The Focusrite Control User Guide provides information on how to use the Loopback feature on Saffire devices, as well as how to optimize Windows 10 for audio performance with Focusrite interfaces. To properly monitor your interface, it is recommended to have headphones or external studio monitors connected directly to the interface, rather than using internal computer speakers or the PC’s internal headphone port. The Focusrite Control 2 mobile app allows users to connect mobile devices on the same Wi-Fi network as their computer to control and view Focusrite Control 2. The remote devices tab allows users to manage any phones or tablets previously connected to Focusrite Control 2.
Optimizing Windows for Audio applies to all audio interfaces, and users can adjust buffer size, sample rate, latency, and other settings. Troubleshooting issues on the Focusrite Scarlett audio interface range includes tips on power supply, USB cable, software, hardware, and more. To switch audio outputs between headphones and monitors, users can use the Focusrite device named “Speakers” and adjust the monitor knob to taste.
In Cubase, go to the ‘Devices’ menu and click device setup. Select VST audio system and ensure the Focusrite USB audio driver is selected. Finally, click apply to apply the changes. The Focusrite Control User Guide provides a comprehensive guide on using the Loopback feature on Saffire devices, as well as troubleshooting issues related to the Focusrite Scarlett audio interface range.
📹 How To Use The Focusrite Control Software
An in depth video on how to use the Focusrite Control Software on your Focusrite Audio Interface. We first go into an overview of …
How to listen through Focusrite?
In order to monitor audio without latency or degradation, it is necessary to connect headphones or external speakers to the outputs of the Focusrite audio interface. A 3. 5 mm headphone input may be equipped with a ¼” TRS adapter compatible with any Focusrite interface. Should any issues arise, we kindly request that you contact Technical Support.
How do I use Spdif input on Focusrite?
To receive audio from an external device with S/PDIF output, connect the output of the external device to the S/PDIF input of the Focusrite interface. Open Mix Control or Focusrite Control and set the Sync Source to S/PDIF. Ensure the external device’s user guide is set to its internal clock and match the sample rate of both devices. The output from the external device should appear as the S/PDIF Inputs within your DAW software. The input number will vary depending on your Focusrite interface, and more information can be found in the user guide for your specific interface.
What are SPDIF inputs?
S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) is a digital audio interface used in consumer audio equipment to output audio over short distances. It is transmitted over coaxial cables using RCA or BNC connectors or a fiber-optic cable using TOSLINK connectors. S/PDIF is based on the AES3 interconnect standard and can carry two channels of uncompressed PCM audio or compressed 5. 1 surround sound. It is a data link layer protocol and a set of physical layer specifications for carrying digital audio signals over optical or electrical cable.
The primary designers of S/PDIF were Sony and Philips. S/PDIF is standardized in IEC 60958 as IEC 60958 type II (IEC 958 before 1998). It is used in home theaters and other digital high-fidelity systems.
What is SPDIF sound mode?
S/PDIF, or Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format, is a technical specification that defines the transmission of digital audio signals between audio devices, including CD players, DVD players, computer sound cards, home theater systems, and televisions.
How do I get my computer to play sound through Focusrite?
To set the audio interface as the audio device in OBS, download and install the application, navigate to the Audio Mixer Mic/Aux, click the S ettings button, select your audio interface, and then exit the window. The audio interface should be set to Input 1 or 2, as OBS only supports audio from the first two inputs of an audio device. To access Advanced Audio Properties, navigate to the Settings menu.
Why is my audio crackling in Focusrite?
In order to rectify the audio issues observed in the Focusrite interface, it is recommended to increase the buffer size and conduct a further test of the interface. To access the device settings, right-click on the Focusrite Notifier icon on the taskbar and select the “Device Settings” option. In the event that the Focusrite icon is not visible, it is recommended that the buffer size be increased to 1024 and that a subsequent test be conducted. Should an improvement in performance be observed, it is recommended that a lower setting be attempted.
Does Focusrite have an equalizer?
The Flavour Sliders facilitate straightforward sound customization, automatically adjusting to pivotal frequency regions for the user’s audio material via the FAST Equalizer.
How to stop audio interface crackling?
This troubleshooting guide provides common solutions for crackles, dropouts, and audio playback issues in Ableton Live. It suggests updating everything, adjusting audio preferences, testing the audio interface, reducing CPU load, minimizing hard disk overload, optimizing Windows for audio, avoiding cloud storage, anti-virus, and automatic backup software, and upgrading and maintaining your computer.
