Applies to:
- Scarlett 16i16, 18i16, and 18i20 4th Gen
- Scarlett 8i6, 18i8, and 18i20 3rd Gen
- Scarlett 6i6, 18i8, and 18i20 2nd Gen
- Scarlett 6i6, 18i8, and 18i20 1st Gen
- ISA C8X
- Clarett USB range
- Clarett+ range
This article explains how to connect a mains-powered audio interface (such as Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen) to an iPhone or iPad. If you have a bus-powered audio interface (i.e. it doesn't need a dedicated power supply), see Connecting a bus-powered audio interface to iPhone or iPad.
While not officially supported, we expect mains-powered interfaces to work on iPhone and iPad, as they are class-compliant.
Use the IEC power cable or power supply unit that came with your interface. An iPhone or iPad cannot bus-power the interface.
Before connecting your interface to an iPhone or iPad, configure any desired routings or settings via the interface's control software on a Mac or Windows computer. See Preparing mains-powered audio interfaces for use with an iPhone or iPad for more information.
iPhones and iPads with USB-C connections
Use one of the following methods to connect.
Direct connection (USB C-to-C)
Connect a USB C-to-C cable from the iPhone/iPad's USB-C port to the USB port marked USB.
As the iPhone/iPad is not receiving power, be aware of it's battery level to avoid interruptions or the loss of recordings.
Requirements
- USB-C iPhone/iPad
- Focusrite USB audio interface
- Included IEC power cable/power supply unit
- USB C-to-C cable
Connection steps
To connect an interface with a USB-C connection (for example, Scarlett 4th Gen), follow the steps below:
- Connect the IEC power cable or power supply unit into a mains socket
- Connect the power source to the interface
- Connect a USB cable from the interface to the iPhone/iPad
If the interface has a USB-B connection and comes with a USB A-to-B cable, use a USB adapter.
Alternatively, a USB B-to-C cable can be used to connect. See What USB cable can I use with my Focusrite USB interface? for more information.
USB-C hub with Power Delivery
This setup allows the iPhone or iPad to be charged while the audio interface is connected. A USB-C hub with Power Delivery with a connected USB-C power supply (such as an Apple iPad/MacBook power adapter) charges the iPhone/iPad via the hub.
Requirements
- USB-C iPhone/iPad
- Focusrite USB audio interface
- Included IEC power cable/power supply unit
- USB-C hub with Power Delivery
- USB-C power supply (recommended 30W minimum)
- USB C-to-A or USB C-to-C cable (depending on USB-C hub used)
Connection steps
- Connect the USB-C hub's cable to the USB-C port on the iPhone or iPad
- Connect the USB-C power supply to the port marked PD on the USB-C hub
- Connect one end of the USB C-to-C or USB C-to-A cable to a USB port on the hub
- Connect the other end of the USB cable into the port marked USB on the audio interface
- Connect the IEC power cable or power supply unit to a mains socket
- Connect the power cable to the interface's power-in connection
If the interfaces has a USB-B connection, use either a USB A-to-B cable or B-to-C cable, depending on the ports on the USB-C hub.
See What USB cable can I use with my Focusrite USB interface? for more information.
iPhones and iPads with Lightning connections
Use the following method to connect.
Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter
This setup allows the iPhone or iPad to be charged while the audio interface is connected; the Camera Adapter provides a USB-A data connection (for the audio interface) and a USB-C power connection (to charge the iPhone/iPad).
Requirements
- Lightning iPhone/iPad
- Focusrite USB audio interface
- Included IEC power cable/power supply unit
- Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter
- iPhone/iPad Lightning charger
- USB A-to-C cable
Connection steps
- Connect the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter to the iPhone/iPad's Lightning connector
- Connect the Lightning charger into a mains socket and the other end into the Lightning port (marked A below) on the Camera Adapter
- Connect the interface's IEC power cable or power supply from a mains socket to the power connection on the interface
- Connect the USB cable to the USB-A 'camera' port (marked B below) on the Camera Adapter
- Connect the other end of the USB cable to the port marked USB on the audio interface
If you've completed all the steps above with the recommended equipment, but you are experiencing sound issues, please see our Sound issues on iOS and iPadOS article.