I have the 1st Gen; I’m satisfied with it to the point I have hardly ever consider d updating the hardware. But now I have 2 places I want to record. I’m just a little old fogey and stuck in my ways because their old Scarlett mix software seems much more simple to me? Maybe just because I don’t want to learn the new software
Even tho it's 8i8, it's 4 mics/4 lines and 4 inputs at the back. so I guess the 4 at the front and 4 at the back make the 8. You can record a whole drum kit with 4 mics... 2 OHs, 1 Snare and 1 Kick if you really needed to and of course.. could do 1 guitar, 1 vocals and 2 on amp if you wanted... Or with bass 1 DI, 2 amp and 1 room. You should never really need more than 4 to record.. and of course, if you need someone to plug in a keyboard or a drum machine they can use the lines at the back.
Don't overlook the ADAT Input. Good for synths that have digital output in that format. Mine carries 8 channels of audio. Very nice when working with synths via the Expert Sleepers ES-8. Then again, I don't know if this will work with the Scarlett because it has no ADAT Output. Might run into clocking issues. But then the ES-8 has its own clock, I think.
im thinking on buying it for my helix floor as i've been lining out to a pair of 8 inch jbl monitors and sub. im specifically getting this one for the spdiff for the digital port from my helix. im going to be the only person using this and is the extra price justified just to have the digital line? im going to be using a high end pc with a scrub nvme drive just for audio. i dont want to buy more than i need just for that one input. im torn. should i just try my old steinberg urII which i've never been happy with or try the line six interface or should i buy this just for the pure digital input. i play to do a clean for reamping as well. im a really good guitar player but stupid as crap when it comes to recording. im 44 and just want to record and ep that i've been working on where i play all instruments and have some other friends be painfully honest to keep me humble. we dont live forever and im a prog rock / metal player and i dont know how much longer my dexterity will last. some men but sports cars when they hit 45 but i plan to make an ep and not release it. haha. i'd buy it and just sell it but people want everything for free where i live and im not the ebay selling type.
Thanks for saving me some time. I stopped at 1:08 as I understood you would not be talking about the sound. I wish you compared the sound quality of this model versus the previous models.
I thought about trying to talk about the sound quality... but it’s really subjective and I couldn’t really find any differences. Without some specialist tech to measure the response I’d just be giving an opinion. I get ripped apart for opinions people tend only to like facts!! I therefore decided that as the Focusrite sound quality is renowned for being first class, and this has the addition of the ‘air’ band then ....
@@StarskyCarr Hey, thanks for letting me know the sound is not different (from the previous gen, I guess?). I respect your opinions and that is all I care. I would not worry much about facts because I can find them on the Focusrite website. I believe if you do a video about your experience with this machine, people will like it.
@@StarskyCarr Hey, thanks again. "It's better" is fundamentally material, to me, I like that! I agree, you can't possibly truly demo this difference on UA-cam but I still enjoy the whole show, but I do expect some takeaways, and "it's better" is more than enough. I may disagree with you later when I got my hand on one of these, but that is irrelevant, because you entitle to your opinions which I totally respect and we may have different taste of sounds (like food ?). Thank you for taking your time to make the video to share and even respond. I appreciate it. Kudos! Hey, still waiting for a review. Don't worry about the length. I like compact, strong stuff, like Whiskey LOL
Ins, 4 on the front, 4 on the back, SPDIF is 2 and ADAT 8 = 18. Outs, 4 on the back, SPIDIF is anther 2 = 6. So if they are counting the headphones, why are they not 4 (Two Stereo) is it because it's the same signal? Even though they have the sperate volume controls, are the lways the same signal?
I think it's just referring to the extra headphones, with the main headphones being a given. I have the 4i4 and that doesn't count the headphones on the front. Ins 2 n the front and 2 on the rear, outs 4 on the rear.
