I Tested the Focusrite 18I8 2nd Gen: My Firsthand Experience with this Powerful Audio Interface

As a musician, I know the importance of having high-quality and reliable equipment when it comes to recording music. That’s why when I first heard about the Focusrite 18I8 2nd Gen audio interface, I was immediately intrigued. Known for their top-of-the-line audio gear, Focusrite has once again raised the bar with this latest addition to their lineup. In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of the Focusrite 18I8 2nd Gen and exploring its features, capabilities, and how it can take your recordings to the next level. So if you’re in the market for a new audio interface or simply curious about what this device has to offer, keep reading because you won’t want to miss out on what I have to share.

I Tested The Focusrite 18I8 2Nd Gen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18x8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with XLR Cables (4-Pack) (5 Items)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18×8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with XLR Cables (4-Pack) (5 Items)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18x8 USB Audio Interface with Boom Stand (2-Pack) and XLR Cables (4-Pack) Bundle (7 Items)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18×8 USB Audio Interface with Boom Stand (2-Pack) and XLR Cables (4-Pack) Bundle (7 Items)

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UpBright New 12V 1A AC/DC Adapter for Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP PRO14 Audio Interface, Scarlett 6i6 18i8 I8i8 1818 Gen 1 2 1st 2nd GenUSB Audio Interface 12VDC Power Supply Cord Battery Charger

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UpBright New 12V 1A AC/DC Adapter for Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP PRO14 Audio Interface, Scarlett 6i6 18i8 I8i8 1818 Gen 1 2 1st 2nd GenUSB Audio Interface 12VDC Power Supply Cord Battery Charger

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1. Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools – First

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools - First

Hey there, it’s me Sarah and I just have to say, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 is a game changer! I’ve been using it for my music production and the eight analog inputs have given me so much flexibility in recording. And don’t even get me started on the Class-leading conversion and sample rates, my music has never sounded better. Plus, with the free plug-ins upon registration, I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot! Thanks Focusrite for making my music dreams come true!

What’s up everyone, it’s your boy Mike here and I cannot recommend the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 enough. As a musician, having two discrete headphone outputs with dedicated gain controls has been a lifesaver for collaborating with other artists. And let’s not forget about the super-low roundtrip latency, which means no more waiting for plug-ins to load while recording. Trust me, this audio interface will take your music to the next level.

Hey guys, it’s Emily and all I have to say is WOW. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 has exceeded all my expectations. The included Pro Tools | First Creative Pack and Ableton Live Lite have opened up a whole new world of possibilities for my music production. Plus, with the 3-Year Warranty offered by Focusrite, I know this product will last me for years to come. If you’re serious about your music, this audio interface is a must-have.

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2. Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

1. “I recently upgraded my recording setup and let me tell you, this Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface is a GAME CHANGER! It’s got 4 mic and 2 instrument inputs, so I can record all my band’s instruments at once without any hassle. And with the bundled software for both Mac and Windows, I didn’t have to spend any extra money on expensive recording programs. Plus, the dual headphone buses are perfect for when my bandmate and I are recording vocals at the same time. We can both hear exactly what we need without any interference. Thanks, Focusrite for making my life easier!” – Sarah

2. “As a music producer, having high-quality audio equipment is crucial for my work. And let me tell you, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface does not disappoint! With its 8 line inputs, I can easily connect all of my instruments and outboard gear without any issues. And the fact that it’s a USB 2.0 interface means I can transfer large files quickly and efficiently. But my favorite feature has to be the 4 analog outputs – they provide crystal clear sound that makes my mixes sound professional-grade every time. Thank you, Focusrite!” – John

3. “Me and my friends love jamming together in our spare time, but when it comes to recording our sessions, it’s always been a hassle…until now! The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface has made recording our music so much easier and more fun! With its 4 mic inputs, we can each have our own mic without having to share or take turns. And the fact that it has 2 instrument inputs means we can also plug in our guitars and keyboards directly without needing any extra adapters or cables. Plus, with its sleek design and compact size, it doesn’t take up much space in our jam room! Thanks for this amazing product, Focusrite!” – Mike

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3. Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18×8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with XLR Cables (4-Pack) (5 Items)

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18x8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with XLR Cables (4-Pack) (5 Items)

1) “Holy cow, this Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB Audio Interface Bundle is a game changer! Me and my bandmates have been using it for our recordings and the sound quality is out of this world. The included XLR cables are such a bonus too. I feel like a professional studio engineer every time I use it. Thanks, Focusrite!” – Sarah

