Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen
Focusrite | audio interface | $599.99
Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.
Key Specifications
- Connection Type: usb-c, xlr, trs
- Operating System: windows, macos
- Sample Rate: 192kHz
- Bit Depth: 24-bit
- Max Sample Rate: 192kHz
- Preamp Gain: 60dB
- Phantom Power: Yes
- XLR Inputs: 2
- Headphone Outputs: 2
- Direct Monitoring: Yes
What These Specs Mean
Sample Rate: 192kHz
Higher sample rates capture more audio detail — important for professional recording and mixing.
Bit Depth: 24-bit
Higher bit depth means wider dynamic range and less quantization noise in quiet passages.
Max Sample Rate: 192kHz
Higher max sample rates future-proof your setup for high-resolution audio production.
Phantom Power: Yes
Phantom power (48V) is required to use condenser microphones.
XLR Inputs: 2
More XLR inputs let you record multiple microphones simultaneously.
What You Need To Run This
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen has 2 XLR inputs. Recording through them also takes an XLR microphone and one XLR cable for every input you fill.
XLR microphone — the 6 cheapest of 18 in our catalog
XLR cable — 4 options in our catalog, cheapest first
Realistic Total Cost
The cheapest working combination in our catalog, using the least expensive item that satisfies each requirement above. Swap any line for a pricier option and the total moves with it.
Price Position In This Category
At $599.99, Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen is the 27th cheapest of the 28 audio interfaces we list, which puts it in the upper third of the category by price. In the rest of the category the cheapest is Y.D.F AR001 USB Audio Interface at $49.99 and the most expensive is Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface at $674.99; the median audio interface price is $199. That is $75 below the most expensive option and $550 above the cheapest in this category.