You know how that felt when the Behringer 1820 had ONLY 8 and 10 ins and outs. It was a sad day xD No I actually wanted to have some headroom for the future. Give it 8 months until I need the adat extension lol
Does the Focusrite Scarlett 18i18 tend to get a little warm? I'm asking because I live in the Brazil. Maybe I'll buy an 18i18a. I've heard that this model heats up a little. Natural?
Can I hear the sound of the backing tracks on the PC from youtube (which i download in wmv video format), using music software from Band in a box / DAW, using THU guitar amp simulation software, when it is connected via USB cable? Or should I connect to the line input 1 and 2 as well? I ask this because I have an very old TASCAM us1641 which does not work like this. Probably a problem with the asio driver? How should I connect a TV to this focus scarlet 2i2 when i record / practise with guitar with the studio monitors. Can the TV be connected to the line 1 and 2 without hum/noise or other problems?
This one is extra confusing. I know many manufacturers will count stereo L and R headphone channels separate, but I think here they are counting each headphone jack as one, but the stereo S/PDIF as two. So 4x 1/4" line outputs, 2x 1/4' headphone outs, and 2x (L and R) S/PDIF outs. 4 +2 + 2 gets us to the advertised 8 outputs.
Jason Vermillion because a channel is exactly that. Left is one channel right is another. Just like any other hardware mixer that ever existed ever. You are confused at your own misunderstanding they are quite correct you call a stereo out two channels
It’s got 2 headphone outs and 4 line outs that I’ve used as 2 stereo pairs in the past. You configure everything in the Focusrite software, which has really flexible routing.
Would i Benefit from using a Focusrite i just play at home with my Yamaha CP88 with two Yamaha HS80 Speakers connected with XLR inputs into my Keyboard like what would i gain.
Hey im not sure if you're still active in your old comments but I have a quick question. Since this has two TRS outputs in the back with 2 inputs. Could I run 1 output to my speakers, and run my turntable RCA - TRS cable into the input on the rear?
The turntable may have to go via the preamps.. I have a turntable preamp that I use, which you may already have. So yes it'll work if you have a preamp for the turntable.
I’ve never used an interface before. Absolute newb. Anyway, when I plug is the Scarlett 18i20, my laptop recognizes the Scarlett right away, but it says “Locked”. (I picked up the 3rd gen “open box”) What does that mean? Do I have to unlock it? I didn’t have time to do anything except install Abelton live light so far. Thanks.
To reduce the input signal if it’s very loud. Something you get on mixing consoles. It makes it more flexible, reducing the potential need for attenuators/external faders etc.
im thinking on buying it for my helix floor as i've been lining out to a pair of 8 inch jbl monitors and sub. im specifically getting this one for the spdiff for the digital port from my helix. im going to be the only person using this and is the extra price justified just to have the digital line? im going to be using a high end pc with a scrub nvme drive just for audio. i dont want to buy more than i need just for that one input. im torn. should i just try my old steinberg urII which i've never been happy with or try the line six interface or should i buy this just for the pure digital input. i play to do a clean for reamping as well. im a really good guitar player but stupid as crap when it comes to recording. im 44 and just want to record and ep that i've been working on where i play all instruments and have some other friends be painfully honest to keep me humble. we dont live forever and im a prog rock / metal player and i dont know how much longer my dexterity will last. some men but sports cars when they hit 45 but i plan to make an ep and not release it. haha. i'd buy it and just sell it but people want everything for free where i live and im not the ebay selling type.
Hello, may I ask you something. whether the device can be used without first being activated via a computer? I mean can I directly test a microphone and headphone without installation on the computer. Thanks before
I think you need a computer. The unit 'remembers' the last setup - which inputs are being monitored etc. which you do via the computer. I'm not sure what the initial set up is.. maybe everything is going through the monitor or maybe nothing.
I've got an M-Audio keystation. Can it connect directly to a Focusrite audio interface? I can only see a USB port on the back of the keyboard, so not sure if it's possible? Thanks!