It also advises checking for the latest versions of Ableton Live, audio interface drivers and firmware, all plug-ins used in the affected Set, third-party Max for Live devices in the affected Set, and operating system and security updates.
How do I fix the popping sound in my audio?
Popping noises occur at low frequencies around 30-300Hz (Hertz). To eliminate them, adjust the left-hand bands of a graphics equalizer by pulling down lower frequencies. Lowering bass levels on the audio track will affect the surrounding audio, depending on the selected portion of the recording. To ensure the bass is only applied to the popping sound, identify its location on the recording and zoom in to apply the change to the desired part.
How do I adjust my audio equalizer?
A digital EQ allows users to boost or cut audio by clicking on a control point and dragging up or down. For example, to boost audio in the 100 Hz frequency range, users can push the slider upward or drag it downward. To cut the 1 kHz frequency range, users can slide or click and drag down below the horizontal line. Low and high pass filters block lower or high frequencies, allowing frequencies below a certain bass frequency to pass-through while blocking those above.
Some EQs have built-in high and low pass settings, but if not, users can set them by lowering the high or low bands all the way down. For example, a low pass filter can block all frequencies above 10 kHz by leaving the 10 Hz band and below at their normal levels and gradually cutting the bands after the 10 Hz band down to zero.
How do I change the sound output on my computer?
To change the sound input or output on Windows, go to WindowsGo Settings > System > Sound. Select the output device that plays the sound and the input device that you want to set. If using an external microphone, ensure your input is set to the microphone you are using. If there are no sound output or input from applications like Discord and Microsoft Teams, go to the sound settings of the application and change the input and output device.
📹 How To Setup Gain on Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
In this video we show you how to properly set your gain on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface. PRICING FOR EQUIPMENT …
There is literally no tutorial that better explains all of this in a very easy simple to understand manner. You did such a fantastic job on this article and I would like to thank you very much for taking the time to do so! I will now carry this knowledge forward as I create music and I will only know it because you taught it to me! 🙏
Excellent article dude thanks for that, there’s a lot of talk about the s/w since 3rd gen focusrite devices removed some hardware switches in favour of using the focusrite control app so good to see a proper review of how to use it. You’ve helped me make up my mind on which interface i want also. thank you!
Mark, so agree with the comments below. It is the best and clearest article I’ve seen on how the Focusrite Control App works. Thank you for doing this. I wanted to ask a clarification question and make a request. First at 18:31, I see that you have the cross-fader set all the way to the left. Maybe I understood the set up wrong but I thought the signal passed thru the DAW first and then to the Focusrite. If so, I’m curious how come both the master and cue signals pass thru to the headphones when the cross fader is set all the way to the master side? Second, I would love if you did a article on Software vs. Loopback input. Still a but thrown on these and when to use one vs. the other. I also understood the loopback to be a virtual input so was a bit confused by the use of physical cables in your demo. Thanks!
I’ve NEVER seen a more IMPRESSIVE and EXTENSIVE tutorial…!! As a former CBT specialist, the training article for this equipment is exemplary…!! I’m new to the Scarlett Series, and this TUTORIAL is a MUST SEE..!! Yours is MORE indepth and professionally explained, than ANYTHING this company has published, to date. You, Sir…..should be the “VOICE” of their entire product line. This has been a lifesaver for me. Stellar article…!! Excellent job…!! Thank you.
Awesome tutorial! Thanks this answered a question I had about routing – I’d be using this largely for mixing at home but also wanted to use the ADAT to add 8 inputs from my old Profire 2626 and record drums – The big issue with this interface was the lack of outputs! However the main use in a studio environment would be seperate cue headphone mixes via my DAW’s mixer. Focusrite really made their software well this time – mixcontrol was confusing as hell but this looks extremely simple. Lots of interfaces have very limited options when routing to headphone outputs so glad to see they made such open virtual routing options. The ability to send a mix of output buses on a per-output basis is a really nice touch. Thanks for confirming this as it saves me a lot of money on buying an 18i20.
