Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Review: Best Multi-Input Interface for Bands
Complete review of the $499 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 after recording dozens of bands. Discover why this 8-input interface is perfect for drums, full band tracking, and complex home studio setups.
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The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is the interface I reach for when recording full bands. With 8 analog inputs and expandable digital I/O, it handles everything from intimate acoustic sessions to full rock bands with drums, bass, guitars, and vocals all tracked simultaneously.
After using the 18i20 to record over 30 bands and countless drum sessions, I can confidently say it’s the best value in multi-input audio interfaces. It delivers the same great Scarlett preamps as the popular Scarlett 2i2, just more of them, with professional features that make complex recording sessions smooth and efficient.
This review covers real-world performance with full bands, drum recording techniques, and everything you need to know about maximizing the 18i20’s capabilities in your home studio or rehearsal space.
🎸 Perfect for Band Recording
8 analog inputs let you record drums (4-6 mics), bass direct, two guitar amps, and vocals simultaneously. Finally capture the energy of your full band performances.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen)
The go-to interface for bands and multi-instrumentalists. Same great Scarlett quality with 8 analog inputs for complex recording sessions and room to grow.
Check Current Price on Amazon →📋 Multi-Input Specifications
🥁 Essential Drum Recording Setup
The 18i20’s 8 inputs are perfect for drum recording. Here’s my proven setup:
- Input 1: Kick drum (dynamic mic like Shure Beta 52A)
- Input 2: Snare top (SM57 or similar)
- Input 3: Hi-hat (small diaphragm condenser)
- Input 4: Overhead left (large diaphragm condenser)
- Input 5: Overhead right (matching condenser)
- Input 6: Room mic (for natural ambience)
- Input 7: Bass guitar direct
- Input 8: Guide vocal or guitar
🎯 Complete Scarlett 18i20 Review
🎤 Preamp Quality: Proven Scarlett Performance
The 18i20 uses the same high-quality preamps found in the beloved Scarlett 2i2, just more of them. Each of the 8 analog inputs delivers clean, transparent gain with plenty of headroom for dynamic sources like drums and loud guitar amps.
The first two inputs feature Air mode, which adds a subtle high-frequency lift that works beautifully on vocals and acoustic instruments. I typically use these inputs for lead vocals and acoustic guitars, reserving the remaining inputs for drums and electric instruments.
After recording dozens of drum kits through the 18i20, I can confirm the preamps handle everything from delicate brush work to thunderous rock performances without breaking a sweat. The noise floor is impressively low, even when pushing the gain for quieter sources.
🔧 Build Quality and Design
The 18i20 feels substantial and professional. The metal chassis and quality controls inspire confidence during long recording sessions. Unlike smaller interfaces, this unit has dedicated knobs for each input’s gain control, making adjustments quick and intuitive during sessions.
The front panel LED meters are bright and easy to read, crucial when monitoring multiple inputs simultaneously. The rear panel connectivity is well-organized with clearly labeled inputs and outputs that make complex routing straightforward.
The only drawback is size – this interface takes up significant desk real estate. However, for the functionality provided, the size is reasonable and the sturdy construction justifies the footprint.
⚡ Performance and Workflow
Driver stability matches the excellent reputation of other Scarlett interfaces. In two years of regular band recording sessions, I’ve experienced zero crashes or dropouts. The interface handles complex sessions with 16+ tracks recording simultaneously without hesitation.
Latency performance is excellent, particularly important when recording full bands where musicians need to hear themselves clearly in the mix. The direct monitoring capabilities work flawlessly, and the Focusrite Control software provides flexible routing options for creating different monitor mixes.
The USB-C connection provides reliable power and data transfer. Unlike some multi-input interfaces that require external power supplies, the 18i20 draws all necessary power from USB while maintaining professional performance.
🎛️ Connectivity and Expansion
The comprehensive I/O makes the 18i20 incredibly versatile:
- 8 XLR/TRS combo inputs – Perfect for full band recording
- 2 dedicated instrument inputs – High-impedance for guitars and basses
- 10 balanced TRS outputs – Multiple monitor mixes and sends
- ADAT optical I/O – Expand to 16+ inputs with external preamps
- S/PDIF digital I/O – Connect digital processors or other interfaces
- 2 independent headphone outputs – Separate mixes for performers
- Monitor controller features – Talkback, dim, and mono switching
The ADAT expansion is particularly valuable. I’ve used it with 8-channel preamps to record orchestral sessions requiring 12+ simultaneous inputs while maintaining the same high-quality conversion throughout.
