The fourth-generation Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 offers a significant upgrade over previous generations, boasting updated mic preamps, RedNet-derived AD/DA conversion, Auto Gain and Clip Safe features, Dynamic Gain Halos, and more. This 18-in/16-out USB-C audio interface includes guitar-friendly hi-Z inputs, a custom-designed headphone amp, loopback, Focusrite's acclaimed Air Mode, and enough outputs to accommodate two sets of studio monitors or your favorite piece of outboard gear. Monitor groups also make multi-speaker setups (like 5.1) much easier to manage. Beginners will appreciate Focusrite's Easy Start tool. You also get a sizable cache of included software, giving you everything you need to record, mix, and master your music. Add to that the Scarlett 18i16's premium build quality, and you get a near-bulletproof studio solution that's great for beginners and seasoned recordists alike. The Focusrite 18i16 has long been one of Music Experience's top sellers, and the fourth generation's powerful new features make it the most value-packed 18i16 yet.
The fourth-generation 18i16 is the best-sounding Scarlett audio interface yet. Its microphone preamps deliver 69dB of usable gain with a clear, detailed sound that holds up to tracks recorded with higher-end equipment, and Focusrite's acclaimed Air Mode ups the ante with added high-end presence and harmonic-rich drive reminiscent of a top-of-the-line studio console. Its hi-Z inputs were tailor-made for electric guitarists, yielding an amp-like feel guaranteed to inspire. The 18i16 is equipped with studio-grade AD/DA converters culled from Focusrite's flagship RedNet interfaces, supplying you with crystal-clear sound and an impressive 122dB of dynamic range.
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 comes loaded with session-enhancing features. Auto Gain optimizes your recording levels with the touch of a button, while Clip Safe automatically adjusts your gain level if you're at risk for clipping. The 18i16 includes front-panel Dynamic Gain Halos for at-a-glance monitoring of your input and output signal levels. Using headphones with this audio interface is a joy thanks to its powerful, custom-designed headphone amplifier, which includes an independent level control for loud, clear, accurate monitoring and playback. The 18i16's Easy Start function guides beginning users through getting setup while providing recording tips and other helpful content. You also get loopback functionality, enabling you to route stereo audio from music apps straight to your DAW via virtual inputsace with 4 Mic Preamps, Auto Gain, Clip Safe, Dynamic Gain Halos, and Included Software.
Your new Focusrite audio interface comes with a killer software bundle headlined by a 3-month Avid Pro Tools Intro+ subscription and Ableton Live Lite. Focusrite has also partnered with Splice to give you a free 3-month Splice Sounds subscription when setting up a new Splice account. Splice Sounds offers millions of high-quality, royalty-free loops, one-shots, and presets, with new releases daily from your favorite sound designers, artists, and producers. Artists are using Splice to create all kinds of music, from chart-topping pop and Grammy-winning albums to underground mix tapes and even cinematic scores. Making studio-quality productions has never been easier when you buy a Focusrite. Along with this, you also get the Focusrite Hitmaker Expansion, which includes:
Scarlett 18i16 is the complete compact studio hub for all your instruments and outboard gear. Perfect for producers, 18i16 is equipped with enough I/O to connect all your studio gear. Four of our most detailed ultra-low-noise mic preamps. Hi-Z, line, and MIDI connections for your guitars, keys, synths, grooveboxes, and controllers. With 18i16 your headphones, monitors, and line outs each get their own mix, so you can match the studio setup to the session. Expand your channel count using the S/PDIF or ADAT connections. Air mode, with Presence and Harmonic Drive, gives you that big console sound wherever you record. Auto Gain and Clip Safe make sure you'll never need to worry about your levels. The Hitmaker Expansion software bundle has all the tools you need to record, produce, and release your tracks. And the Focusrite Control 2 desktop and mobile apps enable you to remotely control your Scarlett anywhere in the studio. 18i16 can be powered directly from a computer's USB-C port (3A), so no extra power supply is needed.
