Front Panel In Depth; Setting Preamp Input Gain - Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen User Manual

Front Panel In Depth

This section covers all the features on your Scarlett 4i4's front panel, what they do, how you
might use them and how they work in Focusrite Control 2.

Setting Preamp Input Gain

The preamp input gain controls how much signal you are sending into your computer and
recording software.
It's essential to set a good level for the preamp input gain so you get the best quality recording. If
the preamp input gain is too low your signal will be too quiet and when you try and boost its level
later you may hear noise in the recording; if the preamp input gain is too high you might 'clip' the
input and hear harsh distortion in your recording.
To increase the input gain move the gain control clockwise, as you move the gain control the Gain
Halo gradually lights clockwise to show you the gain level. This diagram shows the gain at various
levels:
1. No input gain
2. 25% input gain
3. 50% input gain
4. 75% input gain
5. 100% input gain
When you adjust your input gain while you send a signal into your preamp, the ring lights the
same way as above but a colour, green, amber or red, shows how much level is going into your
computer. Shortly after you stop adjusting the gain the meters revert to input meters (see Input
Metering).
1. Gain at 40%, signal good.
2. Gain at 40%, signal pre-clip.
3. Gain at 40%, signal clipping.
1. Green shows your signal level is good.
2. Amber shows your signal is pre-clip, any higher and you are likely to clip the input
3. Red shows your signal has clipped, you should reduce the gain.
Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen User Guide
Software Gain Control
You can also control the preamp gain remotely using Focusrite Control 2.
To adjust the preamp gain in Focusrite Control 2:
1. Click the virtual knob for the channel you'd like to adjust or use the tab key to select
the preamp gain control.
2. Move your mouse up and down or use the arrow keys to increase or decrease the gain
(in ±1dB increments).
The following images show the preamp gain at minimum, medium and maximum gain.
No input gain
11
50% Gain
100% Gain