Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 User Manual
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Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 User Manual

The producer's 18-in, 16-out interface
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Scarlett 18i16 4
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The producer's 18-in, 16-out interface
User Guide

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Summary of Contents for Focusrite Scarlett 18i16

  • Page 1 Version 1.0 Scarlett 18i16 4 The producer’s 18-in, 16-out interface User Guide...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Table of Contents Scarlett 18i16 Overview ........................................5 Introduction .
  • Page 3 Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Mute Button ......................................... 25 Mute Software Control .
  • Page 4 Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Updating Focusrite Control 2 ..................................... . . 55 Updating your Scarlett 18i16 .

  • Page 5: Scarlett 18I16 Overview

    Software System Requirements • Re-engineered Air mode with Presence and Harmonic Drive. To check we support Focusrite Control 2 on your operating system (OS) please use our Help • Remotely control your preamps using our Focusrite Control 2 software. Centre’s compatibility articles: •...

  • Page 6: Getting Started With Your Scarlett 18I16

    Mass Storage Device, like a USB drive. Open the drive and double click ‘Click Here To Get Started.url’. Click ‘Get Started’ to open Easy Start in your web browser. To power on your Scarlett 18i16 using bus power (your computer's USB port): After you’ve opened Easy Start, follow the step-by-step guide, to install and use your Scarlett.

  • Page 7: Windows

    After you connect your Scarlett 18i16 to your computer, a device appears in File Explorer called After you connect your Scarlett 18i16 to your computer, a Scarlett icon appears on the desktop or, Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen, this allows you to access Easy Start.

  • Page 8: All Users

    • Focusrite Control 2 (Mac and Windows versions available) - see note below. • Multi-language User Guides - also always available from downloads.focusrite.com. • Licence codes and links for the optional bundled software in your Focusrite account. To find out what bundled software is included with Scarlett 18i16, please visit our website:...

  • Page 9: What Is Focusrite Control 2

    We occasionally update your Scarlett 18i16's firmware with new features and improvements, to Note make sure you are getting the most from your Scarlett. Focusrite Control 2 updates your Scarlett On Windows, installing Focusrite Control 2 also installs the driver. You can 18i16's firmware.

  • Page 10: Manual Registration

    After you've been through Easy Start, installed and opened Focusrite Control 2, your Scarlett is no longer in Easy Start mode. If your Scarlett 18i16 is still in Easy Start mode, or you have chosen not to install Focusrite Control 2 to disable Easy Start Mode: Turn off your Scarlett 18i16.

  • Page 11: Hardware Features

    Select button - Press to move the selection to the next preamp. The other buttons • Sync Status - Lights green when your Scarlett 18i16 is synchronised with change to control the input you select. The currently selected channel's number lights itself or an external digital device.

  • Page 12: Back Panel

    MIDI Out and In - standard 5-pin DIN sockets for external MIDI equipment. The Scarlett 18i16 5V DC - a USB-C connector to supply power to your Scarlett 18i16. Use the included USB-C acts as a MIDI interface, allowing MIDI data to/from your computer.

  • Page 13: Your Scarlett 18I16'S Front Panel In Depth

    Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Your Scarlett 18i16's front panel in depth This section covers all the features on your Scarlett 18i16's front panel, what they do, how you might use them, and how they work in Focusrite Control 2.

  • Page 14: Input Metering

    When you're not moving the input gain control the input metering uses the entire Gain Halo. As In the same way as the input meters on your Scarlett 18i16's front panel, you can see the the incoming signal gets louder (for example with a higher input gain setting) the Gain Halo lights incoming signal on the meters in Focusrite Control 2 to set the correct preamp gain.

  • Page 15: Select Button

    You can also only link mic preamps, the fixed level line inputs on the back of your Scarlett 18i16 don't have any preamp controls. When you turn on your Scarlett 18i16 the last selected preamp before you turned it off remains the selected preamp.

  • Page 16: Linking Preamps In Focusrite Control 2

    Linking Preamps in Focusrite Control 2 Linking Preamps To link preamps from Focusrite Control 2, click the link icon at the top of the channel strip When you link two preamps, the link icon turns green , one set of preamp controls disappears, and the meters for each channel merge to form a stereo meter.

