Focusrite has just rolled out a powerful firmware update for its Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen audio interface — a popular USB audio interface for modern studios, bringing with it full support for 16 channels of ADAT input and output at 44.1kHz and 48kHz sample rates. This major upgrade significantly boosts the expandability and flexibility of your studio setup, allowing you to easily integrate external mic preamps, converters, and outboard gear via ADAT.
What Has Changed?
Previously, the Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen only had one active ADAT input and output at 44.1/48kHz sample rates, offering 8 channels of digital I/O. With this firmware update, Focusrite has unlocked both optical input and output ports, now enabling 16 channels in and 16 channels out over ADAT when using standard sample rates.
At 44.1kHz or 48kHz:
- ADAT Input 1: Channels 1–8
- ADAT Input 2: Channels 9–16
- ADAT Output 1: Channels 1–8
- ADAT Output 2: Channels 9–16
This means you can now expand your setup by connecting external 8-channel mic preamps or A/D converters like the Focusrite OctoPre and instantly increase your system's I/O. It's a huge benefit for anyone looking to grow their setup without moving to a different audio interface.
Total I/O Breakdown (Post-Update)
With ADAT fully unlocked, the Scarlett 18i20 offers:
- 8 analog inputs (Mic or Line Level)
- 10 analog outputs (Line Level)
- 2 headphone outputs
- 16 ADAT digital inputs
- 16 ADAT digital outputs
- 2 SPDIF channels (in/out)
Total: 24 inputs and 28 outputs at 44.1/48kHz sample rates.
Note: The 18i20 has combo jacks on both the front and rear for Inputs 1 and 2, but these are shared inputs — plugging into the front jack overrides the rear jack. So the interface has a total of 8 analog input channels.
What About the Scarlett 3rd Gen?
The Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen also has two ADAT ports per direction, but the second port was only used at higher sample rates (88.2/96kHz) using S/MUX to split the 8 channels across both ports. In contrast, the 4th Gen update allows full 16-channel ADAT I/O at standard sample rates, offering much greater expandability.
How to Get the Firmware Update
To update your Scarlett 18i20:
- Download or open Focusrite Control: https://focusrite.com/en/focusrite-control
- Connect your Scarlett 18i20 via USB-C
- Launch Focusrite Control – it will automatically check for firmware updates
- Follow the prompts to install the new firmware
Make sure you have the latest version of Focusrite Control to access all the new features.
Two More New Features Included in the Update
This firmware update isn’t just about ADAT. Focusrite has also added two powerful features that apply to the Scarlett 16i16, 18i16, and 18i20:
1. Monitor Groups for Multi-Speaker Setups
Monitor groups are now available across all three models, making it easier to set up and manage multi-speaker monitoring configurations, including:
- Stereo pairs
- 2.1 systems (with subwoofer)
- 5.1 surround sound
This is perfect for users working in post-production, film scoring, or immersive mixing environments.
2. Multi-Channel Auto Gain (Now in the Mobile App)
Users of the Scarlett 18i20 can now access Multi-Channel Auto Gain directly from the Focusrite Control 2 mobile app (iOS/Android). This means:
- Less time walking back to the computer
- Faster session prep
- More focus on the performance
Final Thoughts
With this firmware update, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen steps firmly into professional territory, giving users the ability to scale up their setups dramatically. Whether you're recording a full band, building a surround sound mix room, or integrating hardware gear, this update unlocks possibilities that were previously reserved for much higher-end audio interfaces.
If you're already using a 4th Gen 18i20, 18i16, or 16i16, make sure to update your firmware and take advantage of these new features today!
Got questions about setting up ADAT expansion or configuring monitor groups? Feel free to contact our support team — we're here to help.
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