Scarlett 18i20 4
th
Gen
User Guide
The Studio 18-in, 20-out interface
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
Version 1.1
Table of Contents
Scarlett 18i20 Overview ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
What's in the Box? .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
System Requirements ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Soware System Requirements ............................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Getting Started with your Scarlett 18i20 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Powering on your Scarlett ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Easy Start ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Windows ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Mac ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
All Users ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
What isFocusrite Control 2? ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Installing Focusrite Control 2 ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Manual Registration .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Manually disabling Easy Start ................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Hardware Features ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Your Scarlett 18i20's front panel in depth .......................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Setting Preamp Input Gain .................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Select (1-8) Buttons ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
48V button (Phantom Power) ............................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Inst (Instrument) Button and Line Level Inputs ............................................................................................................................................................ 14
Auto Gain .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Multichannel Auto Gain ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Clip Safe Button ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Air Modes .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Speaker Switching (Alt) ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Dim Button .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Output Button ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Mute Button ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Output control and level meters ............................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Sync Status and using your Scarlett with ADAT and S/PDIF ............................................................................................................................................... 24
Talkback Button ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
Headphone Outputs ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Your Scarlett 18i20's back panel in depth .......................................................................................................................................................................... 30
USB Connection ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 30
S/PDIF IO .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Word Clock Output .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Optical Connections ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 30
MIDI .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Speaker Outputs ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 31
Line Outputs ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 31
Microphone Inputs .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Setting up your DAW (Recording Soware) with your Scarlett 18i20 ...................................................................................................................................................... 32
Ableton Live ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
2
Logic and GarageBand ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 36
Pro Tools ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
Reaper ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 38
FL Studio ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Cubase ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 41
Using your Scarlett 18i20 ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Recording a band with your Scarlett 18i20 ......................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Recording a drum kit ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 44
Recording a hardware electronic music setup ..................................................................................................................................................................... 45
Recording an acoustic session ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 45
Using your Scarlett 18i20's Loopback feature ...................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Using Focusrite Control 2 with your Scarlett 18i20 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 47
Using the Focusrite Control 2 Mixer tab ............................................................................................................................................................................ 47
Mixes ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Using the Mixer Channels ................................................................................................................................................................................... 49
Using the Focusrite Control 2 Routing tab ......................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Making Outputs mono in Focusrite Control 2 .............................................................................................................................................................. 50
Loopback .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Using Presets in Focusrite Control 2 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 51
Saving a Preset .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 51
Loading a Preset ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 52
Renaming a Preset .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 52
Focusrite Control 2 Preferences .................................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Sample rate & clocking tab ................................................................................................................................................................................. 53
Device tab ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Application tab .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 53
Remote Devices - Installing the Focusrite Control 2 mobile app .......................................................................................................................................... 54
Updating Focusrite Control 2 and your Scarlett 18i20 ..................................................................................................................................................................... 55
Updating Focusrite Control 2 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 55
Updating your Scarlett 18i20 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 56
Scarlett 18i20 Specifications ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 57
Performance Specifications ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 57
Physical and Electrical Characteristics ............................................................................................................................................................................. 57
Channel Order ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Single-band - 44.1kHz and 48kHz ........................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Dual-band - 88.2kHz and 96kHz ............................................................................................................................................................................ 59
Quad-band - 176.4kHz and 192kHz ......................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Notices ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Copyright & Legal Notices ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Credits ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 61
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
3
Scarlett 18i20 Overview
Welcome to the user guide for your Scarlett 18i20.
Introduction
Welcome to the Scarlett 18i20 4th generation.
We've designed the Scarlett 18i20 for the studio that never stops creating. Get studio-quality
sound wherever you are with the latest generation of Scarlett:
•
Make the most of any mic or guitar with +69dBof gain on each input.
•
Set your levels in seconds, and never lose a great take again with Auto Gain and Clip
Safe.
•
Re-engineered Air mode with Presence and Harmonic Drive.
•
Remotely control your preamps using our Focusrite Control 2 soware.
•
Record straight out of the box with Easy Start and a complete suite of studio soware
included.
•
Easily expand your setup with eight channels of ADAT.
•
Create two completely independent headphone mixes from Focusrite Control 2.
This is Version 1.1 of the Scarlett 18i20 user guide.
What's in the Box?
The box for your Scarlett 18i20 includes:
•
Scarlett 18i20
•
USB-C to C cable
•
USB-A (male) to C (female) adaptor
•
Country-specific IEC cable
•
Attachable 19" rack ears
•
Getting Started Information (printed inside the box lid)
•
Important Safety Information sheet
System Requirements
The easiest way to check your computer’s operating system (OS) is compatible with your Scarlett
18i20 is to use our Help Centre’s compatibility articles:
Focusrite Help Centre: Compatibility
As new OS versions become available, you can check for further compatibility information by
searching our Help Centre at:
support.focusrite.com
Soware System Requirements
To check we support Focusrite Control 2 on your operating system (OS) please use our Help
Centre’s compatibility articles:
Focusrite Help Centre: Compatibility
As new Focusrite Control 2 or OS versions become available, you can check compatibility
information by searching our Help Centre at:
support.focusrite.com
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
4
Getting Started with your Scarlett 18i20
Powering on your Scarlett
To power on your Scarlett 18i20 using mains power:
1. Connect the power supply to your Scarlett 18i20's power socket.
2. Connect the USB cable from your Scarlett 18i20 to your computer.
3. Switch the power switch to the on position.
Your Scarlett is now powered on and ready to use.
Caution
Always turn on your speakers last.
Your Scarlett 's speaker outputs have anti-thump technology; this reduces the chances
of hearing pops through your speakers when you turn on your interface. However, it is
best practice to turn your speakers on
aer you have turned on everything else in your
recording set up.
If you don't turn on your speakers last, loud pops may damage your speakers, or worse,
your hearing.
Easy Start
Easy Start gives you a step-by-step guide to setting up your Scarlett and creates personalised
tutorials based on how you plan to use your Scarlett. This online tool also guides you through
your Scarlett’s registration process and accessing the soware bundle.
On both Windows and Mac computers, when you connect your Scarlett to your computer, it first
appears as a Mass Storage Device, like a USB drive. Open the drive and double click ‘Click Here To
Get Started.url’. Click ‘Get Started’ to open Easy Start in your web browser.
Aer you’ve opened Easy Start, follow the step-by-step guide, to install and use your Scarlett.
Windows
Aer you connect your Scarlett 18i20 to your computer, a device appears in File Explorer called
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen, this allows you to access Easy Start.
To access Easy Start:
1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click on Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen (D:). The letter may be dierent.
3. Double-clickClick Here to Get Started. This redirects you to the Focusrite website,
where we recommend you register your device:
4. ClickGet Started, and we'll take you through a step-by-step setup guide based on how
you want to use your Scarlett.
During Easy Start, you'll install Focusrite Control 2. Aer you install and openFocusrite Control 2,
click 'UpdateScarlett 18i20'. Do not disconnect your Scarlett whileFocusrite Control 2 updates it.
Aer theFocusrite Control 2 update is complete, the Scarlett no longer appears as a Mass Storage
Device on your computer.
Your operating system should change the computer’s default audio inputs and outputs to the
Scarlett.
To verify this, right-click the speaker icon on the Windows taskbar, and make sure Scarlett is your
Sound output.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
5
Mac
Aer you connect your Scarlett 18i20 to your computer, a Scarlett icon appears on the desktop or,
if you use Chrome, you'll see a pop-up:
Scarlett Easy Start icon: Double click and start from step 1
below.
Chrome pop-up: Click and start from step 2 below.
To access Easy Start:
1. Double-click on the icon to open the Finder window shown below:
2. Double-clickClick Here to Get Started. This redirects you to the Focusrite website,
where we recommend you register your device:
3. ClickGet Started, and we'll take you through a step-by-step setup guide based on how
you want to use your Scarlett.
During Easy Start, you'll install Focusrite Control 2. Aer you install and openFocusrite Control 2,
click 'UpdateScarlett 18i20'. Do not disconnect your Scarlett whileFocusrite Control 2 updates it.
Aer theFocusrite Control 2 update is complete, the Scarlett no longer appears as a Mass Storage
Device on your computer.
Your operating system should change the computer’s default audio inputs and outputs to the
Scarlett.
To verify this, go to System Settings > Sound, and ensure the input and output are set toScarlett
18i20.
All Users
The second file - 'More Info and FAQs' - is also available during the setup process. This file has
some more information about Easy Start, which you may find helpful if you have any issues with
the setup.
Once registered, you have immediate access to the following resources:
•
Focusrite Control 2 (Mac and Windows versions available) - see note below.
•
Multi-language User Guides - also always available from downloads.focusrite.com.
•
Licence codes and links for the optional bundled soware in your Focusrite account. To
find out what bundled soware is included with Scarlett 18i20, please visit our website:
focusrite.com/scarlett.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
6
What isFocusrite Control 2?
Focusrite Control 2is the soware application you use to control yourScarlettinterface.
The Focusrite Control 2 icon
We occasionally update your Scarlett 18i20's firmware with new features and improvements, to
make sure you are getting the most from your Scarlett. Focusrite Control 2 updates your Scarlett
18i20's firmware.
Focusrite Control 2allows you to control various features of yourScarlettfrom your computer.
Note
Focusrite Control 2 is compatible with most major screen reader soware, allowing you
to control the features on your Scarlett with your computer's keyboard.
Installing Focusrite Control 2
You can install Focusrite Control 2 on Windows and Mac. To download and install Focusrite
Control 2:
1. Go to the Focusrite downloads website:
focusrite.com/downloads
2. Find your Scarlett on the Downloads website.
3. Download Focusrite Control 2 for your operating system (Windows or Mac).
4. Open the Downloads folder on your computer and double-click the Focusrite Control
2 installer.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Focusrite Control 2.
6. If it’s not already, connect your Scarlett interface to your computer with the USB cable.
7. Open Focusrite Control 2 and it detects your Scarlett automatically.
Note
On Windows, installingFocusrite Control 2also installs the driver. You can
downloadFocusrite Control 2at any time, even without registering from
downloads.focusrite.com. On macOS, you don't need a driver, you only need to install
Focusrite Control 2.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
7
Manual Registration
If you decide to register your Scarlett at a later date, you can at: customer.focusrite.com/register
You need to enter the Serial Number manually: you can find this number on the interface's base
(the white number below) or the barcode label on the gibox.
Important
Make sure you download and installFocusrite Control 2. Opening Focusrite Control 2
disables Easy Start, updates your Scarlett 18i20 's firmware, and unlocks your Scarlett
18i20's full feature set.
