l
Interface on another level
I have never in my life even remotely thought that interface can change my workflow this much. Integrated zero-latency hardware 1 bus mixer is game changer since... it works even if PC is turned off and interface is unplugged. It means that you can actually set this interface up in such way that when PC is off Scarlett 18i20 can behave as pass-through device passing any line-in of your choice (eg. inputs 7-8) directly to your main XLR monitors. It makes it really easy to connect multiple either balanced or unbalanced devices to monitors. Kinda like... monitor controller or actual mixer AND interface in one device.
Really nice. Value added by this device is simply incredible. Also it works under Linux (as of today there's kernel patch available on linuxmusicians fixing implicit USB feedback issue).
The only issue I have with this device it's that it has ONE bus mixer. Means you can create one "custom mix" aka virtual mixer (with whichever physical or software inputs you like) and then assign this one mix output it to whichever outputs you like but there's only ONE such stereo mix. It means that you can't for example pass line-in 7-8 to out 1-2 and line-in 5-6 to out 3-4 as that would require 2 independent virtual mixers which is not possible.
pros:
- standalone 1 bus mixer
- signal level meters and other back lit indicators look super dope
- 10 built-in output channels (a lot of devices have only 8). In general great i/o
- rubber caps to cover rack ears mounting holes if you don't use them
- kind of works with Linux as well as smartphones
cons:
- standalone ONE bus mixer
- i believe more controls should be exposed as physical buttons. Eg. AIR switch which is physical on some other Scarlett devices.
Really nice. Value added by this device is simply incredible. Also it works under Linux (as of today there's kernel patch available on linuxmusicians fixing implicit USB feedback issue).
The only issue I have with this device it's that it has ONE bus mixer. Means you can create one "custom mix" aka virtual mixer (with whichever physical or software inputs you like) and then assign this one mix output it to whichever outputs you like but there's only ONE such stereo mix. It means that you can't for example pass line-in 7-8 to out 1-2 and line-in 5-6 to out 3-4 as that would require 2 independent virtual mixers which is not possible.
pros:
- standalone 1 bus mixer
- signal level meters and other back lit indicators look super dope
- 10 built-in output channels (a lot of devices have only 8). In general great i/o
- rubber caps to cover rack ears mounting holes if you don't use them
- kind of works with Linux as well as smartphones
cons:
- standalone ONE bus mixer
- i believe more controls should be exposed as physical buttons. Eg. AIR switch which is physical on some other Scarlett devices.
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D
Price/performance workhorse.
The best card I could find for the price which enables to do anything. Physical channels can be expandable with a preamp via an optic cable. 8 physical inputs are mostly enough for fieldwork.
It makes pops and clicks when recording long sessions for more than 15 minutes but they don't appear in the recording. So it's a small issue with hearing part I guess. Work with higher bitrate and ignore the clicks.
Software interface is fairly intuitive and enables users to make alternative monitoring. Drivers are working without problem with Voiceomeeter Banana stuff. My old Steinberg card does not work with them properly.
The biggest issue I can say is headphone preamps are not very powerful. Even if you hit the max level you can hear a quiet playback with DT-770 Pro 250 ohms. I have to use Behringer's headphone amp to amplify the sound especially on field recordings.
The design and quality of the material (knobs etc.) are exquisite.
Just buy and try if you think of it because its very easy to sell because there are too many of them running around.
It makes pops and clicks when recording long sessions for more than 15 minutes but they don't appear in the recording. So it's a small issue with hearing part I guess. Work with higher bitrate and ignore the clicks.
Software interface is fairly intuitive and enables users to make alternative monitoring. Drivers are working without problem with Voiceomeeter Banana stuff. My old Steinberg card does not work with them properly.
The biggest issue I can say is headphone preamps are not very powerful. Even if you hit the max level you can hear a quiet playback with DT-770 Pro 250 ohms. I have to use Behringer's headphone amp to amplify the sound especially on field recordings.
The design and quality of the material (knobs etc.) are exquisite.
Just buy and try if you think of it because its very easy to sell because there are too many of them running around.
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HB
I wanted to buy an interface after I ran out of options with my line6 , and this is exactly what I was looking for. Great Sound, easy handling and you can tell by the look its no low budget or cheap item, it just feels super premium. Great choice for me and I think you won't regret purchasing if you want great sound with lots of inputs just in case you need it.
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Jv
Amazing audio interface
I use it for different multichannel setups and it works like a charm!
For example:
Stereo and Stereo 2.1
5.1 Surround Sound
For example:
Stereo and Stereo 2.1
5.1 Surround Sound
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IT
With this device you are having a proffesional home studio!
For my productions it is more then perfect,and when you get to know the possibilities you can take it to a professional level!
It is a super device. put some time and effort in it....It is really worth it....
It is a super device. put some time and effort in it....It is really worth it....
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aa
Absolutely Awesome
Good quality, perfect for surround. Absolutely awsome device. I already use my works before. And now it's for my home system.
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N
Top notch
For an enthusiast producer/songwriter like myself, this really is all I need. It has the quality I want and the functionality. It even looks good. Only problem is I already filled up all the recording channels! Next stop, an ADAT expander.
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J
Highly recommend
I bought a drum kit and mics so I needed something bigger than my small Scarlett interface. This is such an amazing upgrade and I’d highly recommend this if you’re looking for something to expand your studio/setup. The app for desktop is amazing too allowing you to control the different outputs straight from your screen. If I needed another one I’d buy this one again honestly great product.
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F
Should have bought this earlier!
It was perfect addition to my audio setup. The product was as advertised everywhere, no need to review it myself everyone knows it.
Probably you can buy something a little better like Clarett+ if the features work for you and some extra money are not an issue.
Delivery was very fast even though I live on the other end of Europe.
Probably you can buy something a little better like Clarett+ if the features work for you and some extra money are not an issue.
Delivery was very fast even though I live on the other end of Europe.
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M
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen
A great interface,i'm using for micing drums so plenty of ins to great pre-amps,also using the midi connections for electric kit, all works well no issues latencey etc, the talk back and monitoring software included make for an excellent bundle.
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