Applies to: Scarlett 4i4, 8i6, 18i8, and 18i20 3rd Gen

On supported Scarlett 3rd gens, we've included Loopback.

Focusrite Control’s Loopback feature lets you record other audio sources from within your computer (e.g., the audio output from a web browser).

Loopback uses the Scarlett’s 'virtual' inputs, which have no physical connectors on the hardware interface itself but may be selected in the DAW as signal sources for recording in the same way as any other. By selecting the Loopback output as the recording source on a mono or stereo DAW track, you can record from another software application into your DAW. Note that your computer will assign DAW 1 and DAW 2 as the default sound output channels.

The following steps and more features can be found in the Focusrite Control User Guide

An example of configuring Loopback in Focusrite Control is given below:

1. In the Output Routing tab, find your Loopback Output and select the audio source you wish to loop back into your DAW.

   Default is Playback 1-2 (DAW 1 & 2)

   

2. In your DAW, ensure that the Loopback tracks are enabled for recording.

   • The specific Input Channel will vary depending on your interface and Sample Rate. Below are the input channels for Scarlett 3rd Gen interfaces at a Sample Rate of 44.1-48kHz. For more information, see the Focusrite Control User Guide for your specific interface. 

3. Create a new audio track.

4. Important! - MUTE THE DAW CHANNEL or set the output to No Output. If you are routing the output of the channel you are recording back to DAW 1 & 2, a feedback loop will be created, potentially damaging for your speakers, or worse – your ears.

   1. Pro Tools
   2. Ableton Live

5. Check that the Loopback output is not muted in Focusrite Control. 

6. Set the DAW channel to record enable.

7. Now, any audio playing on your computer, e.g., a separate audio replay program or from an Internet browser, will be routed into your DAW ready for recording. Hit record in your DAW to capture the audio.