In Easy Start mode, the interface functions at up to 48 kHz sample rate; once you installFocusrite
Control 2, you can work at sample rates up to 192 kHz.
The MIDI input and output are also disabled, while Easy Start mode is enabled.
If you don't installFocusrite Control 2immediately, you can download it at any time from:
downloads.focusrite.com
Manually disabling Easy Start
Aer you've been through Easy Start, installed and opened Focusrite Control 2, your Scarlett is no
longer in Easy Start mode.
If yourScarlett 18i20is still in Easy Start mode, or you have chosen not to install Focusrite Control
2 to disable Easy Start Mode:
1. Turn o yourScarlett 18i20.
2. Press and hold the 48V button.
3. Keeping the 48V button held, power on yourScarlett 18i20.
4. Wait for the front panel to light up, then release the 48V button.
5. Restart (power o and power on) yourScarlett 18i20.
Your Scarlett powers on with Easy Start disabled.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
8
Hardware Features
Front Panel
1. Input 1 Neutrik® Combo XLR and 6.35mm (1/4") jack connector. Accepts XLR mic-level
inputs, or unbalanced mono (TS) and balanced Mono (TRS) 1/4" jack cables at line or
instrument-level.
2. Talkback mic - the talkback microphone location.
3. Input 2 Neutrik® Combo XLR and 6.35mm (1/4") jack connector. Accepts XLR mic-level
inputs, or unbalanced mono (TS) and balanced Mono (TRS) 1/4" jack cables at line or
instrument-level.
4. Select 1–8 buttons - Press to select one of the eight preamps to control its preamp
settings and input gain. The currently selected channel's number lights green.
5. Input gain control - The gain control sets the input level for the selected preamp.
6. Link button - Press to create a stereo pair of input channels. (See Link [13]).
7. Auto button - Press to start the Auto Gain feature (see Auto Gain [15]).
8. 48V button - Press to turn on 48V phantom power at the XLR mic input to power
condenser microphones.
You can set 48V independently per preamp channel.
9. Safe button - Press to turn on the Clip Safe feature for your input (see Safe [18]).
10. Inst button - Press to toggle the selected 6.35mm (1/4") input between Line or
Instrument level.
11. Air button - Press to turn on AIR mode (see AIR [19]).
12. Meters 1-8 - eight meters show the signal levels of the eight analogue inputs or
outputs. The meters align with the scale on the far right, from -42 to 0 dBFS. Press the
Output button to change the meters from input to output.
In input mode, if a meter lights red, it's hit 0dBFS, and you should turn the Input gain
down for that channel to avoid clipping.
13. L and R meters - two meters to show the level being sent out of the monitor outputs.
14. Alt button - press the Alt button to route the signal going to the first monitor output
pair (1 and 2) and the second monitor output pair (3 and 4). To use two pairs of
monitors and switch between them, see Alt [20].
15. Output button - Changes meters 1-8 to show the Output metering for the channels
selected in Focusrite Control 2.
16. Dim button - reduces the output level being sent to your outputs by 18dB.
17. Mute button - silences the signal being sent to your outputs.
18. Main Speaker Output Control and Output level meter - By default, control the level
going to Outputs 1 and 2. The meter shows where your Output control is set. You can
configure Output to control more outputs.
19. Status icons
• USB LED - Lights green when your computer recognises your Scarlett,
and white if it is disconnected from your computer (in standalone mode).
• Sync Status - Lights green when your Scarlett 18i20 is synchronised with
itself or an external digital device. It lights white when it can't lock. For more
information, see the Sync Status [24] section.
20. Talk - hold Talk to activate talkback. When active, Talk lights green, and the talkback
mic routes to various outputs, e.g. headphones to speak to your musicians.
21. Headphone level control and output sockets - Connect up to two sets of
headphones to the output sockets and control the output with the corresponding
level control.
22. Power switch - O is the o position, I is the on position.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
9
Back Panel
1. Power input - A standard IEC power input.
2. USB - USB-C connector to connect your Scarlett to your computer.
3. S/PDIF Out and In - two coaxial RCA sockets for two-channel S/PDIF digital audio signals in
and out. See Sync Status and using your Scarlett with ADAT and S/PDIF [24] for information
on how to set up your Scarlett 18i20 with a S/PDIF device.
4. Word Clock Out - a BNC connector carrying a word clock signal to synchronise other digital
audio equipment.
5. Optical Out 1/2 and In 1/2 - four TOSLINK connectors for eight channels of digital audio in
ADAT format.
6. MIDI Out and In - standard 5-pin DIN sockets for external MIDI equipment. The Scarlett 18i20
acts as a MIDI interface, allowing MIDI data to/from your computer.
7. Line Outputs 1-10 - Neutrik® 1/4" jack (TS or TRS) sockets to connect your Scarlett to line-
level inputs on devices such as monitor speakers, amplifiers, mixers or external processors.
Use 1/4" TRS jack cables for balanced connections where possible.
8. Line Outputs A (1/2) and B (3/4) - two pairs of Neutrik® 1/4" jack (TS or TRS) sockets designed
to connect your Scarlett to two pairs of monitor speakers (pair A and pair B) so you can switch
between sets using the front panel Alt button.
9. Inputs 1-8 - Neutrik® Combo XLR and 6.35mm (1/4") jack connectors. They accept XLR mic-
level inputs, or unbalanced mono (TS) and balanced Mono (TRS) 1/4" jack cables at line level.
Note Inputs 1/2 are duplicated on the back, anything connected to front panel inputs 1 and 2
will take priority over the back panel inputs.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
10
Your Scarlett 18i20's front panel in depth
This section covers all the features on your Scarlett 18i20's front panel, what they do, how you
might use them, and how they work in Focusrite Control 2.
Setting Preamp Input Gain
The preamp input gain controls how much signal you are sending into your computer and
recording soware.
It's essential to set a good level for the preamp input gain so you get the best quality recording. If
the preamp input gain is too low, your signal will be too quiet and when you try to boost its level
later you may hear noise in the recording; if the preamp input gain is too high you might 'clip' the
input and hear harsh distortion in your recording.
To adjust the preamp input gain on your Scarlett 18i20 you first need to select the preamp you
would like to adjust. Press the corresponding select button (1-8). The Input gain control now
controls the preamp you selected.
To increase the input gain, turn the gain control clockwise. As you move the gain control, the
Gain Halo gradually lights clockwise to show you the gain level. This diagram shows the gain at
various levels:
1. No input gain
2. 25% input gain
3. 50% input gain
4. 75% input gain
5. 100% input gain
Soware Gain Control
You can also control the preamp gain remotely using Focusrite Control 2.
To adjust the preamp gain in Focusrite Control 2:
1. Click the virtual knob for the channel you'd like to adjust or use the tab key to select
the preamp gain control.
2. Move your mouse up and down or use the arrow keys to increase or decrease the gain
(in ±1dB increments).
The following images show the preamp gain at minimum, medium and maximum gain.
No input gain 50% Gain 100% Gain
Input Metering
The meters 1 -8 show the input level of each of your Scarlett 18i20's input channels.
As you increase the preamp input gain for a channel, or as the source gets louder the meters will
show more level coming into your computer.
On the far right of the meters, there's a scale from -42dBFS to 0dBFS. When you're recording it's
a good idea to have a signal level around -18dBFS with the loudest parts of the signal reaching
-12dBFS.
Tip
If your signal clips the clip indicator at the top of the meter lights red. If this happens,
select that channel and reduce the gain.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
11
Select (1-8) Buttons
Many front panel controls on your Scarlett 18i20 are shared across the preamp inputs. The select
buttons, labelled 1 to 8 move the preamp controls to dierent inputs.
At least one preamp is always selected, to change which preamp(s) the controls are aecting,
press one of the buttons labelled 1 to 8. When you do this, the newly selected preamp's number
lights green and the preamp setting lights change to match the new preamp.
When you turn on your Scarlett 18i20 the last selected preamp before you turned it o remains
the selected preamp.
Note
When you link two inputs, the Select button treats them as one. Pressing Select moves
to the next input or linked pair.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
12
Linking Preamps
Linking preamps allows you to control two preamps simultaneously using one set of preamp
controls. You can match gain controls for two preamps and enable other preamp controls. This is
useful for stereo recording, for example, a microphone pair, stereo synthesiser, or keyboard.
Note
You can only link adjacent preamps with the le channel set as odd-numbered input
channels, e.g. you can link input channels 1 and 2, or 3 and 4, but not 2 and 3.
To link preamps:
1. Press the select button (1-8) to choose one side of the pair.
2. Press the Link button to link the preamps.
When you've made the preamp Link:
• Both preamp numbers light green when you select that pair.
• The preamp gain level is set to the lowest value of the newly linked pair.
• The preamp settings are inherited from the currently selected preamp, e.g. preamp 1 is
selected, therefore preamp 2 inherits, Air, Safe and Inst settings from Preamp 1.
• Changing any preamp setting changes the state of both preamps.
• Adjusting either gain control changes the gain level for both preamps and is shown on
both Gain Halos.
• 48V is disabled for both preamps.
Unlinking Preamps
To unlink preamps
1. Press the select button (1-8) to choose one side of the pair.
2. Press the Link button to unlink the preamps.
Linking Preamps in Focusrite Control 2
Linking Preamps
To link preamps from Focusrite Control 2, click the link icon at the top of the channel strip .
When you link two preamps, the link icon turns green , one set of preamp controls disappears,
and the meters for each channel merge to form a stereo meter.
Two unlinked channels. Linked channels with merged preamp controls.
Unlinking Preamps
To unlink preamps from Focusrite Control 2 and control them independently again, click the
green link icon at the top of the channel strip.
When you unlink two preamps, the link icon returns to black/white , two sets of preamp
controls appear, and the meters split again for each separate channel.
When you unlink preamps:
•
The first preamp of the previously linked pair becomes selected and lights green.
•
Gain levels and preamp settings stay the same, but you can now change them
independently.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
13
48V button (Phantom Power)
48V, also commonly referred to as 'Phantom Power', sends 48 Volts from your interface's XLR
connector to devices needing power to work. The most common use is sending power to
condenser microphones, but you may also need 48V for inline mic preamps, active dynamic
microphones and active DI boxes.
To turn on 48V:
1. Connect your microphone, or another powered device, to an XLR input on your
interface using an XLR cable. 48V is not sent to the 6.35mm (1/4") jack inputs.
2. Select the correct input channel.
3. Press the 48V button (or the corresponding soware button)
The 48V icon lights green to show it is enabled.
