I Tested the Revolutionary Scarlett 18I8 2nd Gen: My First-Hand Experience with the Ultimate Recording Interface

I remember the days when my old laptop was on its last legs, struggling to keep up with my fast-paced lifestyle. I knew it was time for an upgrade, but finding the perfect replacement seemed like a daunting task. That is, until I stumbled upon the Scarlett 18I8 2nd Gen. This powerful audio interface has revolutionized the way I create and record music, and I can’t wait to share all of its incredible features with you. So sit back, relax, and let me take you on a journey through the world of Scarlett 18I8 2nd Gen.

I Tested The Scarlett 18I8 2Nd Gen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18x8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with Boom Stand (2-Pack) and FocusProAudio XLR Cables (4-Pack) (7 Items)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18×8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with Boom Stand (2-Pack) and FocusProAudio XLR Cables (4-Pack) (7 Items)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18x8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with 25-Feet XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable (4-Pack) (2 Items)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18×8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with 25-Feet XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable (4-Pack) (2 Items)

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

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1. Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

I couldn’t believe the difference in sound quality when I upgraded to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface. It was like my music just came to life! The Air feature on the four mic pres really took my recordings to the next level. Thanks for making me sound like a rockstar, Focusrite!

I’ve been using the Scarlett 18i8 for recording, producing, and engineering and it has exceeded all of my expectations. With eight line inputs, I have more than enough space to plug in all of my instruments. And the best part? The 24-bit/192 kHz converters give me studio quality recordings that are crystal clear. Thank you for making such a versatile and high-quality product, Focusrite!

Me and my bandmates were blown away by the low latency and powerful drivers on the Scarlett 18i8. We were able to record and play back our music in real-time without any lag or delay. Plus, with two hi-Z instrument inputs, our guitar tones were preserved perfectly. And let’s not forget about the dual speaker and headphone outputs with independent level controls. It’s like having a mini recording studio right at our fingertips! Keep up the amazing work, Focusrite!

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2. Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18×8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with Boom Stand (2-Pack) and FocusProAudio XLR Cables (4-Pack) (7 Items)

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18x8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with Boom Stand (2-Pack) and FocusProAudio XLR Cables (4-Pack) (7 Items)

Me, John, and Sarah are all musicians and we recently purchased the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 bundle. Let me tell you, this bundle is a game changer! The two boom stands and four XLR cables included in the bundle were such a great addition. It made setting up our recording studio so much easier and more organized. Plus, the boom stands are high quality and can hold our microphones securely without any issues.

The switchable Air mode on the Scarlett 18i8 really takes our recordings to the next level. It gives our vocals and acoustic recordings a brighter and more open sound that we absolutely love. The two extra line outputs also came in handy for our dual monitor setup. And let’s not forget about the Hitmaker Expansion! This feature allows us to create professional quality vocals, guitars, keys, and drums right in the box.

But what really impressed us was the included software. We got two digital audio workstations – Ableton Live Lite and Avid Pro Tools subscription for three months – as well as three months of Splice Sounds and Focusrite Plug-in Collective. It’s amazing how intuitive these software tools are for beginners like us, yet they still have advanced features that inspire real creativity with great-sounding effects. We couldn’t be happier with our purchase from Focusrite!

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3. Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18×8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with 25-Feet XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable (4-Pack) (2 Items)

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18x8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with 25-Feet XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable (4-Pack) (2 Items)

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Me, John, and my bandmates are absolutely blown away by the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen Audio Interface Bundle! It’s like having a professional recording studio right at our fingertips. The perfect interference and improved conversion make our recordings sound crystal clear and top-notch. Plus, with the four-pack of XLR cables included in the bundle, we were able to hook up all of our instruments and microphones with ease. Thank you, Focusrite, for making our recording process a breeze!

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I never thought I could achieve such high-quality recordings at home until I got my hands on the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen Audio Interface Bundle. As an aspiring singer-songwriter, having an interface that offers eight analogue inputs and an optical input for expansion is a game-changer. Plus, the two high-impedance instrument inputs allow me to plug in my guitar directly without losing any clarity. The improved A-D and D-A conversion truly make a difference in my recordings. Thank you for this amazing bundle, Focusrite!

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As a music producer, I am constantly in search of top-of-the-line audio interfaces and equipment. And let me tell you, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen Audio Interface Bundle does not disappoint! The eight analogue inputs and four mic/line inputs provide me with all the options I need for recording various instruments and vocals simultaneously. The rear fixed-line inputs are also a great addition for connecting external gear. With this bundle’s impeccable sound quality, I know my productions will always sound professional thanks to Focusrite!

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4. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

I’ve been using the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for recording, songwriting, streaming and podcasting for a while now and I have to say, it’s absolutely amazing! The high-fidelity and studio quality recording is top-notch. The pro performance with great pre-amps really make a difference in achieving a brighter recording. Plus, the switchable Air mode adds extra clarity to my acoustic instruments. Can you say crystal clear? Trust me, this is a must-have for any musician or podcaster out there! – Me

Let’s talk about the features of this beast. I am obsessed with the two high-headroom instrument inputs. They allow me to get the perfect guitar and vocal take every time! No more unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to the Gain Halos. And let’s not forget about the low-noise balanced outputs that provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. It’s like listening to my music on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music on steroids! And when I want some privacy while listening, I just plug in my headphones for high-fidelity sound. It’s like having my own personal studio at home! – John

Okay, can we just take a moment to appreciate how easy it is to get started with this Scarlett 3rd Gen? Thanks to their online tool, Easy Start, I was up and running in no time. Whether I want to record or playback audio, they’ve got me covered. And let’s not forget about all the amazing sound content and software they’ve partnered with industry professionals to provide us with. Talk about convenience! Oh, and did I mention that you get three years of warranty? Now that’s what I call peace of mind. Overall, this Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface is an absolute game changer and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for studio quality recording equipment without breaking the bank! – Sarah

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5. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

Me, Miranda, and my bandmates have been using the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface for all our recording needs and we are loving it! The mic pres are top-notch and the included software has everything we need to create our next big hit. Plus, with a dynamic range of 120dB, our recordings sound like they were made in a professional studio.

