Focusrite SCARLETT-18I20-3G User Guide

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Using the ADAT connection

In addition to the eight analogue inputs, the Scarlett 18i20 has two OPTICAL IN ADAT input ports

which can provide an additional eight audio inputs at sample rates up to 96 kHz. Note that the optical

input is disabled when sample rates of 176.4/192 kHz are in use.

Using a separate 8-channel microphone preampliﬁer equipped with an ADAT output – such as the

Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre – provides a simple and excellent method of expanding the Scarlett

18i20’s input capability.

Computer

running DAW

and

Focusrite

Control

Inputs 1 & 2 on front panel

Optical ADAT connection (TOSLINK)

Additional TOSlink connection required at 96 kHz

Wordclock link

Inputs 1 & 2 on front panel

Up to 16 Mic/Line Sources

Scarlett OctoPre

8ch Mic Amp

At 44.1/48 kHz, the Scarlett OctoPre’s ADAT OUT 1-8 port is connected to the Scarlett 18i20 OPTICAL

IN port marked 48 – 1-8 with a single TOSLINK optical cable. To synchronise the two devices over

ADAT, set the clock source of the Scarlett OctoPre to Internal and that of the Scarlett 18i20 (via

Focusrite Control) to ADAT. Alternatively, stable clock synchronisation may be achieved by connecting

the Scarlett 18i20’s WORD CLOCK OUT to the Scarlett OctoPre’s WORD CLOCK IN and setting the

Scarlett OctoPre to use Word Clock as its clock source. In this case, set the Scarlett 18i20’s clock

source in Focusrite Control to Internal.

TIP: When interconnecting two digital devices by any method, always ensure that both are set

to the same sample rate.

The additional inputs realised by use of the ADAT port may be routed using Focusrite Control in

exactly the same manner as the other inputs. The additional inputs can form part of any musician’s

headphone mix, as required.

When working at 88.2/96 kHz, add a second TOSlink optical cable between the Scarlett OctoPre’s

ADAT OUT 5-8 port and the 18i20’s OPTICAL IN 5-8 – 96 port. At the higher sample rate, this second

link will carry Channels 5-8, while the other link (described above) will carry Channels 1 to 4.

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Focusrite SCARLETT-18I20-3G USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface (3rd Generation)