Plug into 18i16’s 4th-Generation remote-controlled preamps — Scarlett’s most transparent and detailed ever. 69dB of gain range provides all of the headroom you'll need to get the best result from the most dynamic performances. Control preamp levels from anywhere in the studio using the Focusrite Control 2 apps, giving you the freedom to adjust settings remotely.
Let 18i16 handle your levels. Auto Gain sets your levels and Clip Safe keeps them in the sweet spot, automatically tweaking the gain if you’re in danger of clipping. You'll never lose a take again.
Connect a guitar to 18i16’s Hi-Z inputs for an amp-like feel, plug synths and grooveboxes into the eight line inputs, or use the four line outputs for your favourite outboard gear.
Use 18i16 as a MIDI interface to receive and send data to your favourite external MIDI-controllable equipment.
Increase your channel count with up to 10 additional inputs and outputs when using the S/PDIF and ADAT connections.
With 18i16, headphones, monitors, and line outs each get their own mix, so you can create the perfect studio setup for your speakers, the artist's headphones, or outboard gear — controllable anywhere in the studio via the Focusrite Control 2 apps.
Presence mode boosts your signal’s high-end, bringing the sound to the front of the mix. Create intimate vocal recordings, capture every detail of acoustic guitars, and hear your drum overheads shimmer. Presence and Harmonic Drive mode boosts mid-range harmonics in your sound, making its unique character shine through the mix. Try it on guitars, vocals, or anything else that needs a little more punch.
Scarlett delivers incredible audio quality, with converters direct from our flagship RedNet interfaces — as found in high-end studios around the world.
Two custom-designed headphone amps deliver clear, powerful sound for high-impedance headphones, offering the best playback ever from a Scarlett. Alt monitor switching lets you A/B your mixes between two speaker pairs — essential for studio setups with multiple monitors.
Once you've got started with Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, or six months of FL Studio Producer Edition recording software (all included), the Hitmaker Expansion bundle has everything you need to bring big studio sound to your songs, with an unbeatable range of record-making studio tools from the biggest names in the business.
Focusrite Control 2 is a powerful app that easily manages Scarlett 4th Gen interfaces on Windows and macOS devices. Pair the iOS and Android app to your desktop computer to remotely control your Scarlett from anywhere in your recording space.
Need help getting set up? Just tell our Easy Start tool what you want to do and we’ll guide you through all the software and setup you need, with recording tips and other helpful content along the way.
Millions of music makers rely on Scarlett every day to keep the inspiration flowing. Built to the highest standards for ultra-reliable performance, every Scarlett interface comes with the peace of mind of a three-year warranty.
If you need help at any point you can reach out to our award-winning global support team. We work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so you can too – if you want.
| Computer Connectivity | USB 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Desktop |
| Simultaneous I/O | 18 x 6 |
| Number of Preamps | 4 Mic, 2 Instrument |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| A/D Resolution | Up to 24-bit/192kHz |
| Analog Inputs | 4 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/Hi-Z), 4 x 1/4" (line) |
| Analog Outputs | 4 x 1/4" (line out) |
| Digital Inputs | 1 x Coax (S/PDIF), 1 x Optical |
| Digital Outputs | 1 x Optical, 1 x Coax (S/PDIF) |
| Headphones | 2 x 1/4" |
| MIDI | In/Out |
| USB | 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-C (power only) |
| Software | Avid Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Hitmaker Expansion Bundle |
| Features | Multi-speaker Monitor Groups: 2.1 channel, 5.1 channel surround (Focusrite Control 2) |
| OS Requirements - Mac | macOS 10.12 or later |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 10 v1809 or later |
| Power Supply | USB bus powered |
| Depth | 6.66" |
| Width | 9.44" |
| Height | 2.38" |
| Weight | 2.38 lbs. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | AMS-SCARLETT-18I16-4G 815301001515 |
