Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 User Guide

Overview

Thank you for purchasing the Second Generation Scarlett 6i6, a professional audio interface from Focusrite. This interface, combined with Focusrite Control software, offers a versatile solution for high-quality audio routing to and from your computer. It can also be used as a "stand-alone" interface with other recording devices after configuration with Focusrite Control.

Focusrite Control and other software applications are available for free download after product registration. A separate Focusrite Control User Guide is also recommended.

The Second Generation Scarlett interfaces feature enhanced performance, including support for sample rates up to 192 kHz, improved mic preamp performance, and upgraded instrument inputs with increased headroom.

The Scarlett 6i6 is compatible with Focusrite Control software, which allows control of hardware features, monitor mixes, and routings. A single installer for Mac and Windows includes the necessary drivers (no separate driver installation is needed for Macs).

This User Guide provides a detailed explanation of the hardware's operational features. For additional support, visit support.focusrite.com.

Features

The Scarlett 6i6 audio interface connects to a computer via USB, supporting microphones, musical instruments, line-level audio signals, and S/PDIF digital audio signals. Input signals can be routed to your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) at up to 24-bit, 192 kHz resolution. DAW outputs can be routed to the unit's physical outputs.

Outputs can connect to amplifiers, speakers, powered monitors, headphones, audio mixers, or other audio equipment. All inputs and outputs are routed directly to and from the DAW, with routing configurable within the DAW.

Focusrite Control software provides further routing and monitoring options, as well as control of global hardware settings like sample rate and synchronization. It also allows internal routing of signals to outputs for ultra-low latency monitoring.

The Scarlett 6i6 also features MIDI In and Out connectors, acting as a MIDI "hub" between your computer and other MIDI equipment.

Box Contents

• Bundle code for accessing online resources: Focusrite Control, 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

For information on system requirements for the Scarlett and bundled software, visit support.focusrite.com.

Getting Started

Software Installation

IMPORTANT: Ensure Focusrite Control is installed before connecting the interface to your computer. The Scarlett 6i6 does not require separate USB drivers for Mac or Windows, as Focusrite Control includes them.

Download required software from www.focusrite.com/register. You will need the product serial number (found on the underside of the unit) and the Bundle Code (found inside the gift box).

1. Go to www.focusrite.com/register/.
2. Enter the Serial number and Bundle Code as prompted.
3. Access the "My Products" page to download Focusrite Control and other entitled software.
4. Download and install the appropriate Focusrite Control version for your computer.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Connect the Scarlett 6i6 to your computer using the supplied USB cable.

Note: Information is accurate as of May 2016; refer to www.focusrite.com/get-started for the latest information.

Hardware Features

Front Panel

The front panel includes connectors for Mic, Line, and Instrument signals, input gain and monitoring controls, and headphone sockets.

• Inputs 1 and 2: XLR Combo type input sockets for microphones, instruments (e.g., guitar), or line level signals. Can accept XLR or 1/4" (6.35 mm) jack plugs (TRS for balanced, TS for unbalanced).
• 48V: Switch enabling 48 V phantom power for the XLR mic inputs. Illuminates when active.
• GAIN 1 and GAIN 2: Adjust input gain. LED rings indicate signal level: green for signal present (-24 dBFS), red when signal reaches 0 dBFS.
• INST: Input configuration for jack contacts at Inputs 1 and 2, selected via Focusrite Control. Green LEDs illuminate when INST is selected. Optimizes input for instruments (unbalanced, 2-pole TS jack). When INST is off, inputs are suitable for line level signals (balanced TRS or unbalanced TS jack).
• PAD: A 10 dB pad selectable via Focusrite Control. Reduces input sensitivity by 10 dB, increasing headroom for hot line-level signals. Red LEDs illuminate when PAD is selected. Not intended for Instrument inputs.
• USB LED: Green LED indicates the unit is recognized by the computer.
• MIDI LED: Green LED illuminates when MIDI data is received at the MIDI IN port.
• MONITOR: Main monitor output level control for Outputs 1 and 2 on the rear panel.
• Headphone Sockets: Two 1/4" (6.35 mm) TRS jack sockets for stereo headphones. Outputs carry signals routed to analogue outputs 1 & 2 and 3 & 4.

Rear Panel

• LINE INPUTS 3 and 4: Balanced 1/4" (6.35 mm) jack sockets for further line level sources.
• LINE OUTPUTS 1 to 4: Four balanced analogue line outputs on 1/4" (6.35 mm) jack sockets (TRS for balanced, TS for unbalanced). Outputs 1 and 2 are typically for monitors. Outputs 3 and 4 can drive alternative speakers or outboard FX processors.
• USB 2.0 port: Type B connector for connecting to the computer.
• MIDI IN and MIDI OUT: Standard 5-pin DIN sockets for external MIDI equipment.
• SPDIF IN and OUT: Two phono (RCA) sockets for two-channel digital audio signals in S/PDIF format (Inputs/Outputs 5 and 6).
• External DC power input: For a 12 V DC, 1 A AC adaptor (PSU). The unit cannot be powered via USB.
• Power On/Off switch.
• K (Kensington security lock): For securing the unit. See www.kensington.com for details.

IMPORTANT: Line Outputs 1-4 do not have anti-thump. Power on amplifiers or monitor speakers last to avoid thumps, pops, or clicks.

Connecting your Scarlett 6i6

IMPORTANT: Complete software installation (page 5) before connecting the Scarlett 6i6 to your computer to ensure correct driver usage and prevent unexpected behavior.

Power

The Scarlett 6i6 requires an external 12 V DC, 1 A mains adaptor. Use only the supplied adaptor to avoid permanent damage and warranty invalidation.