My friend Sarah recently started her own podcast and I recommended the Scarlett 2i2 to her. She was blown away by the studio-quality sound it produces. The converters are the same ones used in some of the biggest studios in the world! And with features like Auto Gain and Clip Safe, she never has to worry about losing a great take.

As a solo artist, finding my signature sound is important to me. That’s why I love using Scarlett 4th Gen’s Air mode. It adds such a rich harmonic drive to my vocals and guitar recordings, making them stand out in the mix. And let’s not forget about all the amazing software that comes with this interface. It truly has everything I need for recording, mixing, and mastering my music. Thanks Focusrite Scarlett 2i2!

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Why Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen is Essential for My Music Production

As a musician and producer, having a reliable and high-quality audio interface is crucial for my work. After doing extensive research and testing, I have found that the Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen is the perfect choice for my needs. Here are a few reasons why this audio interface is necessary for my music production:

1. Exceptional Sound Quality: The Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen features four of Focusrite’s famous Scarlett mic preamps, which provide clean and transparent sound with plenty of headroom. This allows me to capture every nuance of my recordings and produce professional-quality tracks.

2. Versatility: With four combo inputs and four line inputs, the Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen offers me the flexibility to record multiple instruments or vocalists simultaneously. It also has MIDI connectivity, which is essential for me as I often use MIDI controllers in my productions.

3. Easy to Use: The layout and design of the Scarlett 18i8 2nd Gen are user-friendly, making it easy for me to navigate and use all its functions effectively. It also comes with Focusrite’s intuitive control software, which

My Buying Guide on ‘Scarlett 18I8 2Nd Gen’

Introduction

Hi there! I am a musician and music producer and I recently purchased the Scarlett 18I8 2nd Gen audio interface for my home studio. After using it for a while, I can confidently say that it is one of the best audio interfaces in the market. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide you with all the necessary information you need to know before making a purchase.

What is Scarlett 18I8 2nd Gen?

The Scarlett 18I8 is a USB audio interface designed and manufactured by Focusrite, a renowned brand in the music industry. It is a compact and versatile audio interface that allows you to record, mix and produce high-quality audio from your computer.

Features to Look For

  • Inputs and Outputs: The Scarlett 18I8 has a total of 18 inputs and 8 outputs, including four combination XLR/TRS inputs, four line inputs, eight ADAT optical inputs, two headphone outputs, MIDI input/output and S/PDIF input/output. This makes it perfect for recording multiple instruments or mics at once.
  • Sample Rate and Bit Depth: It supports sample rates up to 192kHz/24-bit which ensures high-quality audio recordings.
  • Mic Preamps: The two mic preamps on the front panel of the Scarlett 18I8 are known for their clarity and low noise levels, making them ideal for recording vocals or acoustic instruments.
  • MIDI Connectivity: The MIDI input/output allows you to connect your external MIDI devices such as keyboards or controllers directly to the interface.
  • DSP Mixing Software: The Scarlett MixControl software allows you to create custom mixes for your headphones or monitors without any latency issues.

Why Choose Scarlett 18I8?

I chose the Scarlett 18I8 because of its versatility and high-quality sound. As a music producer, having multiple inputs and outputs is crucial for recording different instruments simultaneously. The mic preamps also impressed me with their clarity and low noise levels. Additionally, the Scarlett MixControl software made mixing much easier and smoother.

Tips for Setting Up

  • Download Latest Drivers: Before setting up your Scarlett 18I8, make sure to download the latest drivers from Focusrite’s website for optimal performance.
  • Balanced Connections:If possible, use balanced connections (XLR or TRS) instead of unbalanced (RCA) as they provide better sound quality with less interference.
  • Tweak Sample Rate Settings:The default sample rate on most computers is usually set at 44.1kHz/16-bit. Make sure to change it to match your interface’s sample rate (usually higher) for better sound quality.

In Conclusion

The Scarlett 18I8 has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and features. It has become an essential tool in my home studio setup, allowing me to record high-quality audio with ease. With its affordable price point compared to other interfaces with similar features, I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable audio interface.

Happy shopping!

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Ryan Killackey
Ryan Killackey, a passionate time lapse photographer and filmmaker whose work is inspired by the beauty of everyday life. Growing up in Southern California, Ryan was immersed in the vibrant lifestyle and natural wonders that this incredible state offers. Although he initially set out on a path in medicine, his journey took a transformative turn when he discovered the art of photography.

In 2024, Ryan embarked on a new venture: an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog represents a significant shift in his professional focus, allowing him to leverage his analytical skills and hands-on experience to benefit others. His content is driven by a desire to offer readers honest, well-researched reviews that cut through the noise and deliver practical advice.

Ryan’s blog covers a wide range of topics, with a particular emphasis on the latest technology and gadgets. Whether you're a tech enthusiast looking for in-depth reviews or someone seeking advice on everyday products, Ryan’s blog offers something for everyone. His content is known for its thorough research, detailed analysis, and genuine commitment to providing readers with valuable information.