How To Set Up Focusrite Scarlett 18i8

Getting your easily on your first audio interface can exist intimidating. But information technology is actually a very easy process, and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 setup can be seamlessly completed in but a few minutes.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 setup requires you lot to install the Focusrite Command drivers and register the device. Connect it using provided USB C cable (apply adapter for east.thou. thunderbolt ports), and option the interface as input device. Connect your mic with an XLR cable and using the knobs adjust your proceeds.

I really bask working with Focusrite Scarlett interfaces, as y'all could already read in my recommendation of the best interfaces for podcasting.

This short tabular array summarizes fundamental differences betwixt the virtually popular Focusrite Scarlett models. I ain the 2i2 model and it is a great device for podcast recording (Improve Podcast School testify is recorded using the 2i2).

Podcast gear - Audio Interface - Focusrite Scarlett Solo — Comparison between Scarlett Solo vs Scarlett 2i2 vs Scarlett 18i8

Podcast gear - Audio Interface - Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 — Comparison between Scarlett Solo vs Scarlett 2i2 vs Scarlett 18i8

	Scarlett Solo	Scarlett 2i2	Scarlett 18i8
Customer rating	4.vii out of five stars	4.vii out of 5 stars	4.8 out of five stars

Connectivity	USB Blazon-C	USB Type-C	USB Type-C
Mics XLR Philharmonic	i	ii	iv
Mic Preamps built-in	Yes	Yes	Yeah
Ins / Outs	2-2	2-2	18-8
MIDI	No	No	Yeah
Optical	No	No	Yeah
Max sample charge per unit	192kHz/24-bit	192kHz/24-chip	192kHz/24-bit
Phantom Ability	Yes	Yeah	Yes
Direct Monitor	Yes	Yes	Yes
	check price	check price	check toll

Scarlett 2i2 is an amazing digital interface that produces professional-quality sound. Though it is a ability-packed device, it is fairly piece of cake to set up and use. In this post, we will hash out how to fix up and apply Scarlett 2i2.

Software Needed for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Setup

Earlier y'all tin connect and use Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, you must download and install Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 drivers. Downloading the drivers is a must to use the audio interface.

Only follow these steps:

Become to Focusrite Webpage.
Become to the Downloads folio.
Choose the brand (that'southward Focusrite), Production Range (that would be Scarlett), and Product Blazon (the model that is 2i2).
Find and download the latest version of the Focusrite Control commuter that is compatible with your operating arrangement.
The Focusrite Control commuter would get downloaded to your organisation. You will discover it in your downloads folder.
Install the software at present-
- PC – Double Click on the .exe file and follow the instructions.
- Mac – Double click on the DMG file
Restart the system.

Scarlett 2i2 is course-compliant on Mac computers. It works with the default Mac drivers and needs Focusrite Control only for adjusting settings or remote control.

When you buy a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, you get bundled software complimentary of cost that you lot can use to enhance your recording feel.

Bundled software that comes with Focusrite

Avid Pro Tools – Hundreds of virtual instrument sounds and 500MB of loops.
Ableton Alive Calorie-free – This is a top music-making software in the industry.
Three-Month Splice Sounds Subscription – You tin can use millions of loftier-quality, royalty-free one-shots, loops, and presets.
Addictive Keys from XLN Audio – When you register your showtime Focusrite or Novation hardware, you can access 1 of four virtual keyboards to create interesting music.
Softube Time and Tone Bundle – You lot will get Softube'south world-course reverb, delay, and distortion plug-ins, and a user-friendly mastering tool with Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
Focusrite Plug-in Collective – You volition get complimentary versions of the well-nigh innovative software,
Focusrite Blood-red Plug-in Suite – It accurately models our archetype Red two equalizer and Red iii compressor.

Create an business relationship during Scarlett Focusrite 2i2 setup

You must annals your Focusrite 2i2 to access the driver command and the free software that comes with the equipment. You lot can go to the Focusrite website, go to back up, and click on Register A Product to create an account and register your Scarlett 2i2.

You will have to select the model proper noun from a drop-down list and provide the Serial number of the device. The series number is printed on the base of the interface, and the bar lawmaking on the box. Once y'all have registered, yous can Go to the My Software Folio and access all the bundled software.

Setting Upwards Your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

Now that you accept registered your audio interface and installed the driver software, it'south fourth dimension to get started.

Scarlett 2i2 and all the other Scarlett interfaces come up with a USB-C port that y'all can directly connect to your computer. They operate on USB ii.0 protocol which gives them maximum compatibility. 2i2 is bus-powered, meaning that it receives power from a USB connection and non a power adapter.

If you are using it with a Mac with only thunderbolt port you will need a unproblematic dongle USB to thunderbolt adapter. I apply this i.

