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Scarlett 18i20
User Guide
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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 User Guide

User Guide
Version 1.0
www.focusrite.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................... 2
OVERVIEW..................................................................... 3
Introduction .................................................................3
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Box Contents ................................................................4
System requirements .........................................................4
Rackmounting the Scarlett 18i20................................................5
GETTING STARTED .............................................................6
Quick Start Tool ..............................................................6
Mac users only .................................................................6
Windows only ..................................................................8
HARDWARE FEATURES.........................................................11
Front Panel.................................................................11
Rear Panel .................................................................13
Connecting your Scarlett 18i20 ................................................14
Audio Setup in your DAW .....................................................15
Examples of Usage ..........................................................17
FOCUSRITE CONTROL ..........................................................26
SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................. 32
Performance Specifications ...................................................32
Physical and Electrical Characteristics ..........................................34
TROUBLESHOOTING ...........................................................36
COPYRIGHT AND LEGAL NOTICES................................................ 36
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OVERVIEW
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Third Generation Scarlett 18i20, one of the family of Focusrite professional computer interfaces incorporating high quality Focusrite analogue preamps. In conjunction with the unit’s accompanying software application, Focusrite Control, you now have a compact yet highly versatile solution for routing high quality audio to and from your computer. You can also use the Scarlett 18i20 as a “stand-alone” interface to any other type of recording device, once you have configured it using Focusrite Control.
Focusrite Control, and several other exciting and useful software applications, can be downloaded free of charge once you have registered your product. Note that a separate Focusrite Control User Guide is also available; we strongly recommend that you download this as well.
In developing the Third Generation series of Scarlett interfaces, we have made further improvements to both performance and features. Audio specifications have been upgraded throughout the unit to give you greater dynamic range and even lower noise and distortion; additionally, the mic preamps now accept higher input levels. An important enhancement is the inclusion of Focusrite’s AIR function. Individually selectable on each channel, AIR subtly modifies the preamp’s frequency response to model the sonic characteristics of our classic transformer-based ISA microphone preamps. When recording with good quality microphones, you will notice an enhanced clarity and definition in the important mid to high frequency range, just where it is most needed for vocals and many acoustic instruments. Third Generation Scarlett interfaces are class compliant on macOS: this means they are plug-and-play, so no need to install a driver if you are a Mac user.
Your Third Generation Scarlett interface is compatible with our Focusrite Control software application: this lets you control various hardware features, set up monitor mixes and configure routings. There is a Focusrite Control installer for both Mac and Windows platforms, and no driver is required for Macs. The Windows version of the installer contains the driver, so in either case, you only need to install Focusrite Control to get up and running.
This User Guide provides a detailed explanation of the hardware to help you achieve a thorough understanding of the product’s operational features. We recommend that you take the time to read through the User Guide, whether you’re new to computer-based recording or a more experienced user, so that you are fully aware of all the possibilities that the Scarlett 18i20 and accompanying software have to offer. If the main User Guide sections do not provide the information you need, be sure to consult https://support.focusrite.com/, which contains a comprehensive collection of answers to common technical support queries.
Features
The Scarlett 18i20 audio interface caters for a total of 18 inputs and 20 outputs, and provides the means to connect microphones, musical instruments, line level audio signals and digital audio signals in both ADAT and S/PDIF formats to a computer running compatible versions of macOS or Windows via one of the computer’s USB ports. In the Third Generation, the optical ADAT ports also support “Dual ADAT” operation (S/MUX II), which provide 8 channels of audio at 88.2/96 kHz as well as at 44.1/48 kHz.
The signals at the physical inputs can be routed to your audio recording software / digital audio workstation (referred to throughout this user guide as the “DAW”) at up to 24-bit, 192 kHz resolution; similarly, the DAW’s monitor or recorded output signals can be configured to appear at the unit’s physical outputs.
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The outputs can be connected to amplifiers and speakers, powered monitors, headphones, an audio mixer or any other analogue or digital audio equipment that you wish to use. Although all inputs and outputs on the Scarlett 18i20 are routed directly to and from your DAW for recording and playback, you can configure the routing within your DAW in order to meet your precise needs.
The accompanying software application, Focusrite Control, provides further routing and monitoring options, as well as the ability to control global hardware settings such as sample rate and synchronisation.
