Duration 16:32

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

by Julian Krause

101 558 watched

2.1 K

Published 24 Jul 2022

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: https://amzn.to/3B1eR6D * Thomann EU | UA Volt 2: https://www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_18i20_3rd_gen.htm?offid=1&affid=1188 * Support the channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/juliankrause ** 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.

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Comments - 237

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@575motocross42 years ago This was a ridiculously detailed and comprehensive review, appreciate the hardwork on it! Didnt expect to learn this much lol 7
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@Bonzvy2 years ago 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 2
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@FreddiBi2 years ago 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. ... 9
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@alpenglow42432 years ago Your reviews are thorough, fair and very informative. Thanks for all your hard work. 1
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@robertcass1232 years ago Very impressed with your knowledge young Man I glad I bought this 3
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@okay19042 years ago 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. ... 27
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@g_and_kikos_homestudio2 years ago Great video. I just got a Scarlett 18i20 last month. I love it so far... 1
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@niclasrundkvist2 years ago Great review as always. And yes, a review of the Evo 16 would be awesome. 13
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@antonellosgnaolin2 years ago 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! ... 5
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@snailer67882 years ago Thanks Julian, your content is always outstanding!
And yes, please do an Audient Evo 16 review!
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@bitflux28 months ago excellent review, better than most other outlets out there, instant sub, my scarlett is arriving today to record drums! 3
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@KordTaylor2 years ago Nice video! You go deep. Sounds like a great interface for the $z 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 1
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@AhmedShata2 years ago Great review as always! I would love to see a full review of the EVO16 as I'm considering it. Thank you! 1
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@timmarcusmoore7 months ago Great review, this is very helpful. I'd also like to see the EVO16 review you mentioned. Thanks!
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@uwebaganz51442 years ago 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 2
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@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios2 years ago Thanks for the heads up on the headphones! 1
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@PeterPiklMusic2 years ago Evo 16 Yes! Great Review as always... thanks
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@ignasibb2 years ago Absolutely. Full review of EVO16 please!! Great videos, thanks for all the information.
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@juliancarmichael10 months ago 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. 1
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@NoName_42 years ago Danke für deinen Videos Ich lerne so viel!
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@peccotunity3 months ago Deine Videos sind einfach Doktorarbeiten. Mega klasse was du alles veröffentlichst. Für diese Werbung solltest Du von den Firmen gesponsored werden.
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@ERICDIZZYASMR2 years ago 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.
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@Slitter_the_Dubstep2 years ago 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 17
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@jezgomez2 years ago 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! 1
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@georgevoulgarakis88942 years ago 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. 22
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@itsfelou2 years ago 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 ! 1
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@alexeysmirnovguitar2 years ago 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! 1
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@alx88562 years ago review of the evo 16 would be awesome. great video 5
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@vewilli2 years ago I use it as a keyboard mixer primarily as I also have an Antelope ZenQ for vocal recording …
Super review!
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@thomasbroker697 months ago The best value audio interface out there! 1
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@xtradark46212 years ago 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. ... 1
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@jemilmathewjoseph5607last year Much helpful detailed VDo, Pls Upload detailed comparison about UAD Apollo Interfaces
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@DavidMilesMusic2 years ago Its excellent. If you are deciding between this and another I can confirm its a dream. Use it in my studio every day. 1
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@saikousocial2 years ago oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh I've been waiting for this one!!!
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@abhijitb12 years ago please do review the EVO 16. It's the one I'm most anticipated and you are one of the few reviewers I trust!
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@SWATTECHNOLOGIES2 years ago 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. ... 2
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@PodcastMeister2 years ago 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. 👍😉 ... 4
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@aagm.2 years ago 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! ...
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@tricogustrico2 years ago You are the definitive audio interface reviewer
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@Kmuggle2 years ago 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. ... 1
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@SonicVision4 months ago 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.
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@SaturnVoyager112 years ago I love your videos, very informative. Any chance to review the Apogee Duet 3?
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@rainergerads48912 years ago 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" ...
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@VinceJackson12 years ago 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. 👍
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@joneshendershot2 years ago 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 ... 8
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@jonoaerts2 years ago 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 ... 5
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@JStationC2 years ago Julian! I’d love to see you review studio monitors! Consider getting a klippel once finances allow it!
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@chrisz69182 years ago 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. ... 2
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@_innerscape_2 years ago 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! ...