Mark, This article is outstanding as I indicated below. I have a question. With Motu, for example, they have in their interface control an ability to mix which is more robust, allowing me to send multiple mics in my studio to one Aux Send, within the interface control program, allowing me to send out on Mic 1 all mics in the studio and in essence provide a mix minus with the control program. With Focusrite’s current control software I find no way to do this, which requires me to either run cables to and from my computer to send mic input that I want using mixer or whatever, or I must download other software that adds virtual inputs to windows that rides on top of Focusrite control, which I do not want to do. Is there a way to do this mix minus natively without running crazy wires to the computer input using mixer and/or IRIG, and/or without installing 3rd party software to allow me to send multiple websites to the one Mic In on the computer? Focusrite forces me to use whatever is in Mic 1 In at the controller.
Very well explained, I start applying some of your tips you show on this article on my Scarlett 18i20. Thank you for doing this article. I wonder if there is a way to get the main output with the FX to OBS Studio. I have been trying different ways to get my mic with the FX to OBS but all I get is just the plain website 1 no FX’s. Thank you again!
This was very informative and way more helpful than anything Focusrite put out. I just wish someone would do one of these for a 18i20 Gen 3 with Pro Tools. The Loopback is built-in now but it can get really confusing if you have a complex setup with Pro Tools 2020 getting the I/O working with the Focusrite Control. I have an external 8 ch mic-pre connected thru ADAT, plus a Presonus Central Station controlling the Speakers and Headphones, as well as a 4 website Headphone amp for multiple mixes. AHHHHHHHHH!! I need a drink 🙂
Hello Sir,Thank you for this article…it helps a lot:-)..but i have a question,..I have 2 options to chose a DAW,it Ableton Live or Protools,..and i saw that your using an Ableton Live…In your own opinion and experience using Ableton,is this a better DAW than the Protools?…Thanks:-)..Ive got a very hard time installing my Focus 18i8(3rd Gen) in my comptuter:-(
Can you have multiple phones or tablets connected remotely to the software using the focusrite control mobile app so all band members can adjust the mix when practicing? Also the old software had mix tabs, does this not have mix windows? The only mixes you can do are for output websites? Are you able to make more output mixes, say for outputs 3-6?
Hi thanks for this information, I’m using the focusrite 18i8 as my interface with Mpc live standalone, I have routed the headphone 2 out to act as a send to eventide space and returning to inputs 7/8. The question is are the headphone outputs ok to use for line level? As the interface only has 2 line level outs.
Thanks for the article! I hope you can help me with something..I just bought a Focusrite 18i8, I have plugged guitar in the input1 and bass guitar in input2. When I arm guitar and I don’t arm bass, I can hear bass coming through the output as well, and when I arm bass and I don’t arm guitar, I can hear guitar coming through the output. This thing doesn’t happens on 3 and 4 input and I like it this way. What can I do to hear ONLY the input armed coming through the monitor output?
Thanks so much. I am new to Scarlett 4i4 and using it primarily for live-streaming not recording. My question is how to set this up. I’m using a condenser mic and acoustic guitar to Mac book pro. I just want to add reverb to my vocals. I have Garage band daw. ? How do I add reverb to my vocals? Thanks
Perhaps I missed in the article but… I started with a focusrite solo and it had a simple “active monitoring” button right on it. I just bought an 18i20 and CANNOT seem to turn it off. Hearing my guitars and such TWICE with active monitoring on in reaper… any idea how to turn that off? The mute button does absolutely nothing on the unit or in the software.
Thank you very very much for ALL of your articles. They are so good. Would you please make a article show us how to set up a connection from focusrite 6i6 into Cubase 5 so we can use in online singing. Examples singing karaoke on YouTube with option to record it to Cubase 5 and an sound output port so we can plug into iphone for live article. We really appreciate if you can help us on this. Hundred of thousands of people gonna watch it. It is a trend in online singing in Asia recently. Thanks so much
Great article. I need to watch it 4 or 5 more times to get it all. I just got the 18i8 and I’m trying to set up for my podcasts. I know it should be simple, but I can’t quite get it all working. Any suggestions for a 4 mic setup each with headphone monitoring and a Skype guest. I want to eventually begin using the gate, compressor and limiter plugins but first things first. Cheers
The main audio/video guy of our company left and now I’m “the new guy” to record our monthly podcasts. I did some testing beforehand and I was strugling to get the audio to a descent level in the speakers headphones unless I amplified it so hard (in hardware) to a point that there was a lot of noise (but not in the recording)… This tutorial (using the same device) is so clear! I now think I know the problem (listening to the raw microphone inputs instead of the amplified and denoised sound from audition)… Hope I can figure it out before my first recording tomorrow. Thanks Mark, very good tutorial.
