Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 User Guide

: June 7, 2024
: Focusrite

Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 User Guide

OVERVIEW

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this Second Generation Scarlett 6i6, one of the family of Focusrite professional audio interfaces incorporating high quality Focusrite analogue pre-amplifiers. In conjunction with the unit’s accompanying software application, Focusrite Control, 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 6i6 as a “stand-alone” interface to any other type of recording device, once you have configured it using Focusrite Control. Focusrite Control, and several other exciting and useful software applications, can be downloaded free of charge once you have registered your product. Note that a separate Focusrite Control User Guide is also available; we strongly recommend that you download this as well.

In developing the Second Generation series of Scarlett interfaces, we have enhanced both the performance and feature set including support for sample rates up to 192 kHz, improved mic preamp performance with low noise and plenty of gain, and upgraded instrument inputs with additional headroom for recording the loudest guitar parts without clipping.
Your Second Generation Scarlett interface is compatible with the new Focusrite Control software application: this lets you control various hardware features, set up monitor mixes and configure routings. There is a Focusrite Control installer for both Mac and Windows platforms, and no driver is required for Macs. The Windows version of the installer contains the driver, so in either case, you only need to install Focusrite Control to get up and running.

This User Guide provides a detailed explanation of the hardware 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-based recording or a more experienced user, so that you are fully aware of all the possibilities that the Scarlett 6i6 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 answers to common technical support queries.

Features

The Scarlett 6i6 audio interface provides the means for connecting microphones, musical instruments, line level audio signals and S/PDIF digital audio signals to a computer running compatible versions of Mac OS X 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”) at up to 24-bit, 192 kHz resolution; similarly, the DAW’s monitor or recorded output signals can be configured to appear at the unit’s physical outputs.

The 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 6i6 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 accompanying software application, Focusrite Control, provides further routing and monitoring options, as well as the ability to control global hardware settings such as sample rate and synchronisation. 4 All inputs on the Scarlett 6i6 are routed directly to your DAW software for recording, but Focusrite Control 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, should you need to do so.

The Scarlett 6i6 also has connectors for sending and receiving MIDI data; this lets you use it as a MIDI “hub” between your computer’s USB port and other items of MIDI equipment in your system.

Box Contents

Along with your Scarlett 6i6 you should find:

Bundle code* for accessing the following on-line resources:
- Focusrite Control (also available from www.focusrite.com/downloads))
- Focusrite Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite
- ProTools | First
- Ableton Live Lite
- LoopMasters sample library
USB cable
Getting Started Guide and Important Safety Information*

System requirements

Mac OS & Windows

For information on System Requirements for the Scarlett and the optional bundled software, please visit:
support.focusrite.com

GETTING STARTED

IMPORTANT: PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU INSTALL FOCUSRITE CONTROL BEFORE CONNECTING THE INTERFACE TO YOUR COMPUTER.

NOTE THAT THE SECOND GENERATION SCARLETT 6i6 DOES NOT REQUIRE SEPARATE USB DRIVERS TO BE INSTALLED FOR EITHER MAC OR WINDOWS. FOCUSRITE CONTROL INCLUDES THE NECESSARY DRIVERS.

Software Installation

All software required by the Scarlett 6i6 – and several powerful and useful extras – are available for download from the Focusrite website(www.focusrite.com/register). You will find a “Bundle Code” printed on the inside of the box your Scarlett 6i6 comes in, and the Serial number can be found on the underside of the unit. You will need to enter these when you access the downloads area of the website; this procedure ensures that you will have the most up-to date software versions.

DOWNLOADING THE INCLUDED SOFTWARE

To download the included software, you will need to register your Scarlett 6i6 at focusrite.com/register

You will need the product serial number, found on the bottom of your 6i6 hardware Once you have entered the serial number, you will be asked to enter your BUNDLE CODE, found below:

PRODUCT BUNDLE CODE

Using your usual browser, go to www.focusrite.com/register/.
Follow the on-screen instructions, entering the Serial number and then the Bundle Code
(XXXXXX-XXXXXX-XXXXXX) into the form where prompted. Your Bundle Code is printed on the insideof the gift box.
You will then be able to access the “My Products” page, where Focusrite Control and the other software products to which your registration entitles you are available for download, complete with activation codes where applicable.
Download and install the Focusrite Control version (Mac or Windows) appropriate for your computer. Follow all on-screen instructions.
When the installation is complete, restart your computer.
After restart, connect the Scarlett 6i6 to your computer with the USB cable supplied.