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@jona_KardCiv12 years ago 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. ... 4
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@LBJedi2 years ago 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. ... 2
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@CrisFuentes2 years ago Please make a vídeo of the evo16, great vídeo!
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@NiallEveritt2 years ago 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! ...
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@robfel682 years ago Yes, please do a Audient Evo 16 review. Cheers!!!
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@umavoz72 years ago 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.... ... 1
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@Alleroc2 years ago 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. 3
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@bastienmartin62462 years ago Would like to see a video test of Arturia Audiofuse Studio if you can! Thanks a lot for the videos, really nice job!
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@circlemover2 years ago Duet 3 review? if you can get your hands on one! ...king of the interface reviews...
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@PetraKann2 years ago 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. ...
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@nickkarach762 years ago 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! 3
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@Notmehimorthem2 years ago 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 ... 2
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@matovrecords1152 years ago PLEASE MAKE A REVIEW OF THE PRESONUS STUDIO 192! THANK YOU. VERY HELPFUL VIDEOS. I RECOMMEND YOUR CHANNEL.
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@imakemusic15952 years ago 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!
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@JonathanNeumann2 years ago 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! ...
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@GearHeadz1012 years ago Plz do ESI u108 pre! I basiclly cannot buy recording equipment unless Julian Krausse has reviewed it.
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@aranash00last year Great review wondering how this stacks up against the clarett+ 8pre or the evo 16 you mentioned. Thanks!
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@2aab642 years ago 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. 62
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@marcedgarden63482 months ago I used this interface for years but I never was satisfied with it. I had a bigger latency with it than with every other audio interface and I always had to increase the monitor level to its peak because I have 250 ohm headphones which results in noise. Finally I switched to another Focusrite and it was a good decision. Good video where you explained all the bad things. ...
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@infinagon2 years ago Ahh my old interface. Very good interface in my opinion. Hard to beat in its price range.
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@LivestreamUniverse2 years ago Enjoy your reviews. Have you compared the performance of the Scarletts to the new Vocaster?
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@carlosserrano39852 years ago Of course, the EVO 16 needs to be reviewed!
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@hannibalbarkas13502 years ago Great review! I have a second gen and the headphone out is the worst, it can't drive my Sennheiser HD650 to any significant level. I owned a Lake People headphone amp already before I got it though, so it did not matter to me. ...
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@catalystcollide34732 years ago Excellent review and info. Would be curious to see how the Presonus Quantum and similarly priced rack mount interfaces compare.
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@chrisraphel7194last year I would love you to do your comprehensive analysis on the Scarlett 8i6..
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@tomhorsky95682 years ago 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
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@3g0st6 months ago THANKS! Cuz I didn't really know how to use this thing. Lol
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@ralmslb2 years ago 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.
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@BangBangSystems5 months ago Do you have any plans for testing the Neumann mt48 and Avid Mbox studio?
I really like your channel.
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@Adralba00711 months ago Does anyone know how to control the talkback function via midi ? TB does not appear in the mapping ( yet)
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@irishRocker12 years ago 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. ...
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@AndrehChamber2 years ago 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. ... 1
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@Joey.Darkwoods-Studiolast year So, what would be your best "all around" pick for an interface with a minimum of 4 XLR input up tp 8? 1
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@jjoohhnntttlast year Can I use the 3rd gen Scarlett 18i20 as an expander for I/Os since it has ADAT and connect it to UA Twin Quad? 1
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@mrjtibor2 years ago 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! ...
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@aagm.2 years ago The data sheet has helped me predict max dB for this unit with my new HD600 headphones (9.2 rms mW @ 300ohms) via headphonesty calculator (101db)
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@didouclavist0245 months ago S'il vous plaît, puis-je couper le son provenant directement des haut-parleurs ?
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@codgerfiasco2 years ago 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? ...
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@CandlelightVideo2 months ago 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. ...
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@TitoSpadini2 years ago 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.
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@PsychoMath2 years ago I still have the Scarlett 2i2 and I bought an ipad pro 2021 5th generation 12.9 , my question is where can I get the Focusrite control for ipad ? I got one from app store but it doesn't show any interface with all the settings ?? I do music a lot but yes my headphones 🎧 are maybe also the problem you mentioned but about the app Focusrite control I'm lost ......thank you ...
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@howardhutchinson16312 years ago Still use the Saffire Pro 40 Firewire with adapters to Thunderbolt on Win/Mac or ADAT-extension. I like it more than most of the newer interfaces. Maybe the 3rd Gen Mics are better, but i can't say because i only work with line levels. I switched from a RME FF800 and the Pro 40 was much cleaner and pleasent to listen and mix. I bet the old one sounds better than 3rd Gen. ;) ...
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@zdravkodimitrov2 years ago I would really love to know how it compares to the Arturia AudioFuse 8pre 6
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@studio-shaabdik2 years ago sir ,
I want to know about steinberg ur816c audio interface,tascam series dyna 8p preamp,scarlett octopre dynamic.

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

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