48V phantom power is now being sent to the selected XLR input and to any devices connected to
the XLR input.
48V (Phantom Power) Soware Control
To enable 48V (Phantom Power) from Focusrite Control 2 click the +48V button for the input you
want to enable it on. This is the same as pressing the 48V button on the Scarlett 18i20 hardware.
+48V Phantom Power o +48V Phantom Power on
Important
If you accidentally send 48V phantom power to the wrong input, most modern
microphones of other types, e.g., dynamic or ribbon, will not be damaged, but some
older microphones may be. If you're unsure, please check your microphone's user guide
to ensure it is safe to use with 48V phantom power.
Inst (Instrument) Button and Line Level Inputs
Inst, or instrument, changes the impedance and input level of the 6.35mm (1/4") jack inputs
on your Scarlett so the inputs sound their best for either an instrument or line-level source. We
list the input impedance values in the Specifications [57] section. If you don't turn on Inst and
connect an electric guitar, the resulting sound can be muddy and quiet compared to with Inst on.
The Inst (Instrument) button only aects the 6.35mm (1/4") line input for the selected channel,
either input 1 or input 2. It changes it from an input suitable forline-leveldevices to an input
better suited for instrument-level devices.
To enable, or disable, instrument mode for the 6.35mm (1/4") jack input, select the channel and
press the Inst button once. Green shows Inst is enabled, and white shows Inst is disabled. When
you enable Inst and connect a jack to your Scarlett, the minimum gain for the input is changed to
+7dB.
Note
When the Inst light is white, the 6.35mm jack input is at line level.
When Inst is enabled (green) you can connect instrument-level devices to the 1/4" inputs such as,
but not limited to:
•
Electric or electro-acoustic guitars directly and via eects pedals.
•
Electric basses
•
Acoustic instruments with pick-ups such as violins, double basses etc.
When Inst is disabled (white) you can connect line-level devices to the 6.35mm (1/4") inputs such
as, but not limited to:
•
Synthesisers
•
Keyboards
•
Drum Machines
•
External Microphone Preamps
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
14
Instrument/Line Soware Control
To change inputs 1 or 2 between instrument and line from Focusrite Control 2 click
theInstbutton once.
Line Instrument
Note
When you switch between Inst and Line, the gain stays at the last level you set.
Auto Gain
Auto Gain allows you to send a signal into your Scarlett 18i20 (for example singing or playing
your instrument) for 10 seconds and let the Scarlett set a good level for your preamps. If you find
the levels aren't right, you can adjust the gain controls manually to fine-tune the levels before
recording.
To use Auto Gain:
1. Press the Select button to move your preamp controls to the correct preamp.
2. Press the white Auto button on your Scarlett, or the corresponding soware button.
The Auto icon lights green for ten seconds. The corresponding input meter turns into a
ten-second countdown timer.
3. Speak or sing into the microphone or play your instrument during the Auto Gain
countdown. Perform as you would while you're recording to make sure Auto Gain sets
a good level.
If the Auto Gain was successful, the Gain Halo lights green before the gain value is shown on the
Gain Halo for a second. The gain is now set at a good level for your recording.
If Auto Gain fails, the Gain Halo lights red. Please see the section, The Gain Halo turned Red [16],
for more information.
Note
Scarlett's Auto Gain makes sure your levels are set right not only using the input signal
but also factors in:
•
The preamp's noise floor.
•
Digital silence.
•
Inter-channel crosstalk.
•
Unwanted knocks or bumps on your microphones.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
15
Auto Gain Soware Control
To use Auto Gain in Focusrite Control 2:
1. Click the Auto Gain button in Focusrite Control 2.
2. Speak or sing into the microphone or play your instrument during the Auto Gain
countdown. Perform as you would while you're recording to make sure Auto Gain sets
a good level.
The Auto Gain process starts and the soware Gain halo turns into a countdown timer.
If the Auto Gain was successful, the Gain Halo lights green before the gain value is shown on the
Gain Halo for a second. The gain is now set at a good level for your recording.
Auto Gain failed and the gain halo turned red
If the input signal is unsuitable for Auto Gain (for example there's no signal detected), aer ten
seconds, Auto Gain stops and the Gain Halo lights red for a second. The gain returns to the value
you set before starting Auto Gain.
Hardware Gain Halo Focusrite Control 2 Auto Gain unsuccessful
Before running Auto Gain again, make sure your input has something connected to it correctly, if
you're using a condenser microphone, 48V is on, and you are making sound while Auto Gain runs.
Note
To cancel Auto Gain, press the Auto Gain button again at any time during the process.
The gain returns to the value you set before starting Auto Gain.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
16
Multichannel Auto Gain
Auto Gain allows you to send a signal into your Scarlett 18i20 (for example singing or playing
your instrument) for 10 seconds and let the Scarlett set a good level for your preamps. If you find
the levels aren't right, you can adjust the gain controls manually to fine-tune the levels before
recording.
You can use Auto Gain on as many channels as you like on your Scarlett 18i20.
To use multichannel Auto Gain
1. Hold the Auto button for one second.
When you're in multichannel Auto Gain mode, all the Select buttons pulse green.
2. Press the Select buttons for the channels you want to run Auto Gain for.
3. When you're ready, press Auto again to start the Auto Gain process on the selected
channels.
Note
To cancel Auto Gain, press the Auto Gain button again at any time during the process.
The gain returns to the value you set before starting Auto Gain.
Multichannel Auto Gain in Focusrite Control 2
You can also run multichannel Auto Gain from within Focusrite Control 2. To do this:
1. Open Focusrite Control 2 and go to the Inputs tab.
2. Click the dropdown arrow to the right of the usual Auto Gain button.
3. ChooseAuto Gain all or Auto Gain multiple….
•
Auto Gain all starts running Auto Gain for all the channels on your Scarlett
18i20.
•
Auto Gain multiple allows you to choose the channels you want to run Auto
Gain for.
4. If you clicked Auto Gain multiple, tick the channels you want to run Auto Gain for.
5. ClickStart Auto Gain.
Once Auto Gain has finished, Focusrite Control 2 shows the channels that have been set and their
new gain levels:
All Channels Multiple Channels
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
17
Multichannel Auto Gain failed
Multichannel Auto Gain might fail during the process for one, multiple, or all channels. If this
happens, you'll see one of two messages:
If Auto Gain fails for all channels, you'll see the Auto Gain
failed message.
If Auto Gain fails for one or some channels, you'll see
the Auto Gain complete message, but with the option
toRetryAuto Gain on all channels.
In both cases, you can either:
•
ClickRetryand all Auto Gain runs again for all the channels you ran Auto Gain for, even
the successful channels.
•
Click close and run Auto Gain for any failed channels.
•
Click close and manually adjust the gain for any failed channels.
Clip Safe Button
The Safe button applies Clip Safe, which automatically adjusts your preamp gain if you're at risk
of clipping.
Clipping happens when your gain is set too high for the sound being recorded and your input
overloads the preamp. A clipping symptom is preamp distortion, which is oen unpleasant and
can ruin a recording. Clip Safe helps you avoid this so if your input gets near to clipping, Clip Safe
reduces the preamp gain, so you won't have to re-record your take.
Note
Clip Safe is only available at up to 96kHz, you cannot use it at quad-band (176.4kHz and
192 kHz) sample rates. The Safe LED lights red to show when it's unavailable.
To enable Clip Safe:
1. Press the Select button to move your preamp controls to the correct preamp.
2. Press the Safe button on the interface or the corresponding soware button.
When you enable Safe, the Safe icon lights green.
When you have two inputs selected using Preamp Link, Safe is applied to both preamps.
Tip
When you enable Clip Safe, your Scarlett continuously monitors your input signals, up
to 96,000 times a second, and through a combination of analogue preamp adjustment
and DSP, Clip Safe significantly reduces the risk of clipping.
Clip Safe Focusrite Control 2
To enable Clip Safe from Focusrite Control 2, click the Safe button:
Safe
o Safe on
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
18
Air Modes
Air lets you change your Scarlett's preamp sound with two dierent modes; Air Presence or Air
Presence and Harmonic Drive.
Air aects the mic, line, and instrument inputs.
To enable Air, select your input, press the Air button once for Air Presence, again for Air Presence
and Harmonic Drive and again to turn o. The Air LED changes colour to show which mode you
have selected:
Mode Description AIR LED Notes
O The preamp is clean White
Air Presence An analogue circuit gives
a presence boost to your
sources.
Green
Air Presence and
Harmonic Drive
Adds harmonics, in
addition to the analogue
Air circuit.
Amber Only available at up to
96kHz
Air Soware Control
To enable AIR from Focusrite Control 2 click theAirbutton. This is the same as pressing
theAirbutton on the Scarlett 18i20 hardware.
Air
O Air Presence selected Air Presence and Drive selected
When you click Focusrite Control 2's Air button, the last selected Air mode becomes activated.
To change the selected Air mode (Presence or Presence and Drive) click the arrow to show the
dropdown menu.
Air Presence selected
Air Presence and Drive selected
Note
Air Presence & Drive is only available at up to 96kHz, you cannot use it at quad-band
(176.4kHz and 192 kHz) sample rates.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
19
Speaker Switching (Alt)
The Scarlett 18i20's Alt (alternate) button gives you the ability to alternate between two sets of
monitor speakers. This is useful for referencing your mixes on a dierent set of speakers.
To set up the speakers for speaker switching:
1. Connect your main speakers to monitor outputs 1-2.
2. Connect your alternative speakers to monitor outputs 3-4.
3. Go to Focusrite Control 2's Routing tab.
4. Click the toggle to enable Speaker switching above the list of outputs
5. Pick the Source for the outputs.
If you're checking mixes, it's likely this should be Playback 1 - 2 as the source would be
the output from your DAW.
Aer setting up your monitors, you can switch between your main monitors (Outputs 1-2) and the
Alt monitors (Outputs 3-4) either by pressing the front panel Alt button or by clicking on the Alt
button in Focusrite Control 2.
When Alt is active, the Source set for Main and Alt is sent to the Alt outputs instead of the Main
outputs, and Alt lights green.
Note
When Speaker switching is on, the Output control has two volume settings, one for your
Main speakers and on for your Alt speakers. Each control is independent.
When you change between Main and Alt, the level jumps to the last setting for that
speaker setting, you can set the level using the Output control for each set of speakers
to match their volume.
When you disable and re-enable Speaker switching, or restart your Focusrite Control 2,
the Alt Output level resets to -48dBFS.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
20
Dim Button
The Dim button reduces the output level being sent to your outputs by 18dB. When active, Dim
lights green.