  • Page 17: Button (Phantom Power)

    To enable 48V (Phantom Power) from Focusrite Control 2 click the +48V button for the input you want to enable it on. This is the same as pressing the 48V button on the Scarlett 18i16 hardware. When Inst is enabled (green) you can connect instrument-level devices to the 1/4" inputs such as, but not limited to: •...

  • Page 18: Instrument/Line Software Control

    Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Instrument/Line Software Control Air Modes To change inputs 1 or 2 between instrument and line from Focusrite Control 2 click Air lets you change your Scarlett's preamp sound with two different modes; Air Presence or Air the Inst button once.

  • Page 19: Auto Gain

    Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Auto Gain Auto Gain allows you to send a signal into your Scarlett 18i16 (for example singing or playing your instrument) for 10 seconds and let the Scarlett set a good level for your preamps. If you find the levels aren't right, you can adjust the gain controls manually to fine-tune the levels before recording.

  • Page 20: Auto Gain Software Control

    Auto Gain Software Control To use Auto Gain in Focusrite Control 2: Click the Auto Gain button in Focusrite Control 2. Speak or sing into the microphone or play your instrument during the Auto Gain countdown. Perform as you would while you're recording to make sure Auto Gain sets...

  • Page 21: Multichannel Auto Gain

    Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Multichannel Auto Gain Auto Gain allows you to send a signal into your Scarlett 18i16 (for example singing or playing your instrument) for 10 seconds and let the Scarlett set a good level for your preamps. If you find the levels aren't right, you can adjust the gain controls manually to fine-tune the levels before recording.

  • Page 22: Clip Safe Button

    96,000 times a second, and through a combination of analogue preamp adjustment and DSP, Clip Safe significantly reduces the risk of clipping. Clip Safe Focusrite Control 2 To enable Clip Safe from Focusrite Control 2, click the Safe button: Safe off Safe on...

  • Page 23: Speaker Switching (Alt)

    Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Speaker Switching (Alt) The Scarlett 18i16's Alt (alternate) button gives you the ability to alternate between two sets of monitor speakers. This is useful for referencing your mixes on a different set of speakers.

  • Page 24: Output Control And Level Meter

    The Output Level meter around the Output level control is a pre-fade meter (it is not affected by the control's position) showing you the signal level coming from your computer. The dial in Focusrite Control 2 is a software representation of the Output control on your Scarlett Focusrite Control 2 Output section 18i16's front panel.

  • Page 25: Mute Button

    Speaker Switching (Alt) [23]. Mute off (white). Mute on (green). By default, Mute affects the Main monitor outputs 1 and 2, but in Focusrite Control 2 you can change this to control your Alt outputs. Output level meters Mute Software Control...

  • Page 26: Sync Status And Using Your Scarlett With Adat And S/Pdif

    Scarlett 18i16clock leader (Internal clock) or clock follower (ADAT or S/PDIF clock) with a valid clock leader connected. When you're using the digital inputs your Scarlett 18i16 and the other audio devices need to have their internal clocks synchronised, using clock signals, so their audio is recorded in time.

  • Page 27: Setup 1 - Scarlett 18I16 As A Clock Follower

    Scarlett 18i16. Set the ADAT preamp clock to Internal and your chosen sample rate. In Focusrite Control 2, set the Scarlett 18i16 clock to ADAT and match the sample rate to the ADAT preamp. In your DAW, set your channels to inputs 13 - 20, these are the eight ADAT inputs.

  • Page 28: Setup 2 - Scarlett 18I16 As A Clock Leader

    In your DAW, set your channels to inputs 13 - 20, these are the eight ADAT inputs. expansion device occasionally, so you'd prefer to keep your Scarlett 18i16 as your clock leader. We've outlined the steps for an ADAT expansion device, but the same theory applies for S/PDIF expansion devices.

  • Page 29: Setup 3 - Using More Than One Expansion Device

    …. Using the Scarlett 18i16 as your clock leader is useful if you only use your expansion devices Set the Scarlett 18i16's clock to internal and match the sample rate.

  • Page 30: Headphone Outputs

    The headphone outputs are 6.35mm (¼”) TRS jacks. Many headphones have a 3.5mm TRS jack, to connect them to your Scarlett 18i16 you must use a TRS 6.35mm to 3.5mm adaptor. The controls above the headphone outputs control the level going to your headphones.

