Focusrite SCARLETT-18I20 user manual

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 comes with numerous inputs and outputs making it flexible for various audio recording purposes. Here they are:
Inputs:
- 8x Mic / Line Inputs with Air mode for greater clarity.
- 2x Front panel Instrument Inputs.
- 2x ADAT Input ports (These can be used for additional inputs depending on your setup).
- 1x S/PDIF Input
- 1x MIDI Input
Outputs:
- 10x Line Outputs.
- 2x Headphone Outputs with independent volume control.
- 2x ADAT Output ports.
- 1x S/PDIF Output
- 1x MIDI Output.
In addition, it also has a BNC word clock output for syncing with other digital devices and has a USB-C port for computer connectivity. Do note that the number of available ADAT channels depends on the sample rate you're working with.

To connect your Scarlett 18i20 to your computer, follow these steps:
1. Power off your computer and the Scarlett 18i20 before making any connections.
2. Locate the USB port on the back of the Scarlett 18i20 and connect one end of the USB cable into it.
3. Plug the other end of the USB cable into an available USB port on your computer.
4. Power on your computer and the Scarlett 18i20.
5. Once the computer is fully booted up, it should detect the Scarlett 18i20 automatically. If not, you may need to install the necessary drivers from the Focusrite website.
6. After the drivers are installed, you'll need to configure your computer's audio settings to use the Scarlett 18i20 as the default audio input and output device. You can typically access these settings through your computer's Control Panel or System Preferences.
7. Once the Scarlett 18i20 is set as the default audio device, you can use it for recording and playback in your preferred digital audio workstation (DAW) software.
Note: Ensure that the Scarlett 18i20 is set to the correct audio sample rate and buffer size within your DAW software to avoid audio issues or latency.
If you need any further assistance, consult the user manual of the Scarlett 18i20 or visit the Focusrite support website for detailed instructions and troubleshooting guides.

To use all 18 inputs on the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, follow these steps:
1. Connect your audio sources (such as microphones, instruments, or line-level devices) to the appropriate input channels on the Scarlett 18i20. Note that there are 8 combination XLR/TRS inputs on the front panel and 10 line inputs on the rear panel.
2. Make sure the Scarlett 18i20 is connected to your computer via USB and powered on.
3. Install the necessary drivers and software for the Scarlett 18i20 by downloading them from the Focusrite website.
4. Open your preferred Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software on your computer (such as Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, etc.) and configure it to recognize the Scarlett 18i20 as the audio interface.
5. In your DAW's settings or preferences, set the input routing to select the desired input channels on the Scarlett 18i20 for your audio sources. You can typically assign each input channel to a specific track in your DAW.
6. Adjust the input gain for each channel on the Scarlett 18i20 to ensure proper recording levels. Depending on your model, some input channels may have a dedicated gain knob, while others may require adjustment through the software.
7. Arm the tracks in your DAW for recording and monitor the incoming audio. You should now be able to record audio from all 18 inputs simultaneously.
Remember to consult the user manual for the specific instructions related to your model of the Scarlett 18i20, as the setup process may vary slightly.