Focusrite
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen
Strong 8-preamp interface with great conversion, expandable I/O, and auto-gain, ideal for project studios despite higher cost.
Summed up from 7 published reviews
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What reviewers like
Best for
Multi-mic recording, drum tracking, and expanding home studios
Skip it if
Need portable bus-powered interface or simple stereo recording
Where it fits
- use
- PodcastsMusic
- kind
- Interface
- inputs
- 5 or more
- must-haves
- Phantom power60 dB+ gainGuitar inputUSB-C
Specs
- Mic inputs
- 8
- Type
- Audio interface
- Best for
- Podcasts, Music
- Max gain
- 69 dB
- Phantom power
- Yes
- Guitar input
- Yes
- Loopback
- No
- Built-in effects
- No
- USB-C
- Yes
- MIDI
- Yes
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Questions
Is the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen worth it?
Strong 8-preamp interface with great conversion, expandable I/O, and auto-gain, ideal for project studios despite higher cost.
What do reviewers like about the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen?
Excellent mic preamps with 69 dB gain. Auto Gain and Clip Safe simplify setup. Flexible I/O expandable to 18 in/20 out via ADAT. High-quality conversion up to 122 dB dynamic range. Focusrite Control 2 app enables remote routing.
What are the downsides of the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen?
Higher price than Gen 3 at launch. Large, heavy, mains-powered; not portable. Basic monitor control lacks mono button, DSP. ADAT limited to eight channels at 96 kHz.
Who should buy the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen?
Multi-mic recording, drum tracking, and expanding home studios. Skip it if need portable bus-powered interface or simple stereo recording.
Sources
We don't test products ourselves. This page sums up 7 published reviews, read on October 24, 2026; each point above links to the reviews that make it.
- musictech.com Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen review | MusicTech
- musicradar.com “Even a complete beginner could get the 18i20 set up and start making multi-mic recordings”: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen review | Music
- soundonsound.com Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen
- recordingmag.com Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen
- performermag.com REVIEW: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen Audio Interface | Performer Mag
- kvraudio.com Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen Review
- sonicscoop.com Gear Review: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 and 4th Gen Interfaces