To power on your Scarlett 18i20 using mains power:
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Connect the power supply to your Scarlett 18i20's power socket.
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Connect the USB cable from your Scarlett 18i20 to your computer.
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Switch the power switch to the on position.
Your Scarlett is now powered on and ready to use.
Caution
Always turn on your speakers last.
Your Scarlett 's speaker outputs have anti-thump technology; this reduces the chances of hearing pops through your speakers when you turn on your interface. However, it is best practice to turn your speakers on after you have turned on everything else in your recording set up.
If you don't turn on your speakers last, loud pops may damage your speakers, or worse, your hearing.
You can mount your Scarlett 18i20 in a standard 19” rack using the optional rack ears.
To attach the rack ears to your Scarlett 18i20:
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Remove the rubber “Focusrite”-branded inserts from both sides of your Scarlett 18i20.
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Align the rack ears with the sides of your Scarlett 18i20.
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Screw in the rack ears to both sides of the Scarlett 18i20 using the six (three a side) included countersunk M4 screws:
Note
If you've misplaced your rack ears or screws, email spares@focusrite.com.
For reference, the screws are M4 x 8mm Pozi pan head screws.
Easy Start gives you a step-by-step guide to setting up your Scarlett and creates personalised tutorials based on how you plan to use your Scarlett. This online tool also guides you through your Scarlett’s registration process and accessing the software bundle.
On both Windows and Mac computers, when you connect your Scarlett to your computer, it first appears as a 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.
After you’ve opened Easy Start, follow the step-by-step guide, to install and use your Scarlett.
After you connect your Scarlett 18i20 to your computer, a device appears in File Explorer called Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen, this allows you to access Easy Start.
To access Easy Start:
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Open File Explorer.
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Click on Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen (D:). The letter may be different.
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Double-click . This redirects you to the Focusrite website, where we recommend you register your device:
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Click , and we'll take you through a step-by-step setup guide based on how you want to use your Scarlett.
During Easy Start, you'll install Focusrite Control 2. After you install and open Focusrite Control 2, click 'Update Scarlett 18i20'. Do not disconnect your Scarlett while Focusrite Control 2 updates it. After the Focusrite Control 2 update is complete, the Scarlett no longer appears as a Mass Storage Device on your computer.
Your operating system should change the computer’s default audio inputs and outputs to the Scarlett.
To verify this, right-click the speaker icon on the Windows taskbar, and make sure Scarlett is your Sound output.
After you connect your Scarlett 18i20 to your computer, a Scarlett icon appears on the desktop or, if you use Chrome, you'll see a pop-up:
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Scarlett Easy Start icon: Double click and start from step 1 below. |
Chrome pop-up: Click and start from step 2 below. |
To access Easy Start:
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Double-click on the icon to open the Finder window shown below:
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Double-click . This redirects you to the Focusrite website, where we recommend you register your device:
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Click , and we'll take you through a step-by-step setup guide based on how you want to use your Scarlett.
During Easy Start, you'll install Focusrite Control 2. After you install and open Focusrite Control 2, click 'Update Scarlett 18i20'. Do not disconnect your Scarlett while Focusrite Control 2 updates it. After the Focusrite Control 2 update is complete, the Scarlett no longer appears as a Mass Storage Device on your computer.
Your operating system should change the computer’s default audio inputs and outputs to the Scarlett.
To verify this, go to System Settings > Sound, and ensure the input and output are set to Scarlett 18i20.
The second file - 'More Info and FAQs' - is also available during the setup process. This file has some more information about Easy Start, which you may find helpful if you have any issues with the setup.
Once registered, you have immediate access to the following resources:
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Focusrite Control 2 (Mac and Windows versions available) - see note below.
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Multi-language User Guides - also always available from downloads.focusrite.com.
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Licence codes and links for the optional bundled software in your Focusrite account. To find out what bundled software is included with Scarlett 18i20, please visit our website: focusrite.com/scarlett.
Focusrite Control 2 is the software application you use to control your Scarlett interface.
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The Focusrite Control 2 icon |
We occasionally update your Scarlett 18i20's firmware with new features and improvements, to make sure you are getting the most from your Scarlett. Focusrite Control 2 updates your Scarlett 18i20's firmware.
Focusrite Control 2 allows you to control various features of your Scarlett from your computer.
Note
Focusrite Control 2 is compatible with most major screen reader software, allowing you to control the features on your Scarlett with your computer's keyboard.
You can install Focusrite Control 2 on Windows and Mac. To download and install Focusrite Control 2:
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Go to the Focusrite downloads website:
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Find your Scarlett on the Downloads website.
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Download Focusrite Control 2 for your operating system (Windows or Mac).
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Open the Downloads folder on your computer and double-click the Focusrite Control 2 installer.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to install Focusrite Control 2.
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If it’s not already, connect your Scarlett interface to your computer with the USB cable.
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Open Focusrite Control 2 and it detects your Scarlett automatically.
Note
On Windows, installing Focusrite Control 2 also installs the driver. You can download Focusrite Control 2 at any time, even without registering from downloads.focusrite.com. On macOS, you don't need a driver, you only need to install Focusrite Control 2.
If you decide to register your Scarlett at a later date, you can at: customer.focusrite.com/register
You need to enter the Serial Number manually: you can find this number on the interface's base (the white number below) or the barcode label on the giftbox.
Important
Make sure you download and install Focusrite Control 2. Opening Focusrite Control 2 disables Easy Start, updates your Scarlett 18i20's firmware, and unlocks your Scarlett 18i20's full feature set.
In Easy Start mode, the interface functions at up to 48 kHz sample rate; once you install Focusrite Control 2, you can work at sample rates up to 192 kHz.
The MIDI input and output are also disabled, while Easy Start mode is enabled.
If you don't install Focusrite Control 2 immediately, you can download it at any time from: downloads.focusrite.com
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 18i20 is still in Easy Start mode, or you have chosen not to install Focusrite Control 2 to disable Easy Start Mode:
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Turn off your Scarlett 18i20.
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Press and hold the 48V button.
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Keeping the 48V button held, power on your Scarlett 18i20.
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Wait for the front panel to light up, then release the 48V button.
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Restart (power off and power on) your Scarlett 18i20.
Your Scarlett powers on with Easy Start disabled.