Two completely new features have been added to the Third Generation 18i20: talkback and secondary monitor speaker switching. The Talkback function uses the built-in mic to let you speak to the musicians through their headphones, though the talkback signal may alternatively be routed to any other combination of outputs. The ALT function lets you connect a second pair of monitor loudspeakers to Line Outputs 3 and 4 and switch between the pairs to reference your mix on a different set of speakers. Both functions can be activated from the front panel but they can also be configured and selected on-screen from Focusrite Control.
All inputs on the Scarlett 18i20 are routed directly to your DAW software for recording, but Focusrite Control also allows you to route these signals internally within the device to the outputs so that you can monitor the audio signals with ultra-low latency - before they arrive at your DAW, should you need to do so.
The Scarlett 18i20 also has connectors for sending and receiving MIDI data, and for transmitting word clock to ensure synchronisation with other items of digital audio equipment.
Box Contents
Along with your Scarlett 18i20 you should find:
• IEC mains cable (with plug appropriate for your territory)
• USB cable, Type ‘A’ to Type ‘C’
• Getting Started Information (printed on inside of box lid)
• Important Safety Information
• Set of rack ears (for mounting the 18i20 in a 19” rack)
System requirements
The easiest way to check that your computer’s operating system (OS) is compatible with the Scarlett 18i20 is to use our online OS Checker at https://customer.focusrite.com/downloads/os. As new OS versions become available over time, you can continue to check for futher compatibility information by searching our Help Centre at https://support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb.
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Rackmounting the Scarlett 18i20
The Scarlett 18i20 can be mounted in a standard 19” equipment rack. In order to do this, the rack ears supplied with the unit need first to be fitted.
To fit the rack ears:
• Remove the rubber “Focusrite” inserts from the sides of the case. This will reveal three tapped fixing holes:
Rubber Insert
• Fix the rack ears to the sides of the chassis using the three countersunk M4 screws supplied:
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GETTING STARTED
With the Third Generation, Scarlett interfaces introduce a new, faster way of getting up and running, using the Scarlett Quick Start tool. All you need to do is connect your Scarlett 18i20 to your computer. Once connected, you will see that the device is recognised by your PC or Mac and the Quick Start tool will guide you through the process from there.
IMPORTANT: The Scarlett 18i20 has a single USB 2.0 Type C port (on the rear panel):
connect it to your computer using the USB cable provided. Note that Scarlett 18i20
is a USB 2.0 device, and thus the USB connection requires a USB 2.0+ compliant port
on your computer.
Your computer will initially treat your Scarlett as a Mass Storage Device (MSD), and during its first connection, the Scarlett will be in “MSD Mode”
Quick Start Tool
We have tried to make registering your Scarlett 18i20 as simple as possible. The procedure will probably be self explanatory, but we have described each step below, so you can see how they should appear on either a PC or a Mac.
Mac users only:
On connecting your Scarlett 18i20 to your Mac, a Scarlett icon will appear on the desktop:
Double-click on the icon to open the Finder window shown on the following page.
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Double-click on the “Click Here to Get Started.url” icon. This will redirect you to the Focusrite website, where we recommend that you register your device:
Click on “Let’s get you started”, and you’ll be presented with a form which will be partly prefilled for you automatically. On submitting the form, options will be presented to either go straight to the downloads area to get the software for your Scarlett, or to follow a step by step setup guide based on your choices. Once you have installed the Focusrite Control software to set up and configure your interface, the Scarlett will be switched out of MSD mode so that it no longer appears as a Mass Storage Device when connected to your computer.
Your OS should automatically switch the computer’s default audio inputs and outputs to the Scarlett 18i20. To verify this, go to System Preferences > Sound, and ensure that the input and output are set to Scarlett 18i20. For more detailed setup options on a Mac, open:
Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup.
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Windows only:
On connecting your Scarlett 18i20 to your PC, a Scarlett icon will appear on the desktop:
(Note that the drive letter may be something other than D:, depending on what other devices you have connected to your PC).
Double-click on the pop-up message to open the dialogue box shown below:
Double-click on “Open folder to view files”: this will open an Explorer window:
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Double-click “Click Here to Get Started”. This will redirect you to the Focusrite website, where we recommend that you register your device:
Click on “Let’s get you started”, and you’ll be presented with a form which will be partly prefilled for you automatically. On submitting the form, options will be presented to either go straight to the downloads area to get the software for your Scarlett, or to follow a step-by-step setup guide based on your choices. Once you have installed the Focusrite Control software to set up and configure your interface, the Scarlett will be switched out of MSD mode so that it no longer appears as a Mass Storage Device when connected to your computer.
