Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Review - Sound Just Like A Pro

[@MasterTrolliusTV]

I have a Gen 3 18i20 and I run a ton of outboard gear. I strongly disagree with your opinion.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out. Mine is the Gen 2. I think i said in this video that that Gen 3 might be better. Use what you love and what works for you. That’s the best we can all do.

[@in.der.welt.sein.]

"Cheap" and "sounds good" are pretty vague descriptors. I suspect the issue is this: Since the 1970s, companies have been trying to reduce noise and coloration in preamps, to capture transients as accurately as possible. They've been pretty successful. Today's preamps sound very natural, neutral and true. The trouble: what people actually like is some of the dirt and inaccuracy that used to be in older consoles and pre-amps. Thus probably why you like the art, which has the coloration and saturation of the 12ax7 tube.

[@krisztianjakab5095]

So what else do you suggest for a similar budget instead?

[@bocktoon5477]

I have been using the 18i20 since the 1st. Loved all if them.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out! That’s great. They certainly have their place in the market for sure. I like mine for the output routing options. When used for that, I love it too. I just don’t like the input sound or functionality.

[@BluegillGreg]

Another KZbinr ran a sine wave through a variety of interfaces, then played them back sequentially, all at identical volume. There was an obvious jump in noise when playing back the recording made with the third generation Scarlett. In his test the Clarett sounded much better. When I bought an SM7B some years back I got an Apogee Duet for its mic pre-amp's 75 dB of clean gain, and now I'm inclined to go with pro level equipment when I get my next 8 pre-amp interface. For decades I've been teaching String Orchestra and Guitar all week at an excellent school district. I've never regretted that my mass of recordings have been free of equipment issues and have been limited only by my input, not by my interface's input.

[@mdleeproductions5002]

I've been on the scarlett team for 10+ years. I originally got the 2i4, then 2nd gen 18i20, 2i2, solo, 3rd gen 18i20, and now octopre dynamic. the 3rd gen 18i20 and octopre are simply for a/d converters and output routing. I run my midas siena 400 for the preamps and eq and i have to admit... im in love right now. I will say there is a noticeable difference running different preamps.. but ive been content with what scarlett produces for years now.. I think its about what you do with them to how they sound.

[@PremierWaveMedia]

That’s crazy cause I paired mine with a dbx286 and it sounds great

[@hackapump]

I think Focusrite enjoy good sales, one: because of their pedigree in the outboard segment, including mixers and preamps. And by all accounts their interface preamps are very flat, which is either exactly what you want, (you use something else for flavour and want a clean signal for it), or the opposite. And two: Because history has shown that their drivers are both stable and reasonably performant. Combine that with competitive pricing, and you see some pretty sound success. Now, when it comes to AD/DA converters… Thing is none of these brands build their own converters. They all pick from the same OEM shelves. Which is why for most people it doesn’t matter too much what interface you pick. They all sound at the very least decent, and very very similar… Pick a price bracket, that’s about it. Almost: Different brands try to differentiate with auxiliary features and software. So, within your chosen price bracket, pick what appeals to you in terms of features and software. Stop worrying about specs, they’re all more or less the same in practise, within each respective price bracket. Personally I think there’s a lot of placebo going around. Today’s budget converters smack the living daylights out of yesterday’s top of the line converters - hardware heard on countless smash hits with luxurious production. Yes, if you charge 500 dollars an hour for your services, you want to make sure you use the best of the best throughout your signal path. But the weakest link in today’s recorded music is very rarely the interface. I would even go so far to say it never is. EDIT: I bought my first audio interface in 1995, and I honestly don’t recall how many I’ve owned over the years. What I would add to the above screed is to perhaps try to avoid lesser known brands. Not because their products necessarily are any worse, but because you want to make sure they stick around for the ride. The companies that built my first few interfaces are no longer with us. And it very much sucks when a company bails on you before end of life of the product.

[@BluegillGreg]

I agree. The converters are generally very good. Also, it sucks when your chosen manufacturer tanks and your equipment becomes unsupported. I think that mic pre-amps vary in quality and in character. I like my Duet for voice, violin, viola, cello, double bass, acoustic instruments in general. I keep one Mackie Onyx Blackbird set up with SM57s on 2 guitar amps, and another Blackbird set up for bass guitar and analog synth DI. When I get an interface for drums I'll be getting something with 8 high quality pre-amps.

[@mancavemusician]

Completely unfair, I've been using it for 12 months. It's a solid performer in its price range.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out. I don’t think it’s unfair. It’s a budget product with a budget sound. If the metric you judge it by is if it works or not, it absolutely does what it is supposed to do. However, my point is that it suffers by comparison to much better products if you want it to produce a professional recording.