If it’s USB MIDI you can connect direct to your computer. If it’s a 5pin connection then most (if not all) Focusrites have a 5pin MIDI port. It’s best to check exactly which one you’re getting.
Hi, can you tell me if the gain on the back inputs is enough to reach -6dB with most keyboards, and if there is any way to set the gain on something like low/mid/high in the software ? With the Roland synth the maximum you reached was -23dB which is really low ! I can’t see well on the video but did you max out the volume on the synth ? I know you can slightly change the volume in Focusrite Control but still...
I’ve just plugged in the OB6 direct into input 5. The peak level was -10dB and going through a few patches it averages around -12 to -14 ish, which to me is more than adequate - but I suppose it depends on what you’re planning to do. For recording it’s fine. There’s no way of setting EQ levels on the software. I’ve an Antelope unit I’m about to have a play around with for recording live stuff - with 8 discreet preamps and built in FX. But at well over £1k it’s taking things to a completely different level.
Thank you for your answer ! I do hesitate between 4Pre and 8Pre, but since both have eight inputs and because of the form factor, the 4Pre is a go-to for me. I will mainly record within a DAW so I’m still able to increase it in post. However, some people on the internet say that with some keyboard, the volume on the fixed inputs is so low (and this is where I plan to plug my synths lol), that it isn’t suited for live recording and streaming when plugged into a smartphone (think Instagram etc). I’ll buy the 4Pre first and give it a try for sure, and if I don’t like it I’ll return it and take the big one instead. Cheers!
I’ve not had any software issues so nothing to mention. Bit of an odd thumbs down ?? Can’t report what I’ve not experienced and this is the first I’ve heard. So I get a thumbs down for not having the same issue as you? Weird.
Each headphone output is stereo, so it counts as 2 each... = 4 outputs on 2 headphone connectors.
I have the 1st Gen; I’m satisfied with it to the point I have hardly ever consider d updating the hardware. But now I have 2 places I want to record.
I’m just a little old fogey and stuck in my ways because their old Scarlett mix software seems much more simple to me? Maybe just because I don’t want to learn the new software
Haha … the new software is pretty similar as far as I can recall. I’ve still got my gen 1 but it’s o lay got stereo inputs so I never use it anymore.
i have this exact model and it is ridiculously good
guitar
bass
my sister's piano
vocals
does it all so well!!
S/PDIF is stereo, or usually counted as dual mono.
Great Video Bro
I Had To Subscribe
Even tho it's 8i8, it's 4 mics/4 lines and 4 inputs at the back. so I guess the 4 at the front and 4 at the back make the 8.
You can record a whole drum kit with 4 mics... 2 OHs, 1 Snare and 1 Kick if you really needed to and of course.. could do 1 guitar, 1 vocals and 2 on amp if you wanted... Or with bass 1 DI, 2 amp and 1 room.
You should never really need more than 4 to record.. and of course, if you need someone to plug in a keyboard or a drum machine they can use the lines at the back.
Just so you know, your headphone outputs are stereo, thats 2 channels each = 4 + 4 line outs on the back = 8
Don't overlook the ADAT Input. Good for synths that have digital output in that format. Mine carries 8 channels of audio. Very nice when working with synths via the Expert Sleepers ES-8. Then again, I don't know if this will work with the Scarlett because it has no ADAT Output. Might run into clocking issues. But then the ES-8 has its own clock, I think.
im thinking on buying it for my helix floor as i've been lining out to a pair of 8 inch jbl monitors and sub. im specifically getting this one for the spdiff for the digital port from my helix. im going to be the only person using this and is the extra price justified just to have the digital line? im going to be using a high end pc with a scrub nvme drive just for audio. i dont want to buy more than i need just for that one input. im torn. should i just try my old steinberg urII which i've never been happy with or try the line six interface or should i buy this just for the pure digital input. i play to do a clean for reamping as well. im a really good guitar player but stupid as crap when it comes to recording. im 44 and just want to record and ep that i've been working on where i play all instruments and have some other friends be painfully honest to keep me humble. we dont live forever and im a prog rock / metal player and i dont know how much longer my dexterity will last. some men but sports cars when they hit 45 but i plan to make an ep and not release it. haha. i'd buy it and just sell it but people want everything for free where i live and im not the ebay selling type.
