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User Guide

www.focusrite.com

Version 1.0

Summary of Contents for Scarlett 4i4

Page 1: ...User Guide www focusrite com Version 1 0 ...

Page 2: ...DAW 10 Loopback Inputs 11 Examples of Usage 12 Connecting a microphone or instrument 12 Using Direct Monitoring 13 Connecting Scarlett 4i4 to loudspeakers 13 Creating an effects loop 15 Connecting Scarlett 4i4 to a DJ mixer 16 HARDWARE FEATURES 17 Front Panel 17 Back Panel 18 CHANNEL LISTINGS 19 Performance Specifications 19 Physical and Electrical Characteristics 21 TROUBLESHOOTING 22 COPYRIGHT A...

Page 3: ...ced users take the time to read through the User Guide so that you are fully aware of all the possibilities that the Scarlett 4i4 and accompanying software has to offer If the main User Guide sections do not provide the information you need be sure to consult https support focusrite com which contains a comprehensive collection of answers to common technical support queries Features The Scarlett 4...

Page 4: ...ystem requirements The easiest way to check that your computer s operating system OS is compatible with the Scarlett 4i4 is to use our online OS Checker at https customer focusrite com downloads os As new OS versions become available over time you can continue to check for futher compatibility information by searching our Help Centre at https support focusrite com hc en gb ...

Page 5: ...n your computer The Scarlett 4i4 gets its power from your computer via the USB connection there is no need for a separate power supply However we do recommend that when using it with a laptop the laptop should be powered using its AC adaptor as otherwise the battery will run down faster than when powering the laptop alone Your computer will initially treat your Scarlett as a Mass Storage Device MS...

Page 6: ...area to get the software for your Scarlett or to follow a step by step setup guide based on your choices Once you have installed the Focusrite Control software to setup and configure your interface the Scarlett will be switched out of MSD mode so that it no longer appears as a Mass Storage Device when connected to your computer Your OS should automatically switch the computer s default audio input...

Page 7: ...ar on the desktop Note that the drive letter may be something other than E depending on what other devices you have connected to your PC Double click on the pop up message to open the dialogue box shown below Double click on Open folder to view files this will open an Explorer window ...

Page 8: ...he software for your Scarlett or to follow a step by step setup guide based on your choices Once you have installed the Focusrite Control software to setup and configure your interface the Scarlett will be switched out of MSD mode so that it no longer appears as a Mass Storage Device when connected to your computer Your OS should automatically switch the computer s default audio inputs and outputs...

Page 9: ...er your Scarlet 4i4 at a later date you can do so at https customer focusrite com user register You will need to enter the Serial Number manually this number can be found on the base of the interface itself and also on the barcode label on the side of the box We recommend that you download and install our Focusrite Control application as this will disable MSD mode and unlock the full potential of ...

Page 10: ...cusrite com get started where Getting Started videos are available Operating instructions for both Pro Tools First and Ableton Live Lite are beyond the scope of this User Guide but both applications include a full set of Help files Instructions are also available at www avid com and www ableton com respectively Please note your DAW may not automatically select the Scarlett 4i4 as its default I O d...

Page 11: ...e Terminology may differ slightly between DAWs Loopback Inputs You will notice that two additional inputs Inputs 5 6 will be listed on the Input Config page of your DAW s I O Preferences These are virtual loopback inputs within software not additional physical inputs They can be used to record DAW tracks from sources within your computer e g from a web browser Focusrite Control incudes a Loopback ...

Page 12: ...nd vocals through Input 2 into your DAW while monitoring the playback from the DAW via headphones or loudspeakers Meanwhile Inputs 3 and 4 on the rear panel could be connected to any line level source which we have illustrated in this example by a Novation Peak analogue synth The front panel input sockets are Combo type which accept either an XLR male connector or a 6 35 mm jack plug The full gain...