Dim o (white) Dim on (green)
The Dim button is useful to help allow conversation or to try ideas in the room without stopping
playback.
By default, Dim aects the Main monitor outputs 1 and 2, but in Focusrite Control 2 you can
change this to control your Alt outputs.
Dim Soware Control
To enable/disable Dim [21] in Focusrite Control 2 click the Dim button in the Outputs section on
the right.
The Dim button works in the same way as the Dim button on the front panel of your Scarlett
18i20 and reduces the output level being sent to your outputs by 18dB. When active, Dim lights
green.
Dim o. Dim on.
Output Button
The Output button changes the meters 1-8 from the inputs they are metering to pre-fade meters
for the corresponding outputs. Pre-fade means the meters aren't aected by the monitor dial in
the same way the L and R meters are aected by the Output dial.
When active, Output lights green.
For example, rather than the meters showing the levels of analogue inputs 1-8, when Output is
active the meters show the levels for analogue outputs 1-8.
Output o (white), metering the inputs. Output on (green) metering the outputs.
Tip
To assign signals to the dierent outputs, see the section Using the Focusrite Control 2
Routing tab [50].
Mute Button
The Mute button silences the signal being sent to your outputs. When active, Mute lights green.
Mute o (white). Mute on (green).
By default, Mute aects the Main monitor outputs 1 and 2, but in Focusrite Control 2 you can
change this to control your Alt outputs.
Mute Soware Control
To enable/disable Mute [21] in Focusrite Control 2 click the Mute button in the Outputs section on
the right.
The Mute button works in the same way as the Mute button on the front panel of your Scarlett
18i20. When active, Mute lights green.
Mute o. Mute on.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
21
Output control and level meters
The Output control and Output level meters are related to the signals going to the Outputs
on the back of your Scarlett 18i20. The meters show the level going to your selected Monitor
Outputs, either 1-2 or 3-4 when Alt is on.
The halo around the Monitor control on your Scarlett 18i20 lights white to show where the
monitor control is set.
The output level meters L and R are pre-fade meters (they aren't aected by the Output control's
position) showing you the signal level coming from your computer going to Outputs 1 and 2.
Focusrite Control 2 Output section
On the right-hand side of Focusrite Control 2 the Output section is a visual representation of the
Output control and level meters.
Output control selection
At the top of the Outputs section, you can use the drop-down to change the outputs you're
controlling.
Output control dial
The dial in Focusrite Control 2 is a soware representation of the Output control on your Scarlett
18i20's front panel. When you change the control on the hardware, the soware updates, when
you move the control on the front panel, the dial in Focusrite Control 2 updates.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
22
Speaker Switching (Alt) soware control
The Output section allows you to control the Alt, or speaker switching, function. Click Main or Alt
to switch between your Main or Alt monitors.
For more information, see Speaker Switching (Alt) [20].
Output level meters
The output level meters mirror the front panel meters are pre-fade meters (they aren't aected
by the Output control's position) showing you the signal level coming from your computer going
to Outputs 1 and 2 (or 3 and 4 if you enable Alt).
Mute, Dim and Talk
See the Mute [21], Dim [21] and Talk [28] sections.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
23
Sync Status and using your Scarlett with ADAT and S/PDIF
The Sync Status icon on the front panel lights green when your Scarlett 18i20 is 'locked' or
'synchronised' to a clock source.
The Sync Status indicator is most useful when you're trying to expand the channel count using
your Scarlett 18i20 with other equipment connected to your Scarlett 18i20's digital inputs or
outputs; the ADAT or S/PDIF IO.
Important
To pass audio, the Sync Status indicator must light green. You can do this by making
your Scarlett 18i20clock leader (Internal clock) or clock follower (ADAT or S/PDIF clock)
with a valid clock leader connected.
When you're using the digital inputs your Scarlett 18i20 and the other audio devices need to have
their internal clocks synchronised, using clock signals, so their audio is recorded in time.
Tip
If your digital audio devices aren't synchronised correctly, you'll hear audible glitches,
or the audio won't pass at all.
There are a few principles when you're trying to synchronise multiple digital audio devices:
• The clock signal can be embedded into the audio signal, down the same cables (e.g.
S/PDIF, or ADAT).
• Clock signals are always one-way, you can't send and receive clock signals using one
ADAT or S/PDIF cable.
• There are Clock Leaders and Clock Followers.
Devices 'follow' other devices' clock signals. One device in your setup must be the clock
leader, the other devices must be followers and receive the clock signal from the clock
leader.
• Every device with digital I/O will have an internal clock and should have the option to be
a clock leader or a clock follower.
Tip
In these examples, we’ve used Focusrite products to demonstrate ADAT and S/PDIF
digital expansion. But remember, ADAT and S/PDIF are universal standards. So, any
device with digital ADAT or S/PDIF outputs will work with your Scarlett’s digital inputs.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
24
Setup 1 - Scarlett 18i20 as a Clock Follower
This is the most basic setup and involves one expansion device, increasing the channel count of
your Scarlett 18i20.
We've outlined the steps for an ADAT expansion device, but the same theory applies for S/PDIF
expansion devices.
Equipment:
•
An external ADAT preamp - such as a Clarett+ OctoPre.
•
One TOSLINK cable (also referred to as an ADAT cable).
Setup:
1. Connected the TOSLINK cable from the ADAT preamp's ADAT Out port to the ADAT In
port on the Scarlett 18i20.
2. Set the ADAT preamp clock to Internal and your chosen sample rate.
3. In Focusrite Control 2, set the Scarlett 18i20 clock to ADAT and match the sample rate
to the ADAT preamp.
4. In your DAW, set your channels to inputs 13 - 20, these are the eight ADAT inputs.
Note
The Scarlett 18i20 has two ADAT In ports. With ADAT, when you go up a sample rate
band, e.g. from 44.1kHz to 88.2kHz, the number of channels the cable can send halves.
This means with the Scarlett 18i20 you can use two cables to get eight channels at 88.2
and 96kHz.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
25
Setup 2 - Scarlett 18i20 as a Clock Leader
This is similar to Setup 1; however, it involves more cables. It's useful if you only use your
expansion device occasionally, so you'd prefer to keep your Scarlett 18i20 as your clock leader.
We've outlined the steps for an ADAT expansion device, but the same theory applies for S/PDIF
expansion devices.
Equipment:
• An external ADAT preamp - such as a Clarett+ OctoPre.
• Two TOSLINK cables (also referred to as an ADAT cable).
Setup:
1. Connected the TOSLINK cable from the ADAT preamp's ADAT Out port to the ADAT In
port on the Scarlett 18i20.
2. Connect a second TOSLINK cable from the Scarlett 18i20's ADAT Out to the ADAT
preamp's ADAT In.
This cable is just to send clock data, but if your ADAT preamp has outputs, you can also
send signals back out of your computer to gain extra analogue outputs.
3. Set the ADAT preamp clock to ADAT and your chosen sample rate.
4. In Focusrite Control 2, set the Scarlett 18i20 clock to Internal and march the sample
rate to the ADAT preamp.
5. In your DAW, set your channels to inputs 13 - 20, these are the eight ADAT inputs.
Note
The Scarlett 18i20 has two ADAT In ports. With ADAT, when you go up a sample rate
band, e.g. from 44.1kHz to 88.2kHz, the number of channels the cable can send halves.
This means with the Scarlett 18i20 you can use two cables to get eight channels at 88.2
and 96kHz.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
26
Setup 3 - Using more than one expansion device
In this setup, we’re using two expansion devices: an ADAT device and an S/PDIF device. For ADAT,
you might use a preamp like an OctoPre or a mic preamp. For S/PDIF, you could connect another
interface in standalone mode or a guitar amp modeller.
Using the Scarlett 18i20 as your clock leader is useful if you only use your expansion devices
occasionally, so don't need to turn them on every time you use your Scarlett 18i20.
Equipment:
• An external ADAT preamp - such as a Clarett+ OctoPre.
• A S/PDIF device - such as a guitar amp.
• Two ADAT cables.
• Two S/PDIF cables.
Setup:
1. Connected the TOSLINK cable from the ADAT preamp's ADAT Out port to the ADAT In
port on the Scarlett 18i20.
Connect the S/PDIF cable from the S/PDIF device's S/PDIF Out to the S/PDIF In on the
Scarlett 18i20.
2. Connect a second TOSLINK cable from the Scarlett 18i20's ADAT Out to the ADAT
preamp's ADAT In.
Connect a second S/PDIF cable from the Scarlett 18i20's S/PDIF Out to the S/PDIF
device's S/PDIF In.
3. Set the S/PDIF preamp clock to S/PDIF and your chosen sample rate. Some S/PDIF
devices don't allow you to change these settings, if this is the case, see ….
4. Set the Scarlett 18i20's clock to internal and match the sample rate.
5. Set the ADAT preamp to clock to ADAT and match the sample rate (it's getting its clock
from the Scarlett 18i20 via the second ADAT cable).
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
27
Talkback Button
Press and hold Talk button to activate talkback. When active, Talk lights green, and the talkback
microphone is routed to the outputs of your choice. By default, talkback routes to the two
headphone outputs.
When you enable Talk, the rest of the outputs in the mix dim, by 25dB, to make it easier to hear
the talkback microphone.
You can change the Talkback routing in Focusrite Control 2 to feed any combination of mixes.
By default, the Talk button is ‘momentary’ – talkback is only active while you hold the button.
You can change the Talkback button between momentary or latching from Focusrite Control 2.
Talkback Soware Control
The soware talkback button can be either momentary or latching.
Click and hold the Talk button to activate momentary talkback. Click the Talk button for latching
control.
Routing the Talkback input
Using Focusrite Control 2 you can pick which mix you're sending your talkback input to.
To change which mix your sending your talkback mic to:
1. Open the Focusrite Control 2 settings page from the ellipses in the top right corner.
2. Go to the Device tab.
3. Click the tick box to enable the talkback mic for the mixes you want.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
28
Headphone Outputs
Your Scarlett 18i20 has two headphones outputs. Both headphones outputs are completely
independent of the other analogue outputs, so they can have their own dedicated mix.
The headphone outputs are 6.35mm (¼”) TRS jacks. Many headphones have a 3.5mm TRS jack,
to connect them to your Scarlett 18i20 you must use a TRS 6.35mm to 3.5mm adaptor.
The controls above the headphone outputs control the level going to your headphones.
Around the headphone controls are halo meters. These fill up clockwise, from green to amber, to
show the level going to your headphone outputs. The meters are pre-fade, meaning they are not
aected by the headphone control setting.