  • Page 31: Your Scarlett 18I16'S Back Panel In Depth

    5V DC port. The Scarlett 18i16 MIDI In and Out ports allow you to use your Scarlett as a USB MIDI interface. MIDI IN receives MIDI signals from keyboards or controllers; MIDI OUT sends MIDI information to Synths, Drum machines or MIDI-controllable equipment.

  • Page 32: Speaker Outputs

    Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Speaker Outputs Outputs 1 and 2 are line-level outputs to connect your Scarlett 18i16 to an amplifier or active monitors. The outputs are balanced 1/4" TRS jack outputs, you can use them with either unbalanced TS or balanced TRS jack cables and connect to speakers with 1/4"...

  • Page 33: Setting Up Your Daw (Recording Software) With Your Scarlett 18I16

    Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Setting up your DAW (Recording Software) with your Scarlett 18i16 The Scarlett is compatible with any ASIO-supported DAW on Windows and any Core Audio- supported DAW on macOS. It is also compatible with non-ASIO applications but your channel count may be limited.

  • Page 34: Logic And

    Select Audio in the Choose a track type window. Set the Audio Input to Input 1. If you don't see any inputs, make sure the Device: is set to your Scarlett 18i16. Click the arrow to the right of the Device section.

  • Page 35: Ableton Live

    Do the same for the Output Config, if you are using multiple outputs from your Scarlett 18i16. Go to the Audio tab on the left-hand side of the Preferences window. Set the Driver Type to ASIO, and Audio Device to Focusrite USB ASIO. Close the Preferences Window. Open Ableton Live on your computer.

  • Page 36: Click Settings

    Go to the Audio tab on the left-hand side of the Preferences window. Click OK. Set the Audio Input Device and Audio Output Device to Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen. Do the same for the Output Config, if you are using multiple outputs from your Scarlett 18i16.
  • Page 37 Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Getting sound into Ableton Click to highlight an Audio Track in Live's main window. Live had two views (Session and Arrangement), so depending on which view you are in, please see the following screenshots.

  • Page 38: Pro Tools

    Click the main Record Enable button at the top of the Pro Tools window, it turns red when enabled Select Focusrite USB ASIO (Windows) or Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen in the Playback Engine Click the Play button to begin recording.

  • Page 39: Reaper

    If you don't see the pop-up, go to Options (top menu) > Preferences > Device Click the Input 1 box to select your input on your Scarlett 18i16. When you're ready to record, click the record button in the bottom section of Reaper.
  • Page 40 Click the red record-armed button. If you don't see the pop-up, go to Options (top menu) > Settings > Device Click the Input 1 box to select your input on your Scarlett 18i16. Choose Scarlett 18i16 in the Audio Device dropdown menu.

  • Page 41: Fl Studio

    If you're not sure which option to choose, please see FL Studio's help files. Set the Device to Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen (or Focusrite USB ASIO on Windows) in the When you're ready to record, press the play button in the transport section.

  • Page 42: Cubase

    Configure the track type as Audio and set the Audio Input to the channel you're using on your interface. Click Audio System on the left-hand side. Set the ASIO Driver to Focusrite USB ASIO. Click Add Track. 10. Click the Record Enable and Monitor buttons...
  • Page 43 In the top menu bar click Studio > Studio Setup... Configure the track type as Audio and set the Audio Input to the channel you're using on your interface. Change the ASIO Driver to Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen. Click Add Track. 10. Click the Record Enable and Monitor buttons...

  • Page 44: Using Your Scarlett 18I16

    Scarlett 18i16 probably reuses some principles. In this section, we'll cover how you might use the four mic preamps on your Scarlett 18i16 to mic up a drum kit. We'll also go into a bit of detail in how to make the most of the inputs you have.

  • Page 45: Recording An Acoustic Session

    This diagram shows the sort of instruments you might want to record in this type of recording In most modern recording we'd use a stereo mic setup, but for a more vintage/retro/ scenario and how you can make use of the inputs on your Scarlett 18i16. compact sound, you can use a single mono overhead microphone.

  • Page 46: Using Your Scarlett 18I16'S Loopback Feature

    Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Using your Scarlett 18i16's Loopback feature The loopback feature on your Scarlett 18i16 allows you to send the sound produced by your computer and route it back into your Scarlett for recording or streaming, without using physical cables.

  • Page 47: Using Focusrite Control 2 With Your Scarlett 18I16

    Using the Focusrite Control 2 Mixer tab Your Scarlett 18i16 contains a mixer controllable from the Mixer page in Focusrite Control 2. You can use this mixer to combine and send input sources to the physical outputs of your Scarlett...

