Applies to: Scarlett, Clarett USB
Scarlett 3rd Gen Interfaces
The Scarlett 3rd Gen interfaces come with a USB-C to USB-A cable. Use this cable to connect your Scarlett 3rd Gen to computers that feature USB-A ports.
If your computer features a Type-C port, you can use a USB-C to USB-C cable (not supplied) to connect the Scarlett. For more information, see the following article; Scarlett 3rd Gen | 'USB C' to 'USB C' connectivity
If you need to use a cable manufactured by a 3rd party, we recommend that any replacement USB cable is under 2 meters. Any longer and this can have an adverse effect on audio quality and connectivity with your computer.
Scarlett 1st & 2nd Gen Interfaces
The Scarlett 1st & 2nd Gen interfaces ship with a standard USB-B to USB-A cable and we recommend that this is used with your interface wherever possible. However, if you are unable to use the included USB cable for any reason, or you believe yours is faulty, you will be able to use any USB-A to USB-B cable.
We recommend that any replacement USB cable is under 2 meters. Any longer and this can have an adverse effect on audio quality and connectivity with your computer.
Some more modern computers are being built with USB 3.1 (Type-C) or Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) ports. If your computer has one of these ports, you will need to purchase a USB-C to USB-A adaptor. You can then connect the cable that ships with the Scarlett interface to the adaptor and connect the adaptor to the port on the computer.
We recommend the Apple USB to USB-C adaptor as they are reliable.
Clarett USB Interfaces
The Clarett USB interfaces ship with 2 different USB cables - a USB-A to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-C cable. The port on the Clarett USB interfaces are Type-C ports and therefore, including two cables allows you to connect the interface directly to computers with USB-A and USB Type-C ports without the use of adaptors.
If you are unable to use the included USB cables for any reason, or you believe yours is faulty, you will be able to use any good quality USB-A to USB-C or USB-C to USB-C cable. We recommend that any replacement USB cable is under 2 meters. Any longer and this can have an adverse effect on audio quality and connectivity with your computer.
USB Extensions
We advise against using USB extension cables. These cables, like longer USB cables, can cause issues with your audio. If you use an extension cable, your interface may experience glitches, dropouts or simply not connect.
USB Hubs
We would recommend connecting your audio interface directly to your computer where possible. However, USB Hubs are often necessary due to computers not having enough ports.
If you require a USB hub to connect your interface, we recommend using a powered USB hub that has a mains power source. If you experience issues we would advise testing different USB hubs to find which works best for your computer and USB devices.