Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

Optimized third-generation technology

The 3rd-generation Focusrite Scarlett 18i8's exterior has undergone a sleek makeover. Under the hood, though, it's been tweaked and upgraded to deliver better sonics, lower latency, and enhanced ease of use. With sample rates up to 192kHz, you've got studio-grade sound you can take anywhere. Focusrite has added their renowned Air circuit to their already-amazing Scarlett mic preamps. The instrument inputs have also been re-engineered to handle the hottest active pickups. Lastly, Focusrite has wired analog protection circuitry across the Scarlett 18i8's inputs and outputs, safeguarding your interface from damaging power surges.

Super-low latency for better performances

You know you perform better when you've got a great-sounding monitor mix with everything you need to hear to be inspired — for example, reverb and delay on a guitar solo. The Scarlett 18i8's super-low latency lets you monitor with native plug-in effects in real time, so you can hear your parts as you envision them and record better performances. But if you prefer the simplicity and convenience of monitoring your input direct with guaranteed low-latency, simply engage the Direct Monitor circuit. A duo of virtual loopback inputs allows you to capture a stereo feed of any combination of hardware input and software playback channels, making podcasting, live streaming, and sampling tasks a cinch.

Award-winning Focusrite preamps with Air

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 is equipped with four vibrant and pristine Focusrite preamps. For over 25 years, Focusrite's award-winning pres have proven their mettle in pro studios around the world. Focusrite ports their considerable design savvy into the transparent, low-noise, low-distortion preamps in the Scarlett 18i8. This is the same technology found in Focusrite's flagship products, giving you gobs of available headroom to accommodate your dynamic, condenser and ribbon mics on any source, no matter how boisterous. Of course, you also get phantom power for your mics that require it. Add to that Focusrite's switchable Air mode, and you've got the sound that launched a thousand hits.

Keep an eye on your levels with intuitive halo indicators

Your mom always said to watch your levels. Well, perhaps she didn't, but you know you should — and the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 makes it easy. The 18i8's innovative halo indicators always let you know when you've got a healthy signal level for recording. If the halo is red, your signal is clipping, and you should back down your gain. The halo will momentarily turn amber as the level returns to a happy level — at which point it will turn green. Simple and intuitive, isn't it?