Using Direct Monitoring - Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 User Manual

Using Direct Monitoring

You will frequently hear the term "latency" used in connection with digital audio systems. In the case
of the simple DAW recording application described above, latency will be the time it takes for your
input signals to pass through your computer and audio software, and back out again via your audio
interface. Latency can be a problem for a performer who wishes to record while monitoring their
input signals.
The Scarlett 18i8, in conjunction with Scarlett MixControl, allows "Direct Monitoring", which
overcomes this problem. You can route your input signals directly to any of the Scarlett 18i8's
headphone outputs. This enables the musicians to hear themselves with ultra-low latency – i.e.,
effectively in "real time" – along with the computer playback. The input signals to the computer are
not affected in any way by this setting.
In the example, each vocalist is receiving his/her own monitor mix, because they each have their
"own" Scarlett 18i8 headphone output. Scarlett MixControl lets you define up to eight separate mixes,
and these mixes may include previously recorded DAW tracks as well the current input signals.
When using Direct Monitoring, ensure that your DAW software is not set to route any inputs (what you
are currently recording) to any outputs. If it is, the musicians will hear themselves "twice", with one
signal audibly delayed as an echo.
16
Microphones
Musician's individual
foldback mixes
DI Box
DI Box
Stereo Keys
DI Box
DI Box
Drum Machine
25SL MkII