Offering a powerful combination of high-quality sound and user-friendliness in a compact and portable format for recording, podcasting, and streaming, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 (4th Generation)18-in / 16-out USB-C audio/MIDI interface lets musicians, producers, and creators capture high-quality audio with no learning curve, no matter where they go. The 4th Generation model features four ultralow-noise microphone preamps with up to 69 dB of gain to capture the full potential of your mics. The flagship, RedNet 24-bit / 192 kHz AD/DA converters provide a huge dynamic range up to 122 dB, matching the quality you'd find in a pro studio. The new Auto Gain mode automatically sets your recording level, and the Clip Safe mode automatically prevents your signal from clipping, ensuring every take is a keeper. The Loopback feature lets podcasters, gamers, YouTubers, and streamers mix audio from other apps running on the computer. The 18i16 4th Generation works in standalone mode without a computer, useful for live performances or monitoring-only situations.
Scarlett 18i16 is the perfect hub to integrate your DAW and hardware with eight analog inputs, four analog outputs, plus ADAT and S/PDIF digital I/O, and MIDI I/O to connect external instruments, processors, and effects, and manage complex routing with incredible ease via Focusrite Control 2 software. The interface comes with production software including Pro Tools Artist, Ableton Live Lite, and a suite of instruments, processors, and effects.
- Both compact and lightweight, the Scarlett 18i16 is rugged and ready to securely stand on your desktop or travel with you. Being bus powered via USB-C connectivity, it can be used in any room or even remote locations, with your preferred DAW on a Mac/Windows computer or on an iPad Pro equipped with a USB-C port.
- The Scarlett 18i16 4th Generation can work in Standalone mode and still pass audio from the inputs to the outputs without the need for a computer.To power the unit, simply plug in the included external power supply or a separately available USB power bank using the USB-C 5V input located on the back panel.
- Four balanced 1/4" line outputs on the rear panel enable you to connect two different monitor setups with independent mixes or patch your favorite outboard gear and effects into your DAW.
- The ADAT optical I/O enables you to record and playback up to eight more channels of audio at up to 96 kHz (four channels at 192 kHz), a perfect way to pipe in an external 8-channel mic preamp with an onboard A/D converter or send tracks digitally to a headphone distribution system or digital mixer.
- The S/PDIF stereo digital I/O is great for recording the output of a digital DJ mixer or an external mic preamp outfitted with an A/D converter and S/PDIF output.
- While you’re playing, Clip Safe is all ears. Checking your levels up to 96,000 times per second, Clip Safe will automatically adjust the gain if you’re at risk of clipping, ensuring that your recordings remain distortion-free even when performing at higher volumes.
- Two powerful, custom-designed headphone amps with a huge dynamic range sets the stage for loud, clear, and accurate playback and monitoring through any headphones.
- Separate knobs are provided for quick and independent adjustment of your speakers and headphone volumes.
- The Alt button enables you to switch between 2 pairs of studio monitors.
- On the Scarlett 18i16's back panel, you'll find traditional 5-pin MIDI I/O ports, perfect for hooking up a MIDI keyboard controller, a synthesizer/workstation, or a sound module, for MIDI recording, editing, and sequencing.
To get started, choose from the two included DAWs:
- Pro Tools Artist (3-month subscription with Avid Complete Plug-In Bundle)
- Ableton Live Lite recording software.
The Hitmaker Expansion bundle has everything you need to bring big studio sound to your songs, with an unbeatable range of record-making studio tools from the biggest names in the business:
- Get exceptional vocal tracks with Antares Auto-Tune Access and Relab LX480 Essentials reverb.
- Sonnox VoxDoubler offers two distinct plug-ins that focus on widening and thickening, the most common vocal doubling techniques for bringing a professional sheen to your productions while preserving a perfectly natural sound.
- Sculpt your sound with EQs and compressors from Focusrite Red 2 and 3 Plug-In Suites, and preamps from Brainworx Bx_console Focusrite SC.
- Heat up your guitar tones with a hyper-realistic model of Marshall's Silver Jubilee 2555, brought to you by analog-modeling experts Softube.
- Need drums? XLN Audio's Addictive Drums 2 lets you add the sounds of a pro drummer to your songs easily. Featuring expertly captured samples from high-end Tama and Pearl drums and Paiste and Sabian cymbals recorded at Decibel Studios in Stockholm.
- Synths and Keys? You're well covered with the legendary MASSIVE from Native Instruments and XLN Audio's Addictive Keys.
- Focusrite Red 2 & 3 Plug-In Suite features a pair of meticulously captured digital models of the truly iconic EQ and Compressors, which have made the Focusrite name a staple in world-class facilities across the globe.
- Relab’s LX480 Essentials gives you four reverbs modeled on The Hit Factory NYC’s reverb unit, and used on countless hits.
- Want great sounding mixes fast? FAST Balancer accelerates the production process by using powerful AI that listens to your instrument or vocal tracks and serves up three selectable options to enhance the track and help it shine in the mix.
- Produce and release your best work with two-month access to Landr Studio and five free masters you can use even when your two-month subscription is over. Landr Studio provides everything you need to mix and master your tracks, including unlimited MP3 mastering, and unlimited distribution on streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, TikTok, and many more.
Other software:
- Splice Sounds (3-month membership)offers millions of high-quality, royalty-free one-shots, loops, and presets, with new releases daily.
Focusrite includes a collection of software from partners with 3rd and 4th Gen Scarlett interfaces that bring big studio sound to any recording. The included plug-ins are:
- Celemony Melodyne Essential, which makes it easy to correct and edit monophonic vocals, instruments, drums, drones, and more, using highly regarded, natural-sounding algorithms.
- Softube Flow Guitar Essentials, a custom collection of two amp sims, three effects, and a collection of guitar-centric signal chains, for realistic recorded tones with maximum flexibility and minimum fuss.
- Wherever you happen to be in the world, you can rely on a 3-year warranty if any Focusrite hardware needs repairing or replacing due to a manufacturing fault.
