Focusrite Scarlett 18I8 G3

The third-generation Scarlett 18i8 is the ideal audio interface for music engineers and producers who need to adapt to their recording environment, wherever they are.

It offers eight analog inputs: four mic/line inputs, two high-impedance instrument inputs with high headroom, and four additional fixed line inputs at the rear. An optical input provides up to eight additional channels for larger recording sessions. Thanks to enhanced AN and NA conversion, recordings sound crystal-clear up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Two independent high-fidelity headphone outputs with dedicated volume control allow flexible monitoring during recording and mixing.

The 18i8 is equipped with two third-generation Scarlett mic preamps: with Air mode engaged, it's possible to reproduce the response of Focusrite's famous ISA preamp, giving recordings a brighter, more open sound. Each preamp is equipped with a pad that attenuates the input stage by 10 dB to prevent clipping in all conditions.

Two additional line outputs have been added compared to the previous generation, as well as speaker switching for dual-monitor configurations. In addition to the two independent headphone outputs, a pair of virtual "loop-through" inputs allows you to capture a stereo source from any combination of hardware inputs and software playback channels.

The Scarlett 18i8 connects directly to a Mac or PC via USB cable, with no need for an external power supply. It comes with all the software tools you need to get started. This includes two DAWs: Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools First Focusrite Creative Pack. Intuitive enough for beginners, but advanced enough to inspire real creativity with its remarkable audio processing.

Focusrite has teamed up with Splice to offer a free 3-month subscription to Splice Sounds when you create a new Splice account. Splice Sounds features millions of high-quality, royalty-free one-shots, loops and presets, plus new daily releases from up-and-coming producers, sound designers and artists. Creators use Splice to create all kinds of music, including popular pop, Grammy Award-winning albums, underground mixtapes and film scores.

As with all Focusrite products, users and new purchasers of the brand's interfaces benefit from access to the Plug-in Collective, which offers free software and discounts on a selection of renowned software publishers.