Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen USB Audio Interface

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen is a USB-C audio interface for home and project studios that need more inputs than a desktop two-channel unit. It has four of Focusrite's ultra-low-noise mic/line preamps with a 69dB gain range, which can be adjusted remotely from the Focusrite Control 2 software, while Auto Gain sets recording levels and Clip Safe lowers the gain automatically if a signal is about to clip. Two re-engineered Air modes add the brighter, console-style character Scarlett users know. Inputs 1 and 2 accept guitars and basses directly, and four further line inputs suit synths and drum machines. Optical ADAT adds up to eight extra inputs and outputs and S/PDIF two more, and MIDI in and out sockets let the interface control external MIDI gear. Each set of outputs—monitors, two headphone outputs and line outputs—can carry its own mix, and alternate monitor switching makes it easy to compare two pairs of speakers. Focusrite quotes up to 122dB of dynamic range on the line outputs, with recording at up to 24-bit/192kHz and a Loopback feature for capturing computer audio.