3
OVERVIEW
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Third Generation Scarlett 18i8, one of the family of Focusrite professional
audio interfaces incorporating high quality Focusrite analogue pre-amplifiers. In conjunction with
the unit’s accompanying software application, Focusrite Control, you now have a compact yet highly
versatile solution for routing high quality audio to and from your computer.
In developing the Third Generation series of Scarlett interfaces, we have made further improvements
to both performance and features. Audio specifications have been upgraded throughout the unit to
give you greater dynamic range and even lower noise and distortion; additionally, the mic preamp now
accepts higher input levels. An important enhancement is the inclusion of Focusrite’s AIR function.
Individually selectable on Inputs 1 to 4, AIR subtly modifies the preamp’s frequency response to
model the sonic characteristics of our classic transformer-based ISA microphone preamps. When
recording with good quality microphones, you will notice an enhanced clarity and definition in the
important mid to high frequency range, just where it is most needed for vocals and many acoustic
instruments. Third Generation Scarlett interfaces are class compliant on macOS: this means they
are plug-and-play, so no need to install a driver if you are a Mac user.
Your Third Generation Scarlett interface is compatible with our Focusrite Control software application:
this lets you control various hardware features, set up monitor mixes and configure routings. There
is a Focusrite Control installer for both Mac and Windows platforms. The Windows version of the
installer contains the driver, so in either case, you only need to install Focusrite Control to get up
and running.
This User Guide provides a detailed explanation of the hardware to help you achieve a thorough
understanding of the product’s operational features. We recommend that you take the time to read
through the user guide, whether you’re new to computer recording or a more experienced user, so
that you are fully aware of all the possibilities that the Scarlett 18i8 and accompanying software have
to offer. If the main User Guide sections do not provide the information you need, be sure to consult
https://support.focusrite.com/
, which contains a comprehensive collection of answers to common
technical support queries.
Features
The Scarlett 18i8 audio interface provides the means for connecting microphones, musical
instruments, line level audio signals and digital audio signals in both ADAT and S/PDIF formats to
a computer running compatible versions of Mac OS or Windows. The signals at the physical inputs
can be routed to your audio recording software / digital audio workstation (referred to throughout
this user guide as the “DAW”) at up to 24-bit, 192 kHz resolution; similarly, the DAW’s monitor or
recorded output signals can be configured to appear at the unit’s physical outputs.
The outputs can be connected to amplifiers and speakers, powered monitors, headphones, an audio
mixer or any other analogue or digital audio equipment that you wish to use. Although all inputs and
outputs on the Scarlett 18i8 are routed directly to and from your DAW for recording and playback, you
can configure the routing within your DAW in order to meet your precise needs.
The accompanying software application, Focusrite Control, provides further routing and monitoring
options, as well as the ability to control global hardware settings such as sample rate and clock
source.
