Hardware Features; Front Panel - Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 User Manual

HARDWARE FEATURES

Front Panel

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The front panel includes all the input gain and monitoring controls as well as two of the input
connectors for Mic, Line and Instrument signals.
1. MIC-LINE-INST 01 & 02 – Neutrik Combo® input sockets - connect microphones, instruments
(e.g., guitar), or line level signals via XLR or " (6.35 mm) jacks as appropriate. Either " TRS
(balanced) or TS (unbalanced) jack plugs can be used for instruments or line level signals.
2. MIC 48V – two switches enabling 48 V phantom power at the XLR contacts of the Combo
connectors for mic inputs 1-4 and 5-8 respectively. (Note that inputs 3 to 8 are on the rear
panel.) The switches each have an associated red LED indicating that phantom power is
selected.
3. GAIN 01 and GAIN 02 - adjust the input gain for the signals at Inputs 1 and 2 respectively.
4. INST – two switches changing the input configuration for the jack contacts at inputs 1 and
2. When INST is selected, the gain range and input impedance are altered (relative to LINE),
and the input is made unbalanced. This optimises it for the direct connection of instruments
(usually via a 2-pole (TS) jack plug). When INST is off, the inputs are suitable for the connection
of line level signals. Line level signals may be connected either in balanced form via a 3-pole
(TRS) jack or unbalanced, via a 2-pole (TS) jack. The switches each have an associated red
LED indicating that INST is selected.
5. PAD – two switches which insert a 10 dB pad in the signal paths of Inputs 1 and 2. With the pad
applied, the maximum input signal level is +16 dBu. The switches each have an associated red
LED indicating that PAD is selected.
6. GAIN 03 to GAIN 08 – adjust the input gain for the signals at Inputs 3 to 8 respectively. (Note
that inputs 3 to 8 are on the rear panel.)
7. Input meters – eight 5-segment LED bargraph meters indicating the signal levels of the eight
analogue input signals. The meters show signal level after the input gain stage, and thus
their indication is affected by the gain controls. The LEDs illuminate at -42 (green, "signal
present"), -18 (green), -6 (green), -3 (yellow) and 0 dBFS (red). A level of 0 dBFS implies digital
clipping, and should always be avoided.
8. USB ACTIVE – a green LED which illuminates when the unit is recognised by the computer to
which it is connected.
9. LOCKED – a green LED which confirms word clock synchronisation, either to the Scarlett's
18i20's internal clock or to an external digital input.
10. VOLUME MONITOR - main monitor output level control – this control will normally control
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