Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 vs. PreSonus AudioBox 1818

SabbathFan0220

SabbathFan0220

New member
Hey guys. I'm in the market for a new USB audio interface. My Tascam US-1800 crapped out on me.

I think I've narrowed it down to two, both the same price and with very similar features: the new Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 and the PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL.

Does anyone have any opinions on either model? I've never owned any gear by either brand, so I don't have loyalty one way or the other. Although the Focusrite might have the upper hand for its looks...

Thanks guys.
 
Re: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 vs. PreSonus AudioBox 1818

I've had a low end PreSonus AudioBox before... always gave me lots of trouble. It could just be their low end gear though that's the problem.
Either way, I've heard great things about Focusrite in general, if I were you, I'd go with the Scarlett.
 
Re: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 vs. PreSonus AudioBox 1818

Focusrite's preamp quality is nigh legendary.

Low noise, high gain, and crystal clear. The Scarlett series interfaces have the same preamps that are used in their Saffire (Firewire) series interfaces.

But I am slightly biased. I own a Scarlett 2i2 and love the hell out of it.
 
Re: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 vs. PreSonus AudioBox 1818

Thanks guys. I was leaning towards the Focusrite anyway. They seem to have the better reputation of the two.
 
Re: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 vs. PreSonus AudioBox 1818

I have preordered the 18i20 today, in fact. Can't wait! I already have an OctoPre Mk2, so I'm looking forward to having the extra mic channels! I really cannot stand PreSonos stuff; their preamps are terrible.
 
Re: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 vs. PreSonus AudioBox 1818

How many tracks can you record simultaneously with the 18i20.
 
Re: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 vs. PreSonus AudioBox 1818

Lazarus1140 said:
How many tracks can you record simultaneously with the 18i20.
Click to expand...

18, if you have an ADAT 8 channel preamp, 2 channels of SPDIF, and a computer that can handle it.

That said I had nothing but problems with Focusrite's drivers when the Scarletts first came out. I guess they've fixed it now, but I dumped it and went with a used RME unit. Was able to get a Multiface with PCI card for less than $300, and that will let me record 18 channels the same way as the Focusrite. No preamps on it, but I'd rather use external units anyway and upgrade those if necessary.
 
Re: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 vs. PreSonus AudioBox 1818

I would take anything Focusrite over anything Presonus any day. The pre's are better, the converters are better, the drivers and software are better, the build quality is better. I replaced my Firestudio with a Saffire Pro 24 and even the playback sounds noticeably better.
 
Re: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 vs. PreSonus AudioBox 1818

ratherdashing said:
I would take anything Focusrite over anything Presonus any day. The pre's are better, the converters are better, the drivers and software are better, the build quality is better. I replaced my Firestudio with a Saffire Pro 24 and even the playback sounds noticeably better.
Click to expand...

Hey guys!

I wanted to make an account to give you my impression between the two.

I used to have the presonus 1818vsl. My unit kept failing, even after warranty repair. There were problems with the main board, screwing up my headphone volumes, and output volumes were very sporadic (it would drop suddenly in the middle of a song). Over time, it would start to produce sampling noise, clicking and popping under VERY LOW load.

I have an i7 with a gigabyte motherboard, and it would be very sensitive to that motherboard, collecting random pops and clicks like something wasn't grounded properly. It seemed to work fine over on my crappier laptop. But, again, the sampling noise came back. It was the most stressful thing I had to deal with. I sold the unit over craigslist to someone else.


I just received the focusrite last night over musiciansfriend (got it for $429 + tax over the phone!). My impressions are a little premature. But, hopefully i'll continue to review it some more with you guys over time.

The unit is twice the depth of the presonus (so it's definitely a deep, full rack). The controls are much more solid as well, providing padding and level controls up on the front (pretty convenient). It also has pretty decent preamps. However, i haven't fully tested thoroughly with the mic'ing. The only downside i've found so far is that it doesn't let you set software volume controls like presonus (for instance, you can't use a volume button on a mac), so you have to control it on the front, or through the focusrite mixer.

The mixing software is much better as well. More compacted, and has more interaction with the actual hardware than the presonus ever did.

And of course, it sounds great! No more pops or clicks! It might have something to do with the lack of software volume controls.

Let me know if you guys have any questions between the two. But, i'm hoping you guys already have a decision in mind by now ;)
 
Re: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 vs. PreSonus AudioBox 1818

I started a thread back when my 18i20 arrived. I have it connected via ADAT to an OctoPre for 16 mic preamps. I need to get an ADAT breakout box for mixing with, as I would love to have 28 outs! Even with the default outputs, there are plenty of options as I have outboard gear I like to use for group outputs in Cubase.

Overall, the 18i20 has set the bar WAY high for other interfaces to follow.
 
Re: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 vs. PreSonus AudioBox 1818

TO:

My needs are not as great as yours. Do you believe the less fully featured Focusrite Scarlett units like the 2i2 USB and the 8i6 USB to be superior to other manufacturer's offerings at their price points?

I want to upgrade from my Tascam unit and wondered if you might have an opinion of the 8i6 USB vs something like the A&H ZED 10.
 
Re: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 vs. PreSonus AudioBox 1818

I upgraded from a Fasttrack Pro to a Focusrite 2i2. Less noise, no need for a mic preamp, and good sound compared to the other one. I do notice a slight "latency" when using a mic versus connecting my DI box.
 
Re: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 vs. PreSonus AudioBox 1818

If you can notice it, then it's not slight; you should be able to adjust the amount of latency and look-ahead in your DAW...
 
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