[@mancavemusician]

@@soundjustlikeapro Yep, your opinion and fortunately for Focusrite 99% of producers appear to disagree with you.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

@@mancavemusician I hear you. It definitely has a place in the market. As long as people like them, they will stay there. I hope yours serves you well and the way that you want it to for a long time. Which model do you have?

[@mancavemusician]

@@soundjustlikeapro 18i20 3rd Gen

[@soundjustlikeapro]

@@mancavemusician ah. There you go. Mine is 2nd gen. Maybe they changed something to make them better. I think I mentioned that in this video.

[@abrahamofei1063]

I've been been making great recordings with the devise and I'm not impressed by your misgivings.

[@AndreyDjackondaMusic]

2i2 works perfect no issues at all for 6 years. 18i20 will works also i think

[@JayRitter-q3g]

Weird that you'd have reviewed a long discontinued model at the time of your video instead of the gen 3, which was the current version at the time. That's like reviewing a tube TV and comparing it to a 4k flat screen.

[@hockeytalk6084]

Exactly….the new ones (gen 3) are night and day

[@saigonpilots7063]

Thank you, man. That confirmed my... ears. I spent nights A/B the Scarlett 18i8 with a UA Volt 4/476 and I felt the Volts sounded better but I was not sure since I don't really trust my... ears since Focusrite seem very popular. I agree: it's all about the sound.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks fir reaching out. What is popular and what is best isn’t always the same thing. That’s a great lesson across much life actually 😎

[@Tym16]

Will point out adding gain on your inputs via ext preamp does decent. Im shocked to hear this take honestly as Focusrite has done decent for many for years

[@neveser]

I've got the 1st gen, it was a replacement for my EMU1212m. Bought it open box and saved a ton. I've been using it for years with no issues. I'm using an RME card inside the box. I've not followed the generations after the 1st. Sad that this has issues.

[@ericksierraaa]

Yo thanks for your opinion man ! Glad I came across this video 🙏🏽

[@quantrox8191]

Can you provide any A/B tests to prove the quality issues? Saying that "you won't sound pro" if you use Scarlett is not really true. I've seen magical moments when pro-audio fanatics claiming did not hear much difference between low price tier devices over some very expensive gear. Or even chosen the cheaper as better sounding.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Unfortunately, I can not do an A/B test. I sold the piece of gear that I loved and I’d give anything to have it back. If you like the Scarlett, use it. All of art is subjective. Use whatever device you want to use no matter what anyone says about it. There is definitely a whole new generation of these out now. The Gen III is probably fine. I think I said that in this video.

[@quantrox8191]

@@soundjustlikeapro ok. Just to mention - you may had a bad luck and got broken unit. Which happens sometimes.

[@billme8638]

The problem may be garbage in garbage out :)

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out. I guess anything is possible.

[@cooperofnavarone8616]

Maybe a dumb question, but does anyone know of an interface that caters to line inputs? Im mosty recording synths that either have panning effects, multiple tracks with panning or drumkits panned per sound. I don't think the pre amps amps are important? I don't need pro level I'm cool with CD quality. Latency is important. Thanks!

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out. I’m sorry for the delay! I don’t know of anything that is Line Level specific. I think preamps are always important though. You want a smooth capture of whatever instrument that you put through there. I’m liking the SSL stuff lately for budget level interfaces. I haven’t used one myself but I’m liking the reviews that I’ve seen.

[@capsize707]

Motu 16a

[@oliverlangrall2014]

I bought a 2nd gen 18i20 from a pawn shop for $50 and never looked back but I'm limited by budget so I don't really have any other point of reference lol

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out. It definitely has its place. I’m happy to hear of your good experience with it. $50 is a great price!

[@KeenanCrow]

I wonder if this is just an instance of you not liking the ultra clean preamps considering you just transitioned from a tube unit that added weight and color.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out! I can definitely see how you would think that. And that would make sense as the logical explanation if that were the only problem. I also really don’t like how there’s basically no headroom and dynamic range in the preamps. It goes from weak signal to clipping pretty quickly. That combined with actual sound of is more than enough for me to not want to use it for tracking.

[@KeenanCrow]

Makes sense thanks for the additional info! Looking at this one and an Audient so will probably go with the Audient instead

[@soundjustlikeapro]

@@KeenanCrow Nice! happy to help. Good luck out there. Let me know how you like it when you get it.

[@OgDj2024]

RESPECT! ✊🏾

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thank you my friend.