USB

Connect the Scarlett 6i6 to your computer via the USB 2.0 port (rear panel) using the provided USB cable. The Scarlett 6i6 is a USB 2.0 device and requires a USB 2.0-compliant port. It may not operate correctly with USB 1.0/1.1 ports.

Mac OS only:

Your OS should automatically set the Scarlett 6i6 as the default audio input/output device. Verify this in System Preferences > Sound. For advanced options, open Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup.

Windows only:

Your OS should automatically set the Scarlett 6i6 as the default audio input/output device. Verify this in Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound > Manage Audio Devices, ensuring 'Default Playback' and 'Recording' are set to 'Scarlett 6i6'.

Audio Setup in your DAW

The Scarlett 6i6 is compatible with Windows DAWs supporting ASIO or WDM, and Mac DAWs using Core Audio. After installing Focusrite Control and connecting the hardware, you can use your Scarlett 6i6 with your chosen DAW.

Pro Tools | First and Ableton Live Lite are included for users without a DAW. Install them from your registered Focusrite "My Products" page.

Refer to your DAW's documentation or Help files for specific setup instructions. The Scarlett 6i6 may need to be manually selected as the default I/O device in your DAW's Audio Setup.

Input Config Example (Ableton Live Lite):

Choose which audio hardware inputs to make available to Live's tracks. Input pairs can be used as stereo or mono. Deactivating inputs reduces CPU load.

Output Config Example (Ableton Live Lite):

Choose which audio hardware outputs to make available to Live's tracks. Output pairs can be used as stereo or mono. Deactivating outputs reduces CPU load.

*Typical terminology may differ slightly between DAWs.

Example of Usage

Connecting microphones and instruments

This setup illustrates recording two singers and a keyboard with DAW software. Inputs 1 and 2 are used for vocals, and Inputs 3 and 4 for the keyboard's stereo output. All sources are recorded on separate DAW tracks.

During recording, a mix of the keyboard and vocals, along with playback of recorded tracks, can be monitored on headphones. Alternatively, loudspeakers can be used if vocalists are in a separate room. The mix is set up in Focusrite Control.

When using Direct Monitoring, ensure your DAW software is not set to route any inputs to outputs, to avoid audible delay (echo).

Low Latency Monitoring

Latency is the delay between input signals passing through your computer and audio software, and returning via the audio interface. For performers monitoring their input signals while recording, latency can be an issue, especially with large projects using many DAW tracks, software instruments, and FX plug-ins.

The Scarlett 6i6, with Focusrite Control, enables "low latency monitoring" by routing input signals directly to the Scarlett 6i6's headphone and line outputs. This allows musicians to hear themselves in "real time" with computer playback. Input signals to the computer are unaffected. Note that software plug-in effects on live instruments will not be heard in headphones, but will be present on the recording.

Focusrite Control allows up to four separate mono mixes (or two stereo) for monitoring, including previously recorded DAW tracks and current input signals.

Connecting Scarlett 6i6 to loudspeakers

The 1/4" jack outputs on the rear panel are used for monitoring speakers.

• Self-powered (active) monitors: Connect directly.
• Passive loudspeakers: Require a separate stereo amplifier; connect the rear panel outputs to the amplifier's inputs.

Line output connectors are 3-pole (TRS) 1/4" (6.35 mm) jack sockets, electronically balanced. Consumer amplifiers and powered monitors may have unbalanced inputs (phono/RCA or 3.5 mm jack). Use appropriate cables.

Professional active monitors and power amplifiers typically have balanced inputs.

For mixing, connect two pairs of speakers (midfield, nearfield, etc.) to outputs 1/2 and 3/4. Use Focusrite Control to route your mix to different output pairs to check your mix on various speaker types.

NOTE: To avoid audio feedback loops, turn off (or down) monitoring loudspeakers while recording, and use headphones when overdubbing.

Using the Scarlett 6i6 as a stand-alone mixer

The Scarlett 6i6 can store a mix configuration defined in Focusrite Control within the hardware. This allows it to be configured as an on-stage sub-mixer using a computer, and then uploaded to the device. The Scarlett 6i6 can then be used as a simple local mixer within an equipment rig.

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

Focusrite Control

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

NOTE: Focusrite Control is a generic product usable with other Focusrite hardware. When an interface is connected, the software automatically detects the model and configures itself accordingly.

IMPORTANT: A separate Focusrite Control User Guide can be downloaded after online registration, providing detailed usage instructions and examples.

To open Focusrite Control:

An FC icon is placed on the dock or desktop after installation. Click the icon to launch Focusrite Control.

When the Scarlett interface is connected via USB, the Focusrite Control GUI appears (Mac version illustrated).

The following table shows channel routings when the "Direct Routing" preset option is selected in Focusrite Control:

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

• 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: +12 dBu
• Gain Range: 50 dB

Line Outputs 1 to 4

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +/-0.5 dB
• Dynamic Range: 108 dB ('A'-weighted)
• THD+N: < 0.001%
• Maximum Output Level (0 dBFS): +16 dBu, balanced

Headphone Outputs

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +/-0.5 dB
• Dynamic Range: 108 dB ('A'-weighted)
• THD+N: < 0.001%
• Maximum Output Level (0 dBFS): +13 dBu, balanced

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 1/4" TRS jacks on rear panel

Analogue Outputs 1 to 4

• Connectors: 4 x balanced 1/4" TRS jacks on rear panel
• Stereo headphone outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS jack on front panel
• Main monitor output level control: On front panel
• Headphones level controls: On front panel

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 troubleshooting queries, visit the Focusrite Help Centre at support.focusrite.com for articles and examples.

Copyright and Legal Notices

Focusrite is a registered trademark, and Scarlett 6i6 is a trademark of Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

© 2016 Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited. All rights reserved.