This information is accurate as of May 2016, however we are constantly striving to improve the customer experience and as a result this process is subject to change. If anything appears to have changed please refer to www.focusrite.com/get-started for the latest info.

HARDWARE FEATURES

Front Panel

The Front Panel includes input connectors for Mic, Line and Instrument signals, the input gain and monitoring controls, and sockets for headphones.

Inputs 1 and 2 – XLR Combo type 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.
48V – a switch enabling 48 V phantom power at the XLR contacts (mic inputs) of the Combo connectors. The switch illuminates when phantom power is selected.
GAIN 1and GAIN 2 – adjust the input gain for the signals at Inputs 1 and 2 respectively. The gain controls have LED ‘rings’ to confirm signal level: green indicates an input level of at least -24 dBFS (i.e., ‘signal present’), the ring then turns red when signal level reaches 0 dBFS.
INST – the input configuration for the jack contacts at Inputs 1 and 2 can be selected via software from Focusrite Control. The green LEDs illuminate when INST is selected. With INST 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.
PAD – a 10 dB pad may be inserted in each of the input signal paths; these are controlled via software from Focusrite Control. The pad increases the headroom of the input stage, and should be used to reduce mic or line level signals which are ‘too hot’ (i.e., when the gain halo is turning red while at minimum gain). It is not intended for use with the Instrument inputs. The red LEDs illuminate when PAD is selected.
U S B LED – a green LED which illuminates when the unit is recognized by the computer to which it is connected.
MIDI LED – a green LED illuminates when MIDI data is received at the MIDI IN port.
MONITOR – main monitor output level control – this is an analogue control and adjusts the level at Outputs 1 and 2 on the rear panel. The Monitor control does not control the level at outputs 3 and 4.
connect one or two pairs of stereo headphones at the two ¼” (6.25 mm) TRS jack sockets below the headphone volume controls. The headphone outputs always carry the signals that are currently routed to analogue outputs 1 & 2 and 3 & 4 respectively (as stereo pairs) in Focusrite Control.

Rear Panel

INE INPUTS 3 and 4 – The inputs are balanced, on ¼” (6.35 mm) jack sockets. Connect further line level sources here, using either ¼” TRS (balanced) or TS (unbalanced) jack plugs.
LINE OUTPUTS 1 to 4 – four balanced analogue line outputs on ¼” (6.35 mm) jack sockets; use TRS jacks for a balanced connection or TS jacks for unbalanced. Outputs 1 and 2 will normally be used for monitors, though the signals available at all these outputs may be defined in Focusrite Control. The Monitor Control only affects the signal sent to Outputs 1 and 2. Outputs 3 and 4 can drive alternative speakers (i.e., midfield, nearfield, etc.), or to use outboard FX processors.
USB 2.0 port – Type B connector; connect the Scarlett 6i6 to your computer with the cable supplied.
MI DI IN and MIDI OUT – standard 5-pin DIN sockets for connection of external MIDI equipment. The Scarlett 6i6 acts as a “Break-out (and Break-in) Box”, allowing MIDI data to/from your computer to be distributed to additional MIDI devices.
SPDIF IN and OUT – two phono (RCA) sockets carrying two-channel digital audio signals in or out of the Scarlett 6i6 in S/PDIF format. These are essentially Inputs and Outputs 5 and 6 to/from the unit. Like all the other inputs and outputs, signals at these connectors may be routed in Focusrite Control.
External DC power input – power the Scarlett 6i6 via a separate AC adaptor (PSU) rated at
12 V DC and 1 A. Note that the Scarlett 6i6 canot be powered via its USB port from the host computer.
Power On/Off switch.
K (Kensington security lock) – secure your Scarlett 6i6 to a suitable structure if desired. Please see www.kensington.com/kensington/us/us/s/1704/kensingto -security-slot.aspx for further information on how to use this feature.

IMPORTANT – Line Outputs 1 – 4 do not have anti-thump, please make sure you power on your amplifier or monitor speakers last to avoid thumps, pops or clicks when you power on your computer and interface.

