With the Third Generation, Scarlett interfaces introduce a new, faster way of getting up and running, using the Scarlett Easy Start tool. All you need to do is connect your Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen to your computer. Once connected, you will see the device is recognised by your PC or Mac and the Easy Start tool will guide you through the process from there.
Important
The Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen has a single USB 2.0 Type C port (on the rear panel): connect it to your computer using the USB cable provided. Note the Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen is a USB 2.0 device, and the USB connection needs a USB 2.0+ compliant port on your computer.
Your computer will initially treat your Scarlett as a Mass Storage Device (MSD), and during its first connection, the Scarlett will be in “Easy Start mode”.
We have tried to make registering your Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen as simple as possible. The steps are designed to be self-explanatory, but we have described each step below, so you can see how they should appear on either a PC or a Mac.
On connecting your Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen to your Mac, a Scarlett icon will appear on the desktop:
Double-click on the icon to open the Finder window shown below:
Double-click on the “Click Here to Get Started.url” icon. This will redirect you to the Focusrite website, where we recommend you register your device:
Click on “Let’s get you started”, and you’ll see a form which will be partly prefilled for you automatically. When you submit the form, you’ll see options to go straight to the downloads to get the software for your Scarlett, or to follow a step-by-step setup guide based on how you want to use your Scarlett.
Once you have installed the Focusrite Control software to set up and configure your interface, the Scarlett will be switched out of Easy Start mode so it no longer appears as a Mass Storage Device when connected to your computer.
Your OS should switch the computer’s default audio inputs and outputs to the Scarlett. To verify this, go to System Preferences > Sound, and ensure the input and output are set to Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen.
For detailed setup options on a Mac, open Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup.
On connecting your Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen to your PC, a Scarlett icon appears on the desktop:
On connecting your Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen to your PC, a Scarlett icon will appear on the desktop:
(the drive letter may be something different, depending on other devices connected to your computer.)
Double-click the pop-up message to open the dialogue box shown below:
Double-click “Open folder to view files”: this opens an Explorer window:
Double-click “Click Here to Get Started”. This redirects you to the Focusrite website, where we recommend you register your device:
Click on “Let’s get you started”, and you’ll see a partly-prefilled form. When you submit the form, you’ll see options to go straight to the downloads to get the software for your Scarlett, or to follow a step-by-step setup guide based on how you want to use your Scarlett.
Once you've installed the Focusrite Control software to set up and configure your interface, the Scarlett will be switched out of Easy Start mode so it no longer appears as a Mass Storage Device when connected to your computer.
Your OS should switch the computer’s default audio inputs and outputs to be the Scarlett. To verify this, right-click on the Sound icon on the taskbar and select Sound Settings, and set the Scarlett as the Input and Output Device.
Note that a second file - “More Info & FAQs” - is also available during the initial set-up process. This file contains some additional information about the Focusrite Easy Start tool, which you may find helpful if you have any issues with the procedure.
Once registered, you will have immediate access to the following resources:
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Focusrite Control (Mac and Windows versions available) - see note below
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Multi-language User Guides
You can find the licence codes and links for the optional bundled software in your Focusrite account. To find out what bundled software is included with Scarlett 3rd generation, please visit our website:
Note
Installing Focusrite Control will also install the correct driver for your device. Focusrite Control is available to download at any time, even without registering: see “Manual Registration” below.
If you decide to register your Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen at a later date, you can do so at:
id.focusritegroup.com/register
You need to enter the Serial Number manually: you can find this number on the base of the interface itself, and on the barcode label on the side of the box.
We recommend you download and install our Focusrite Control application, as this disables Easy Start mode and unlocks the full potential of the interface. Initially, in Easy Start mode, the interface only works at sample rates up to 48kHz and the MIDI I/O is disabled. Once Focusrite Control is installed on your computer, you can work at sample rates up to 192 kHz.
If you decide not to download and install Focusrite Control immediately, it can be downloaded at any time from:
To force your Scarlett out of Easy Start mode without first registering it, connect it to your computer and press and hold the 48V button for five seconds. This will ensure your Scarlett has full functionality. Please bear in mind that should you wish to register your Scarlett after taking this action, you will need to so manually, as explained above.