Update the audio settings of the system

Since your computer plays sound through a selected audio device, yous volition have to update your sound settings later on connecting your Scarlett 2i2 to the computer. You need to select Scarlett 2i2 as your system's audio device by updating the audio settings. This volition help your DAW recognize which is your audio device and which are your input and output streams.

Y'all will have to switch information technology manually every time you plug your audio interface.

Settings for macOS

Click on the Menu Bar, select the Apple icon, and cull Arrangement Preferences.
Select Audio
Now go to the output tab, and cull your audio device.

Settings for Windows

Become to the Windows Taskbar, correct-click on the sound icon, and choose Playback devices.
Select your audio interface and click on Ready Default.
Click Ok to shut the card.

In some DAWs (check the best DAW for podcasting recommendation in this post), yous might have to select the device as your DAW audio device. At present that we take set up Scarlett 2i2, permit's hash out the basic steps of recording sound on it.

Setup Your Recording Session with Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

Connect your Headphones

If y'all want to record while using your headphones, you tin can plug the headphones into the headphone jack on the front console of Scarlett 2i2. There is a small knob to control the output levels of the headphones.

I recommend always recording with your headphones to control your gain, and avert sound leading.

Hither are my recommendation for best podcasting headphones, and quick table beneath:

Connect Studio Monitor to Sound Interface

You tin connect the studio monitor to the interface using a ¼ inches TRS cable. Utilise balanced cables to brand the connection. The big knob on the monitor helps you control the TRS level.

There is a adventure of creating an sound feedback loop when loudspeakers are active while monitoring a microphone. You should plow off or plow downwards monitoring loudspeakers while recording, and use headphones for overdubbing.

Connect Your Mic

You tin can employ any mic with Scarlett 2i2. Since there are two inputs on this interface, you can connect two mics. Y'all tin too connect one mic and one instrument. Utilize an XLR cable to connect the mic to the equipment as it will allow y'all utilize the total proceeds range of the device.

If the mic has a jack plug on the end of the cablevision, it will need an adapter so that y'all tin can apply it with the XLR part of the philharmonic connector. If you insert the jack plug directly into the interface, you would receive less gain on your device.

Of import: some mics, like Shure SM7B volition audio very quiet with majority of interfaces, including Scarlett Focusrite series. This is not the interface, just SM7B is very sensitive and then yous demand an inline preamp to boost the signal.

You lot can find cracking inline preamps in the table below, or bank check this post to find more tips on how to make sound interface louder (prepare gain problems).

	Cloudlifter CL-1	FetHead Phantom	FetHead
Client rating	four.8 out of five stars	4.half dozen out of 5 stars	4.6 out of five stars

All-time suited for	dynamic mic	condenser mic	dynamic mic
Course factor	stand-alone device	directly mic plugin	direct mic plugin
dB gain added	+25 dB	+eighteen dB	+27 dB
Phantom power passing	no	yes	no
	check price	bank check cost	check price

Why Setting Up Your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Correctly is Important?

If y'all want your podcast to achieve as many people as possible, you must deliver great content and dandy sound quality. Setting up your equipment correctly is incredibly important to make certain you go the best audio quality possible. The audio will be crystal clear, free from interferences.
When you lot are recording a podcast or playing for a live audience, you don't want to lose precious time due to faulty settings. You wouldn't desire your guest or audition to keep waiting for you to kickoff. If you lot have your interface already gear up upward to your ideal settings, it can be more or less as unproblematic equally plug-in and record. Yous can put your focus on giving a great performance.
When y'all take a consistent point, it's easy to audio flawless betwixt edits or additions, and once again. Many amateur podcasters tend to overly rely on sound editing for improving sound quality. Merely if you can avoid sound issues in the first place, you tin can speed upwards the entire postal service-product procedure.

Here are some additional setup tips to make sure your audio interface and microphone sound great.

In conclusion

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 comes with high-quality Focusrite analog preamps that guarantee peak-notch audio. It comes with sound specifications that lower down distortion and noise even more than and requite you lot a greater dynamic range. The mic preamp can accept a higher input range.

It includes Focusrite's AIR function which you can individually select on each channel. The AIR office slightly changes the preamp'due south frequency response to mimic the sonic characteristics of Focusrite's ISA microphone preamps. This volition give your sound extra liveliness.

With all these exciting features available in this compact device, all y'all need to do is to spare a few minutes and acquire its correct setup. Once you do that, yous are all fix to record a crystal clear podcast and amaze your audience.

Neha Pathak

Hullo! I am Neha Pathak. I am a podcast enthusiast, and I wish to share my experiences with you to help you amend your podcasts. I am also an avid hiker and a cyclist.