Is The Focusrite 18i20 Any Good?

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Written By Gary Daws

Chief Music Officer

For musicians and audio professionals looking for a high-quality and affordable audio interface, the Focusrite 18i20 is often mentioned as a solid option. This audio interface has been on the market for several years, and it has gained a reputation for its excellent preamps, plenty of input options, and a reasonable price tag. In this short article, we will take a closer look at what users are saying about this audio interface, including its strengths, weaknesses, and features.

Excellent Preamps and Plenty of Inputs

One of the most notable features of the Focusrite 18i20 is its preamps, which are often praised for their high-quality sound. Users have reported that these preamps are very quiet, and they deliver a clean and transparent sound. Additionally, the 18i20 has plenty of inputs, including two on the front, which makes it easy to connect microphones, instruments, and other audio sources. The 18i20 has a total of 18 inputs and 20 outputs, which is more than enough for most recording sessions.

Good Value for the Price

Another aspect that users appreciate about the Focusrite 18i20 is its price. The 18i20 is not the most expensive audio interface on the market, but it is not the cheapest either. However, for its price range, the 18i20 offers a lot of value, particularly in terms of its preamps and input options. Users have reported that the 18i20 offers a good balance between quality and affordability, which makes it an attractive option for those who are on a budget.

Minor Quirks

Despite its many strengths, the Focusrite 18i20 is not without its quirks. Some users have reported that the browser user interface can be a little unfriendly, which can make it challenging to adjust settings and customize the audio interface to their liking. Additionally, the Focusrite Control software, which is used to control routing and other features on the audio interface, can be a little complicated for some users. It takes time to get used to, especially when connecting another device via ADAT. However, users have also noted that these quirks are minor and can be easily overcome with some practice.

Conclusion

Overall, the Focusrite 18i20 is a solid audio interface that delivers high-quality sound and plenty of inputs for an affordable price. Its excellent preamps and a good balance between quality and affordability make it an attractive option for musicians and audio professionals alike. While it may have some minor quirks, such as an unfriendly browser user interface and complicated software, these can be easily overcome with practice.