The headphones output controls are encoders so you can control the level either from the dial, or
in Focusrite Control 2.
Note
Some headphones and jack adaptors may have TS or TRRS connectors, oen due
to built-in microphones or volume controls. These might not work properly. If you
encounter issues, use headphones and a jack adaptor with TRS connectors.
Headphone Output Routing
You can assign any sources to your headphones, either using a Mix for an independent
combination of hardware inputs (direct monitoring) and soware playback channels, or directly
routing a source, for example Soware Playback 1-2.
To set up your headphone routing:
1. Open Focusrite Control 2.
2. Go to the Routing tab.
3. Find your headphones output in the Output list.
4. Click the corresponding Source dropdown and choose the source or mix you want to
send to your headphones
The mix you've created is now being sent to the headphones output you selected. You can
control the overall level using the headphones control on the Scarlett or in soware. You can
control dierent parts of the mix using the Mix in Focusrite Control 2.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
29
Your Scarlett 18i20's back panel in depth
This section covers all the features on your Scarlett 18i20's back panel, what they do, how you
might use them and how they work in Focusrite Control 2.
USB Connection
The USB Type-C port labelled USB is to connect your Scarlett to your computer.
Use the included USB-C cable to connect to a USB-C port on your computer, or use the USB-C to A
adaptor to connect to a USB-A port on your computer.
S/PDIF IO
The S/PDIF ports give you two channels of digital I/O to connect to other audio equipment with
S/PDIF I/O such as guitar amps, mic preamps or any device with an S/PDIF output.
Note
The S/PDIF ports are coaxial RCA, and we recommend you use 75Ω cables. However,
shorter, normal RCA cables should work.
There are many ways to connect and clock your Scarlett 18i20 when you're using an external
device connected via S/PDIF. For information on clocking and digital IO setups, please see the
Sync Status Indicator [24] section.
The Sync Status Indicator on your Scarlett 18i20 should light green. When you send audio from
the external device to your Scarlett 18i20 you should see the S/PDIF channels coming in on
channels 11-12.
Word Clock Output
The Scarlett 18i20's Word Clock output is there so you can send clock signals to external devices
connected via ADAT or S/PDIF. The main reason for using this output is if your external ADAT or
S/PDIF devices don't have the relevant clocking options, but may have a Word Clock input.
The word clock output doesn't carry any audio, it sends only clock signals.
The Scarlett 18i20 only has a Word Clock output, so it cannot receive Word Clock. You must
connect to the Word Clock input on any external device.
Optical Connections
The Optical connections on the back of your Scarlett 18i20 allow you to connect external devices
digitally to expand the channel count of your Scarlett 18i20.
Note
You Scarlett 18i20 disables the optical inputs and outputs at quad-band sample rates
(176.4/192 kHz.)
MIDI
The Scarlett 18i20 MIDI In and Out ports allow you to use your Scarlett as a USB MIDI interface.
MIDI IN receives MIDI signals from keyboards or controllers; MIDI OUT sends MIDI information to
Synths, Drum machines or MIDI-controllable equipment.
Important
When you first receive your Scarlett 18i20, MIDI is disabled because it is in Easy Start
mode. To enable MIDI, install and open Focusrite Control 2.
The MIDI IO doesn't require any setup for you to use your Scarlett 18i20 as a USB MIDI interface.
The Scarlett 18i20's MIDI ports appear in your MIDI-enabled soware, and you can either send
or receive MIDI data between your computer and MIDI hardware via the Scarlett's 5-pin DIN MIDI
ports.
Note
The MIDI Out port on your Scarlett 18i20 cannot function as a MIDI Thru port.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
30
Speaker Outputs
Outputs 1 and 2 are line-level outputs to connect your Scarlett 18i20 to an amplifier or active
monitors. The outputs are balanced 1/4" TRS jack outputs, you can use them with either
unbalanced TS or balanced TRS jack cables and connect to speakers with 1/4" jack, RCA or
XLR inputs.
Your Scarlett 18i20's front panel Output dial controls the level sent to Outputs 1 and 2.
Note
It is possible to use unbalanced connections, like TS 6.35mm jacks or jack to RCA
cables– but we wouldn't recommend it. Using unbalanced connections, may mean you
hear interference through your monitors.
If you hear a static, crackling or any other noise in your monitors, even when sounds not
playing, make sure you're using balanced connections where you can.
Main and Alt
Your Scarlett 18i20 has two sets of monitor outputs, labelled Main, 1 and 2, and Alt, 3 and 4.
These are designed to let you use two sets of monitors and switch between them with a single
button press, the Alt button.
Line Outputs
Line Outputs 5-10 have identical electrical characteristics to the Monitor line Outputs 1 to 2 but
aren't controlled by the Output control.
You can set the signals available at these outputs using Focusrite Control 2, and use the outputs
to drive additional speakers in a multichannel monitoring system, such as a subwoofer or to send
signals to outboard eects processors.
Microphone Inputs
The 3-pin XLR Input connectors are designed to accept at microphone level signals.
You can control your microphone level using the corresponding input gain control on the front
panel. 48V phantom power is also available if you are using a condenser mic, you can enable
phantom power using the front panel 48V button.
You can enable 48V phantom power on a per-channel basis.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
31
Setting up your DAW (Recording Soware) with your Scarlett 18i20
TheScarlett is compatible with any ASIO-supported DAW on Windows and any Core Audio-
supported DAW on macOS. It is also compatible with non-ASIO applications but your channel
count may be limited.
To help you get started, we've put together steps to set up your interface and start recording in
the most common DAWs. If you need any more information, please see the user guide for your
DAW.
If you don't already have a DAW installed on your computer to help get you started, theScarlett
comes with Ableton Live Lite and a version of Pro Tools. You can access these in Easy Start [5] , or
from your Focusrite account.
Tip
What is a DAW?
DAW stands for 'Digital Audio Workstation' and is the term given to any soware you use
to record arrange or make music.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
32
Ableton Live
To get set up in Ableton Live follow these steps:
Windows
1. Open Ableton Live on your computer.
2. Click Options > Preferences....
3. Go to the Audio tab on the le-hand side of the Preferences window.
4. Set the Driver Type to ASIO, and Audio Device to Focusrite USB ASIO.
5. Click Input Config.
The next step is to make all the inputs on your device appear as input options in
Ableton.
6. Click to highlight each set of Mono and Stereo Inputs to make sure they appear as
selectable in Live.
7.
Click OK.
8. Do the same for the Output Config, if you are using multiple outputs from your
Scarlett 18i20.
9. Close the Preferences Window.
Mac
1. Open Ableton Live on your computer.
2. Click Live in the top menu bar.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
33
3. Click Settings.
4. Go to the Audio tab on the le-hand side of the Preferences window.
5. Set the Audio Input Device and Audio Output Device to Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen.
6. Click Input Config.
The next step is to make all the inputs on your device appear as input options in
Ableton.
7. Click to highlight each set of Mono and Stereo Inputs to make sure they appear as
selectable in Live. You will see up to 20 channels.
8. Click OK.
9. Do the same for the Output Config, if you are using multiple outputs from your
Scarlett 18i20.
10. Close the Preferences Window.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
34
Getting sound into Ableton
1. Click to highlight an Audio Track in Live's main window. Live had two views (Session
and Arrangement), so depending on which view you are in, please see the following
screenshots.
2. Set the Audio From to Ext. In and the input drop-down to the interface input you are
using, e.g. 1.
3. Set the Monitor to Auto.
This allows you to hear sound coming in from your Scarlett's input.
4. Click the record arm button beneath the track. It lights red when record arm is on.
Send a signal to the input on your Scarlett and you should see the meter in Ableton
move.
5. When you're ready to record, click the record ⏺ button in Ableton's transport bar.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
35
Logic and GarageBand
To get set up in Logic Pro and GarageBand follow these steps:
1. Open Logic Pro or GarageBand on your computer (you may be prompted to Choose a
project, you can choose an Empty Project or use a template).
2. Select Audio in the Choose a track type window.
3. Set the Audio Input to Input 1.
If you don't see any inputs, make sure the Device: is set to your Scarlett 18i20.
a. Click the arrow to the right of the Device section.
b. In the preferences window, set the Output Device and Input Device to
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen.
Logic Pro X GarageBand
c. Click Apply (Logic Pro only).
d. Close the Preferences or Settings window.
4. Logic Pro: Tick Input Monitoring and Record Enable .
GarageBand: Tick I want to hear my instrument as I play and record.
This allows you to hear sound coming in from your Scarlett's input.
5. Click Create.
Logic Pro
GarageBand
6. When you're ready to record, click the record button at the top of Logic/GarageBand.
Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen User Guide
36
Pro Tools
To get set up in Pro Tools, follow these steps:
Mac and Windows
1. Open Pro Tools on your computer.
2. Click Setup > Playback Engine in the top menu bar.
3. Select Focusrite USB ASIO (Windows) or Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen in the Playback Engine
dropdown.
Windows Mac
4. Click Track > New in the top menu bar.
5. Set the number of tracks you need and set the type to Audio Track.
6. Click Create
7. Click the record arm and input enable buttons on the track.
This allows you to hear sound coming in from your Scarlett's input.
8. Click the main Record Enable button at the top of the Pro Tools window, it turns
red when enabled .
9. Click the Play button to begin recording.
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Reaper
To get set up in Reaper, follow these steps:
Windows
1. Open Reaper on your computer.
2. If you see a pop-up window, asking you to select your audio device driver, click Yes
If you don't see the pop-up, go to Options (top menu) > Preferences > Device
3. In the Audio device settings.
a. Select ASIO in the Audio system: dropdown.
b. Select Focusrite USB ASIO in the ASIO Driver: dropdown.
c. Set the first and last input and output range to match the number of inputs
you want to use.
4. Click OK.
5. Click Track (top menu) > Insert New Track.
6. Click the red record-armed button.
7. Click the Input 1 box to select your input on your Scarlett 18i20.
8. When you're ready to record, click the record button in the bottom section of Reaper.
Mac
1. Open Reaper on your computer.
2. If you see a pop-up window, asking you to select your audio device driver, click Yes
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If you don't see the pop-up, go to Options (top menu) > Settings > Device
3. Choose Scarlett 18i20 in the Audio Device dropdown menu.
4. Click OK.
5. Click Track (top menu) > Insert New Track.
6.
Click the red record-armed button.