Got a quic question… In short: is it possible to split output 3 and 4 but still make the individual tracks play on both sides of my headphones. Background: Lets say i want to run my gituar and mic -> through the scralet control -> then to a (rc-30) loop station -> back in the scarlet -> headphones connected to the scarlet. I can only make that happen by using 1 of the outputs on the focusrite, with outputs 1and2 my looper wont receive information so I have to use output 3. The problem here is that when the audio is routed back into my focusrite I cant use the stero on output 3 and 4 anymore (then the looper will loop itself) so I have to split 3and4. When I use only 4 to route to my headphones the sound will only be in 1 side of my headphone. Is there a solution or is this just not possible?
I currently have a Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen and when I go live on FB or just record in Quicktime the sound only comes out the left side. I understand that this happens due to the Focusrite Solo considers input 1 (XLR) to be the left website and the other input (1/4 inch) to be the right website. Now this would be an easy fix in post with any DAW because I can render the final output in Mono but because podcasts shows are all live and I dont have the option to fix in post. Therefor every time I go live on Facebook I get stuck with the audio only coming out of the left side/channel as I only have the mic in input 1 (XLR). So my question is how do I get the output audio (from the Focusrite Solo) from my live show (on a Facebook live) to output on the right and left side? Currently when I go live on FB the audio only comes out from the left side?
Thank you for your time and effort. I have been on the 1st Gen 2i2 for many years, now, but alas need a bit connectivity. I see the 2i4 has been replaced with 4i4 in the third gen, and didn’t dedicated switch we have come accustomed to. I see everything has to be done in the software, switching from mono to stereo, etc. I do agree, the older software UX was very confusing, which prevented me from upgrading.
The mix controls are not doing anything for me… I have a second gen 18i20 I have a mic connected to input 1 and it shows it is picking it up and I can monitor it through the headphone output and can change the volume of the headphone output in focusrite control but if I try to mute or lower the volume in the mix itself it doesn’t change anything stays at full volume..
Can I adjust the ‘gain knob’ at the front of the 2i2 gen 3, with this Control software? I want a way to easily level match stereo pair inputs into the hardware website 1 & 2 inputs, WITHOUT having to send a test tone through the unit and match visually on my DAW. Or is this ONLY for hardware output routing!? Why is it so hard to match the input gain for the hardware inputs?!
hrmm i have a 6i6 i dont get the outputs… it tells me Monitor Outputs 1-2, then it has Line Outputs 3-4, then SPDIF Outputs 1-2… and the line outputs bit has a picture of some headphones… There are two headphone ports on the 6i6…. i heard that output 1-2 was the left one, and outputs 3-4 was the right one… but there’s no headphone picture next to output 1-2, and i can’t get any sound coming out of my DAW (well, out of any of various DAWS…). Im getting super frustrated as it has worked in the past but now not working :/ direct monitoring is working fine… but i can’t hear output from the daw.
I wish to purchase Clarett USB 2pre.. However I can’t find I formation about direct monitoring feature in it. Scarlett 2i2 has direct monitoring option, allowing almost zero latency recording hearback in headphones. Plus i add reverb and other FX in return tracks, mute the original recording track, and able to hear both..zero latency vocals recorded along with FX in headphones. Works like charm. But it is only in mono. I wish to know, can I get same near zero latency direct monitoring and fx too in Clarett USB 2pre, and will it be in mono or stereo ? If you can make a article demonstrating that, it will be so nice of you. 🙂
Cheers Mark, great vid. Could you tell me, if the scarlet’s 3rd gen allow you to play audio from your DAW, and say Youtube at the sane time, as my Presonus studio 24c does’nt let me, and usually after using studio one DAW, and then go to watch a article, I have to restart my pc, rather annoying, tried all the fixes, but nothing seems to work, my scarlet 6i6 1st gen, works fine, when connected to same pc .