Connecting your Scarlett 6i6

IMPORTANT: Before you connect your Scarlett 6i6 to your computer, please complete the software installation according to the instructions at page 5. This will ensure that the hardware uses the correct drivers, and will prevent unexpected behavior.

Power

Your Scarlett 6i6 should be powered from an external 12 V DC, 1 A mains adaptor. A suitable adaptor is supplied with the unit.

IMPORTANT: We very strongly recommend that you only use the supplied mains adaptor. Failure to use this adaptor is likely to permanently damage the unit and will also invalidate your warranty.

USB

Your Scarlett 6i6 has a single USB 2.0 port (on the rear panel). Once the software installation is complete, simply connect it to your computer; we recommend you use the USB cable provided. (Note that Scarlett 6i6 is a USB 2.0 device, and thus the USB connection requires a USB 2.0-compliant port on your computer. It will not operate correctly with USB 1.0/1.1 ports, however typically a USB 3.0 port will support a USB 2.0 device.)

Mac OS only:

Your OS should automatically switch the computer’s default audio inputs & outputs to the Scarlett 6i6. To verify this, go to System Preferences > Sound, and ensure that the input and output are set to Scarlett 6i6. For more detailed setup options on a Mac, open Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup.

Windows only:

Your OS should automatically switch the computer’s default audio inputs and outputs to be the Scarlett 6i6. To verify this go to: Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound > Manage Audio Devices and ensure that ‘Default Playback’ and ‘Recording’ are set to ‘Scarlett 6i6.

Audio Setup in your DAW

Audio Setup

The Scarlett 6i6 is compatible with any Windows-based DAW that supports ASIO or WDM or any Mac-based DAW that uses Core Audio. After installing Focusrite Control and connecting the hardware, you can start using your Scarlett 6i6 with the DAW of your choice. To allow you to get started if you do not already have a DAW application installed on your computer, both Pro Tools | First and Ableton Live Lite are included; these will be available to you once you’ve downloaded and activated your software online. To install either DAW, download and save the relevant installer file from your registered Focusrite “My Products” page as described on page 5, and then run it, following all on- screen instructions.

Operating instructions for Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools | First are beyond the scope of this User Guide, but both applications include a full set of Help files. You can also find a video tutorial on getting started with Ableton Live Lite at www.focusrite.com/getting-started

.Please note – your DAW may not automatically select the Scarlett 6i6 as its default I/O device. In this case, you must manually select the driver on your DAW’s Audio Setup* page (select Scarlett 6i6 for Mac or Focusrite USB 2.0 driver for Windows). Please refer to your DAW’s documentation (or Help files) if you are unsure where to select the ASIO/Core Audio driver. The example below shows the correct configuration in the Ableton Live Lite Preferences panel (Mac version shown).

Once the Scarlett 6i6 is set as the preferred Audio Device* in your DAW, all six inputs and twelve outputs (this is the maximum number of DAW outputs that can route to the Focusrite Control software) will appear in your DAW’s Audio I/O preferences (note however that Ableton Live Lite is limited to a maximum of four mono input channels and four mono output channels). Depending on your DAW, you may need to enable certain inputs or outputs before use. The two examples below show two inputs and two outputs enabled in Ableton Live Lite Audio Preferences.

Audio Setup

Typical name. Terminology may differ slightly between DAWs.

Example of Usage

The Scarlett 6i6 is an excellent choice for several different recording and monitoring applications. Some typical configurations are shown below.

Connecting microphones and instruments

microphones and instruments

This setup illustrates a configuration for recording two singers and a keyboard with DAW software on Mac or PC. In this case, Inputs 1 and 2 are used for the two vocalists, while Inputs 3 and 4 receive the stereo output of the keyboard. These sources will all be recorded on separate tracks of the DAW. During recording, a mix of the keyboard and the two vocalists – plus the playback of any tracks already recorded on the DAW – can be monitored on headphones. Alternatively, one of two pairs of loudspeakers can be used if the vocalists are in a separate room. The mix itself is set up in Focusrite Control.

