Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (Gen 3) USB Audio Interface

This product was delivered quickly and safelyI am a home studio musician who was looking for something that can handle my small setup of a couple microphones and instrument inputs. This interface exceeded my expectations.The latency when playing through the interface is very low. I'm able to take full advantage of Bias FX 2 now and play in real time with the effects, which has greatly sped up my production time.Running a Shure SM7B into the interface on its own works well. The included pad and air functionality is nice, but I still prefer running the microphone into a Cloudlifter CL-1 first before the interface for some extra brightness. The pad works well to tone back the hiss that can be introduced from the Cloudlifter.For the instrument input, I am ... MoreThis product was delivered quickly and safelyI am a home studio musician who was looking for something that can handle my small setup of a couple microphones and instrument inputs. This interface exceeded my expectations.The latency when playing through the interface is very low. I'm able to take full advantage of Bias FX 2 now and play in real time with the effects, which has greatly sped up my production time.Running a Shure SM7B into the interface on its own works well. The included pad and air functionality is nice, but I still prefer running the microphone into a Cloudlifter CL-1 first before the interface for some extra brightness. The pad works well to tone back the hiss that can be introduced from the Cloudlifter.For the instrument input, I am running a DI input into the interface so I haven't had to use instrument vs line very much, however the quality is fantastic.The Focusrite software that comes with it is laid out nicely and gives you a full control over what inputs are played back through which pair of headphones. Streaming is now a breeze as I can use the loopback playback to get my system audio and still be able to directly monitor my inputs to ensure the levels are set up properly.TL;DR: It's a fantastic interface. I don't foresee having to upgrade from this anytime soon.

I've used an M-Audio 2-channel audio interface for over 4 years now. Before that, I used an MBox. I've never needed more inputs or any sends in my small home studio until recently. So, when I got extra money from this whole pandemic crisis, I decided it would be an appropriate time to upgrade my studio. I believe this was a perfect step up in my game.Setting it up is a little more cumbersome than my M-Audio device was. The M-Audio I had was literally just plug and play- once I plugged it in, the computer found the drivers and everything and it worked right away out of the box. I still went and downloaded the external controller for it from M-Audio's website. But, I didn't HAVE to do that for it to work. This Scarlett unit does require you to go ahead and download ... MoreI've used an M-Audio 2-channel audio interface for over 4 years now. Before that, I used an MBox. I've never needed more inputs or any sends in my small home studio until recently. So, when I got extra money from this whole pandemic crisis, I decided it would be an appropriate time to upgrade my studio. I believe this was a perfect step up in my game.Setting it up is a little more cumbersome than my M-Audio device was. The M-Audio I had was literally just plug and play- once I plugged it in, the computer found the drivers and everything and it worked right away out of the box. I still went and downloaded the external controller for it from M-Audio's website. But, I didn't HAVE to do that for it to work. This Scarlett unit does require you to go ahead and download some software and install it for it to be of use. However, it also has more than just two inputs to deal with- there's also the sends, which the M-Audio device didn't have.I don't hear any latency or buzz or anything in the unit and it is immediately responsive to the controls. It also has dual headphone outputs, so I can have an artist in my studio getting a feed directly from the box instead of having to use a splitter or anything to send them a signal. The sends are also nice because I have some stuff that was recorded previously at another studio and I have some outboard FX I've inherited that I wanted to be able to run those recordings through. Now I can do that.This is a perfectly good mid-level AI for a home studio or portable recording purposes. I would definitely recommend it (it was recommended to me) and would certainly purchase again if given a second chance. The only reason I rated it 4 instead of 5 stars is because I reserve 5 star ratings for products that REALLY wow me, when this merely met all of my expectations.

I've had this item for about 3 weeks and it's been a joy to have! The first thing I noticed as soon as I unboxed this interface is the build quality! This thing is made to last! It's extremely well built and this makes it great if you're on the go. The knobs have great precision and resistance for you to make meticulous adjustments to your inputs and outputs.I really love the dual headphone jacks and with Focusrite Control you're able to control what comes out from your interface! One thing I wish was possible to toggle would be the Air feature on the inputs. You have to toggle the Air feature through the Focusrite Control software. Also just note that this interface is NOT powered through USB! It needs its external power adapter (which is included with various ... MoreI've had this item for about 3 weeks and it's been a joy to have! The first thing I noticed as soon as I unboxed this interface is the build quality! This thing is made to last! It's extremely well built and this makes it great if you're on the go. The knobs have great precision and resistance for you to make meticulous adjustments to your inputs and outputs.I really love the dual headphone jacks and with Focusrite Control you're able to control what comes out from your interface! One thing I wish was possible to toggle would be the Air feature on the inputs. You have to toggle the Air feature through the Focusrite Control software. Also just note that this interface is NOT powered through USB! It needs its external power adapter (which is included with various adapters for international use).Other than that, the Air feature is outstanding! It gives it some really airy openness on vocals and also instruments (especially on acoustic guitars. For some it might add some harsh frequencies, but it's nothing a bit of EQ cannot solve!I use it along Ableton and also Logic Pro and it's helped me separate sounds coming out of the interface through it's various outputs for more volume control in live performance settings! This has totally met my expectations and beyond!For anyone looking for a great, reliable and flexible interface for live performance or small band recordings, look no further! This is an awesome piece of equipment and worth the money!

I upgraded from an 18i6 gen 1 and it's a great device, it includes feedback loop capability which the old one didn't. That makes capturing sound direct from the pc via Yt/web etc simple.It's look and feel are solid and smooth with good visual cues from the various lights that show all active inputs and settings.Setup was a breeze and a minimal amount of effort was all I needed to have it installed as my daw interface using Pro Tools.The Focusrite control software is very easy to use and everything you need to adjust is easy to find and do in the software.It's early days still but the sound quality is excellent.