“THINK ABOUT THE ROUTING THIS WAY”….no… 1) although this discussion is about audio…. The intention of this article is to transfer knowledge and understanding….. to TEACH . 2) the best job positions I have ever had, we’re teaching gigs…. And 3) the best teaching gig I ever had, was helping teacher candidates learn how to really send/ transfer knowledge…. HOW… to teach Rule one…. Use as many different communication transfer methods as you can… simultaneously ….. In other words… talk…sure… BUT VISUAL TOOOOO. …. This visual of the software SUX…. and don’t just talk explain routing…. DRAW A DAMN PICTURE…MAP…. OF THE ROUTING. If you were my student… I would compliment you on your knowledge, effort and prep… and then WE….. would take your verbal explanation of the routings…. And draw a simple map. A picture is worth a thousand words….. And humans learn the ” multifaceted experience”…. Your words are great… your pics are weak This lesson gets a B-… I REALLY look foreword to the lesson 2.0
Great detailed article. I have a 18i20 but one thing that nobody seems to explain is passthrough audio when the computer is off and the DAW is not in use but the focus rite is still switched on. For that you need to have the main outputs unmuted. Which surely means latency when you power back on your daw. Having to keep muting and unmuting the main outputs, is a faff. Or is it that for no latency you must use headphones. I have two setups now, physical mixer goes straight XLr to monitor speakers and direct line outs from physical mixer to each input on focusrite. Pass through audio I can bypass by simply using the main outputs from the mixer to the physical speakers.
Hi! Great tutorial, I start setup my new Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd gen with your instructions. I wonder if there is a way to manage the main audio output from the Monitor knob but only turn down the Main Out not the Headphones. Mine turn down all Outputs down every time I turn the knob down. Thanks!
I´ve been trying to record on Reaper 16 tracks via ADAT. I use A Focusrite 18i20 2nd Gen (master) with an Octopre (slave) connected with an optical and a BNC cable, and they seem to be sync but then on the DAW I only receive 8 tracks 🙁 What´s happening?? I´m sure that the cables are ok, and so is the Sample Rate and the Clock Source. Please Help!!
I’m a total beginner, but have old-school experience from decades ago with I was in an amateur rock band. Back then I guess we were all using Fender guitars and amps and all the cables were, I believe, “TS” 1/4″ plugs, etc. Okay, fast forward to today to me trying to setup a Focusrite 4i4. I know how to set up the mic, no problem, but I’m confused about how to connect two pairs of line signal speakers. I won’t ever need to control the L&R websites separately, so then the question is do I use one TRS 1/4″ plug per 4i4 jack per speaker pair, or do I use one TS 1/4″ plug per 4i4 jack for each individual speaker, or would either work? Best YouTube article I’ve seen to date on how to set up the interface after wasting hours and hours on many other presentations. Great job. Thank You.
Let’s face it, Focusrite makes great sounding interfaces but this software is just a hot convoluted mess. WTF were they thinking? I have been around mixers and signal routing for longer than I would like to admit but…this software, which not only looks like a throwback to a Commodore 64 (yeah c’mon Focusrite, really?), It’s just plain confusing as hell. Everytime I have to deal with it I swear to myself that I’m going to get rid of my Clarett 8Pre X. I really expected more. Not intuitive at all.
I’m banging my head against a wall on an issue with reamping a guitar signal. I’ve got a dry guitar signal recorded in my DAW, and I want to send it out of Ouput 3 on the back of my 18i20 into a Reamp box (which converts the DI signal to guitar line-level) and then into an Amp, and the amp will be mic’d or the Line Out of the amp will go into an Input on the 18i20. So I plug all this in, set the DI track in the DAW to Output 3, and set the Input of the new Reamp’d track to Input (whatever it’s plugged into) and at best I’m getting a very faint feedbacky version of the DI. I’m not sure if it’s recording the amp or the DI signal again raw, I’m super lost in Focusrite Control and I’m hoping you can help me out. Been dreaming of reamping for years and I finally have all the hardware and it’s just not happening and I THINK it’s some issue in Focusrite Control.
I spent about an hour fighting with my computer, backing tracks, and a headphone amplifier to mix things well enough for my band to record live, and be able to hear ourselves. Now I feel dumb! Excellent article. This answered all of my questions I couldn’t find answers to on forums or the Focusrite website!
