Question 1

How is the 18i20 3rd generation different from the 2nd generation model? What do these changes improve on? Why were these changes necessary?

Accepted Answer

Hi,

There have been several improvements made to the 3rd generation range of interfaces. Firstly, all of the inputs on the 18i20 3rd gen feature Air mode, emulating the classic sound of our original transformer-based ISA preamps. Secondly, the 18i20 3rd gen now has the ability to switch between Main and Alternative speakers connected to it using a front panel button. Thirdly, we have added a built-in Talkback function (allowing the engineer to talk directly to the performer), a Loopback function (allowing audio from one application to be recorded into another without connecting cables), Dual ADAT ports for recording 16 channels of audio into the DAW at 96kHz, optical S/PDIF and removable rack ears. Lastly, the specifications of the preamps and conversion have been improved even further - for example, the dynamic range has been increased to 111dB and the gain range is now 56dB instead of 50dB on the 2nd generation.

Best regards,

Laurence Clarke // Focusrite Technical Support

Question 2

How is the 18i20 3rd generation different from the 2nd generation model? What do these changes improve on? Why were these changes necessary?

Accepted Answer

The biggest change is in the headroom. These preamps and converters are cleaner and offer more gain than the 2nd gen. These pres also come equipped with the "Air" mode which adds some high end to model the ISA preamp circuit. The 3rd gen 18i20 also has 16 ADAT I/O channels as opposed to the 2nd gen's 8 channels of ADAT. The removable ears also help with portability for the engineer who doesn't want to keep the interface in a rack.

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Question 3

Is Reaper supported?

Accepted Answer

Hello,

Yes, you can use the Scarlett 18i8 (3rd Gen) with Reaper.

Best regards,

Jay Lilley // Focusrite Technical Support Engineer

Question 4

When connected to windows through usb, do the drivers let me see each xlr pair as its own device in windows sound settings? i don't plan to use a daw.

Accepted Answer

Hello,

Yes this is possible in Windows.

To expose additional channels from your Scarlett interface to non-ASIO applications (e.g. Skype, Discord, Zoom, Audacity) first click the Focusrite Notifier icon in the taskbar, then click "Expose/Hide Windows Channels":

Best Regards,

Anthony // Focusrite Support

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FocusriteScarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

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