Scarlett18i20 User Guide.indd

37 Pages·2013·4.44 MB·English

User Guide
www.focusrite.com
FA 0865-02
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.Protect the power cord from being walked
on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the apparatus.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has
two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer,
or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain
or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. No naked flames, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
The appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily
operable.
Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord.
If the mains plug supplying the apparatus incorporates a fuse then it should only be replaced with a
fuse of identical or lower rupture value.
WARNING: Excessive sound pressure levels from earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss.
WARNING: This equipment must only be connected to USB 2.0 type ports.
GB The apparatus shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
FIN Laite on liitettävä suojamaadoituskoskettimilla va rustettuumpistorasiaan.
NOR Apparatet må tikoples jordet stikkontakt.
SWE Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag.
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CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle,
is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE AND OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS SUCH AS VASES, SHOULD NOT BE PLACED
ON THIS APPARATUS.
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ENVIRONMENTAL DECLARATION
Compliance Information Statement: Declaration of Compliance procedure
Product Identification: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
Responsible party: American Music and Sound
Address: 4325 Executive Drive
Suite 300
Southaven
MS 38672
Telephone: [phone]
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
For USA
To the User:
1. Do not modify this unit! This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in
this manual, meets FCC requirements. Modifications not expressly approved by Focusrite may void your
authority, granted by the FCC,to use this product.

2. Important: This product satisfies FCC regulations when high quality shielded cables are used to connect
with other equipment. Failure to use high quality shielded cables or to follow the installation instructions
within this manual may cause magnetic interference with appliances such as radios and televisions and
void your FCC authorization to use this productin theUSA.

3. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipmentinto an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
For Canada
To the User:
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classeBest conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
RoHS Notice
Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited has conformed where applicable, to the European Union’s Directive 2002/95/EC on Restrictions
of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) as well as the following sections of California law which refer to RoHS, namely sections 25214.10,
25214.10.2, and 58012, Health and Safety Code; Section 42475.2, Public Resources Code.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .............................................. 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................... 5
OVERVIEW..................................................................... 6
Introduction .................................................................6
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Box Contents ................................................................7
Mac OS .......................................................................7
Windows ......................................................................7
GETTING STARTED ............................................................. 8
Software Installation..........................................................8
HARDWARE FEATURES.......................................................... 9
Front Panel..................................................................9
Rear Panel .................................................................11
Connecting your Scarlett 18i20 ................................................12
Mac OS only:..................................................................12
Windows only:.................................................................12
Audio Setup in your DAW .....................................................12
Example of Usage ...........................................................14
1. Recording a band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
2. Connecting Scarlett 18i20 to loudspeakers.......................................16
3. Using the ADAT connections...................................................18
4. Using the Scarlett 18i20 as a stand-alone mixer...................................19
Scarlett MixControl............................................................ 20
Mixer .....................................................................21
Mixer Tab.....................................................................21
Input Channel ................................................................22
Output Channel ...............................................................25
Routing Presets ...............................................................27
Monitor Section ...............................................................28
Device Status section ..........................................................32
File Menu ....................................................................34
Scarlett 18i20 Performance Specifications.......................................35
Physical and Electrical Characteristics..........................................36
Troubleshooting.............................................................37
COPYRIGHT AND LEGAL NOTICES .............................................37
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OVERVIEW
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Scarlett 18i20, one of the family of Focusrite professional computer
audio interfaces incorporating high quality Focusrite analogue pre-amplifiers. You now have a
compact yet highly versatile solution for routing high quality audio to and from your computer. You
can also use the Scarlett 18i20 as a “stand-alone” interface to any other type of recording device,
once you have configured it using Scarlett MixControl software.
This User Guide provides a detailed explanation of the hardware and software to help you achieve a
thorough understanding of the product’s operational features. We recommend that you take the time
to read through the user guide, whether you’re new to computer recording or a more experienced
user, so that you are fully aware of all the possibilities that the Scarlett 18i20 and accompanying
software has to offer. If the main User Guide sections do not provide the information you need, be
sure to consult http://www.focusrite.com/answerbase, which contains a comprehensive collection of
answers to common technical support queries.
Features
The Scarlett 18i20 hardware interface provides the means for connecting microphones, musical
instruments, line level audio signals and digital audio signals to a computer running compatible
versions of Mac OS or Windows via one of the computer’s USB ports. The signals at the physical inputs
can be routed to your audio recording software / digital audio workstation (referred to throughout
this user guide as the “DAW”); similarly, the DAW’s monitor or recorded outputs can be configured
to appear at the unit’s physical outputs.
Audio sources – mics, instruments, etc. - connected to the physical inputs can be recorded in your
DAW and then replayed from there to the physical outputs. The physical outputs can be connected to
amplifiers and speakers, powered monitors, headphones, an audio mixer or any other analogue or
digital audio equipment that you wish to use. Although all inputs and outputs on the Scarlett 18i20
are routed directly to and from your DAW for recording and playback, you can configure the routing
within your DAW in order to meet your precise needs.
The Scarlett 18i20 also has connectors for sending and receiving MIDI data, and for transmitting
word clock to ensure synchronisation with other items of digital audio equipment.

The accompanying software application, Scarlett MixControl, provides further routing and
monitoring options, as well as the ability to control global hardware settings such as sample rate
and synchronisation.