I am echoing the same thanks of everyone else that commented on this article, Kudos, thank you great job! I do have a dilema though, I have a similar setup (Ableton Live and Focusrite 18i20 3rd generation) and I get my output “Zoom”. I think primarily because I am using Ableton Live as a mixer for the 8 input signals (vocals and instruments) in websites 1 through 8). The audio settings in Zoom are set to the “Focusrite USB ASIO” Input and Output….. Can you possibly shed some light on why Zoom is not hearing the output audio from Ableton Live. thanks and looking forward
You may be giving beginners the wrong impressions, especially concerning “latency”. In this day and age, there is pretty close to no excuse for latency. Monitoring through your plugins at roughly 6 or 7 milliseconds round trip should be easily done with a modern laptop or desktop with the focusrite 2i2……so long as you are using ASIO drivers. As for as I’m concerned, the “Direct Monitoring” mode is basically a hold-over from the days before computers were fast enough.
Hi Mark. Im using a scarlett 4i4 3rd gen. So, what can I really use the two 1/4 “line input” jacks on the back for? Can I plug in a direct out xlr to 1/4 from my guitar amplifier? I want to use the front inputs for Mics and the back for 2 instruments. Im guessing I need a bigger box? Why is it called a 4i4 if it only really has 2 lines in?
Hey Mark I wonder if you can help me. No matter what I try, I cant seem to get a hot enough signal through to my DAW (GB) using a mic (condenser or dynamic) via my Clarett 4 Pre – to record acoustic guitar for example. I have to crank up the gain so high I get room noise & distortion, and I also have to crank up the headphone output. I have a feeling I’m missing something. Any help gratefully received. Cheers.
My Friend, you are the man. thank you very much sir. I’ve tried contacting Focusrite, they have terrible customer service. I put a few inquiries in . They got back to me a week later for one inquiry, the other one, never got back to me, I had purchased a MOTU 8 unit, it was was ok, drivers were terrible so i returned it and got a Clarett +8 pre; works great, but Motu had live tech support over the phone you can actually speak to a human, not like focusrite thru email (if you’re lucky to get a reply). thanks again! big help.
This vid is killer! I have a complete newb question, as this is my 1st interface. I got it as an “open box” 3rd generation 18i20. When I plug in the usb, I get a message saying it’s “Locked” So that means my sample rate hasn’t been returned to factory settings? So will it work fine for recording acoustic drums? What would the suggested rate be? I’d appreciate it if someone could help me out.
i honestly think my daw is broken or im incredibly stupid. i have the exact same setup in the interface. all i did was click mute on the hardware inputs. then i unmuted it and now im getting 0 sound from everything. my software daw is set to 1-2 and my headphone ouutputs are set to custom, and also tried 1-2. please tell me what im doing wrong. all ive been trying to do for AGES is to stop direct monitoring from my headphones. and i just tried to do waht i thought was the way, by muting the hardware. i cant get any sound working so will have to factory reset the interface.
I hate Focusrite mix control more then anything else right now, fucking bullshit! What´s wrong with a analogue button, that was on my old harware, for monitoring you sound. It takes like 0,5sec to switch it on or off. Now that it´s gone, instead, I have to watch a f***ing how to article for such a easy rhing to do. I totally kills my creativity. Good article btw!
With Custom Mix can you mix the direct monitor signal? On the 2i2 you can only choose direct monitoring on or off. Meaning when it’s one you can’t here the sound with effects f.e.. I would rather have it like on a UR22C where you can set the mix. I guess it would be possible here if I would set the volume sliders to the amount of mix Il’d want? I just heard that isn’t possible on the 2i2..
I have a 4i4. I used it for Windows audio only into a pair of Adam studio monitors. I had to use this because of background noise issues. I have two subwoofers I want to add. I have two 1/4 to XLR cables into a pair of REL Britannia B2’s. I can’t get these to work. I can’t get the signal to pass through and output 3 & 4.
Thanks for the article. Just a little feedback… most of us are on laptops, but you’re using a hi-res external monitor. You might consider recording on a different resolution setting or recording from a laptop screen, as the elements are small and hard to see when viewed on a laptop such as a MacBook pro. Thanks
This is great! Thank you so much! One thing that I’m having a problem with, is I’m hearing a clean signal mixing with the guitar plugin I’m using for my my guitar on input one. I saw you briefly touched on that. But you didn’t say what settings are wrong and cause that issue. I may have overlooked it. I use some plugins stand alone at times, and sometimes record into Reaper. Anyone have any ideas on what the problem could be? I do need to check to see if it’s a problem when I’m using the plugin in the DAW. I have a big rig for guitar, but it’s nice to just use the plugin stand alone just for quick practice.
