Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen vs EVO 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen vs EVO 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface compared — specs, features, and which one to buy for your setup. See the full breakdown on CreatorConfig.
The Ruling
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen or EVO 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface? Get the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen, narrowly.
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen wins Connectivity — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is also the cheaper of the two, by $49.01.
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 | EVO 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Preamps | 10/10 | 9.7/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Connectivity | 10/10 | 4/10 |
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 ADAT expansion (Yes), TRS outputs (10, +6) and preamp gain (60dB, +2dB). It gives up loopback and bus powered to the EVO 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface. It is the cheaper of the two, by $49.01.
Leads on
-
ADAT ExpansionYesNo
ADAT lets you add eight more inputs later instead of replacing the interface.
-
TRS Outputs +6104
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.
EVO 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface
Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.
On paper the EVO 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface takes loopback (Yes) and bus powered (Yes). It gives up ADAT expansion and TRS outputs to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen. That costs $49.01 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.
-
Bus PoweredYesNo
Bus power means the interface runs off USB alone — no wall adapter to carry or find a socket for.
Where they’re identical
These 8 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
- Sample Rate 192kHz
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Phantom Power Yes
- XLR Inputs 2
- Headphone Outputs 2
- Direct Monitoring Yes
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 EVO 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface?
The clearest difference is loopback, which the EVO 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface has and the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 5 specs. They match on 8 specs, including connection type, operating system and sample rate. Two audio interfaces from Focusrite and Evo, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen or EVO 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface?
Get the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen, narrowly. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen wins Connectivity — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is also the cheaper of the two, by $49.01.
What do the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen and EVO 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface have in common?
Both share 8 specifications in the catalog, including connection type (usb-c, xlr, trs), operating system (windows, macos), sample rate (192kHz) and bit depth (24-bit), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the EVO 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface worth the extra $49 over the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen?
The EVO 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface costs $199.00 against $149.99, a difference of $49. The premium buys loopback (Yes) and bus powered (Yes). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.