Scarlett 18i8 3rd vs Emotiva XDA-2
The XDA-2's signal-to-noise is 113 dB against the Scarlett 18i8 3rd's 111 dB and its thd 0.003% against 0.001%. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (192 kHz).
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB audio interface offers 18 inputs and 10 outputs, including four high-quality 3rd Generation Scarlett mic preamps with Air mode that enhances vocals and acoustic instruments. It features two high-impedance instrument inputs, four fixed line inputs, four balanced outputs, ADAT input for up to eight additional channels, and S/PDIF digital I/O. The interface supports sample rates up to 192 kHz with 24-bit resolution, delivering studio-quality sound. It includes Focusrite Control software for flexible routing and mixing, two independent headphone outputs with level controls, and loopback functionality for streaming and sampling. The rugged metal unibody chassis is designed for durability in studio and mobile environments. The unit comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, Hitmaker Expansion, and plugins from Antares, Softube, Landr, XLN Audio, and more. It connects via USB-C and is compatible with MacOS, Windows, and iOS devices. A three-year warranty and award-winning customer support are included.
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the Scarlett 18i8 3rd in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The XDA-2's signal-to-noise is 113 dB against the Scarlett 18i8 3rd's 111 dB and its thd 0.003% against 0.001%. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (192 kHz).
The SA8004's signal-to-noise is 110 dB against the Scarlett 18i8 3rd's 111 dB. Both share bit depth (24-bit), max sample rate (192 kHz), and thd (0.001%).
The Zdac's signal-to-noise is 110 dB against the Scarlett 18i8 3rd's 111 dB and its thd 0.015% against 0.001%. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (192 kHz).
The Modi Multibit 2's signal-to-noise is 108 dB against the Scarlett 18i8 3rd's 111 dB and its thd 0.005% against 0.001%. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (192 kHz).
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