All inputs on the Scarlett 18i20 are routed directly to your DAW software for recording, but Scarlett
MixControl also allows you to route these signals internally within the device to the outputs so that
you can monitor the audio signals with ultra-low latency - before they arrive at your DAW.
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Box Contents
Along with your Scarlett 18i20 you should have:
• AC mains cable with IEC connector
• USB cable
• Getting Started Guide
• Software Activation card, with codes for accessing the following on-line resources:
- Scarlett MixControl – includes Mac/Windows USB drivers
- Scarlett Plug-in Suite for Mac and Windows
- Ableton Live Lite
- LoopMasters sample library
- Novation Bass Station
System requirements
Mac OS
Apple Macintosh with a high-speed USB 2.0-compliant USB port
OS: Mac OS X 10.7, OS X 10.8, or later
Windows
Windows compatible computer with a USB 2.0-compliant USB port
OS: Windows 7 (all versions) or Windows 8 (excluding Windows 8 RT)
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GETTING STARTED
IMPORTANT: PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU INSTALL THE SCARLETT 18i20 DRIVERS
BEFORE CONNECTING THE INTERFACE TO YOUR COMPUTER.
Software Installation
All software required by the Scarlett 18i20 - and several powerful and useful extras - is available for
download from the Focusrite website (www.focusrite.com/register). The Software Activation card
provided with your Scarlett 18i20 contains validation codes which you will need to enter at the above
web address. This procedure ensures that you will have the most up-to-date software versions.
Can’t get started?
If you have any trouble with this product
do not go back to the place of purchase.
Contact our support team on:
US: 1-855-24-FOCUS (1-855-243-6287)
Support available Monday - Friday 8am – 6pm (PST)
UK & [phone]
International: Support available Monday - Friday 9:30am – 6pm (GMT/BST)
Online: www.focusrite.com/support
www.novationmusic.com/support
PLACE SERIAL NUMBER STICKER HERE
FA0736-01
1. Using your usual browser, go to http://www.focusrite.com/register/.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions, enter the “Product Bundle Code” into the form where prompted.
Your “Product Bundle Code” can be found on the Software Download Card packed with the unit.
3. You will then be able to access the “My Products” page, where the software products to which
your registration entitles you are available for download, complete with activation codes where
applicable.
4. Download and install Scarlett MixControl. Follow all on-screen instructions.
5. When the installation is complete, restart your computer.
6. After restart, connect the Scarlett 18i20 to your computer with the USB cable supplied.
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HARDWARE FEATURES
Front Panel
1 2 3 6 7 10 12
14 4 5 4 5 8 9 11 13 14
The front panel includes all the input gain and monitoring controls as well as two of the input
connectors for Mic, Line and Instrument signals.
1. MIC-LINE-INST 01 & 02 – Neutrik Combo® input sockets - connect microphones, instruments
(e.g., guitar), or line level signals via XLR or ¼” (6.35 mm) jacks as appropriate. Either ¼” TRS
(balanced) or TS (unbalanced) jack plugs can be used for instruments or line level signals.
2. MIC 48V – two switches enabling 48 V phantom power at the XLR contacts of the Combo
connectors for mic inputs 1-4 and 5-8 respectively. (Note that inputs 3 to 8 are on the rear
panel.) The switches each have an associated red LED indicating that phantom power is
selected.
3. GAIN 01 and GAIN 02 - adjust the input gain for the signals at Inputs 1 and 2 respectively.
4. INST – two switches changing the input configuration for the jack contacts at inputs 1 and
2. When INST is selected, the gain range and input impedance are altered (relative to LINE),
and the input is made unbalanced. This optimises it for the direct connection of instruments
(usually via a 2-pole (TS) jack plug). When INST is off, the inputs are suitable for the connection
of line level signals. Line level signals may be connected either in balanced form via a 3-pole
(TRS) jack or unbalanced, via a 2-pole (TS) jack. The switches each have an associated red
LED indicating that INST is selected.
5. PAD – two switches which insert a 10 dB pad in the signal paths of Inputs 1 and 2. With the pad
applied, the maximum input signal level is +16 dBu. The switches each have an associated red
LED indicating that PAD is selected.
6. GAIN 03 to GAIN 08 – adjust the input gain for the signals at Inputs 3 to 8 respectively. (Note
that inputs 3 to 8 are on the rear panel.)
7. Input meters – eight 5-segment LED bargraph meters indicating the signal levels of the eight
analogue input signals. The meters show signal level after the input gain stage, and thus
their indication is affected by the gain controls. The LEDs illuminate at -42 (green, “signal
present”), -18 (green), -6 (green), -3 (yellow) and 0 dBFS (red). A level of 0 dBFS implies digital
clipping, and should always be avoided.
8. USB ACTIVE – a green LED which illuminates when the unit is recognised by the computer to
which it is connected.
9. LOCKED – a green LED which confirms word clock synchronisation, either to the Scarlett’s
18i20’s internal clock or to an external digital input.
10. VOLUME MONITOR - main monitor output level control – this control will normally control
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the level at the main monitor outputs on the rear panel, but can be configured in Scarlett
MixControl to adjust the level at any of the unit’s ten analogue outputs.
11. DIM and MUTE – two switches controlling the 18i20’s monitor outputs; DIM reduces the
output levels by 18 dB, while MUTE turns the outputs off. By default, these switches affect the
main monitor outputs 1 and 2, but may be configured in Scarlett MixControl to act on any of
the analogue outputs. The switches each have an associated LED (DIM: yellow, MUTE: red)
indicating that the function is selected.
12. VOLUME 01 and VOLUME 02 – connect one or two pairs of stereo headphones at the two ¼”
(6.25 mm) TRS jack sockets below the controls. The headphone outputs always carry the
signals that currently routed to analogue outputs 7/8 and 9/10 (as stereo pairs) in Scarlett
MixControl.
13. POWER - AC power switch and LED.
14. Rack ears for mounting the Scarlett 18i20 in a standard 19” equipment rack.
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