A great starter product

I primarily use the interface for podcast recordings of my D&D games. It has honestly worked great! Audio levels are easy to adjust, and it has many inputs and outputs for additions like amps, monitors, and more. The only downside is that it doesn't have the ability to sync up with an external audiophile, but that's easily the only con I've found so far!

Check this out! Sounds great! Easy to use.

Very easy to use right out of the box. I downloaded the wrong version of Focusrite Control at first, but when it didn't work a few times, I downloaded the correct one, and it was fine after that. I also had trouble with muting the microphone inputs when using this with QLab, but figured it out quickly. All you have to do is mute any mic input that you want to control with other software; that way, the channel that the mic is plugged into will be silent until you want to turn it on (in QLab, for example, with a Mic cue). I bought this as a stand-in for the Claret+ that I ordered a month or so ago, and which won't reach me until March. I couldn't go without an interface that long! The specs on the Claret+ are better; however, this one sounds really good, and I'll most ... MoreVery easy to use right out of the box. I downloaded the wrong version of Focusrite Control at first, but when it didn't work a few times, I downloaded the correct one, and it was fine after that. I also had trouble with muting the microphone inputs when using this with QLab, but figured it out quickly. All you have to do is mute any mic input that you want to control with other software; that way, the channel that the mic is plugged into will be silent until you want to turn it on (in QLab, for example, with a Mic cue). I bought this as a stand-in for the Claret+ that I ordered a month or so ago, and which won't reach me until March. I couldn't go without an interface that long! The specs on the Claret+ are better; however, this one sounds really good, and I'll most likely hold onto the 18i8 after it arrives, so I have a more portable (and less expensive!) interface for live and remote work. Having two headphones jacks, to which you can assign different mixes, is great!

I would not buy this product again

Sales person was nice but this has been worst experience from the get go. New product did not have power supply required to power the Scarlett 18i8 unit. Second new unit; tried to download load to MacBook but could not get past download error after being loaded and receiving the message to restart my computer-multiple times. It never got past the reset message. I then tried to download the Windows version could not download software from the link provided due to Error in Delivery at step 4. There was no way to get assistance during this install. The download steps needed just to be able to operate this unit is absolutely incredible due to the number of companies you are required to register with, to get passwords, and get emails to move to the next step are crazy ... MoreSales person was nice but this has been worst experience from the get go. New product did not have power supply required to power the Scarlett 18i8 unit. Second new unit; tried to download load to MacBook but could not get past download error after being loaded and receiving the message to restart my computer-multiple times. It never got past the reset message. I then tried to download the Windows version could not download software from the link provided due to Error in Delivery at step 4. There was no way to get assistance during this install. The download steps needed just to be able to operate this unit is absolutely incredible due to the number of companies you are required to register with, to get passwords, and get emails to move to the next step are crazy and time consuming. This is NOT a plug and play unit. After 3 hours of trying to get the software downloaded so I can get it powered up is enough. I will be returning the unit for a refund. I have no opinion about the sound quality, ease of use, operations, reliability or anything else since all I got to see was the green power USB light come on. Yeah...it a nice shade of green. Save your money and buy something else.

Plug and play

I've had this a couple of days so far and have been using with a 2017 macbook pro. I cannot fault it. I've had issues with compatibility or massive latency before with other interfaces (presonus, motu) and a windows machine and had to sell them again and got nothing achieved.This was a much cheaper smaller model than both of those 18 input models and so far as been way better on latency and performance. Even monitoring my guitar without using the direct monitoring and applying ableton native effects to get a distorted sound.I've only recorded some electric guitar (a cheap one) directly in or used AU/VSTs so I cannot comment on the quality of the recordings exactly but its really brought me some joy and I have the freedom to record. I think for this price point ... MoreI've had this a couple of days so far and have been using with a 2017 macbook pro. I cannot fault it. I've had issues with compatibility or massive latency before with other interfaces (presonus, motu) and a windows machine and had to sell them again and got nothing achieved.This was a much cheaper smaller model than both of those 18 input models and so far as been way better on latency and performance. Even monitoring my guitar without using the direct monitoring and applying ableton native effects to get a distorted sound.I've only recorded some electric guitar (a cheap one) directly in or used AU/VSTs so I cannot comment on the quality of the recordings exactly but its really brought me some joy and I have the freedom to record. I think for this price point its certainly worth the value. I look forward to plugging in vocals, recording acoustic guitar and my synth when I get some time and I look forward to doing so and contolling the latter by MIDI.I've only not given it 5 as then they would have nowhere to improve, though I have to admit I cannot think of anything they could do yet.

Porper USB Recording interface for Portable Solutions

Compared to the 6i6 which I have been using for years now this unit stands out for three things.1.) The control software is a doddle to use and the old Mix Control that came with the 6i6 was a disaster area.2.) The feedback through the headphone sockets on the 6i6 was an issue that always anyed me. The 8i6 has done away with that.3.) The Air circuit on the 8i6 is a really nice feature and really lifts up your vocals and guitars.I have been really happy otherwise with the 6i6 and it served me well over the years, despite the few quirks and quibbles. I am hoping the 8i6 is going to be a good companion too.

Top Quality Kit

I used to record stuff in my 20s on a Fostex 4 track, then the digital home studio stuff. Forward 30yrs and I'm blown away by the sheer volume oe software available! But by far is the fantastic build quality and usability of the 18i8. Plug anything in and with a bit of experimenting (around 1hr) and I was laying down tracks and editing them. I honestly wish I had purchased one years ago. I bought it to bring my home studio together, drum machine, guitars, keyboard Nd vocals. Love it to bits.