The front panel input sockets are XLR Combo type, which accept either an XLR male connector (you will probably have one on the end of your microphone cable) or a ¼” (6.35 mm) jack plug. Note the Scarlett 6i6 has no “Mic/line” switch – the Focusrite preamplifier stage is automatically configured for a microphone when you plug an XLR into the input, and for a line or instrument when you connect a jack plug. Select INST in Focusrite Control (on the Device Settings page) if you are connecting a musical instrument (like a guitar) via an ordinary 2-pole guitar jack, or to LINE if you are connecting a line level source such as the balanced output of an external audio mixer via a 3-pole (TRS) jack.
Note the Combo connector accepts both types of jack plug.

If you are using capacitor (condenser) microphones, press the 48V button to supply phantom power to the mics. We recommend you don’t turn this on if you’re using any other type of mic, as some models can be damaged by the application of phantom power. As the 48V button enables phantom power at both inputs, if you are using one condenser mic and one non-condenser, you should check the non-condenser mic’s technical data first to be certain that the mic is able to accept phantom power without damage.

Each channel of the Scarlett 6i6 has a PAD facility, selectable from Focusrite Control (on the Device Settings page); switching the Pad into circuit reduces the input sensitivity by 10 dB. You may find this useful if you are feeding the input from a line-level source when the output is particularly “hot”.

Low Latency Monitoring

You will frequently hear the term “latency” used in connection with digital audio systems. In the case of the simple DAW recording application described above, latency will be the time it takes for your input signals to pass through your computer and audio software, and back out again via your audio interface. While not an issue for most simple recording situations, under some circumstances, latency can be a problem for a performer who wishes to record while monitoring their input signals. This might be the case if you need to increase the size of your DAW’s recording buffer, which could be necessary when you record overdubs on a particularly large project using many DAW tracks, software instruments and FX plug-ins. Common symptoms of a buffer setting that is too low could be glitching audio (clicks and pops), or a particularly high CPU load within your DAW (most DAWs have CPU read outs). If you experience this on a Mac, you can raise the buffer size from within the DAW application itself, but on a PC you will most likely need to change this from within the “MiniControlPanel” which can usually be accessed from your DAW setup preferences.

The Scarlett 6i6, in conjunction with Focusrite Control, allows “low latency monitoring”, which overcomes this problem. You can route your input signals directly to the Scarlett 6i6’s headphone and line outputs. This enables the musicians to hear themselves with ultra-low latency – i.e., effectively in “real time” – along with the computer playback. The input signals to the computer are not affected in any way by this setting. However, note that any effects being added to the live instruments by software plug-ins will not be heard in the headphones in this case, although the FX will still be present on the recording.

In the example below, each of the band members is receiving a monitor mix. Focusrite Control lets you define up to four separate mono mixes (or two stereo), and these mixes may include previously recorded DAW tracks as well the current input signals.

microphones and instruments

When using Direct Monitoring, ensure that your DAW software is not set to route any inputs (what you are currently recording) to any outputs. If it is, the musicians will hear themselves “twice”, with one signal audibly delayed as an echo.

Connecting Scarlett 6i6 to loudspeakers

The 1/4” jack outputs on the rear panel will normally be used to drive monitoring speakers. Self-powered (active) monitors incorporate internal amplifiers, and may be connected directly. Passive loudspeakers will require a separate stereo amplifier; in this case, the rear panel outputs should be connected to the amplifier’s inputs.

All the line output connectors are 3-pole (TRS) ¼” (6.35 mm) jack sockets, and are electronically balanced. Typical consumer (hi-fi) amplifiers and small powered monitors will probably have unbalanced inputs, either on phono (RCA) sockets, or via a 3.5 mm 3-pole jack plug intended for direct connection to a computer. In either case, use a suitable connecting cable with jack plugs at one end.

Professional active monitors and professional power amplifiers will generally have balanced inputs.

When mixing, you can connect two pairs of speakers (midfield. nearfield, etc.) to outputs 1/2 and 3/4 and use Focusrite Control to route your mix to the different output pairs as desired, to check your mix on the different types of speaker.

NOTE: You run the risk of creating an audio feedback loop if loudspeakers are active at the same time as a microphone! We recommend that you always turn off (or turn down) monitoring loudspeakers while recording, and use headphones when overdubbing.

