Applies to:

The following products are tested and supported with iPads that have a USB-C port:

• Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen
• Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
• Scarlett Solo Studio 3rd Gen
• Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen

The following products are not tested or supported with iPads that have a USB-C port but should work:

• Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen
• Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen
• Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen
• Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen

Important: All of these devices will need to be connected to a computer in order to change routing and settings in Focusrite Control. Focusrite Control iOS cannot be used to control a Scarlett connected to your iPad, this app is a remote for the desktop version of the software.

None of the Scarlett 3rd Gen range of interfaces are officially supported for use with iPads that have a Lightning port, however, they should work if connected correctly.

Is the interface connected correctly?

Please ensure your Scarlett is connected correctly to your iPad by carefully following the steps in the relevant articles below.

• How to connect your USB-C iPad with your 3rd Generation Scarlett Audio Interface
• Can I use my bus-powered Scarlett with an iPad (Lightning port)?
• How do I connect my mains-powered Scarlett, Clarett+, or Clarett USB interface to an iPad (Lightning port)?

If you are sure you are connecting the Scarlett correctly, and it's still not working, please test with other cables, as well as any necessary adaptors/hubs.

Is your interface up to date and out of Easy Start (MSD) mode?

Out of the box, your Scarlett 3rd Gen will be in Easy Start (MSD) mode. This allows a prompt to show up which takes you to our Easy Start website, when you first connect it to a Mac or PC. The Easy Start website includes useful tutorial videos to help you get started when using the interface on your computer. However, since the introduction of iPadOS 15, we have found that Scarlett interfaces in Easy Start (MSD) mode may not work within your chosen iPad app.

To take your Scarlett 3rd Gen out of Easy Start (MSD) mode, please connect your interface to a Mac or PC first. Install the Focusrite Control software and open the software with your Scarlett still connected. You should be prompted to take the unit out of Easy Start mode (maybe called Quick Start). It is a good idea to do this anyway, as the software will check that the firmware is up-to-date on your Scarlett and offer to update it if it is not. Also, if you wanted to change any settings (or routing on larger Scarlett interfaces) you can do so within this software.

You can download the latest version of Focusrite Control here. Select your Scarlett model in the drop-down product list (Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen, Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen etc).

If you only have access to an iPad to use your Scarlett 3rd Gen in, please contact support.

Is the iPad app you're using appropriate for use with a Scarlett?

Not all apps will behave the same way with a Scarlett, due to the way the apps have been developed. If you're looking to record audio with an app, via the Scarlett's inputs, make sure the app has the ability to select which input(s) you want to record from. Some apps will be quite basic and will only allow you to record audio from the first input. Whilst some other apps will expect to receive a stereo signal, so when you record a single mono source (mic/guitar), you'll only hear audio on one side of your headphones/speakers when you play the recording back. The apps we would tend to recommend for recording on iPad are:

• GarageBand
• Auria Pro
• Cubasis

Are your iPad and iPad apps all up to date?

Please check that your iPad has the latest operating system and that your recording applications (such as GarageBand) are up-to-date).