7. Click the Input 1 box to select your input on your Scarlett 18i20.
8. When you're ready to record, click the record button in the bottom section of Reaper.
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FL Studio
To get set up in FL Studio follow these steps:
1. Open FL Studio on your computer.
2. Go to Options > Audio Settings.
3. Set the Device to Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen (or Focusrite USB ASIO on Windows) in the
Input / output section.
4. Close the Settings window.
5. In the Mixer click on the insert you want to record in to.
6. Set the external input drop-down from (none) to the interface input you are using, e.g.
Input 1 for input mono, or Input 1 - Input 2 for both inputs 1 and 2 in stereo.
7. Click the main record button in the transport section.
• Choose an option in the What would you like to record? window.
If you're not sure which option to choose, please see FL Studio's help files.
8. When you're ready to record, press the play button in the transport section.
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Cubase
Windows
1. Open Cubase on your computer.
2. In the top menu bar click Studio > Studio Setup...
3.
Click Audio System on the le-hand side.
4. Set the ASIO Driver to Focusrite USB ASIO.
5. Click OK.
6. Right-click in the MixConsole.
7. Click Add Audio Track.
8.
Configure the track type as Audio and set the Audio Input to the channel you're using
on your interface.
9. Click Add Track.
10. Click the Record Enable and Monitor buttons (o) on the Cubase channel to
enable the track for recording and so you can hear it using input monitoring
(on).
11. Click Transport Record in Cubase's transport to start recording.
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Mac
1. Open Cubase on your computer.
2. In the top menu bar click Studio > Studio Setup...
3. Change the ASIO Driver to Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen.
4. Click Switch.
5. Click OK.
6. Right-click in the MixConsole.
7. Click Add Track.
8.
Configure the track type as Audio and set the Audio Input to the channel you're using
on your interface.
9. Click Add Track.
10. Click the Record Enable and Monitor buttons (o) on the Cubase channel to
enable the track for recording and so you can hear it using input monitoring
(on).
11. Click Transport Record in Cubase's transport to start recording.
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Using your Scarlett 18i20
This section covers some common use cases for the Scarlett 18i20. Oen your use case is a
variant of these and how you use your Scarlett 18i20 probably reuses some principles.
Recording a band with your Scarlett 18i20
Your Scarlett 18i20 has eight analogue inputs, allowing you to record full bands in a single
performance.
Recording a band live captures the energy and connection musicians feel when they're
rehearsing or performing. Aer recording the main tracks, you can re-record elements like vocals,
guitar solos, or double-track instruments to make the final mix sound fuller.
The diagram shows the recording setup for a band with a guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboard
player, and singer. While band setups may vary, the principles remain the same.
This is a list of the Equipment you'll need to record the 'band' shown in the diagram above.
• Guitar - a 6.35mm (¼”) TS jack cable.
• Bass guitar - a 6.35mm (¼”) TS jack cable.
• Drum kit - four microphones and four XLR cables.
• Keyboard or synthesiser - a 6.35mm (¼”) TRS jack cable.
• A microphone and XLR cable, for the singer.
• Some headphones.
Setup
1. Guitar - We’ve connected a guitar to input 1 using the Inst input. You can also use a
guitar amp with a microphone for a dierent sound.
2. Bass - We’ve connected a bass guitar to input 2 using the Inst input, similar to using
a DI box for recording. You can also use a bass amp with a microphone or the DI out
from the amp for a dierent sound.
3. Kick/Bass Drum - We've connected a microphone to input 3 for the kick drum.
Recording the kick drum on its own channel allows you to apply compression and
EQ without aecting the rest of the drum kit.
4. Snare Drum - Again, using a microphone just for the snare drum, connected to input
4. Recording the snare on its own channel allows you to apply compression and EQ
without aecting the rest of the drum kit.
5. Overheads Le - When you're recording a drum kit with limited channels once
you have the most important elements covered, kick and snare, you can use two
microphones as overheads to capture the rest of the kit.
6. Overhead Right
7. Keyboard - In this case we have a keyboard connected to a line input on the back of
the Scarlett 18i20, but if you don't have a keyboard player you could use this input for
another instrument.
8. Vocal microphone - This microphone is for the vocalist. If the vocalist is in
the same room as the band, use a dynamic microphone for better rejection of
other instruments. If the vocalist is separated or recording later, use a condenser
microphone for more detail.
9. Headphones - You can send a mix to headphones for a musician or yourself to monitor.
If you don’t have enough headphone outputs, give a set to those who need it, like the
singer or drummer, and use the line or secondary headphone output to send a mix to
a headphone amplifier.
10. Secondary headphones.
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Recording a drum kit
In this section, we'll cover how you might use the eight mic preamps on your Scarlett 18i20 to mic
up a drum kit. We'll also go into a bit of detail in how to make the most of the inputs you have.
This diagram shows which drums you might want to record to each of your Scarlett 18i20's
inputs:
1. Kick
2. Snare
3. Tom 1
4. Tom 2
5. Overhead Le
6. Overhead Right
7. Engineer's headphones
8. Drummer's headphones.
Note
Make sure your first Overhead mic is in an odd-numbered channel so you can link
the channels. This makes sure the settings for both overheads are identical. For more
information, see Linking Preamps [13].
You'll notice you have two spare channels. If you wanted more control over your drum kit in the
mix you could mic up some more elements, you could even add a mic preamp via ADAT to get up
to 16 mic inputs. Other elements of the kit you could mic include:
•
A pair of room microphones if your room has a good sound.
•
A mic on the hi-hats, if your drummer has a lot of intricate hi-hat work.
•
A spot-mic on the drummer's cymbal(s).
•
Extra tom mic(s) if your drummer has lots of toms.
•
Two mics on the snare, e.g. top and bottom (but remember to invert the polarity of one
mic!)
•
Two mics on the kick.
Tip
When you're recording a drum kit, there are many ways to place your overhead
microphones that suit dierent styles of music.
In most modern recording we'd use a stereo mic setup, but for a more vintage/retro/
compact sound, you can use a single mono overhead microphone.
If you'd like to find out more, we recommend looking up the following drum overhead
mic techniques:
•
Spaced pair (A/B).
•
XY pair.
•
Near coincident pair.
•
The Glyn Johns method.
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Recording a hardware electronic music setup
Using your Scarlett 18i20's line inputs, you can make it the central hub for recording in an
electronic music setup. Most electronic music gear—synthesisers, drum machines, groove boxes,
mixers, and eects—use line outputs, so with 6.35mm (1/4”) TRS jack cables, you can record and
perform with your entire setup simultaneously.
The following diagram shows an electronic music set up with some mono and stereo synths, and
a drum machine. Your setup might look a little dierent, but the principles are the same.
1. A stereo synth connected using two 6.35mm (1/4") TRS jack cables.
2. A stereo drum machine connected using two 6.35mm (1/4") TRS jack cables.
3. A mono synth connected using two 6.35mm (1/4") TRS jack cables.
4. A second mono synth, connected using two 6.35mm (1/4") TRS jack cables.
5. Headphones for you to monitor your performance.
6. A second set of headphones if you need them, or you could use this second
headphone output for recording, see the Tip below.
Tip
Your Scarlett 18i20 can work in standalone. For a completely DAW-less setup you can
disconnect your computer and use the line outputs, or spare headphones output, to
send a stereo output to a portable recorder, or mixing console for live performance. See
Standalone Mode.
Recording an acoustic session
In this section, we're covering how you might record an acoustic session, a stripped-back
performance or live session with acoustic instruments.
This diagram shows the sort of instruments you might want to record in this type of recording
scenario and how you can make use of the inputs on your Scarlett 18i20.
1. Stereo mic setup - when you're recording a more intimate session to create a sense of
space, you might want to begin with a stereo microphone setup, for example:
•
Stereo microphones on a singer-songwriter's guitar.
•
Stereo microphones on a piano.
•
Stereo microphones in front of the whole band.
2. Individual instrument microphone - You could use this to mic up a single instrument,
voice, or amplifier.
3. Vocal microphones - a microphone for your main vocalist.
4. Line inputs - Use the line inputs for any other instruments that aren't strictly acoustic,
such as a 'line output' of a bass amp, or line outputs of an electric keyboard.
5. Engineer's headphones - Use these headphones to monitor what you're recording.
6. Artist headphones - oen if the band is performing live, you won't need to give them
headphones. However, if anyone wants to play to a backing track, metronome, or
needs monitoring, you could use the second headphone output for the artist.
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Using your Scarlett 18i20's Loopback feature
The loopback feature on your Scarlett 18i20 allows you to send the sound produced by your
computer and route it back into your Scarlett for recording or streaming, without using physical
cables. This can be particularly useful in various scenarios, such as sampling, podcasting, live-
streaming, or recording screen tutorials:
•
Sampling: You can record sounds back into your soware to use as samples in your
music.
•
Podcasting: You can use loopback to record online interviews or discussions, where you
want to capture both your voice and the voices of remote participants.
•
Live Streaming: It's useful for streaming content with accompanying audio from your
computer, such as gameplay, presentations, or tutorials.
•
Screen Recording: When creating video tutorials or screencasts, loopback allows you to
include the sound produced by your computer along with your narration.
To use Loopback, with your Scarlett:
1. Open your DAW or recording soware.
2. Create a new recording channel in your DAW and either mute, or set the output to
'none' for this channel. It's important to do this so you don't cause a feedback loop.
3. Set your recording input of the muted channel to the Loopback channels of your
Scarlett 18i20, channels 9-10.
4. Start recording.
The channels in your recording soware receive the output of your Scarlett. You can use other
channels in your recording soware to record anything connected to the inputs on your Scarlett
alongside the Loopback feed.
You can also use Loopback to create a mix of any audio sources on your Scarlett, instruments
connected to the preamps or audio from your computer. With Loopback, you can mix
instruments and backing tracks for your online concerts or balance your microphone and game
audio for your live stream. See Using the Focusrite Control 2 Mixer tab [47].
Important
When you're using Loopback, mute the channels in your recording soware so you
don't cause a feedback loop.
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Using Focusrite Control 2 with your Scarlett 18i20
Focusrite Control 2 is the soware you need to use to manage your Scarlett interface. Focusrite
Control 2 manages your routing, monitoring, mixer settings, and firmware updates.
Using the Focusrite Control 2 Mixer tab
Your Scarlett 18i20 contains a mixer controllable from the Mixer page in Focusrite Control 2. You
can use this mixer to combine and send input sources to the physical outputs of your Scarlett
18i20 using the Routing [50] tab.
The input sources to the mixer include:
•
Physical Inputs
•
Analogue inputs (Instrument, microphone, or line inputs)
•
Digital inputs (ADAT or S/PDIF)
•
Playback Inputs
•
Output Channels from your DAW soware
•
Soware playback from other computer soware.
