Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

Product Information

Hardware ID - Each unit can be renamed to identify two or more of the same interface. By default, this will display the manufacturing identification number. These devices can be set up to send audio signals from the analogue inputs to the optical ADAT output(s), and send audio from the optical ADAT input(s) to the analogue outputs: To listen to audio from the digital ADAT or S/PDIF input through your speakers/headphones (for example, from a TV or games console - steps here) In Focusrite Control's Settings, select None in the Monitor Controls section. Make sure the faders for the analogue outputs are turned up all the way. The volume for these outputs should be controlled via your recording software (DAW). When your interface needs a firmware update, a box will appear when you first open Focusrite Control letting you know. Please install the firmware update if Focusrite Control tells you.

Once you have done this, close Focusrite Control and disconnect the interface from the computer. Connect the RCA S/PDIF output of the interface to your Host interface's RCA S/PDIF input (using a coaxial RCA digital cable) to record the inputs from the Expansion unit into your computer. The service will not quit and will remain in Activity Monitor, your interface should now be detected in Focusrite Control. For compatibility information for Focusrite Pro products (e.g. RedNet and Red) on macOS High Sierra 10.13 please see this article.When Custom Mix is selected it will populate this screen with the output mixer for you to set the routing:

Some ranges also have Digital I/O and S/PDIF sources. On some units, you can choose what inputs are displayed on the front panel meters.

Interface covers a connection spectrum

Here is an example of how you might route two analogue inputs of an 8i6 3rd Gen to the S/PDIF outputs: IMPORTANT NOTE: we have had a very small number of reports of Macs not booting up correctly after installing our software and rebooting the system on macOS Mojave 10.14. Please see this article for more information. You also need to make some more changes in Focusrite Control for the Expansion unit, to route the audio from the S/PDIF inputs to the analogue outputs. You can do this at the same time you're doing the above routing, or you can reconnect the Focusrite interface to the computer to make the changes. One of the key upgrades for the 3 rd Generation is the addition of USB-C connectivity. This reversible connection allows faster data transfer, easier connection and can be flipped – no more plugging in upside-down. And thanks to the USB-C’s inherent low latency, you can easily record and monitor everything in real time with many of your favourite plug-ins in place.

UK manufacturer Focusrite has made world-class mic preamps for decades. The 3 rd Generation’s mic pre is the best to ever feature in the Scarlett range. Expect a warm, dynamic response that’ll take care of any instrument with ease. If your interface is being seen at a hardware level, your interface model will be displayed in the main window as shown below. NO - Midnight Plugin Suite may still work but is unsupported with macOS Ventura 13 on Intel-based systems. How you set up the routing and settings will depend on the reason you are using Standalone Mode. In the rest of this article, we will focus on the most common reason: using a Focusrite interface as an Expansion unit. Setting up an interface with an optical ADAT output and input for use as an Expansion unitThe ‘Air’ mode, inspired by Focusrite’s legendary ISA preamp, adds a unique breathy detail to higher frequencies, perfect for injecting life into vocal recordings. Next up, 24-bit/192kHz converters offer unprecedented clarity for an interface at this price point. Intuitive, Professional, State-of-the-art Retain 48V - This allows you to control if the phantom power option is on by default when the unit is power cycled.