Applies to devices which use Focusrite Control 2
Loopback allows you to capture your computer's audio and record it into your recording software on a separate channel alongside your mics or instruments. Loopback works by 'looping back' audio outputs from your computer to virtual input channels within your interface. Any computer audio can be recorded into a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).
To check if your interface supports Loopback, see the article below.
Which Focusrite interfaces feature Loopback?
When using Loopback, mute the loopback channels in your recording software so you don't cause a feedback loop.
Scarlett Solo and 2i2 (4th Generation)
Scarlett Solo 4th Gen and 2i2 4th Gen have a stereo loopback channel, which allows you to send the sound produced by your computer and route it back into your Scarlett for recording or streaming.
To set up Loopback with these devices:
- Open your DAW or recording software.
- Create a new recording channel in your DAW and either mute, or set the output to 'none' for this channel. It's important to do this so you don't cause a feedback loop.
- Set your recording input of the muted channel to the Loopback channels of your Scarlett, channels 3-4.
- Start recording.
The channels in your recording software receive the output of your Scarlett. You can use other channels in your recording software to record anything connected to the inputs on your Scarlett alongside the Loopback feed.
Record your Direct Monitor Mix using Loopback
Your Direct Monitor Mix is a combination of your 's inputs and the software playback channels. You can set this mix in Focusrite Control 2. To record this mix via your Loopback channels:
- Open Focusrite Control 2.
- Click the
ellipses in the top right corner.
- Click Preferences
.
- Tick Send Direct Monitor mix to Loopback.
- Click the Direct tab.
- Switch on Direct Monitor.
All other devices
All routing for the Loopback channel is done in Focusrite Control 2. You can create a custom mix for the Loopback. By default, the loopback channel is set to Playback 1-2.
To create a custom mix for your loopback channel:
- Open Focusrite Control 2.
- Click the Mixer window.
- Select a Mix, in this example we will use Mix C.
- To the right of Routed to →, select the pencil icon
, and tick Loopback.
- Raise the fader for each input you would like to add to the Loopback mix.
Any input in this mix will now be routed to the loopback channel.
Selecting Loopback in Applications
Windows
If you are using a DAW with ASIO support, you will be able to select a specific input for your interface to record. If not using a DAW, the Loopback channel will not appear, and you might only be able to select Input 1+2 of the device. To view the Loopback channel as a separate audio device in Windows, follow the article below.
Expose/Hide Windows Channels for non-ASIO Windows apps
macOS
It is only possible to select the loopback in applications in which support specific input selection. If you're using a DAW, this will likely be supported.
Applications such as Microsoft Teams and Discord do not allow for specific input selection, and will only use input 1 of your interface.
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