That’s a nice bundle but if you are a Pro Tools user, you may want to scratch most of that bundle from your decision-making mind as the Scarlett plug-ins will work in Pro Tools 10 but not Pro Tools 11, leaving you with just the MixControl and a gig of samples. Not content with that, Focusrite then include their MixControl software, a gig of Loopmasters samples, the Scarlett plug-in suite in VST/AU and RTAS (note: there are no plans for AAX versions of these plug-ins) and a copy of Novation Bassstation software in VST/AU.
If you are keeping up with me, you’ll begin to realize that for £399/$499, you get a lot of stuff for your money. There are then two monitor sends on jacks, optical in and out on Lightpipe, Wordclock, USB2 real MIDI in and out connectors SPDIF in and out and the power connector (a real wall socket too, not one of these small PSUs which are so prevalent in modern studio equipment design). On the rear of the unit are six more XLR/jack multi inputs and eight line output jacks. I know there is limited front panel space, but they could have taken a note out of the Avid Omni design book - where the 8 LEDs are switchable from input to output indicators. My only gripe about the front panel while using the 18i20 is there are no output LED indicators, which would have been a help when I was grappling with getting an output from the unit. Finally, we have two headphones outputs on jacks with volume controls. There are LED indicators to tell you when you have a USB connection and should you want to send stuff around in the digital domain another light to tell you the unit is locked via the digital connection - in the case of this review into an Omni.Ībove that, you have 8 multi LEDs to set input level, then a monitor volume knob, as well as dim and mute.
It has two multi-input balanced mic/jacks on the front with the usual inst and pad buttons, as well as 48v switches in two banks: 1-4 and 5-8. However, the front panel design is smart and modern and has everything clearly labelled - in fact, well enough not to have to use the manual. The unit is striking in its black and red livery, although if you are going to put it in a 19” rack, you won’t see much of the red. I’ve been wanting to get my hands on the Focusrite 18i20 since it was announced not because I’m in need of another interface - I currently have five sitting in the studio - but because, for the price, it seemed to offer a lot for the money.
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