Page 13: ...mstances latency can be a problem for a performer who wishes to record while monitoring their input signals This might be the case if you need to increase the size of your DAW s recording buffer which could be necessary when you record overdubs on a particularly large project using many DAW tracks software instruments and FX plug ins Common symptoms of a buffer setting that is too low could be gli...

Page 14: ...nitors e g typical computer speakers incorporate internal amplifiers with a volume control and may be connected directly Larger passive loudspeakers will require a separate stereo amplifier in this case the outputs should be connected to the amplifier s inputs In the setup shown in the lower diagram a small pair of active monitors connected to Outputs 3 and 4 could act as nearfield monitors their ...

Page 15: ...are monitoring a microphone We recommend that you always turn off or turn down monitoring loudspeakers while recording and use headphones when overdubbing Creating an effects loop TheScarlett4i4allowstheeasyintegrationofexternaloutboardprocessorsoreffects Agoodexample is the inclusion of an outboard stereo compressor to a recording setup similar to that outlined above Connect Line Outputs 3 and 4 ...

Page 16: ...eans that all mixer facilities such as EQs and crossfading are easily accessible However note that you must set the front panel Monitor Level control to maximum otherwise Outputs 1 and 2 will be at a lower level than Outputs 3 and 4 Note that although the outputs of the Scarlett 4i4 are balanced they may be connected to an unbalanced input using a cable fitted with a TS jack Most DJ mixers will ha...

Page 17: ...nals at inputs 1 and 2 respectively The gain controls have concentric tri colour LED rings to confirm signal level green indicates an input level of at least 24 dBFS i e signal present the ring then turns amber at 6 dBFS to indicate that the signal is close to clipping and finally to red at 0 dBFS digital clipping 3 48V phantom power switch for mic inputs enables 48 V phantom power at XLR contacts...

Page 18: ...electronically balanced The level at these outputs is adjusted by the front panel MONITOR control the maximum output level is 10 dBu Either TRS balanced connection or TS unbalanced connection jack plugs can be used 14 LINE OUTPUTS 3 and 4 2 x 6 35 mm TRS jack sockets electronically balanced The level at these outputs may be adjusted from Focusrite Control the maximum output level is 10 dBu Either ...

Page 19: ... 2 Output 2 Output 2 Ch 3 Output 3 Headphones L Output 3 Headphones L Output 3 Headphones L Ch 4 Output 4 Headphones R Output 4 Headphones R Output 4 Headphones R SPECIFICATIONS Performance Specifications NOTE All performance figures measured in accordance with the provisions of AES17 as applicable Clock Source Internal Supported sample rates 44 1 kHz 48 kHz 88 2 kHz 96 kHz 176 4 kHz 192 kHz Micro...

Page 20: ... 14 dBu PAD selected measured at minimum gain Gain Range 56 dB Input impedance 1 5 Mohms Line Inputs 3 and 4 Dynamic Range 110 5 dB A weighted Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz 0 1 dB THD N 0 002 minimum gain 1 dBFS input with 22 Hz 22 kHz bandpass filter Maximum Input Level 18 dBu measured at minimum gain Input Impedance 44 kohms Line and Monitor Outputs Dynamic Range 108 5 dB A weighted Maximum...

Page 21: ... Connectors 6 35 mm TRS jacks on rear panel Analogue Outputs Balanced outputs 4 x 6 35 mm TRS jacks on rear panel Stereo headphone output TRS jack on front panel Main output level control On front panel Headphones level control Other I O USB 1 x USB 2 0 Type C connector MIDI 2 x 5 pin DIN sockets Front Panel Indicators USB power Green LED Gain Halos Tri colour LED rings concentric with GAIN contro...

Page 22: ...tt 4i4 has a two year warranty valid anywhere in the world against manufacturing defects Full Terms and Conditions of the Warranty can be found at https focusrite com warranty Focusrite is a registered trade mark and Scarlett 4i4 is a trade mark of Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited All other trade marks and trade names are the property of their respective owners 2019 Focusrite Audio Engineering ...

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