I bought Gen 2 of the 18I8 on reverb during the holidays for 180$ it's well worth it!!!! all those inputs 😁😁😁
Always, a pleasure!
Bonito video!! VEamos cómo me va con esta interface!! Saludos desde Ecuador!!
Thanks for saving me some time. I stopped at 1:08 as I understood you would not be talking about the sound. I wish you compared the sound quality of this model versus the previous models.
I thought about trying to talk about the sound quality... but it’s really subjective and I couldn’t really find any differences. Without some specialist tech to measure the response I’d just be giving an opinion. I get ripped apart for opinions people tend only to like facts!! I therefore decided that as the Focusrite sound quality is renowned for being first class, and this has the addition of the ‘air’ band then ....
@@StarskyCarr Hey, thanks for letting me know the sound is not different (from the previous gen, I guess?). I respect your opinions and that is all I care. I would not worry much about facts because I can find them on the Focusrite website. I believe if you do a video about your experience with this machine, people will like it.
@@saigonpilots7063 No problem... FYI its not the same... its better :). ... but nothing that would be apparent in a UA-cam video.
@@StarskyCarr Hey, thanks again. "It's better" is fundamentally material, to me, I like that! I agree, you can't possibly truly demo this difference on UA-cam but I still enjoy the whole show, but I do expect some takeaways, and "it's better" is more than enough. I may disagree with you later when I got my hand on one of these, but that is irrelevant, because you entitle to your opinions which I totally respect and we may have different taste of sounds (like food ?). Thank you for taking your time to make the video to share and even respond. I appreciate it. Kudos! Hey, still waiting for a review. Don't worry about the length. I like compact, strong stuff, like Whiskey LOL
Ins, 4 on the front, 4 on the back, SPDIF is 2 and ADAT 8 = 18. Outs, 4 on the back, SPIDIF is anther 2 = 6. So if they are counting the headphones, why are they not 4 (Two Stereo) is it because it's the same signal? Even though they have the sperate volume controls, are the lways the same signal?
I think it's just referring to the extra headphones, with the main headphones being a given. I have the 4i4 and that doesn't count the headphones on the front. Ins 2 n the front and 2 on the rear, outs 4 on the rear.
SPDIF gives you a stereo in and out…..so there are your other two inputs.
I guess the S/PDIF is counted as 2 outputs as it's stereo?
8 outputs, 4 for speaker, 2 for headphones, 1 for midi, 1 for SPDIF. You get 8.
is it compatible with macOS Monterey 12.1.0?
I've no idea sorry, better to check with Focusrite.
You know how that felt when the Behringer 1820 had ONLY 8 and 10 ins and outs. It was a sad day xD
No I actually wanted to have some headroom for the future. Give it 8 months until I need the adat extension lol
La velocidad con usb c a usb c es más rápido que un usb 3.0 ? O en este caso es la misma velocidad ?
Does the Focusrite Scarlett 18i18 tend to get a little warm? I'm asking because I live in the Brazil. Maybe I'll buy an 18i18a. I've heard that this model heats up a little. Natural?
It doesn’t feel warm to me… but I’m in the U.K. so it can easily cool down!
Just to let ya know, and Focusrite, I bought a 18i20 (over the Arturia 8pre) because of this overview. Cheers bud
What did you see in the Focusrite that was lacking in the Arturia?
@@IsakuKageyama price!
Can I hear the sound of the backing tracks on the PC from youtube (which i download in wmv video format), using music software from Band in a box / DAW, using THU guitar amp simulation software, when it is connected via USB cable? Or should I connect to the line input 1 and 2 as well? I ask this because I have an very old TASCAM us1641 which does not work like this. Probably a problem with the asio driver? How should I connect a TV to this focus scarlet 2i2 when i record / practise with guitar with the studio monitors. Can the TV be connected to the line 1 and 2 without hum/noise or other problems?
getting mine tomorrow :):) so excited !!!
