Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen vs Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface
Get the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen, narrowly. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen wins Audio Resolution and Connectivity, but only just, and the...
The Ruling
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen or Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface? Get the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen, narrowly.
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen wins Audio Resolution and Connectivity — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is also the cheaper of the two, by $75.
Unless…
- You need creator features — get the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface.
At a Glance
Where each one actually leads
Every axis is scored out of 10 from the catalog specs below. The scores are relative to the products on this page, so a 10 means “best of these”, not “perfect”, and two identical columns mean the catalog genuinely cannot separate them. Axes the catalog holds no figure for on both sides are left off entirely rather than guessed at.
| Category | Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen | Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Preamps | 10/10 | 9.7/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Connectivity | 10/10 | 8/10 |
The Split
What each one wins
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen
Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.
On paper the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen takes sample rate (192kHz, +96kHz), TRS outputs (10, +2) and preamp gain (60dB, +2dB). It gives up loopback to the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface. It is the cheaper of the two, by $75.00.
Leads on
-
Sample Rate +96kHz192kHz96kHz
Higher sample rates capture more audio detail — important for professional recording and mixing.
-
TRS Outputs +2108
More TRS outputs allow routing to studio monitors and outboard gear.
-
Preamp Gain +2dB60dB58dB
More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.
Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface
Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.
On paper the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface takes loopback (Yes). It gives up sample rate and TRS outputs to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen. That costs $75.00 more than the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen.
Leads on
-
LoopbackYesNo
Loopback routes computer audio back into the stream without a second interface or cable.
Where they’re identical
These 9 specs are the same on both of them, so none of it is part of the decision.
- Connection Type usb-c, xlr, trs
- Operating System windows, macos
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Phantom Power Yes
- XLR Inputs 2
- Headphone Outputs 2
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- ADAT Expansion Yes
- Bus Powered No
The Record
19 specs, grouped by area
A group is won by whoever takes more of its rows outright. Specs the catalog cannot rank are shown but never decide a group.
Bottom Line
Who each one is for
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen is the pick on the specs the catalog holds, but “better on paper” and “right for you” are different questions. Each case below names what the product is actually good at and who that suits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen and Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface?
The clearest difference is loopback, which the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface has and the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 4 specs. They match on 9 specs, including connection type, operating system and bit depth. Two audio interfaces from Focusrite and Audient, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen or Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface?
Get the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen, narrowly. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen wins Audio Resolution and Connectivity — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is also the cheaper of the two, by $75.
What do the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen and Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface have in common?
Both share 9 specifications in the catalog, including connection type (usb-c, xlr, trs), operating system (windows, macos), bit depth (24-bit) and phantom power (Yes), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface worth the extra $75 over the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen?
The Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface costs $674.99 against $599.99, a difference of $75. The premium buys loopback (Yes). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.