Appreciate the info. But i’m looking for an example of configurating F Control to be able to record 8 drum mics/tracks and playback. i have focusrite 18i20. I cant find this info anywhere. thx. EDIT: After a fiddle, i’ve got it sorted. Monitor outputs 1 &2 in FC needed to have 8 input websites up, and also 8 Software DAW websites up. line out 5-6- and 7-8 just left at default setting. ty.
So how do you have 2 options for headphones? thats what I am trying to setup so I can have 1 headphone jack for listening to my copmputer, the other for audio coming from my daw specifically. I only have 1 headphone option and it goes to both headphone jacks, which I dont like. this appears to be unchangeable on the 6I6 though.
Thanks for this, you just solved an issue I was having with a Focusrite Control (Clarett 8preX). I was getting a robotic voice in my headphones whenever I was pulling up the volume fader in Logic ProX. I’m finding the Focusrite software quite buggy, specifically the mute button and a few other items. Even though I had muted the Analogue input for my mic, I was still hearing RAW + DAW. I had to delete the software DAW playback and toggle the mute several times before the analogue input would mute. Now that it is muted, I can hear the signal chain plugins in the DAW without the RAW signal. This article showed me how to set it up, now if the software behaves I’ll be in good shape. Regardless, problem solved thanks to you.
can someone please help me with changing my buffer size. I did it once in the past without a daw but I don’t remember how. And now i installed this ableton program this guy used too change his in this article but for some reason i’m missing the hardware setup button on my version. please I just want it so I don’t have static and crackling when I talk
How would i route the interfaces’ outputs into a hardware rack compressor, then back into the interface inputs–so that whatever instrument/line/mic i have plugged into the front panel inputs has the send return effect of the compressor on the signal of the front panel instrument? Also, if this is possible, would i be able to put said compressor on abletons send return? Or keep it track to track
is there a way that i can add a de-noise effect to my mic/interface live ? so that no matter where im talking my background is de-noised? this can easily be done post production in a daw, but like i said i want to do this live so that my mic is super crisp whether gaming or on online calls if you know anything please let me know i been trying to figure out a way to do this for awhile now, its actually what brought me to this article
Thank you so much I was about to send this back because I thought the headphone outputs did not work and I called ZZounds to see if the could walk me through it he basic tried to get me off the phone by saying open another DAW and I tried call Focusright they are closed on weekends the one day I can find out how to work it I did some research I started perusal your articles before I got me 18i8 in the mail and subscribed to you but rem in 1 of your articles you mentioned about making sure headphones are turned on in a DAW but for some reason I thought it was in a review I read back to my research today I put Forucirite control in my search and it brought up your article on how to set it up I never had the app installed on my MacBook Pro so I was not getting any sound I installed and watched this article and had it working in about 3 min then I downloaded the app to my iphone now time to on my Imac Thanks agiain I will be perusal all your articles
PLEASE HELP!!! I have a 4i4 and 4 monitor speakers…this thing doesn’t control output 3 and 4 with the volume knob directly on the interface…I can only control 3 and 4 with the volume in the DAW and even YouTube or any other audio… how can I control output 1 2 3 and 4 with ONLY the volume knob on the interface?
Hello, I want to listen what i play with my guitar, using a scarlett 2i2, directly on my laptop ( i mean i want use its speakers as output) . I ‘m using ableton as so as reaper, and in both softwares i can’t switch clock . In Options tab is written “Clock: USB internal LOCKED”. Thank u for you help!