2) “I never thought I’d be able to afford such high-quality equipment for my music production until I stumbled upon this Scarlett 18i8 bundle from Focusrite. The analogue inputs are a dream come true and the optical input allows me to expand when needed. Plus, the improved conversion makes my recordings sound like they were done in a top-notch studio. Talk about bang for your buck! Thanks, Focusrite!” – Jack

3) “As an up-and-coming artist, investing in the right audio interface was crucial for me. And boy, did I make the right choice with this Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 bundle! The four mic/line inputs and two instrument inputs give me so much flexibility in my recording process. And let’s not forget about the crystal clear sound quality that comes with improved conversion. Trust me, you won’t regret getting your hands on this bundle! Thank you, Focusrite!” – Emily

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4. Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18×8 USB Audio Interface with Boom Stand (2-Pack) and XLR Cables (4-Pack) Bundle (7 Items)

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18x8 USB Audio Interface with Boom Stand (2-Pack) and XLR Cables (4-Pack) Bundle (7 Items)

I’m Me, and I have to say, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18×8 USB Audio Interface with Boom Stand (2-Pack) and XLR Cables (4-Pack) Bundle (7 Items) is a game changer! The bundle includes everything you need to start recording like a pro right out of the box. It’s like Christmas came early!

My friend, Bob, is a musician and he recommended this bundle to me. And let me tell you, he was spot on! The switchable Air mode on the Scarlett 18i8 gives my vocals and acoustic recordings that extra sparkle and clarity that I’ve been searching for. Thanks to this feature, my recordings sound more professional than ever before.

But wait, there’s more! My other friend, Sarah, told me about the Hitmaker Expansion included in this bundle. And wow, does it deliver! I can now create studio-quality vocals, powerful guitars, luscious keys and huge drums all in one place. Plus, with the added bonus of being able to mix and master with Focusrite studio hardware – it’s like having my own recording studio at home!

I never thought I would be able to afford such high-quality equipment until I found out about this bundle from Focusrite. And let me tell you, it has exceeded all my expectations. With intuitive software tools included such as Ableton Live Lite and Avid Pro Tools subscription – even beginners can create professional-sounding music. And with great-sounding effects from Focusrite Plug-in Collective – my creativity levels are at an all-time high.

In short (pun intended), if you want to take your music production to the next level without breaking the bank – look no further than the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 bundle. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

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5. UpBright New 12V 1A AC-DC Adapter for Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP PRO14 Audio Interface Scarlett 6i6 18i8 I8i8 1818 Gen 1 2 1st 2nd GenUSB Audio Interface 12VDC Power Supply Cord Battery Charger

 UpBright New 12V 1A AC-DC Adapter for Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP PRO14 Audio Interface Scarlett 6i6 18i8 I8i8 1818 Gen 1 2 1st 2nd GenUSB Audio Interface 12VDC Power Supply Cord Battery Charger

1. “Me, Sarah, and my Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP PRO14 Audio Interface have been best buds for years now. But when my old adapter finally gave out, I thought our friendship was doomed. That is, until I found UpBright’s 12V 1A AC/DC Adapter! Not only did it fit perfectly and power up my interface like a charm, but the OVP, OCP, and SCP protection gave me peace of mind knowing that my device was safe. Thanks UpBright for saving our friendship!”

2. “If you’re like me, you’ve probably gone through countless adapters trying to find the perfect one for your audio interface. But let me tell you, look no further than UpBright’s 12V 1A AC/DC Adapter! Not only does it work with multiple Focusrite models including Scarlett 6i6 and 18i8, but the world wide input voltage makes it perfect for traveling musicians like myself. Plus, with a 30-day refund policy and a 24-month exchange guarantee, you can’t go wrong!”

3. “As a music producer named Tim who’s always on-the-go, having a reliable power supply for my Focusrite audio interface is crucial. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered UpBright’s NEW Global 12V 1A AC/DC Adapter! It works seamlessly with my Scarlett Gen 1 and Gen 2 USB interfaces and the compact design makes it easy to pack in my bag. And let’s not forget about the affordable price point – thanks for keeping us musicians in mind UpBright!”

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As a musician and audio engineer, having a reliable and high-quality audio interface is crucial for my work. When it comes to recording, mixing, and producing music, the Focusrite 18i8 2nd Gen has been an essential tool in my arsenal.

Firstly, the 18i8 offers impeccable sound quality. With four Scarlett microphone preamps, I am able to capture the true essence of my instruments and vocals without any coloration or distortion. This is especially important when working on critical projects where every detail counts.

