Applies to:
- Scarlett 6i6, 18i20 (2nd Gen)
- Scarlett 4i4, 8i6, 18i8, 18i20 (3rd Gen)
- Clarett USB range
- Clarett Thunderbolt range
Please note: unlike 18i8 3rd gen, 18i8 2nd Gen does not feature additional line outputs.
If you have a device that uses Mix Control then please see this article.
To effect incoming audio using an external effects processor (i.e. a reverb or compressor unit) please do the following:
Connect your external hardware line output into a jack line input on the Clarett or Scarlett, in the following example, we will be connecting the effects processor to input 3. Ensure your instrument or microphone (sound source) is correctly connected to one of the analogue inputs, for this example, input 1.
Open the Focusrite Control application, select ‘Line Outputs 3-4’ and then deselect ‘Stereo’ on this tab so that the tab now displays ‘Line Output 3’ (see below). Then click the source selector below and select ‘Analogue 1’. Then connect line output 3 to the line input on your external hardware.
If you plan on processing a stereo signal, please leave the STEREO button highlighted.
In the ‘Device Settings’ tab at the top of your window, ensure that Line Output 3 is not being controlled under ‘Monitor Controls’. If you do not see these options then you will not need to complete this step.
Once configured, you can set the gain for input audio first, then set the gain for your external hardware, and finally set the gain for the input from the external hardware.
You will now be able to process your Audio and record it into your DAW as a 'wet' signal by selecting input 3 or use the dry signal by selecting input 1 (or relevant inputs depending on which you are using).
To find more information on how to set up the external effects processor inside Ableton or Logic, please see the articles below:
To find out how to use an external effects processor in Focusrite Control to process already recorded audio, see the article here.