Once you've created a mix of inputs, you can send this to the physical outputs of your Scarlett
18i20 to create a custom mix for your speakers, or for an artist's headphone mix.
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Mixes
At the top of Focusrite Control 2's Mixer you can see the dierent Mixes you have available listed
as Mix A, Mix B, etc.
Each Mix allows you to combine inputs and send the mixes to outputs for dierent needs.
For example, you may wish to use Mix A to listen to audio through speakers and use Mix B
for a singer's headphone mix. The singer may want to hear more of their own vocals in their
headphones, so you can increase the volume for Mix B only.
Tip
You can have multiple Mixes active at once in Focusrite Control 2.
Each Mix works independently, so, for example, you can route Mix A to your monitors
and Mix B to headphones, without aecting each other. Note, a single Output can only
receive one Mix at a time—if you assign a new Mix to an Output already in use, it will
overwrite the previous routing.
Click on a Mix to select it. You can now route it to any Output(s) of your choice. To do this:
1. Click any existing Output, or the pencil icon right of Routed to →
2. Tick the destinations you want to send this Mix to.
For example, you could send Mix A to Outputs 1-2, where you may have connected
your monitors, and Headphones. You could then hear the same mix in your
headphones and monitors.
3. Click to close the Mix destinations pop-up.
Above the mixer channels, you can see which Outputs your Mix is routed to. If you've not routed a
Mix to an output, you'll see No outputs assigned.
Note
You can only feed each Output from one Mix. For example, you can't send Mix A and
Mix B simultaneously to your headphones. When you're choosing Mix destinations,
Focusrite Control 2 shows you if an output already has a feed from a dierent Mix. If
you route the current Mix to an Output with a Mix already routed to it, it overwrites the
routing to that Output.
Note
You can also change which outputs your mixes are going to in Focusrite Control 2's
Routing tab, see
Using the Focusrite Control 2 Routing tab [50] for more information.
Loopback Destination
If you would like to record the specific mix of inputs you have made, select Loopback as a Mix
destination. See Loopback.
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Using the Mixer Channels
Each mixer channel has several functions.
1. Mix Channel Name
This shows the name of the mixer input.
2. Pan
Moves a mono channel's position in the stereo image from le to right, or changes a
stereo channel's balance from le to right. The default is centre. Alt, option ⌥ click, or
double-click, to reset.
3. Fader
The Fader adjusts the level going to your Mix destination. Alt, option ⌥ or double-
click to reset.
The faders have no eect on the sources you are currently recording.
4. Meter
This shows you the channel's level, in dBFS. Green shows a good level, and amber
means the level is very high.
You'll see two meters for stereo channels, one for each le and right side.
The meter shows the level post-fader, the fader setting will aect the meter.
5. Mute and Solo
Mute - Click the Mute button to silence the channel in the Mix. The Mute button
lights blue when enabled. You can Mute multiple channels simultaneously.
Solo - Click the Solo button to solo the track by silencing all other channels in
the Mix. The Solo button lights yellow when enabled. Enabling Solo on multiple
channels silences any channels without Solo enabled, i.e. you will hear all the Solo'd
channels.
If you enable both Mute and Solo, the last clicked option takes priority.
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Using the Focusrite Control 2 Routing tab
The routing tab in Focusrite Control 2 lets you organise what inputs and mixes you're sending to
the outputs of your Scarlett.
When you open the Routing tab, you'll see a list of Sources and Outputs:
•
The Output list refers to each of the outputs on your Scarlett and is divided into
Analogue outputs (line outputs, headphones) and the digital outputs (S/PDIF, ADAT,
Loopback).
•
The Source list is editable and lets you choose a source of audio to send to the
corresponding output. Sources can either be inputs, DAW (soware) playback channels
or a combination of the two you've created as a mix in Focusrite Control 2's Using the
Focusrite Control 2 Mixer tab [47].
The Routing tab in Focusrite Control 2.
To assign a source to an output, find the output you'd like to use in the Output list and click the
corresponding Source dropdown menu. Click a Source in the list to start sending that audio to
the output. The meters to the right of the row show what you're sending to the output.
You can only feed each Output from one Mix. For example, you can't send Mix A and Mix B
simultaneously to your headphones. When you're choosing Mix destinations, Focusrite Control 2
shows you if an output already has a feed from a dierent Mix. If you route the current Mix to an
Output with a Mix already routed to it, it overwrites the routing to that Output.
Making Outputs mono in Focusrite Control 2
In the Routing tab, you can split stereo outputs to make two mono outputs, so you can send
them completely independent Sources. You might want to use this if you're sending mono
channels to outboard equipment, or if you have a mono speaker for testing your mixes.
To make an output pair two mono channels, click on the stereo symbol in the box to the le of
the stereo pair.
The single stereo output expands to two mono outputs, and each output has its own
independent Source dropdown box.
To revert to a stereo pair, click the mono symbol in the box to the le.
Loopback
If you would like to record the specific mix of inputs you have made, select Loopback as a Mix
destination. See Loopback.
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Using Presets in Focusrite Control 2
Presets give you a way to quickly restore settings for your Scarlett. You can change the settings
to suit a particular session or set up and save this as a nameable preset. Next time you need to
recall those settings, you can Load the preset.
Presets contain the following settings:
• Input settings per channel:
• Input Gain
• +48V
• Inst
• Safe mode
• Air mode.
• Mixer settings
• Mix destination (Routed to →)
• Pan and balance
• Fader levels
• Mute and Solo states.
Note
Focusrite Control 2 saves presets to the computer you're using when you save it.
However, your Scarlett keeps its settings for use with a dierent computer or in
standalone mode.
Saving a Preset
The first step of using Presets in Focusrite Control 2 is changing some settings. Once you've set up
Focusrite Control 2 with some settings you want to recall in future, you can save a preset. There
are two ways to save a preset: saving a New Preset or Overwrite an existing preset.
Saving a New Preset
1. Tweak the settings for your Scarlett in Focusrite Control 2.
2. Click the Presets button in the bottom le of Focusrite Control 2.
3. Click the New Preset button.
4. Type the name of your preset in the Preset Name field. Make sure the name is useful so
you can find and reuse it later.
5. Click Save Preset.
Once you've saved the preset, the name of the preset shows in the bottom le corner of Focusrite
Control 2. If you change any setting while you're in that preset, the name shows an asterisk *.
When the name shows an asterisk * you can either create a new preset using the steps above, or
you can overwrite the preset with the new changes.
Overwriting a Preset
1. Tweak the settings of an existing preset so an asterisk * appears next to the Preset
name.
2. Click the Presets button in the bottom le of Focusrite Control 2.
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3. Hover your mouse over an existing preset and click on the three dots to the right of
the name.
4. Click Overwrite.
5. Before committing to overwriting a Preset, read the warning pop-up and click the
Overwrite button to confirm overwriting the existing preset.
Caution
Overwriting a preset replaces the stored preset's settings with your current settings. You
can't undo this change.
Loading a Preset
Loading a preset recalls a set of settings you've saved previously.
1. Click the Presets button in the bottom le of Focusrite Control 2.
2. Click the preset you want to load.
3. Click the Load button.
Renaming a Preset
Renaming allows you to change the name of a preset without changing any of its settings.
1. Click the Presets button in the bottom le of Focusrite Control 2.
2. Hover your mouse over an existing preset and click on the three dots to the right of
the name.
3. Click Rename.
4. Type the new name for the Preset in the Preset Name field.
5. Click Rename Preset.
Deleting a Preset
Caution
Deleting a Preset removes the preset from Focusrite Control 2. You cannot get it back
and you can't undo this action. Deleting a Preset won't change your interface's settings.
1. Click the Presets button in the bottom le of Focusrite Control 2.
2. Hover your mouse over an existing preset and click on the three dots to the right of
the name.
3. Click Delete.
4. Before committing to deleting a Preset, read the warning pop-up and click the Delete
button to confirm deleting the preset.
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Focusrite Control 2 Preferences
Click the ellipsis in Focusrite Control 2's top right corner and click to open the
Preferences page.
In the Preferences page, you have three tabs:
•
Sample rate
•
Device
•
Application
•
Remote Devices
Sample rate & clocking tab
Sample Rate (kHz)
Sample rate refers to the samples per second your computer is recording. The higher the value,
the higher the quality; however, the higher the value, the more hard drive space your recordings
take up.
Note
Some features, listed below, are not available at quad-band sample rates (176.4 and
192kHz).
•
Air Harmonic Drive
•
Clip Safe
Device tab
Send Direct Monitor mix to Loopback
Your Direct Monitor Mix is a combination of your Scarlett's inputs and the soware playback
channels. You can set this mix in Focusrite Control 2 and record this mix via your Loopback
channels. For more information, see Using your Scarlett 18i20's Loopback feature [46].
Talkback destinations
To use the Talk microphone, you need to tell your Scarlett where you want to send your talkback
microphone. To do this:
1. Click the tick boxes next to the Mixes you want to send the talkback microphone to.
2. In the Routing tab, assign the Mixes as a Source to the outputs you want to send them
to. For example, Send Mix A and Mix B to Headphones 1 and Headphones 2, so your
artists can hear the talkback mic.
For more information, see Using the Focusrite Control 2 Routing tab [50].
Device reset
To do a device reset:
1. Click Reset to default settings.
2. Read the “Are you sure?” pop-up to make sure you want to Reset your Scarlett.
3. Click Reset.
Application tab
Share usage data with Focusrite
Use this tick box to opt into usage analytics to help us make Focusrite Control 2 better. Please see
our Privacy Policy for more information.
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Remote Devices - Installing the Focusrite Control 2 mobile app
To accompany Focusrite Control 2 we've created the Focusrite Control 2 mobile app.
The mobile app lets you connect mobile devices on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer to
control and view Focusrite Control 2.
The remote devices tab lets you manage any phones or tablets you've previously connected to
Focusrite Control 2.
The Focusrite Control 2 mobile app runs on Android and iOS, and you can download it from the
Google Play Store or Apple App Store by clinking on this link or scanning the QR code on your
mobile device:
fc2.focusrite.com/mobile/download
Note
The Focusrite Control 2 mobile app can only control the Focusrite Control 2 when it's
running on your computer.
It's not possible to use the mobile app to control your Scarlett directly.
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Updating Focusrite Control 2 and your Scarlett 18i20
Updating Focusrite Control 2
We update Focusrite Control 2 occasionally with new features and improvements to make sure
you are getting the most from your Scarlett 18i20.