Hi, in Focusrite Control, is it possible to route all 20 (DAW, S/PDIF, & ADAT) output streams to the Main Monitor Outputs for monitoring? Thanks.
Each HP out counts as 2 outs in their nomenclature :)
This one is extra confusing. I know many manufacturers will count stereo L and R headphone channels separate, but I think here they are counting each headphone jack as one, but the stereo S/PDIF as two. So 4x 1/4" line outputs, 2x 1/4' headphone outs, and 2x (L and R) S/PDIF outs. 4 +2 + 2 gets us to the advertised 8 outputs.
Jason Vermillion because a channel is exactly that. Left is one channel right is another. Just like any other hardware mixer that ever existed ever. You are confused at your own misunderstanding they are quite correct you call a stereo out two channels
The company said that this 18i8 has a dual monitor output. Does it?
It’s got 2 headphone outs and 4 line outs that I’ve used as 2 stereo pairs in the past. You configure everything in the Focusrite software, which has really flexible routing.
@@StarskyCarr Ahh ok thank you. So the only real difference between the 18i8 and the 8i6 is the amount of mic inputs?
Maybe but I haven’t looked at the specs recently.
@@StarskyCarr Oh ok, thanks for the reply.
Would i Benefit from using a Focusrite i just play at home with my Yamaha CP88 with two Yamaha HS80 Speakers connected with XLR inputs into my Keyboard like what would i gain.
Unless you want to record anything there’s little pony in an audio interface. This is for getting high quality sound into a computer.
Hey im not sure if you're still active in your old comments but I have a quick question. Since this has two TRS outputs in the back with 2 inputs. Could I run 1 output to my speakers, and run my turntable RCA - TRS cable into the input on the rear?
The turntable may have to go via the preamps.. I have a turntable preamp that I use, which you may already have. So yes it'll work if you have a preamp for the turntable.
@@StarskyCarr thanks for the reply. So even if my turntable has a built in pre amp I will have to buy an external one? Or do you think I should fine.
@@joegeezly9613 aaah ... if it’s got a built in preamp you shouldn’t need one.
@@StarskyCarr thanks for your help really appreciate that.
Do the lights flick on then off when you plug it up?
Yes
How do you hook up a microphone, a Yamaha Keyboard and speakers through it?
\
Plug them in :)
Does you MacBook have thunderbolt 3 port? This audio interface support thunderbolt 3 connection?
Yes it’s TB3 as is my Mac.
Besides better drivers and better DAC's, thats why you buy the Clarett instead, because the names are better also. 4 Pre gives you 4 Pre Amps. :P
4 line outs, 2 headphone outs, midi out, SPDIF out = 8 outs
good try... but MIDIs not counted as an audio out :)
I genuinely thought Paul Hollywood was doing this unboxing 😂😅
Do you use a sound card at all. Looking for a good one. Do you recommend any?
This is the sound card. If you have an interface you have superseded a sound card.
@@StarskyCarr ah, I thought as much. Thanks for the reply. :)
I’ve never used an interface before. Absolute newb. Anyway, when I plug is the Scarlett 18i20, my laptop recognizes the Scarlett right away, but it says “Locked”. (I picked up the 3rd gen “open box”) What does that mean? Do I have to unlock it? I didn’t have time to do anything except install Abelton live light so far. Thanks.
No idea sorry. I'm sure it's be something annoyingly simple!
Starsky Carr Usually is
What is the function of PAD on the Soundcard
To reduce the input signal if it’s very loud. Something you get on mixing consoles. It makes it more flexible, reducing the potential need for attenuators/external faders etc.
I was expecting hard test on it to proof what is really in this box!
What sort of thing did you have in mind - I might take it up in another vid. Cheers.
