How to setup a Focusrite interface in Cubase

This applies to - All Interfaces

This article shows you how to set up and record audio into Cubase using your Focusrite audio interface. In this article, we're using a Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen and Cubase 12 as an example, for older versions of Cubase the settings windows will look slightly different.

Make sure to install your device's audio driver if you are on Windows. You can find this on the Downloads page or in your Focusrite account.

Connect the interface to your computer and open up Cubase. Create a new/empty project.

To set the Interface as Cubase's audio device, click on Setup > Studio Setup.

Windows

On Windows, click on Audio System > select Focusrite USB ASIO as the ASIO Driver if you are using Windows (For Saffires and Clarett Thunderbolt devices this will appear slightly differently)

Mac

On macOS, click on Audio System > then select the device in the audio device list

Click Apply > OK

Next, select your device below Audio System and here is where you can check Cubase's active I/O (Input & Output) for your Focusrite interface.

Make sure all the inputs and outputs for your device are Visible and that they are listed as Active. If the State of the I/O setup shows Inactive, Cubase will not receive a signal from your Focusrite interface.

To modify this, go back to the Studio drop-down menu and select Audio Connections… (*Older versions of Cubase will list this as VST Connections).

You can set up the Inputs and Outputs here either by using the options under the Presets menu or by manually setting up the routing yourself by using the Add Bus feature.

Adding Audio Tracks

Click Project > Add Track > Audio to create the track you will be recording onto. You can select a Mono track (one input on the interface) or a Stereo track (this will use both inputs of the interface at the same time on the same track).