[@t.muntaneer]

This convinced me to get one

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Nice. Which one did you get?

[@t.muntaneer]

@@soundjustlikeapro picking up the scarlet today. Getting one second hand so if I don’t like it, I should be able to sell it for the same price I bought it for. I was tossing up between this one, a Behringer UMC or MOTU 828. All the second hand behringers I found were broken and for parts only, should have guessed. My mate said only get MOTUs that have been serviced to repair a common fault. I have been using a gen 1 for about 10 years probably more and am used to the sound. To be fair the one I have broke twice out of warranty but novation customer service is second only to korg and they stepped me through the repair over the phone.

[@dannyharpermusic]

Thanks for this review. I have 3 Focusrites in my rack 18i20, and 2 octopres, but I use the Apollo 16 and twin through my analog mixer in my studio

[@sergiopaulo4660]

What would you use to expand inputs on a UAD? I have an Apollo twin but I need a 3rd input for recording. I was looking at an 18i20 or ada8200 bc it’s not a primary input. The 2 pres are usually enough. Just not always.

[@dannyharpermusic]

@@sergiopaulo4660 I have the Apollo Twin and The Apollo 16, Apollo 16 doesn't have preamps, but you can get a Apollo with Preamps. I am running my Apollo 16 through my analog cionsole which I use the Preamps on the analog mixer. I love the sound of The UA Apollos, thinking about buying the Apollo 16p (with preamps) You can even change the pre's with their software. The sound is amazing!

[@jivewilson808]

if anyone thinks that an audio interface is going to greatly effect the quality of their music...then I'm sorry, bad news for you. it won't. the technology in even the cheapest of contemporary interfaces is far superior to what was available even in the late 1990s. much of the music released back then is still sounds better than what is released now. a high end interface is the last place you should put your money when building a studio. good monitors and good quality instruments will get you wayyyyyy further than an interface.

[@purecharm3]

Please do a video using this audio interface to record in ableton. Also show how your digital input and output is set up for the monitors.

[@jcallisonsaintsarmy]

I will admit I used to love the Scarlett as I grew as an engineer I’ve come to find the preamps quite dull. Not exactly fair because I’m comparing it with Neve preamps I use now but still great in its price range

[@Carlosaguilar-pe8fx]

Sorry dude, you need try different microphone 🎤.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Makes sense. Thank you.

[@mahmudsunnyvlogs8595]

U got problem in ur hearing balance.. Go to ear doctor.. First learn about dynamic range, frequency response.. Its not gear.. Its all ear... Ok

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out. Cool poetry. It’s definitely the gear in this case. All of your suggestions are good things to know though.

[@rickelliott821]

Can’t really comment on the Focusrite quality because it’s all I’ve ever used. If Neve is considered the best of the best and Focusrite was developed by the same person, I’m questioning your point of reference. I’m upgrading to the Revive modification on a second 18i20 as a comparison.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out! My frame of reference is my old Firewire interface with Class A tubes. It sounded amazing but the inputs on the 2nd Gen 18i20 leave a lot to be desired by comparison.

[@gregoryisom8333]

Do the output converters on the Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre USB Audio Interface fail in output quality? My ears tell me of some degradation in quality with the 18i20. However, I tweaked some excellent mixes on this unit, and I have since upgraded from this unit, this the 18i20 is a very stable and good unit, I add!

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out! I haven’t noticed any issues with the output unless it was also the input device. I can’t speak to any quality or lack or quality on the Clarett because I’ve never used it. I still use the 18i20 every day for output to my monitors. I use a different interface to get into the computer and then drive my monitors with the 18i20. I turn in about 15 VO projects a week having mixed them using this set up and haven’t had any complaints. Personally, I can not stand the input sound on the 18i20. I think it’s awful.

nice review. What If I am using it just to track the signal coming from SSL preamps? Will sound good?

[@soundjustlikeapro]

I would think it still would be gross. Your signal is only as good as your weakest link and this is a really weak link. The only way I would try is if I was coming in through the digital ports. Even then, I think I’d pass on this unit. The SSL stuff is too cool to introduce it to this unit. Just my opinion though.

@@soundjustlikeapro Valuable opinion, thanks!

[@allaboutjones]

Thank you. I was trying to decide if i should use Scarlett 18i20, Audient iD44, or Apogee Duet 2. I'm leaning towards iD44.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Cool! Thanks for reaching out. That one is discontinued though, right? You buying it used?

[@allaboutjones]

@@soundjustlikeapro I’ve had the Duet 2 for a while. I was recently given a Scarlett 18i20 and Audient iD44. Wasn’t sure which to use for my main set up. I’m leaning towards iD44. Any thoughts?