Using the Scarlett 6i6 as a stand-alone mixer

he Scarlett 6i6 has the ability to store a mix configuration defined in Focusrite Control within the hardware. This feature lets you configure it – for example, as an on-stage sub-mixer – using your computer, and then upload the configuration to the device itself. Then you can use the Scarlett 6i6 as a simple local mixer as part of your equipment rig to control the overall mix of multiple instruments

In the example illustrated, one guitar plus two stereo and one mono keyboards are connected to the six inputs of the Scarlett 6i6; Outputs 1 and 2 go to the main PA system. The player can set up a rough mix in Focusrite Control and then adjust the levels of the two mono sources against the stereo ones from the front panel.

FOCUSRITE CONTROL

Focusrite Control software allows flexible mixing and routing of all audio signals to the physical audio outputs, as well as control of output monitor levels. Sample rate selection and digital sync options are also available from Focusrite Control.

NOTE: Focusrite Control is a generic product, and may be used withother Focusrite hardware interfaces. When you connect an interface to your computer and launch Focusrite Control, the model of interface is automatically detected, and the software configured to suit the number of inputs and outputs, and other facilities, available on the hardware.

IMPORTANT: A separate Focusrite Control User Guide can be downloaded once you have completed the on-line registration process. This describes the use of Focusrite Control in full detail, together with examples of application.

To open Focusrite Control:

FC icon Installing Focusrite Control on your computer will place an FC icon on the dock or desktop. Click the icon to launch Focusrite Control.

Assuming that your Scarlett interface is connected to your computer with the USB cable, the Focusrite Control GUI (Graphical User Interface) will appear as shown below (Mac version illustrated).

FOCUSRITE CONTROL

The following table provides the channel routings when preset option “Direct Routing” is selected in Focusrite Control.

CH NO.	INPUTS	OUTPUTS
1	Input 1	Output 1
2	Input 2	Output 2
3	Input 3	Output 3
4	Input 4	Output 4
5	S/PDIF 1	S/PDIF 1
6	S/PDIF 2	S/PDIF 2

Please refer to the Focusrite Control User Guide for further details.

SPECIFICATIONS

Performance Specifications

Configuration

Inputs| 6: analogue (4), S/PDIF (2)
Outputs| 6: analogue (4), S/PDIF (2)
Mixer| Fully assignable 6-in/12-out software mixer (Focusrite Control)
Digital Performance
Supported sample rates| 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz
Clock jitter| <250 ps
Microphone Inputs
Frequency Response| 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0.5/-1.5 dB
Dynamic Range| 109 dB (‘A’-weighted)
THD+N| < 0.002%
Noise EIN| –127 dBu
Maximum Input Level| +8.5 dBu (without pad)
Gain Range| 50 dB
Line Inputs 1 & 2
Frequency Response| 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0.5/-1.5 dB
Dynamic Range| 109 dB (‘A’-weighted)
THD+N| < 0.003%
Maximum Input Level| +22 dB
Gain Range| 50 dB
Line Inputs 3 & 4
Frequency Response| 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0.5/-1.5 dB
Dynamic Range| 109 dB (‘A’-weighted)
THD+N| < 0.003%
Maximum Input Level| +16 dB
Instrument Inputs

Physical and Electrical Characteristics

Analogue Inputs 1 & 2

Connectors| XLR Combo type: Mic/Line/Inst, on front panel
Mic/Line switching| Automatic
Line/Instrument switching| Via software from Focusrite Control
Phantom power| Shared +48 V phantom power switch for inputs 1 and 2
Analogue Inputs 3 & 4
Connectors| 2 x balanced ¼” TRS jacks on rear panel
Analogue Outputs 1 to 4
Connectors| 4 x balanced ¼” TRS jacks on rear panel
Stereo headphone outputs| 2 x ¼” TRS jack on front panel
Main monitor output level control| ****

On front panel

Headphones level controls
Other I/O
S/PDIF I/O| 2 x phono (RCA)
USB| 1 x USB 2.0 Type B connector
MIDI I/O| 2 x 5-pin DIN sockets
Weight and Dimensions
W x D x H| 195 mm x 50 mm x 212 mm

7.68” x 1.97” x 8.35”

Weight| 1.4 kg

3.09 lb

TROUBLESHOOTING

For all troubleshooting queries, please visit the Focusrite Help Centre where you will find articles covering numerous troubleshooting examples: support.focusrite.com