Really good video thanks
Hopefully their drivers have gotten better. Mix control on the generation 2 is impressively garbage.
It HAS! Mix control was such a piece of shit. Just picked up a 3rd gen and it's new software.
Excellent demo!
Great drive on this one.
I look forward to giving it a full test drive!
Real Helpful !
SPDIF is a stereo output; so you have to count 2...
im thinking on buying it for my helix floor as i've been lining out to a pair of 8 inch jbl monitors and sub. im specifically getting this one for the spdiff for the digital port from my helix. im going to be the only person using this and is the extra price justified just to have the digital line? im going to be using a high end pc with a scrub nvme drive just for audio. i dont want to buy more than i need just for that one input. im torn. should i just try my old steinberg urII which i've never been happy with or try the line six interface or should i buy this just for the pure digital input. i play to do a clean for reamping as well. im a really good guitar player but stupid as crap when it comes to recording. im 44 and just want to record and ep that i've been working on where i play all instruments and have some other friends be painfully honest to keep me humble. we dont live forever and im a prog rock / metal player and i dont know how much longer my dexterity will last. some men but sports cars when they hit 45 but i plan to make an ep and not release it. haha. i'd buy it and just sell it but people want everything for free where i live and im not the ebay selling type.
S/PDIF is stereo. Also, I guess spelling things correctly was just not an option?
Don’t know what you mean about spelling things correctly - me or Focusrite?? Not sure who you’re trying to insult.
Hello, may I ask you something. whether the device can be used without first being activated via a computer? I mean can I directly test a microphone and headphone without installation on the computer. Thanks before
I think you need a computer. The unit 'remembers' the last setup - which inputs are being monitored etc. which you do via the computer. I'm not sure what the initial set up is.. maybe everything is going through the monitor or maybe nothing.
@@StarskyCarr thank for your explanation. Have a nice day ahead
I've got an M-Audio keystation. Can it connect directly to a Focusrite audio interface? I can only see a USB port on the back of the keyboard, so not sure if it's possible? Thanks!
If it’s USB MIDI you can connect direct to your computer. If it’s a 5pin connection then most (if not all) Focusrites have a 5pin MIDI port. It’s best to check exactly which one you’re getting.
Hi, can you tell me if the gain on the back inputs is enough to reach -6dB with most keyboards, and if there is any way to set the gain on something like low/mid/high in the software ?
With the Roland synth the maximum you reached was -23dB which is really low !
I can’t see well on the video but did you max out the volume on the synth ?
I know you can slightly change the volume in Focusrite Control but still...
I’ve just plugged in the OB6 direct into input 5. The peak level was -10dB and going through a few patches it averages around -12 to -14 ish, which to me is more than adequate - but I suppose it depends on what you’re planning to do. For recording it’s fine. There’s no way of setting EQ levels on the software.
I’ve an Antelope unit I’m about to have a play around with for recording live stuff - with 8 discreet preamps and built in FX. But at well over £1k it’s taking things to a completely different level.
Thank you for your answer !
I do hesitate between 4Pre and 8Pre, but since both have eight inputs and because of the form factor, the 4Pre is a go-to for me.
I will mainly record within a DAW so I’m still able to increase it in post.
However, some people on the internet say that with some keyboard, the volume on the fixed inputs is so low (and this is where I plan to plug my synths lol), that it isn’t suited for live recording and streaming when plugged into a smartphone (think Instagram etc).
I’ll buy the 4Pre first and give it a try for sure, and if I don’t like it I’ll return it and take the big one instead.
Cheers!
Hmmm? Not a word about the software issues 👎☹
I’ve not had any software issues so nothing to mention. Bit of an odd thumbs down ?? Can’t report what I’ve not experienced and this is the first I’ve heard. So I get a thumbs down for not having the same issue as you? Weird.
Just bought this unit today. Just so you know, Focusrite is counting the S/PDIF and ADAT as I/O so..........................
No sound quality. Dude da fuoq.