  • Page 48: Mixes

    Mixes Note At the top of Focusrite Control 2's Mixer you can see the different Mixes you have available listed You can only feed each Output from one Mix. For example, you can't send Mix A and as Mix A, Mix B, etc.

  • Page 49: Using The Mixer Channels

    Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Using the Mixer Channels If you enable both Mute and Solo, the last clicked option takes priority. Each mixer channel has several functions. Mix Channel Name  This shows the name of the mixer input.

  • Page 50: Using The Focusrite Control 2 Routing Tab

    Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Using the Focusrite Control 2 Routing tab The routing tab in Focusrite Control 2 lets you organise what inputs and mixes you're sending to the outputs of your Scarlett. When you open the Routing tab, you'll see a list of Sources and Outputs: •...

  • Page 51: Using Presets In Focusrite Control 2

    Click Save Preset. • Air mode. Once you've saved the preset, the name of the preset shows in the bottom left corner of Focusrite • Mixer settings Control 2. If you change any setting while you're in that preset, the name shows an asterisk *.

  • Page 52: Loading A Preset

    Loading a preset recalls a set of settings you've saved previously. Caution Deleting a Preset removes the preset from Focusrite Control 2. You cannot get it back Click the Presets button in the bottom left of Focusrite Control 2. and you can't undo this action. Deleting a Preset won't change your interface's settings.

  • Page 53: Focusrite Control 2 Preferences

    Use this tick box to opt into usage analytics to help us make Focusrite Control 2 better. Please see Privacy Policy for more information.

  • Page 54: Remote Devices - Installing The Focusrite Control 2 Mobile App

    Focusrite Control 2. The Focusrite Control 2 mobile app runs on Android and iOS, and you can download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store by clinking on this link or scanning the QR code on your mobile device: fc2.focusrite.com/mobile/download ...

  • Page 55: Updating Focusrite Control 2 And Your Scarlett 18I16

    Find your Scarlett on the Downloads website. There are two ways to make sure you have the latest Focusrite Control 2 version: Download Focusrite Control 2 for your operating system (Windows or Mac). Use the updater in Focusrite Control 2: Open the Downloads folder on your computer and double-click the Focusrite Control 2 installer.

  • Page 56: Updating Your Scarlett 18I16

    Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Updating your Scarlett 18i16 We occasionally update your Scarlett 18i16's firmware with new features and improvements, to make sure you are getting the most from your Scarlett. Focusrite Control 2 updates your Scarlett 18i16's firmware. To update your Scarlett: Open Focusrite Control 2.

  • Page 57: Scarlett 18I16 Specifications

    Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Scarlett 18i16 Specifications These specifications allow you to compare your Scarlett 18i16 with other devices and make sure Instrument Inputs they’ll work together. If you’re not familiar with these specifications, don’t worry you don’t need Input Impedance 1MΩ...
  • Page 58 Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Other I/O 5V DC Type-C USB port Front Panel Indicators Channel Selection White/Green LEDs for channels 1 and 2 Select button White/Green Select LED White/Green 48V LED (depending on the selected channel) Inst White/Green Inst LED (depending on the selected channel)

  • Page 59: Scarlett 18I16 Channel Order

    Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Scarlett 18i16 Channel Order Quad-band - 176.4kHz and 192kHz DAW Input Hardware Input Single-band - 44.1kHz and 48kHz Mic/Line/Inst 1 Mic/Line/Inst 2 DAW Input Input Mic/Line 3 Mic/Line/Inst 1 Mic/Line 4 Mic/Line/Inst 2 Line 5...

  • Page 60: Notices

    For all troubleshooting queries, please visit the Focusrite Help Centre at support.focusrite.com. Copyright & Legal Notices Focusrite is a registered trademark and Scarlett is a trademark of Focusrite Group PLC. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

  • Page 61: Credits

    Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen User Guide Credits Focusrite would like to thank the following Scarlett 4th Gen team members for their hard work in bringing you this product: Aarron Beveridge, Adam Watson, Adrian Dyer, Adrien Fauconnet, Alex Middleton-Dalby, Alice Rizzo, Alistair Smith, Andy Normington, Andy Poole, Andy West, Arne Gödeke, Bailey Dayson,...

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