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

Out of the box, the 5-pin DIN MIDI Input and Output ports on the back of the above Scarlett 3rd Gen models will not pass MIDI data. This is because your Scarlett is currently in 'Quick Start' mode. To take your Scarlett 3rd Gen out of Quick Start mode and gain full functionality, simply download, install, and open the Focusrite Control software.

When you open Focusrite Control for the first time, you'll get a message prompting you to take the unit out of Quick Start. If you click OK and restart the computer, you'll be able to pass MIDI information through the MIDI ports.

Focusrite Control also allows you to change some settings on your interface, and, on the 4i4 upwards, allows you to change which audio is being sent to which outputs.

There are two ways to access Focusrite Control;

1) 'Quick Start' - click on the Scarlett desktop icon that appears when you first connect your Scarlett 3rd Gen interface to a Mac, or by clicking on the notification pop-up window that will appear upon connection to a Windows computer (PC). This will take you through our interactive Quick Start process, part of which includes the Focusrite Control installation. 

Mac Desktop Icon

Windows notifier Icon 

2) If you are already familiar with how to get your Scarlett set up, Focusrite Control can be accessed via the downloads page of the Focusrite website. Click here to be taken to this page and be sure to select the correct product in the drop-down list (Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen, Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen etc).