Before you begin, please ensure that you are using the most up-to-date version of your recording app, for example, GarageBand.
If you have a Scarlett 3rd, 4th Gen or Vocaster interface, please make sure you update the firmware on your interface first, before connecting it to an iPad. Refer to this article for more information.
We are now officially supporting the 3rd generation Scarlett Solo, 2i2 & 4th Generation Solo, 2i2 and 4i4 with USB-C iPads. There are various ways to connect, we recommend the following:
Ways to Connect:
1. USB-C Hub with Power Delivery
3. Direct connection, USB-C to USB-C
When using either the 2i2 or 4i4 4th Gen units, you might need to use the additional 5VDC power port on the back of these devices.
1. USB-C Hub with Power Delivery
USB-C supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD). This opens up the potential for pass-through charging whilst using a USB-C hub, meaning you can charge your iPad whilst adding devices such as your Scarlett interface.
You can recognise a USB-C hub with Power Delivery by identifying whether it has a USB-C port on it, with a PD stamp on at least one of the USB-C ports.
What you’ll need:
- USB-C iPad
- Type-C USB hub with pass-through power
- Your iPad’s USB-C charging cable
- Your Scarlett’s USB-Cable
- Scarlett audio interface
- Monitors or headphones
Connection Diagram:
Making the Connection:
1. Connect the USB-C hub to your iPad.
2. Connect your iPad’s USB-C charger to the Type C port on your USB-C hub.
3. Connect your iPad’s USB-C charger to the nearest mains outlet.
4. A notification will appear on your iPad, notifying you that it is charging.
5. Take the Scarlett USB cable and plug it into the back of the Scarlett.
6. Connect the other end to any port of the USB-C hub.
7. Connect the appropriate cables to the back of your monitors.
8. Connect the corresponding jack cables to the back of your Scarlett interface.
9. Alternatively, you can use the headphone jack. Insert your headphones into the front of your Scarlett interface.
If you've completed all the steps above with the recommended equipment, but you are experiencing sound issues, please see this article:
Sound issues on iOS and iPadOS
2. USB-C to A Adapter
This will be a direct connection between your iPad and your Scarlett audio interface, with the addition of a simple USB-C to USB-A adapter.
What you’ll need:
- USB-C iPad
- USB-C to USB Female A adapter
- Your Scarlett’s USB Cable
- Scarlett audio interface
- Monitors or headphones
Making the Connection:
1. Connect the USB-C to A adapter to your iPad.
2. Connect the USB-A end of your Scarlett USB cable to the USB-C to A adapter.
3. Connect the USB-C end of your Scarlett USB cable to your Scarlett audio interface.
4. Connect the appropriate cables to the backs of your monitors.
5. Connect the corresponding jack cables to the back of your Scarlett interface.
6. Alternatively, you can use the headphone jack. Insert your headphones into the front of your Scarlett interface.
If you've completed all the steps above with the recommended equipment, but you are experiencing sound issues, please see this article:
Sound issues on iOS and iPadOS
3. Direct connection, USB-C to USB-C.
This will be a simple direct connection from your Scarlett interface to your iPad.
What you’ll need:
- USB-C iPad
- USB-C to USB-C cable
- Scarlett audio interface
- Monitors or headphones
Making the Connection:
1. Connect one side of the type C to C cable to your iPad.
2. Connect the other side of the type C to C cable to your Scarlett audio interface.
3. Connect the appropriate cables to the backs of your monitors.
4. Connect the corresponding jack cables to the back of your Scarlett interface.
5. Alternatively, you can use the headphone jack. Insert your headphones into the front of your Scarlett interface.
If you've completed all the steps above with the recommended equipment, but you are experiencing sound issues, please see this article: