Applies to all USB audio interfaces.
If you are experiencing connectivity or audio performance issues with your USB interface, follow these troubleshooting steps.
1. Check compatibility
To check that the device and operating system you want to use are compatible with your USB audio interface, have a look at the compatibility section of the help centre:
2. Install or reinstall the latest software and drivers
Download, install, and open the latest software or drivers for your interface and operating system. Are the correct software and drivers already installed? Try redownloading and reinstalling them:
It's important that you open the control software at least once with your interface connected; some of our interfaces won't work until you do this.
If you experience blue screen crashes (BSoDs) or other errors during or after the installation of our drivers on Windows, please see this article: Troubleshooting Focusrite installation issues (Windows).
3. Check if your interface is connected
On all supported USB interfaces except Vocaster, the USB light or symbol will be lit green if there is a USB data connection — for Vocaster, a white Computer
light indicates a data connection.
If this light is not lit or is lit a different colour, this means there is either no USB data connection, no power, or the power supply is insufficient.
4. Power troubleshooting
- Does your interface need a separate power supply? If it does, make sure it is plugged in. Refer to the user guide if you are unsure:
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Make sure your interface is switched on. Some of our interfaces have a power switch, so make sure this is on before you proceed.
- Check the USB is fully inserted. Push the USB cable firmly into the port on your USB audio interface. If it is a little loose, it may not be providing enough power.
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Scarlett 4th Gen: Is sufficient power being provided? Some Scarlett 4th Gens can be powered by the main USB connection or by an additional power supply. This depends upon the USB power your computer can provide. Please see these articles to ensure you are providing enough power to your 4th Gen:
What USB Charger Can I Use to Power My Scarlett 4th Gen?
Scarlett 16i16 and 18i16 4th Gen USB-C bus power requirements
The USB icon on my Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen is flashing red
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iPad/iPhone: Have you followed the steps in the iOS setup articles? Select the relevant link below to ensure you have set up your interface correctly if using an iOS device:
Before you connect Scarlett 3rd Gen, Scarlett 4th Gen, or Vocaster to an iPhone or iPad, your audio interface must first be connected to a computer at least once. You will need to install and run the control software (Focusrite Downloads) to update your interface's firmware and put it into its normal operating mode.
Connecting your USB-C iPad with your Audio Interface
Using bus-powered Scarletts with Lightning iOS devices
Can I use my audio interface with my USB-C iPad Pro?
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Laptop: Test on battery and plugged in. If you're using a laptop, test with the laptop running on battery power and with the laptop's power supply plugged in. Run through the optimisation articles linked in the Software troubleshooting section below if changing the power source fixes the problem.
5. Connection troubleshooting
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Check the USB is fully inserted (again). Push it firmly into the port on your USB audio interface. A loose connector may provide enough power but no data connection, so make sure the connector is fully inserted.
- Check you are using the correct USB port on your interface. Some of our interfaces have multiple USB ports; check the user guide if you are uncertain which you need to use: Focusrite Product User Guides.
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Use the USB cable that was supplied with your interface. If you need to use another cable (maybe your computer has USB-C ports, you need a longer cable etc.) make sure it meets the spec for your interface in this article: What USB cable can I use with my Focusrite USB interface?
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Avoid USB hubs. Connect your audio interface directly. If you must use a hub, we recommend trying a ‘powered’ hub with its own mains power supply — you may need to try several hubs to find one that works consistently.
- Do not use a USB adaptor unless it was supplied in the box with your audio interface. The official Apple USB-A to C adaptor may work, but performance with this or untested adaptors can be unpredictable. If this means you need to use a USB-C to C cable, make sure it meets the spec here: What USB cable can I use with my Focusrite USB interface?
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Test every USB port because performance can vary from port to port.
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Try another USB cable, as this will help rule out a fault or glitch with the cable. Make sure it's the correct spec: What USB cable can I use with my Focusrite USB interface?
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Disconnect all other USB devices. Should you find this resolves the issue, reconnect the other devices one-by-one to see if any particular device is the cause.
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Connect the Scarlett to a different computer or device. This will help give an indication whether the issue is specific to one device or not.
If your interface does not power up or connect to multiple compatible devices, and you've tested multiple USB ports and cables of the correct spec, contact support for further assistance.
6. Software troubleshooting (Mac and Windows)
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Select your interface as the audio input and output device. If your interface appears in your computer's sound settings, you should be able to select it as the audio input and output device.
Mac System Settings →
Sound → Output & Input
Windows Settings →
System →
Sound
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Troubleshoot with your control software. If Focusrite Control or Focusrite Control 2 is not recognising your interface, please see the appropriate article below:
Focusrite Control 2 devices: Why isn't Focusrite Control 2 detecting my unit?
Focusrite Control devices: No Hardware Connected or No Hardware Detected
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Increase the audio buffer size if you are experiencing glitchy audio or dropouts. Please note this will reduce audio performance issues but increase latency.
How to change the sample rate and buffer size on Windows
How to change the sample rate and buffer size on Mac
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macOS: Reset your Mac's audio preferences. Sometimes, your Mac's preference files may have become corrupt, leading to issues with your audio interface. To resolve this, complete the steps in this article:
Audio issues on macOS, how to reset Audio Preferences
- Optimise your computer for audio. If you're still experiencing issues, the next troubleshooting steps can be found in the following articles. We recommend completing all the steps in these articles, even if they seem irrelevant to your issue: