Applies to: 

• Scarlett 16i16 4th Gen
• Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen
• Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen

We've revamped the Speaker switching feature in Focusrite Control 2 (version 1.479 onwards) to allow more flexibility with Monitor groups. This article will explain how to use it and some examples of what it can be used for.

How to use it

Adding and removing outputs

There are two Monitor groups, named “Main” and “Alt”. You can add any of the analogue outputs your interface has (excluding headphone outputs) to either group. To do this, click the Edit button by the group you wish to add an output to and select which outputs you wish to add. You can remove outputs by deselecting them in the same menu.

Each output within a group can have its own source.

Choosing which Monitor group to hear

Provided there is at least one output in each Monitor group, you can switch between which Monitor group you're listening to by pressing the Alt button on the front panel. When the Alt LED on the front panel is white, the Main Monitor group is enabled, whereas when it is green, the Alt Monitor group is enabled. If the LED is a dim white and flashes when pressed, it means there are no outputs in the Alt Monitor group.

You can also switch the Monitor group you're listing to by using the Main/Alt toggle on the right-hand side of Focusrite Control 2.

Setting output volume

Each individual analogue output has its own level control in the Routing view, whether it is in a Monitor group or not. To change the level for an individual output, click in the level box and hold, whilst dragging your mouse up and down. You can also double-click within the box and type in a specific value.

The main Output dial on the interface will control the overall level of all the outputs within the Monitor groups. The overall level of both Monitor groups will be identical, however, you can use the individual output level controls to change the volume of one group vs another.

What can it be used for?

Example 1 - Multiple sets of speakers

If you have more than one set of speakers that you would like to use to reference your mixes, Monitor groups give you the option to easily switch between which speakers you're listening to. Using the individual level controls, you can calibrate the speakers to ensure they are the same volume in your room and the perception of your mix is more likely to be consistent.

Example 2 - Surround sound

If you like to mix or listen in surround sound (5.1, 7.1), adding the outputs your speakers are connected to a Monitor group ensures you can control all the speakers with the main Output dial. You can also calibrate the levels of individual speakers from your desk for convenience.

Example 3 - Direct monitoring shortcut

As each Monitor group can have the same output in, with different sources, you can use the Alt button to switch between DAW monitoring and zero-latency Direct Monitoring. For example, if your speakers are connected to Output 1-2 you can add that output to both groups and have Playback 1-2 (default DAW output) as the source in one group and a Mix as the source in the other group. Toggling between Main and Alt would be a quick shortcut for changing the source you're listening to.