There are two ways to make sure you have the latest Focusrite Control 2 version:
1. Use the updater in Focusrite Control 2:
1. Open Focusrite Control 2.
2. There are two options in the Focusrite Control 2.
a. If an update is available, a dialogue window automatically
appears. Click Install Update to start the update.
Windows macOS
b. To check you are using the latest version, click the ellipses
in Focusrite Control 2's top right corner and click Check for
updates.
3. Click Install Update (Windows) or Install and Relaunch (macOS) in the
prompt that appears aer you've downloaded the update.
On macOS Focusrite Control 2 restarts, and it's now up -to-date. For
Windows, please see the next steps.
4. Click Yes when asked, “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to
your device?”.
5. Follow the instructions in the Focusrite Control 2 Installation window.
6. Click Finish at the end of the installation. Focusrite Control 2 reopens, and
it is now up-to-date.
2. Install Focusrite Control 2 from our Downloads page:
1. Go to the Focusrite downloads website:
focusrite.com/downloads
2. Find your Scarlett on the Downloads website.
3. Download Focusrite Control 2 for your operating system (Windows or Mac).
4. Open the Downloads folder on your computer and double-click the
Focusrite Control 2 installer.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Focusrite Control 2.
6. If it’s not already, connect your Scarlett interface to your computer with the
USB cable.
7. Open Focusrite Control 2 and it detects your Scarlett automatically.
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Updating your Scarlett 18i20
We occasionally update your Scarlett 18i20's firmware with new features and improvements, to
make sure you are getting the most from your Scarlett. Focusrite Control 2 updates your Scarlett
18i20's firmware.
To update your Scarlett:
1. Open Focusrite Control 2.
If there is an update available, Focusrite Control 2 tells you when you open it.
2. Click Update Scarlett 18i20.
Focusrite Control 2 starts the update, do not disconnect your Scarlett 18i20 while the
update is in progress.
3. Click Continue aer the update has finished.
Your Scarlett 18i20 is now up-to-date, and you can continue to use it as normal.
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Scarlett 18i20 Specifications
These specifications allow you to compare your Scarlett 18i20 with other devices and make sure
they’ll work together. If you’re not familiar with these specifications, don’t worry you don’t need
to know this information to use your Scarlett 18i20 with most devices
Performance Specifications
Where possible, we measure all performance figures following AES17.
Supported Sample Rates 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
Bit Depth 24-bit
Microphone Inputs
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz ± 0.06dB
Dynamic Range (A-weighted) 116dB
THD+N -100dB @ 8dB gain
Noise EIN (A-Weighted) -127dBu
Maximum Input Level (at minimum gain) 16dBu
Gain Range 69dB
Input Impedance 3kΩ
Line Inputs
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz ± 0.05dB
Dynamic Range (A-weighted) 115.5dB
THD+N -100dB @ 8dB gain
Maximum Input Level (at minimum gain) 22dBu
Gain Range 69dB
Input Impedance 24kΩ
Instrument Inputs
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz ± 0.05dB
Dynamic Range (A-weighted) 113dB
THD+N -80dB @ minimum gain
Maximum Input Level (at minimum gain) 12dBu
Gain Range 62dB
Input Impedance 1MΩ
Line Outputs (balanced)
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz ± 0.02dB
Dynamic Range (A-weighted) 122dB
THD+N -112dB
Maximum Output Level 16dBu
Line Outputs (balanced)
Output impedance 200Ω
Headphone Outputs
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz ± 0.1dB @ 33Ω / 300Ω
Dynamic Range (A-weighted) 112dB @ 33Ω
116dB @ 300Ω
THD+N -100dB @ 33Ω (Minimum)
-110dB @ 300Ω (Minimum)
Maximum Output Level 5dBu into 33Ω
11dBu into 300Ω
Maximum Output Power 57mW into 33Ω
27mW into 300Ω
Output impedance 11Ω
Physical and Electrical Characteristics
Analogue Inputs
Connectors Eight back panel Neutrik® Combo XLR/6.35mm (1/4") TRS jack inputs
Two front panel 6.35mm (1/4") jack inputs
Mic/Line switching Automatic
Phantom Power (48v) Front panel 48V (phantom power) button or switch in soware
Line/Instrument switching Front panel Inst button or switch in soware
Auto Gain Front panel Auto button or switch in soware
Clip Safe Front panel Safe button.
AIR function Front panel Air button or switch in soware
Analogue Outputs
Balanced Outputs Ten 6.35mm (1/4") balanced jack outputs:
•
Four speaker outputs (two Main, two ALT)
•
Six Line Outputs
Headphone Outputs Two front panel stereo 6.35mm (1.4") TRS jack sockets
Main Output Level Control Digitally controlled encoder
Headphones Level Control Front panel analogue control
Other I/O
USB USB-C connector.
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Other I/O
ADAT Eight channels at 44.1/49kHz
Eight channels at 88.2/96kHz
Disabled at 176.4/192kHz
S/PDIF Two channels of coaxial S/PDIF.
Up to 96kHz.
Word Clock One BNC connector Output
Front Panel Indicators
Channel Selection White/Green LEDs for channels 1 and 2
Select button White/Green Select LED
48V White/Green 48V LED (depending on the selected channel)
Inst White/Green Inst LED (depending on the selected channel)
Auto White Auto LED to initiate Auto Gain
Clip Safe White/Green Safe LED (depending on the selected channel)
Air Mode White, green, amber Air LED (depending on the selected channel and
selected Air mode)
Output Level Meter Three-colour LED ring around Output control.
USB
USB LED
Weight and Dimensions
Weight 3.3kg (7.29lbs)
Height 47 mm (1.83")
Width 442 mm (17.4")
Depth 260 mm (10.23")
Environmental
Operating Temperature 40°C / 104°F Maximum ambient operating temperature
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Channel Order
Single-band - 44.1kHz and 48kHz
DAW Input Input
1 Mic/Line/Inst 1
2 Mic/Line/Inst 2
3 Mic/Line 3
4 Mic/Line 4
5 Mic/Line 5
6 Mic/Line 6
7 Mic/Line 7
8 Mic/Line 8
9 Loopback 1
10 Loopback 2
11 S/PDIF L
12 S/PDIF R
13 ADAT 1
14 ADAT 2
15 ADAT 3
16 ADAT 4
17 ADAT 5
18 ADAT 6
19 ADAT 7
20 ADAT 8
Dual-band - 88.2kHz and 96kHz
DAW Input Hardware Input
Optical: S/PDIF Mode Optical: ADAT Mode
1 Mic/Line/Inst 1 Mic/Line/Inst 1
2 Mic/Line/Inst 2 Mic/Line/Inst 2
3 Mic/Line 3 Mic/Line 3
4 Mic/Line 4 Mic/Line 4
5 Mic/Line 5 Mic/Line 5
6 Mic/Line 6 Mic/Line 6
7 Mic/Line 7 Mic/Line 7
8 Mic/Line 8 Mic/Line 8
9 Loopback 1 Loopback 1
10 Loopback 2 Loopback 2
11 S/PDIF L ADAT 1.1
12 S/PDIF R ADAT 1.2
13 ADAT 1 ADAT 1.3
14 ADAT 2 ADAT 1.4
15 ADAT 3 ADAT 2.1
16 ADAT 4 ADAT 2.2
17 ADAT 2.3
18 ADAT 2.4
Quad-band - 176.4kHz and 192kHz
DAW Input Hardware Input
1 Mic/Line/Inst 1
2 Mic/Line/Inst 2
3 Mic/Line 3
4 Mic/Line 4
5 Mic/Line 5
6 Mic/Line 6
7 Mic/Line 7
8 Mic/Line 8
9 Loopback 1
10 Loopback 2
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Notices
Troubleshooting
For all troubleshooting queries, please visit the Focusrite Help Centre at support.focusrite.com.
Copyright & Legal Notices
Focusrite is a registered trademark and Scarlett is a trademark of Focusrite Group PLC.
All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
2024 © Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited. All rights reserved.
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Credits
Focusrite would like to thank the following Scarlett 4th Gen team members for their hard work in
bringing you this product:
Aarron Beveridge, Adam Watson,Adrian Dyer,Adrien Fauconnet, Alex Middleton-Dalby,Alice
Rizzo,Alistair Smith,Andy Normington, Andy Poole, Andy West, Arne Gödeke, Bailey Dayson,
Bamber Haworth, Bash Ahmed, Ben Allim, Ben Bates, Ben Cochrane, Ben Dandy, Benjamin Dunn,
Bran Searle, Callum Denton, Carey Chen, Cerys Williams, Chris Graves, Dan Clarke, Dan Stephens,
Dan Weston, Daniel Hughley, Daniel Johnson, Danny Nugent, Dave Curtis, David Marston, Derek
Orr, Ed Fry, Ed Reason, Eddie Judd, Ellen Dawes, Emma Davies, Flavia Ferreira, Greg Westall,
Greg Zielinski, Guillem Allepuz, Hannah Williams, Harry Morley, Hasan Saeed, Ian Hadaway,
Isaac Harding, Jack Cole, Jack Holyoak, Jake Wignall, James Hallowell, James Otter, Jason
Cheung, Jed Fulwell, Jerome Noel, Jesse Mancia, Joe Crook, Joe Deller, Josh Wilkinson, Joe
Munday, Joe Noel, Jon Jannaway, Julia Laeger, Kai Van Dongen, Keith Burton, Kiara Holm,
Kieran Rigby, Krischa Tobias, Lars Henning, Laurence Clarke, Loz Jackson, Luke Piotrak, Luke
Mason, Marc Smith, Mark Greenwood, Martin Dewhirst, Martin Haynes, Mary Browning, Massimo
Bottaro, Matt Morton, Matt Richardson, Max Bailey, Michalis Fragkiadakis, Mick Gilbert, Mike
Richardson, Nicholas Howlett, Nick Lyon, Nick Thomson, Oliver Tapley, Olly Stephenson, Paul
Chana, Paul Shulebotham, Pete Carss, Pierre Ruiz, Richard Carvalho, Richard Walters, Robert
Blaauboer, Robert Mitsakov, Ross Chisholm, Sam Lewis, Samuel Price, Sandor Zsuga, Sebastian
Heinz, Simon Burges, Stefan Archer, Stefan Elmes, Steve Bush, Stratis Sofianos, Taavi Bonny,
Taren Gopinathan, Tom Carter, Tom Haines, Tony Pow, Valeria Cirillo, Will Hoult, Will Munn, Will
Thomas, Vidur Dahiya, Wade Dawson, Zih-Syuan Yang.
Authored by Ed Fry.
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