This is the version of the User Guide for Focusrite Control, the software application developed for use with the Focusrite range of audio interfaces.
Note
To download this user guide in PDF format, go to: downloads.focusrite.com.
This is Version 2.0 of the Focusrite Control user guide.
If you’ve become the owner of a Clarett⁺ interface, you’ll need both this User Guide and the User Guide for your hardware. You can find the user guide on our online user guide portal, or download the PDF hardware User Guide from downloads.focusrite.com.
Important
The range of interfaces comprise four different models, three of which use Focusrite Control ( 2Pre, 4Pre and 8Pre). The fundamental difference between these models lies in the number of inputs and outputs that each provides; plus the number of features that can be controlled directly from Focusrite Control.
In this User Guide, all screenshots are based on using a Clarett⁺ 8Pre, although all instructions are also applicable to Clarett⁺ 2Pre and 4Pre.
The easiest way to check your computer’s operating system (OS) is compatible with your device is to use our Help Centre’s compatibility articles:
Focusrite Help Centre: Compatibility
As new OS versions become available, you can check for further compatibility information by searching our Help Centre at support.focusrite.com.
You can download Focusrite Control for Windows and macOS from the Focusrite downloads page here: downloads.focusrite.com.
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Select your product on the downloads page.
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Download the version of Focusrite Control for your computer.
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Run the installer from your Downloads folder.
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Connect your Clarett⁺ interface to your computer.
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Open Focusrite Control.
Your interface contains an internal audio mixer which allows you to create one or more mixes of the various audio sources in your system, and send them to the physical outputs of your interface. These sources include tracks you have recorded in your DAW, as well as the sources connected to the interface’s various physical inputs. Before starting to use Focusrite Control, it is a good idea to gain an understanding of the basic principle of this mixer.
The basic idea of an audio mixer will be familiar to most users: many input signals are combined to a smaller number of outputs – often a stereo pair. On a traditional analogue hardware mixer, you will find a number of identical input channels in the form of vertical strips with faders and other controls, and switches on each channel let you decide where its signal is sent. This is called “routing”.
The mixer in your Clarett⁺ is no different – its inputs are the various physical inputs on the interface itself, plus signals from your DAW. The outputs are the interface’s various physical outputs. The diagram below shows this principle using the Clarett⁺ 8Pre as an example:
Important
The maximum mixing capacity for the Clarett⁺ range is 18 mono inputs to 10 mono outputs.
Mixer functionality is disabled at 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz.
Focusrite Control provides a visual representation of the mixer on your screen.