The versatile Scarlett

Introducing Scarlett 18i16, the industry-leading USB audio interface for producers, with converters taken from Focusrite’s flagship RedNet range. 18i16 features 18 inputs and 16 outputs, including four microphone preamps, Hi-Z and line inputs, ADAT, SPDIF, and MIDI connectivity.

Capture everything

The 4th Generation preamps offer an impressive 69dB of gain, allowing you to capture dynamic performances with clarity, whatever microphones you use. With a total of eight analogue inputs including two Hi-Z instrument ins, 18i16 provides ample connectivity for all your outboard. Powerful outputs ensure clean, ultra-low distortion playback; plus, two brand new custom-designed headphone amps to drive high-impedance headphones.

Studio-grade audio quality

Completely redesigned audio circuitry now includes the same professional-grade 24-bit, 192kHz converters as Focusrite’s flagship RedNet range — the choice of multi-million dollar recording studios and broadcast facilities — and boasts an impressive 122dB of dynamic range to capture everything from a whisper to a jet engine.

Air : That big console sound

Re-engineered Air mode takes your sound’s unique character and brings it to the front of the mix, adding musical presence or rich harmonic drive to vocals and acoustic instruments; replicating the sound of driving a classic studio console.

Auto Gain : Work faster

Designed to assist engineers of all levels, Auto Gain sets the optimal recording levels for any inputs in just a few seconds, getting you ready to record in moments. For more complex setups, multi-channel Auto Gain adjusts levels for multiple microphones, either directly on the interface or through the Focusrite Control 2 mobile and desktop applications.

Clip Safe : Never lose a take

As you record, Clip Safe checks your levels up to 96,000 times a second, automatically tweaking the gain to avoid clipping, so you avoid introducing any unwanted artefacts from hard limiting. Never miss a crucial take, especially in high-pressure recording environments like live shows and location recordings.

Easy control with desktop and mobile app

Use the software, Focusrite Control 2, to manage routing and levels, monitor mixes, and control other features of Scarlett 18i16. The desktop software, plus apps for iOS and Android, enable engineers and performers to adjust monitor mixes and multiple mic pre gains remotely — especially useful in live rooms.

Industry-leading production software

The 4th generation Scarlett 18i16 comes with industry-leading DAWs and a whole host of software instruments, processors, effects, and royalty-free samples from some of the biggest names in the business. Discover some of the best-loved studio tools on the planet for writing, recording, mixing, and mastering.

Easy set up

Focusrite’s Easy Start web tool will get your 18i16 up and running with zero effort, helping you locate the drivers, take you through the installation process, and direct you towards the included software.

Included Software

Avid Pro Tools Intro+ for Focusrite

Pro Tools Intro+ provides essential audio and MIDI tools needed for any kind of music production, plus a curated selection of over 80 effects and instrument plugins.

Ableton Live Lite

The iconic DAW gives you everything you need to get started including instruments, effects and Live’s trademark clip and scene launching for taking ideas further or performances.

Cubase LE

Cubase LE is ready to meet the demands of high-quality songwriting and production projects with up to 16 audio tracks, 24 MIDI tracks for external instruments, and eight instrument tracks.

Splice Sounds

Three months Splice Sounds membership with new Splice accounts – offering millions of high-quality, royalty-free one-shots, loops, and presets, with new releases daily.

Features

18 inputs and 16 outputs; including four mic preamps, line, instrument, and MIDI I/O

• Fully equipped for demanding project studios with ADAT and SPDIF I/O

4th Gen pre-amps with 69dB of gain

• The legendary preamps now have even more gain and are remote controllable

Auto Gain and Clip Safe modes

• 18i16 can automatically manage levels so engineers can focus on capturing the performance

Re-engineered Air mode with Presence and Harmonic Drive

• Analogue circuitry and onboard DSP that emulates the sound of studio consoles and the classic ISA

Low latency monitoring

• Direct routing and six internal mixers to send audio wherever you need to in super-low latency

24-bit, 192 kHz conversion with 122dB of dynamic range

• The same AD/DA converters as Focusrite’s flagship RedNet range

Focusrite Control 2 software and mobile app

• Instantly set up mixes and manage levels on your computer, or remotely from a mobile device

Two powerful custom-designed headphone amps

• Engineer and artist can independently monitor with high-quality playback on any headphones

A/B speaker switching

• Essential for serious project studios with multiple monitor rigs and control rooms

Dynamic metering for input and outputs

• Get instant visual indication of your input and output levels from the hardware

Included production software

• Comes with industry-leading DAWs, and a suite of instruments, processors, and effects

Easy Start tool

• Get up and running immediately with Focusrite’s driver installation and getting started tool

In The Box

• Scarlett 18i16.
• External Power supply
• USB Cable

Product Hardware Specifications

• Number of Microphone Preamps : 4
• Phantom Power : Yes (Independent)
• Instrument Inputs : 2
• Line Inputs : 8
• Air Mode : Yes
• Auto Gain : Yes
• Clip Safe : Yes
• Line Outputs : 4
• Headphone Outputs : 2
• ADAT Inputs : 1
• ADAT Outputs : 1
• SPDIF Input : 1
• SPDIF Output : 1
• MIDI Input : 1
• MIDI Output : 1
• Loopback : Yes
• Connectivity : USB Type-C
• Protocol : USB 2.0
• Form Factor : Desktop
• Simultaneous I/O : 20 x 18 (including Loopback)
• A/D Resolution : 24-bit/192 kHz
• Bus Powered : Yes 3A

Software Compatibility

• Scarlett 18i16 is class compliant so will work with Mac, Windows PC, Chromebook, USB-C iPad, and iPhone.

Power Requirements

• USB-3.0 Bus power 5V @3A 15W
• External power supply : 5V @ 3A (included)