[@soundjustlikeapro]

@@allaboutjones well, I don’t know much about the Audient but I would certainly lean away from the 18i20 for my input. I still use mine every day but only to control my monitors. As far as my thoughts go now, I won’t ever use it for an input again.

[@MontalbanFightGym-bn7ol]

Click bait

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out and taking the time to comment. I hope my videos help in some way.

[@prowlermadmax2]

I just bought the 18i20 and i was wondering if the Focusrite Control has an equalizer to boost the Bass, mid and treble for my desktop audio apps like youtube and spotify.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out! I actually never got around to opening the Focusrite Control App. From what I've seen in other videos, there is no reason that it wouldn't have that. I just can't tell you how to get into it.

[@DE-signYourLife]

Thx for ur opinion. So better buy "RME Fireface 802 Fs"?

[@momohkamara16]

Can this setup be used for podcasts? I currently have the Rodecaster, but I need more microphones. However, I only have a few inputs available on the Rodecaster

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out! Before answering yes or no, I would need to know the format of your podcast. If everyone is in the same room, the answer is yes. However, if you’re looking to have a call in show or web interview format, the answer could still be yes even though it’s a little more complicated. In the second example, you would lean heavily into the mix minus feature that is already built into the Rodecaster. The scarlet doesn’t have a built-in mix minus but there is a way to set it up using a program called loopback or using an aggregate device in ProTools or logic, pro X in which we blend the scarlet with a digital, web based interface. I set it up that way for one episode of a podcast and then abandoned it because it was a lot to keep up with while also being the host.

[@momohkamara16]

@@soundjustlikeapro thank you very much and yes it will be used for podcast and in the same room as well

[@BlakeFoster050]

I agree, I run a bunch of synths out of a zed436 into an 18i20 and I can't for the life of me like the sound of the Scarlett. It muddies up the sound and never seems to have any headroom. It loses the nice coloring of the zed mixer and makes it sound way more flat.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out. I’m sorry to hear that. Hopefully you’ll find something that you love soon. I’m having decent success lately with my Zoom F8n Pro. It’s probably not the most musical device but it has good, clean gain on the preamps and tons of headroom. Best part, it was already on the shelf and I don’t have to buy anything else for a while.

[@BlakeFoster050]

@@soundjustlikeapro I just sold my Scarlett to a friend so probably just gonna use the money towards an Apollo.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

@@BlakeFoster050 good choice. Hopefully the friend has better luck. 😳

[@GodlySuperSaiyan]

As I'm using my new scarlett lol...I guess it'll do for now, but eventually I'll upgrade.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Oh dude. If it’s new, you probably have a Gen 3. I have heard from many people that the 3rd generation is better. They don’t make it easy on us for the pro gear. The 18i20 is only $500ish but the jump to a truly pro level rackmount interface will run you several thousand. It’s all good though. Run what you have and practice the skills. When the new gear happens for you, you’ll be that much better and get an exponentially better final. Good luck out there!

[@jonathantaylor5020]

This guy is full of his own opinion💩

[@Sey_Les]

I came here looking for a way to use the focusrite with my sound id reference but jeez lol

[@soundjustlikeapro]

It should be fine for that. Mine works flawlessly as an output device. I use it to drive my monitors in my studio. I just don't like the input sound.

[@Sey_Les]

Thanks man

[@louiseisobelevans]

Something about this story feels made up. You said it sounds "cheap" and your wife also used the same description "cheap" .. hmmmm

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out. It’s a testament to our relationship I suppose. We’ve been in the business together for 10 years and married for almost 8. It would be strange not to use the same words sometimes at this point.

[@louiseisobelevans]

@@soundjustlikeapro : Fair point! I just decided to replace the 18i20 mk2 with the Clarett+ 8pre. So will hear for myself how much difference it makes. Will report back.... That being said. We all know the scarlett is not top teir. BUT.... I think calling it sounds "cheap" is otp maybe? In comparisons vs the clarett I have heard it sounds pretty close. so unless you think the clarett line sounds cheap too..... Hmmm I wonder what kind of imparted harmonic distortion your ears might have gotten used to with your old interface. I'll have to look that ART up. You could also rebuy it if you loved its sound so much.

[@louiseisobelevans]

Looking the ART Tubefire up looks like it has tubes? So looks like we have the answer. In which case.... a lot of things might sound cheap next to it. Wow a tube based audio interface. Why aren't more doing this?

