If you want to do drum recordings, you need to have an audio interface. This is what allows you to set up drum microphones around your kit and route them to your computer for mixing and editing.
USB interfaces are the easiest ones to use, as they simply connect to your computer with a single cable. They’re quite portable because of this. One of the best USB interfaces for drummers is the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20.
It’s the most powerful interface in Focusrite’s Scarlett range, as it has an impressive number of features. In this review, we’re going to check those all out and help you decide if this is the interface for you.
The most important feature of this interface is the fact that it has eight mic preamps. This means that you can mic a full drum kit with tom mics, a kick mic, overhead mics, a snare mic, and a hi-hat mic.
To add to that, it has a few interesting features, such as the Switchable Air mode, virtual loopback, dual headphone outputs, and an LED bar graph to see your levels.
The interface also comes included with amazing software such as Ableton Live Lite, Relab LX480 Essentials, Antares Auto-Tune Access, XLN Audio Addictive Drums and Keys, and Focusrite Red Plug-in Suite.
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 has incredible quality. It has all the best features offered in the Scarlett range of interfaces, and many features have been updated from the previous two versions of this model.
It’s an interface that will last decades of good use, thanks to its solid build design and sturdy frame.
Something to note about this interface is that it’s incredibly easy to use. You simply plug it in, and you’ll be ready t start tracking. The whole process will take minutes.
The red coloring is what gives most Focusrite interfaces away. It’s their most notable design feature. In terms of usable features, this interface is packed with them.
The Switchable Air mode is a favorite of many. It allows you to brighten up your recording sound with the click of a button.
The interface also has plenty of inputs aside from the preamps. If you want to record a full band, you can easily record other instruments along with the eight drum mics that are already connected.
With the 24-bit /192kHz converter, you’ll find this interface to perform incredibly well. As long as all your settings are optimized on your computer, you won’t get any latency when recording. That’s one of the most important aspects of this interface.
Because of this, you can monitor your recordings while doing them, and you can add effects to your sounds at the same time. Everything will play out in real time, and the interface won’t feel strained.
The included plugins will allow you to alter a few sounds, but the raw sound you get from the interface is good to begin with.
The interface costs between $500 and $600, depending on where and when you buy it. We’d say that’s an intermediate price to pay. All the top interfaces cost well over $1000 or $2000, but those are the ones used to run professional studios.
However, there are more affordable interfaces available that also allow you to track with eight drum microphones. If you don’t plan on using the 18i20 to its full potential, those more economical ones may be better options.
With that being said, we think the price tag of the 18i20 is spot-on. You get excellent value for your money, and this interface will last you many years of solid use.
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is highly worth buying if you’re looking for a solid USB audio interface that will last you many years. While you can track a full-sized drum kit with it, you can also use it to track a full band, making it incredibly useful.
All the features it has are a bonus, and they boost its value even more. If you’re looking for an amazing interface for every setting, this is a great one to get.
Yes. All of Focusrite’s Scarlett interfaces are class-compliant. This means that you can plug them in and use them immediately on all operating systems. Depending on the year that you start using the 18i20, you won’t need to install any drivers. There may be updates to install, though.
The Focusrite Scarlett interfaces are more than good enough for most recording purposes. We’d suggest using them for casual or small-scale settings, though. If you’re planning to run a professional recording studio, you’ll need to get a higher-quality recording interface.
Also, you need to choose a Scarlett interface that has enough inputs for the number of instruments you want to record.
Yes, the Focusrite Clarett interfaces are better than the Scarlett ones. They have higher-quality features, such as better preamps, superior specs, and more expandability.
They cost a fair bit more, though. So, Scarlett interfaces are better for drummers on a budget.
Getting a recording interface may seem intimidating at first. The great thing about the Scarlett 18i20 is its simplistic design. Even though it’s intimidating, you’ll learn how to use it very quickly.
It also comes with amazing software bundles that will get you started. Once you have the interface, you’ll need to download a DAW on your computer. While the Scarlett comes with Ableton Live Lite, we suggest you download GarageBand if you’re using a Mac. It’s a lot easier to use, and it will make the whole process of learning to record a breeze.
Drum Teacher
Brett Clur has a Drum Performance Diploma from Trinity College London has been playing drums for over 20 years. He is passionate about advanced concepts and uses his years of experience to teach his students about them. While he is a full-time drum teacher, he is also working on growing a YouTube channel where shares his insights. You can see him playing there, or on Instagram where he posts daily videos.
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