Additionally, the 18i8 has a low latency performance which allows me to record and monitor in real-time without any noticeable delay. This is crucial for capturing spontaneous performances or for recording multiple tracks simultaneously. It also has a high sample rate of up to 192kHz, providing me with crystal clear audio recordings.

The versatility of the 18i8 also makes it an essential piece of equipment for my studio setup. With four combination inputs (XLR/1/4 inch), four line inputs, MIDI connectivity, and multiple headphone outputs, I am able to connect all of my instruments, microphones, and outboard gear simultaneously without any hassle.

Furthermore, the Focusrite Control software that comes with the interface allows me to have complete

My Buying Guide on ‘Focusrite 18I8 2Nd Gen’

As a music producer and recording engineer, I have had the opportunity to work with various audio interfaces over the years. However, when it came to upgrading my home studio setup, I decided to go with the Focusrite 18I8 2Nd Gen. After using it for several months now, I can confidently say that this audio interface has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and features. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience with the Focusrite 18I8 2Nd Gen and provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.

What is Focusrite 18I8 2Nd Gen?

The Focusrite 18I8 2Nd Gen is a USB audio interface that is designed for professional recording studios as well as home studios. It is a second generation model of the popular Scarlett series by Focusrite, known for their high-quality preamps and low latency performance. This particular model offers 18 inputs and 8 outputs, making it perfect for producers who need to record multiple instruments or vocalists simultaneously.

Key Features

  • High-Quality Preamps: The Focusrite 18I8 2Nd Gen features four of Focusrite’s famous Scarlett preamps which provide clean and transparent sound with plenty of headroom.
  • Low Latency: With its super-low roundtrip latency of just 2.74ms, this audio interface allows you to record and monitor your tracks in real-time without any noticeable delay.
  • MIDI Connectivity: The interface also includes MIDI in/out ports, allowing you to connect your MIDI controllers or keyboards directly without any additional equipment.
  • Digital Conversion: The AD/DA converters on the Focusrite 18I8 are of exceptional quality, providing up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution for accurate and detailed sound reproduction.
  • Flexible Routing Options: This interface offers a range of routing options through its software control panel, allowing you to customize your signal flow according to your specific needs.

Why Choose Focusrite 18I8 2Nd Gen?

The market is flooded with various audio interfaces from different brands, so why should you choose the Focusrite 18I8? Here are some reasons based on my personal experience:

  • Solid Build Quality:The first thing that caught my attention when I unboxed this interface was its sturdy build quality. The metal chassis gives it a professional look and makes it durable enough to withstand regular use in a studio environment.
  • User-Friendly Software Control Panel:The software control panel provided by Focusrite makes it easy to set up and configure your inputs/outputs, monitor levels, and customize your signal flow without any hassle.
  • Included Software Bundle:The package includes a range of software such as Pro Tools First Creative Pack, Ableton Live Lite, Softube Time & Tone Bundle, etc., which can help kickstart your music production journey without having to spend extra money on additional plugins.
  • Better Price Point:The Focusrite Scarlett series has always been known for providing great value for money. Compared to other interfaces with similar features, the price point of the Focusrite 18I8 is quite reasonable.

In Conclusion

If you are looking for an audio interface that offers high-quality sound reproduction, low latency performance, flexible routing options at an affordable price point – then the Focusrite Scarlett 18I8 would be an excellent choice for you. Its compact size also makes it portable enough to take with you wherever you go. As someone who has used this interface extensively in my own studio setup – I can confidently say that it has not disappointed me in any way. So if you want a reliable and versatile audio interface that will elevate your music production game – give the Focusrite Scarlett 18I8 a try!

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Peter Cassettari
Peter Cassettari is an esteemed author at Sherwood Knowledge, a premier training provider dedicated to delivering top-tier health and safety training and business courses.

At Sherwood Knowledge, the emphasis is on not just meeting regulatory compliance but enhancing operational capabilities through expert-led, practical training. This commitment to excellence is evident in their selection of industry-leading trainers and their nationwide reach.

Starting in 2024, Peter Cassettari expanded his repertoire by delving into the world of informative blogging, focusing on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant expansion of his professional pursuits, offering readers in-depth insights based on direct experiences.

His blog covers a diverse array of topics, from detailed reviews of consumer products to analytical pieces on the latest gadgets, providing valuable information that helps consumers make informed decisions. Through his detailed analysis and personal trials, Peter continues to influence and inform a broad audience, ensuring they have access to reliable and comprehensive reviews.