Applies to: Scarlett 1st and 2nd Generation ranges, Forte, Saffire 6 USB (USB 2.0)
All Focusrite USB 2.0 interfaces are 'Class Compliant', which means that they can be connected to a Mac computer without needing to install a separate driver. The Scarlett Solo, 2i2 and 2i4 (1st and 2nd Generation) and the Saffire 6 USB (the USB 2.0 variant, more details at the bottom of this article) are plug and play on Mac computers, there's no need to install anything at all.
The larger Scarletts (6i6 and above) use software to control various parameters, including output routing. This software can be downloaded either from your account after clicking 'Downloads and Activation Codes' below your product, or from the Downloads section of our website.
The 1st Generation Scarlett 6i6, 8i6, 18i6, 18i8 and 18i20 all use Scarlett Mix Control - this should be installed and opened at least once before use as some devices will need a firmware upgrade before they will function correctly (this will happen automatically when you open Scarlett Mix Control if a firmware update is required.
The 2nd Generation Scarlett 6i6, 18i8 and 18i20 all use Focusrite Control - this should be installed and opened at least once before use as some devices will need a firmware upgrade before they will function correctly (this will happen automatically when you open Focusrite Control if a firmware update is required.
Forte users should install Forte Control.
Removing unnecessary drivers
Previously, Focusrite has issued drivers for USB devices on older Mac operating systems, however we would now recommend not installing any drivers that you might find online or on old CD installer discs when using one of our USB interfaces on Mac computers.
If you happen to install an old Focusrite driver by mistake then this could cause a number of issues, including:
- Glitchy audio
- Your device appearing only as an input device with no outputs available
To remove any potentially problematic drivers you may have installed, you can run our Class Compliant application, which is attached at the bottom of this article.
Alternatively, you can manually delete drivers by going to Finder > click 'Go' at the top of the screen > select 'Computer' > Mac HD > System > Library > Extensions. In this folder, remove any files named 'FocusriteUSB2Audio.kext' and then restart the computer.
Please note: there are two revisions of the Saffire 6 USB, one is a USB 1.1 device and the other is a USB 2.0 device. Serial numbers beginning 'SU' are USB 1.1, serials beginning 'S2' are USB 2.0. The USB 1.1 variant of the Saffire 6 DOES require a driver on Mac which you can find in the Downloads section of our website. The USB 2.0 version of the Saffire 6 DOES NOT require a driver on Mac.