[@soundjustlikeapro]

@@louiseisobelevans I’m sorry. I just saw this. It is Class A tube circuits. It was so beautiful by comparison.

[@kiddynamite3931]

Did you keep it? If so why?

[@soundjustlikeapro]

I did keep it. I’ve owned it for several years. I bought to be an 8 channel output device for Ableton Live for live performances. It works perfectly for that but I could absolutely not despise it more for a tracking input.

[@kiddynamite3931]

@@soundjustlikeaproHave you tried the 3rd Gen since? Thoughts?

[@soundjustlikeapro]

@@kiddynamite3931 I haven’t. If they ever want to send me one, I’ll give it a shot but I’m not going to spend money on it. My channel isn’t big enough for that to happen yet. I’m sure they will have released something else by the time that it is. There’s a comment thread on this video of a guy arguing that I’m wrong about this only to find out that he has the 3rd gen. Apparently it’s better according to that dude but I can’t/won’t vouch for it.

[@drummerjstone]

So what about the 3rd gen?

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Unfortunately, I don't know about Gen III. I may see if I can find one to borrow to do a review on but I don't think I'll be buying one.

[@jayknowstheway]

when i compare my mac's headphone jack output straight into a mixer vs the Scarlett master output straight into a mixer I can hear a drop in sound quality. It looks like the outputs also introduce a fair amount of noise, which I compared by turning up the volume with silence. On the inputs side there's a bit of latency which makes it hard to use cleanly. the process to get the software, etc, is pretty cumbersome but that's really a minor thing compared to the audio quality, noise, and latency I'm seeing with this unit. I'm leaning towards UAD twin

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Nice. I heard a Twin today on a video shoot for a new mixing website. It sounded great!

[@FoxxLegendz]

Your why I don’t like it section consists of stories of the 2i2, which is far less quality than the 18i20. Don’t understand the point of that

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out! You will also hear in this video that I don’t think the unit that we’re looking at here sound good either. I will never use it to track anything ever again because it doesn’t sound good. My 18i20 in this video is still my output device for my studio computer but has lost all privileges to ever be an input device again.

[@AbnerCastaneda-sf9ux]

thank you,. I bought the 18i20 and I don't like the monitor sound, and I don't like the noise when all the volume is off. I am regretted too. I will return it and get another one.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

I'm sorry to hear that but at least you can return it and get something that you'll love. I hope you find something. Any idea what you'll get?

[@AbnerCastaneda-sf9ux]

@@soundjustlikeapro I don't have idea, do you have any recommendation?

[@soundjustlikeapro]

@@AbnerCastaneda-sf9ux I’m currently just using my Zoom F8n Pro for an input but even that’s not ideal for what I’m doing with it. My next interface will probably be the Neve 88m. I don’t know anyone that has one but I’m going to try it next for my Music and Voice Over work.

[@jonathantaylor5020]

I dont experience any noise

[@alpenglow4243]

First negative review of the 18i20 I’ve seen. Turn off the Air feature and see if you like that better.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out. I haven't seen many but they are out there. I'll try your suggestion if I ever get around to trying it for an input again. Thanks for the tip!

[@gastonjabaly]

Just buy a neve for$1200 besides a$100 2i2 hahahahahah

[@The_Master_Brain]

Focusrite is overhyped. I knew it as i was reading all these positive reviews at these Webshops for music Equipment. These are all guys which does not have any clue from good quality sound. Simply read the technical specs of these Interfaces.. then you know what you have to know. What i want ADAT or 8 In/Outputs, if the used chips inside are crap? This makes no sense. Focusrite simply makes money by good marketing, but not from Musicians which want quality sound.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thanks for reaching out. It certainly has earned a place in the market. Good marketing and a pretty crimson red finish goes a long way for them.

[@The_Master_Brain]

@@soundjustlikeapro - My words. Marketing ist everything.

[@uniquetruth2097]

first i thought you talk about the new 18i20 3rd gen so thats why i changed the dislike into a like because i never had a 2nd gen 18i20

[@jonathantaylor5020]

Awesome opinion💩

[@soundjustlikeapro]

Thank you. Calling it like I see (hear) it.

[@Appleloucious]

Really useless video. You are talking about pro and are not even clarifying the words you are using. No one can read your mind what 'cheap' and 'sounds good' mean to your.

[@soundjustlikeapro]

@@Appleloucious thank you for reaching out. Feedback is a good thing. I’ve been planning a more thorough breakdown of this unit because I still absolutely don’t like it for a recording input. I think that nobody that takes themselves seriously should have one for a recording input device. I’ll go deeper next time.

[@claudehill2]

f