Is it possible to hook up TWO Focusrite 8PreX together so I can use the 8 inputs from one websites 1-8 then websites 9-16 from the other one? Is this done via ADAT? If possible i need to find out how to set it up. I know only one unit connects to the iMac via thunderbolt and the other suppose to connect only with one optical cable say ch9-16 out from second bottom unit to input on first, top unit into ch 9-16? What about the word clock cables..are they neede at all why are they or why are they not? I am new to all this, forgive my ignorance
what i’m really wanting to do and really struggling to understand how to do…. I am using the reaper daw and using the clarett pre 8 x. I have a midi keyboard plugged into the usb port on my Mac, i am using a Vsti3 (a clavachord from waves) and I have a 1/4 inch guitar lead running out of output 3 of my clarett and into my guitar amp. So essentially what i want to do is to record the sound from the amplifier-which i am providing with my vsti-with a microphone. I can hear the sound from the Vsti, but i cannot for the life of me figure out how to hear just that and not the playback from the reaper session. Meaning, when I press play or go to record the audio from the amplifier i also hear the playback of the music i’ve already recorded and not just the sound from the midi/vsti. So i was wondering how is it i isolate the midi signal and keep the playback purely in my headphones… I hope this made sense to whom ever is reading this… I want to do this because I would like to have a unique sound for my midi and because i can record it from my amp as an audio source and treat it as all other audio I record and not a midi file…. THANKSSSSSS
Hi Mark, I am at the very beginning stages of trying to learn this. I have the Focusrite 18i8 2nd gen and logic pro with a Yamaha digital piano with USB out but no 5-pin input/output. Then I also have a Roland handsonic electronic drum percussion that has USB out and both the 5-pin MIDI input and output. I would like to record tracks from BOTH the Yamaha keyboard AND Roland handsonic percussion on logic pro.How to configure MIDI ? Is that MIDI configuration done only within the DAW or is the Focusright Control also needing to be configured?
Can you do a article for DJ’s … I had an old PC and used to make mixtapes for everyone and could use a program no longer made to put the splits in the different songs that pc died and I switched to Apple I was told to buy a Focusrite and Logic Pro to be able to make mixtape CD’s again I really miss making them Can it be done again with what I have Garageband, Pro Tools 1st and Appleton with the software and hardware I got with the included bundle with the Focusrite? I also may like to do a Facebook live show with the audio coming directly from the interface so back ground noises of people will not come through unless its come through the mic or my mix? I hope yall reading this can understand my question
Big thank you for this nice tutorial very good explained and helpful ! But I still have a problem : I just bought the 18I20 2nd Gen and i cant understand why nothing comes out to my headphones output on the front of the focusrite.. i plugged a microphone on the analogue 1 and configured the focusrite control : the headphones are on line 7-8 and 9-10 by defaut so i clicked on the 7-8 to configure it in focusrite control > i added analogue 1 in hardware input, when i speak the gain move but i cant hear anything.. nothing is mute and the volume button is on half. If someone can help me, thanks a lot !!!
it doesn’t support 2i2 2nd gen? ?? I can’t find it in my account on focusrite site… I really need this if I buy a mic that goes through the interface because I want to remove the delay and make the sound stereo when using it on desktop for gaming and just discord chatting. but the sound is mono and has delay “raw” if I use it on my windows. well on my guitar at least when I tested it with it through the interface before buying a XLR mic that goes through the interface.. HELP
ANYONE HAVING TROUBLE SEPARATING MONITOR AND SPEAKER OUTPUT: (I have the Scarlett 18i8) Inside of the Focusrite Control app, go to your output settings. Click on the gear next to “SYNC” at the top. In the side menu that opens, Set MONITOR CONTROLS to ALL, then select ENABLE for SPEAKER SWITCHING. You’re Welcome.
I have a question and maybe someone here can answer this. When i record drums on my 18i20 gen 2, i have to put the gain all the way down or it comes in way to hot in Reaper. Is this something i can adjust in the control software? So for example i get the levels right on my focusrite, then i adjust how hot they are going into Reaper from the control software? Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
Hi Mark. I have the 4i4 3rd gen. I have an older midi keyboard, so using the traditional midi in and out connecters to the interface. I’m lost in the focusrite software…its like it doesn’t recognize the keyboard at all. I’d like to hear it out of my monitors…please advise. I know its my lack of knowledge in software setup in focusrite.
Very good stuff! Thank you. I have a couple of questions maybe you can help me. I have a 6i6 2nd gen and a roland synth. I output two unbalanced cables from the synth to the front inputs of the scarlett and adjusted the gain to get a small boost. I tried plugging in the back line inputs but the sound wasn’t loud enough ( I had to max out the volume on my synth). My first question: is this a good setup to get the best sound quality of my synth? 2nd: should I set up my front inputs to line or instrument in the Focusrite software for my synth? According to the manual, setting to instrument optimises for unbalanced cables. What’s the difference between both anyways? 3: In the Focusrite software, when selecting my inputs for my synth, should I choose a stereo input or two mono inputs? I noticed a difference in loudness between both options. Finally, it’s not related to the software but do you recommend plugging my interface directly into a usb 2 port or a usb 3 port? Is there any difference? Also I am getting a random pop from my speakers randomly. I have no idea why. Thank you so much