Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen Overview

Thank you for purchasing this Third Generation Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen, one of the family of Focusrite professional computer audio interfaces incorporating high quality Focusrite analogue preamps. You now have a simple and compact solution for routing high quality audio to and from your computer, and you will also be able to download some exciting new software plugins once you’ve registered the product.

In developing the Third Generation series of Scarlett interfaces, we have made further improvements to both performance and features to allow you to get the best out of your recordings. Audio specifications have been upgraded throughout the unit to give you greater dynamic range and even lower noise and distortion; additionally, the mic preamp now accepts higher input levels.

An important enhancement is the inclusion of our AIR function. Individually selectable on each channel, AIR subtly modifies the preamp’s frequency response to model the sonic characteristics of our classic transformer-based ISA microphone preamps. When recording with good quality microphones, you will notice an enhanced clarity and definition in the important mid to high frequency range, just where it is most needed for vocals and many acoustic instruments.

Third Generation Scarlett interfaces are class compliant on macOS: this means they are plug-and-play, so no need to install a driver if you are a Mac user.

This User Guide provides a detailed explanation of the hardware to help you achieve a thorough understanding of the product’s features. We recommend both users who are new to computer-based recording, and more experienced users, take the time to read through the User Guide so you are fully aware of all the possibilities the Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen and accompanying software have to offer. If the main User Guide sections do not provide the information you need, be sure to consult support.focusrite.com, which contains a comprehensive collection of common technical support queries.

The Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen hardware interface provides the means for connecting microphones, musical instruments or line level audio signals to a computer running macOS or Windows. 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”) at up to 24-bit, 192 kHz resolution; similarly, the DAW’s monitor or recorded output will appear at the unit’s physical outputs.

Audio sources – mics, instruments, etc. - connected to the physical inputs can be recorded in the DAW and routed from your DAW to the physical outputs. The Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen is equipped with four audio output channels, which can be connected to an amplifier and speakers, powered monitors, headphones, DJ or other type of analogue mixer, or any other analogue audio equipment you wish to use.

Although all inputs and outputs on the Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen are routed directly to and from your DAW for recording and playback, you can configure the routing within the Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen’s accompanying Focusrite Control application To meet your needs. The Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen also acts as a convenient MIDI interface between your computer and other MIDI equipment.

For DJs, the four analogue outputs make it possible to have a stereo main output and a headphone cue channel when mixing internally on a laptop; alternatively, you have two separate stereo outputs at your disposal for connection to an analogue DJ mixer.

Along with your Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen you should find:

The easiest way to check your computer’s operating system (OS) is compatible with your Scarlett is to use our Help Centre’s compatibility articles:

support.focusrite.com/hc/categories/200693655

As new OS versions become available over time, you can continue to check for further compatibility information by searching our Help Centre at support.focusrite.com.