Detail 01
18 inputs / 20 outputs
Provides substantial I/O for complex recording and routing setups.

Independent shopping perspective
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is a USB-C interface for recording full bands and more involved studio setups. Eight mic preamps, two high-impedance instrument inputs, and 18 inputs/20 outputs provide the connections for microphones, instruments, keyboards, and drum machines. ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, and word clock I/O extend the routing options, while 24-bit/192kHz conversion handles high-resolution recording. Focusrite Control gives you routing, monitoring, and preamp-gain control from desktop or mobile devices, with Auto Gain and Clip Safe available for level management.


Strong match
What matters in use
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.

Detail 01
Provides substantial I/O for complex recording and routing setups.
Detail 02
Eight microphone sources can connect through the onboard preamps.
Detail 03
Two ADAT inputs and two ADAT outputs support expansion; each carries 16 channels at 44.1/48kHz or up to eight at 96kHz.
Detail 04
It can be used on a desktop or installed in a 1U rack space.
Detail 05
Phantom power is available independently.
Detail 06
Provides two dedicated headphone outputs.
Final check

Product questions
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
It has eight microphone preamps.
Yes. It has two ADAT inputs and two ADAT outputs, supporting 16 channels at 44.1/48kHz or up to eight at 96kHz.
Yes. The included package lists Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, Splice Sounds Membership, and additional plug-ins including Red 2 & 3, Softube Amp Room, Relab LX480 Essentials, and Auto-Tune Access.
No. It requires external 30W power.
Reference
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.