1. Ensure Focusrite Control 2 is up-to-date

Make sure you have the latest version of Focusrite Control 2 installed:

Download Focusrite Control 2

In the example below, we are setting up a Scarlett 18i16 (4th Gen). However, the same theory applies if you are using a different 4th Gen Scarlett (4i4 or above), although you might need to alter the routing described accordingly.

2. Expose the Loopback channels

Connect your interface to your computer, and navigate to Focusrite Notifier – this is the F icon located in the Windows taskbar.

If Focusrite Notifier is not appearing in your taskbar, please see this article: Why can't I see the Focusrite Notifier icon on the taskbar on Windows?

Right-click on Focusrite Notifier to reveal the dropdown menu, and click on Expose/Hide Windows Channels.

You will see a pop-up window that displays the inputs and outputs of your interface. Make sure that Loopback L + R is selected with a check mark next to it.

Doing so allows the Loopback channels to be exposed in the audio settings of non-ASIO applications (e.g. Zoom, Skype, OBS, Discord, etc). For reference, see this article: How can I select different inputs/outputs in non-ASIO apps on Windows?

3. Set up your interface in the video call/streaming software

Open your streaming application, go to the audio settings, and select Loopback L + R (the Loopback channels) as the input source. Note that the application might display the input device as Microphone.

4. Backup your current Focusrite Control 2 routings and settings

To save your current routings and settings, open Focusrite Control 2 and click on:

Preset (bottom-left corner)→ New Preset

5. Reset Scarlett to its default settings

Reset the Scarlett to its default settings. To do so, go to:

More options → Preferences → Device → Reset to default settings

Confirm the Reset when prompted.

Wait for the Scarlett to reset, then click Continue.

6. Select a Mix

Under the Mixer view, select a mix with no outputs assigned, for example, Mix B.

7. Avoid feedback loops

Mute Playback 1-2; this is to avoid a feedback loop and the audience hearing themselves.

8. Add your inputs

Add any inputs you need into this Mix by turning up the corresponding faders.

You can rename these for clarity by clicking in the text box above each fader.

9. Route your mix to Loopback

Under the Routing view, navigate to the Digital Outputs section and route your mix (e.g. Mix B) to Loopback. 

The routing for Loopback should look like this:

10. Adjust your mix levels

Under the Mixer view, you can now use the software faders in the Focusrite Control 2 Mix B to mix the levels of all your input signals while you are live on the call or streaming session. For example, if your microphone or an instrument is much louder than another, you can turn down the corresponding software fader.

In addition, by selecting the Mix your headphones and/or speakers are routed to (e.g. Mix A), you can adjust the volume separately for what you are hearing, independently of what your audience is hearing (Mix B).

1. Expose the Loopback channels

Connect your interface to your computer, and navigate to Focusrite Notifier – this is the F icon located in the Windows taskbar.

If Focusrite Notifier is not appearing in your taskbar, please see this article: Why can't I see the Focusrite Notifier icon on the taskbar on Windows?

Right-click on Focusrite Notifier (F icon) to reveal the dropdown menu, and click on Expose/Hide Windows Channels.

You will see a pop-up window that displays the inputs and outputs of your interface. Make sure that Loopback L + R is selected with a check mark next to it.

Doing so allows the Loopback channels to be exposed in the audio settings of non-ASIO applications (e.g. Zoom, Skype, OBS, Discord, etc). For reference, see this article: How can I select different inputs/outputs in non-ASIO apps on Windows?

2. Set up your interface in the video call/streaming software

Open your streaming application, go to the audio settings, and select Loopback L + R (the Loopback channels) as the input source. Note that the application might display the input device as ‘Microphone’.

3. Set up your Loopback Custom Mix

[TODO – expand Custom Mix description]

At this point, you will need to use the Focusrite Control software to add all the desired inputs to your mix. This is done by assigning a Custom Mix to the Loopback output (i.e. Loopback 1-2). 

In the following example, the Custom Mix features:

• A microphone on Input 1 (Analogue 1)
• A second microphone on Input 2 (Analogue 2)
• An external stereo mixer on Inputs 3-4 (Analogue 3-4)

It is important to mute the Software (DAW) Playback 1–2 channels – this avoids sending a feedback loop to your audience. You can learn more about Custom Mixes in this tutorial: Focusrite Control Tutorial: 2 - Setting Custom Mixes.

4. Adjust your levels in the Custom Mix

You can now use the software faders in the Focusrite Control Custom Mix for Loopback 1-2 to set the levels of the inputs while you are streaming or on your call.

For example, if your microphone or an instrument is much louder than another, you can turn down the corresponding software fader.

Additionally, by selecting the Output your headphones or speakers are connected to and assigning a Custom Mix to them in Focusrite Control, you can adjust the volume separately for what you are hearing (Custom Mix on Line Outputs 1-2/Headphone Output). This is independent of what the audience is hearing (Custom Mix on Loopback 1-2).