Your OS should automatically switch the computer’s default audio inputs and outputs to be the Scarlett 18i20. To verify this, right click on the Sound icon on the taskbar and select Sound Settings, and set the Scarlett as the Input and Output Device.
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All users:
Note that a second file - “More Info & FAQs” - is also available during the initial set-up process. This file contains some additional information about the Focusrite Quick Start tool which you may find helpful if you have any issues with the procedure.
Once registered, you will have immediate access to the following resources:
• Focusrite Control (Mac and Windows versions available) - see NOTE below
• Multi-language User Guides
Licence codes and links will be provided for the following bundled software within your account page.
• Pro Tools | First
• Ableton Live Lite
• Focusrite Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite
• Softube Time and Tone bundle
• XLN Audio Addictive Keys
• Plug-in Collective Offers
NOTE: Installing Focusrite Control will also automatically install the correct driver for your device. Focusrite Control is available to download at any time, even without registering: see “Manual Registration” below.
Manual Registration
If you decide to register your Scarlet 18i20 at a later date you can do so at :
https://customer.focusrite.com/user/register. You will need to enter the Serial Number manually:
this number can be found on the base of the interface itself, and can also on the barcode label on the side of the box.
We recommend that you download and install our Focusrite Control application, as this will disable MSD mode and unlock the full potential of the interface. Initially, when in MSD mode, the interface will function at sample rates up to 48 kHz. Once Focusrite Control is installed on your computer, you can work at sample rates up to 192 kHz. If you decide not to download and install Focusrite Control immediately, it can be downloaded at any time from:
https://customer.focusrite.com/support/downloads.
In order to force your Scarlett 18i20 out of MSD mode without first registering it, hold down the 1-4 48V button while disconnecting and reconnecting the USB cable, and then continue to hold the button down for a further five seconds. This will ensure that your Scarlett 18i20 has full functionality. Please bear in mind that should you wish to register your Scarlett 18i20 after taking this action, you will need to so manually, as explained above.
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HARDWARE FEATURES
Front Panel
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8 1215 1773
9 1610 11 1813
The front panel includes all the input gain and monitoring controls as well as two of the input connectors for Mic, Line and Instrument signals.
1. Inputs 1 and 2 – Combo” type input sockets - connect microphones, instruments (e.g., guitar), or line level signals here. Combo sockets accept both XLR and ¼” (6.35 mm) jacks. Microphones will normally be connected using XLR plugs: instruments and line level signals should be connected via ¼” (6.35 mm) jack plugs of either TS or TRS type. The preamp gain is appropriate for microphones when an XLR plug is inserted, and for higher level signals when a jack plug is inserted. Do not connect anything other than a microphone - e.g., the output of a sound module or FX unit - via an XLR plug, as the signal level will overload the preamp, resulting in distortion; also, if phantom power is enabled, the equipment may be damaged.
2. 48V – two switches (1-4, 5-8) enabling 48 V phantom power at the XLR contacts of the Combo connectors for mic inputs 1-4 and 5-8 respectively. (Note that inputs 3 to 8 are on the rear panel.) The switches each have an associated red LED indicating that phantom power is selected.
3. Gain 1 & 2 – adjust the input gain for the signals at Inputs 1 and 2 respectively.
4. INST – two switches changing the input configuration for the jack contacts at Inputs 1 and
2. When INST is selected, the gain range and input impedance are altered (relative to LINE), and the input is made unbalanced. This optimises it for the direct connection of instruments (usually via a 2-pole (TS) jack plug). When INST is off, the inputs are suitable for the connection of line level signals. Line level signals may be connected either in balanced form via a 3-pole (TRS) jack or unbalanced via a 2-pole (TS) jack. ‘INST’ illuminates red when Instrument mode is selected. Note that INST may also be selected from Focusrite Control.
5. AIR – eight yellow LEDs indicating selection of AIR mode for each channel. AIR mode, selected from Focusrite Control, modifies the frequency response of the input stage to model the classic, transformer-based Focusrite ISA microphone preamps.
6. PAD – eight switches selecting the PAD function for each channel. PAD decreases the signal level going to your DAW by 10 dB; use when the input source has a particularly high level. ‘PAD’ illuminates red when active. Note that PAD may also be selected from Focusrite Control.
7. Gain 3 to 8 – adjust the input gain for the signals at Inputs 3 to 8 respectively. (Note that the connectors for these inputs are on the rear panel.)
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