🏠 Perfect for Home Studio Band Recording
The 18i20 excels in home studios where space is limited but full band recording is essential:
- Full band tracking – Capture the energy of live band performances
- Drum recording – Professional results with 6-8 microphones
- Multi-instrumentalists – Layer multiple instruments efficiently
- Producer workflows – Multiple synthesizers and drum machines
- Podcast/content creation – Multiple hosts and guests
✅ Pros
- 8 high-quality Scarlett preamps for full band recording
- Air mode on inputs 1 & 2 adds musical character
- Excellent driver stability for complex sessions
- Comprehensive I/O with professional connectivity
- ADAT expansion for even more inputs when needed
- Individual gain knobs for each input – easy adjustments
- Solid build quality with professional feel
- Multiple headphone outputs with independent mixes
- USB-C bus power – no external adapter needed
- Focusrite Control software for advanced routing
❌ Cons
- Large footprint takes significant desk space
- Overkill for solo artists or simple recording
- More expensive than smaller interfaces
- Learning curve for complex routing features
- No onboard effects or DSP processing
- Monitor controller features are basic
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
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📊 Multi-Input Interface Comparison
| Interface | Price | Analog Inputs | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarlett 18i20 | $499 | 8 | Band Recording | Full Bands |
| PreSonus Studio 1824c | $449 | 8 | USB-C/Thunderbolt | PC/Mac Flexibility |
| Scarlett 2i2 | $179 | 2 | Simplicity | Solo Artists |
| MOTU 8M | $695 | 8 | Professional I/O | Pro Studios |
❓ Scarlett 18i20 FAQ
Absolutely. The 8 analog inputs are perfect for drum recording with 6-8 microphones. I regularly record full drum kits using kick, snare, hi-hat, two overheads, and room mics with excellent results. The preamps handle everything from delicate brushwork to thunderous rock drums.
Yes, that’s exactly what it’s designed for. A typical setup uses 4-6 inputs for drums, 1 for bass direct, 1-2 for guitar amps, and 1 for vocals. This captures the complete band performance while maintaining excellent sound quality across all sources.
Probably not. The Scarlett 2i2 offers the same preamp quality for solo recording at a much lower price. The 18i20 is best for situations where you need multiple simultaneous inputs for bands, drums, or complex multi-instrument setups.
Yes, through ADAT optical connections. You can add 8 more inputs at 48kHz using ADAT-equipped preamps, giving you 16 total analog inputs. This makes it suitable for larger orchestral or choir recordings while maintaining the same conversion quality.
The 3rd generation features improved preamps, better converters, Air mode on inputs 1-2, and USB-C connectivity. The build quality and reliability are also significantly improved. If buying new, definitely get the 3rd generation for the enhanced performance.
💡 Scarlett 18i20 Buying Decision Guide
Buy the Scarlett 18i20 If:
- You record full bands and need multiple simultaneous inputs
- You’re serious about drum recording with multiple microphones
- You’re a multi-instrumentalist who layers many parts in recordings
- You run a home studio and record other musicians regularly
- You need professional I/O for complex routing and monitoring
- You want room to grow without buying another interface later
- You produce electronic music with multiple hardware synthesizers
Consider Alternatives If:
- You primarily record solo – the Scarlett 2i2 is more cost-effective
- Desk space is limited – this interface has a large footprint
- You’re on a tight budget – consider starting smaller and upgrading later
- You’re a complete beginner – the complexity might be overwhelming
- You need portable recording – this isn’t designed for mobile use
Where to Buy
Purchase from authorized dealers like Amazon, Sweetwater, or Guitar Center to ensure full warranty coverage. The 18i20 holds its value well on the used market if you want to save money.
What’s Included
- Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) interface
- USB-C cable
- Focusrite Control software
- Pro Tools First and Ableton Live Lite DAWs
- Plugin bundle including Red 2 & Red 3 plugins
- 3-year warranty with registration
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