Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 Audio Interface Designed for producers and recording artists or bands. View larger The new Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18 in/8 out interface extends the Scarlett range of USB 2.0 interfaces from Focusrite, each of which offers a series of high-quality inputs and outputs for different recording requirements. With four Focusrite mic pres, Scarlett 18i8 is designed for producers and recording artists or bands that require the ability to record a significant number of sources at the same time, including multiple mics/instruments, with the expansion capability to handle multiple studio recording requirements. Scarlett 18i8 works on Mac, PC and iPad (Apple Camera Connection Kit required for iPad). 18 Separate Inputs, 8 Independent Outputs At the heart of 18i8 is a set of four Focusrite mic preamps with up to 60dB gain, designed specifically for Focusrite"s computer audio interfaces. The first two inputs offer Mic/Line/Instrument on universal XLR/TRS connectors, while inputs 3 and 4 offer Mic/Line capability on universal XLRs-all four are on the front panel with pads and 48V phantom power. Four more line inputs are provided on TRS connectors. An ADAT optical digital connector provides eight additional digital inputs that can also be used with external mic preamps like Focusrite"s OctoPre Mk II (sold separately) to increase the number of mic inputs the 18i8 can handle to 12. A stereo S/PDIF coaxial input is also included. On the output side, there are two TRS monitor outputs, stereo S/PDIF coax, and two independent stereo headphone outputs, each with their own volume knob so both the artist and the engineer can control their own personal monitoring. All analog inputs and outputs have their own connectors, so there is no need for breakout cables, and all feature Focusrite precision 24-bit, 96kHz sampling A/D and D/A conversion to get the most accurate signal possible into and out of recording applications on Windows, Mac and now iOS apps. Tough and Innovative Hardware Scarlett 18i8 is housed in a compact red unibody metal case to withstand the rigors of the road-and the studio. Input level controls feature signal halos-LED rings around the level control that give a simple and immediate go/no-go level indication: green means there is a recordable signal while red indicates overload. A large main monitor knob with mute button means that main monitor levels are always at your fingertips. Included Software Inside the box you"ll find an authorization code for Ableton Live Lite (available via online download), as well as Focusrite"s Scarlett plug-in suite and the Red 2 & Red 3 Plug­In Suite (AAX/AU/VST) upon registration of interface. Compatible with all major DAWs, Scarlett plug-in suite provides EQ, Compression, Gate and Reverb-essential tools for polishing your mix. View larger Which Scarlett Interface Is Right for You? The Focusrite Scarlett series comes in a range of interface configurations. Use the chart to the left to compare models and find the right Scarlett for your recording needs.