphone Output performance for lower impedance headphones (likely

[@kablah19]

Will you ever review any apogee interfaces? I’d love to see your data on the Duet 3

[@DanielStefanescuStudio]

Good evening Julian ! I've got a question if you don't mind. I am a sound engineer and I spend alot of my time at events and before the events to set up the speakers, the tools, the mixer, the sound etc... I use to have my own studio 10 years ago and now I want to re open my studio and also make a home studio. For the normal studio I have a RME Babyface Pro FS audio interface and Adam A7x active monitors and a Neumann U87 Ai microphone, but for my home studio I don't really know what to buy. Do you believe it would be enough if I would buy a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface, Adam T5V active monitors and a Rode NT 1 5th generation studio microphone? I also use Cubase 12 Pro for mixing and mastering . I would really apreciate your answer. Gott sei mit dir !

[@bluefunkybassman]

Review of Evo16 - YES PLEASE!!!!

[@repsossa]

Hi Julian; I would like the analisys of the Mackie Onix Artist; In the specifications say that Max input level is better that Scarlet, but no there are much information as dynamicr range or impedance, great mistery!. How can to get the max input level in yours another interface reviews?

[@dare2liv_nlove]

Seconded. I want to see how Mackie audio quality stacks up.

[@nobodynoone2500]

Will you test the actual "48v" voltage? My testing has shown many are not even 40, many below 30v! This has been a huge issue for me using budget interfaces.

[@mgmg116]

I'm pretty sure the "48v" is just a legacy term at this point. Transducers are so much more energy efficient and advanced these days that the microphones most likely don't even need an additional 30v or 40v to be fully-powered. Likewise, many preamps probably don't need to deliver the full 48v, and so they probably aren't designed to anymore. The "48v" terminology probably just stuck around as a legacy thing, since the term is interchangeable with 'phantom power' and it's what everyone in the industry understands it to be

[@GavinLittleEcholab]

Great review - do you know if I can use the 8 outputs as individual mono outs (for surround mixing) I can only see them as stereo pairs in the interface you show in the video. Thanks!

[@andynonimuss6298]

Yes! The Focusrite drivers allow for surround in your DAW and in Windows WDM 5.1 and 7.1 surround.