How to use the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen and the Focusrite Control software with Ableton Live

This video aims to go through most of the features of the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen audio interface, the Focusrite Control software, and how to record into Ableton Live 10. I happen to be using Ableton Live 10 as my Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), but you should be able to get the same results no matter what DAW you use.

Apologies for the ropey sound quality in places, the video has been in production for so long and i did my best to revive it, but it just needed to get posted. I'll endeavour to make a better one next time.

You can skip to the section that is most relevant to you:

0:00 - Introduction
0:17 - Hardware Overview
6:41 - Focusrite Control Software Overview
9:31 - Connecting a Chromecast Audio via Rear Input
15:45 - Using the Focusrite Scarlett as a Standalone Unit
18:25 - Recording a Keyboard (AUX) via Rear Input
22:49 - Recording a Guitar (DI) via Front Input
25:22 - Recording a Microphone via Front Input
27:25 - Basic Monitoring
28:49 - Direct Monitoring / Zero Latency
32:30 - Dual Monitoring Setup
34:39 - Using the Loopback Feature

Most of the features shown in this video can be performed on any Focusrite Scarlett Audio Interface, however there are a few notable omissions from some of the cheaper/older models, e.g. dual monitoring, software loopback etc. If in doubt, just check the user guides from the following links:

Focusrite Scarlett user guide: https://fael-downloads-prod.focusrite...
Focusrite Control user guide: https://fael-downloads-prod.focusrite...

Whilst the most popular Focusrite audio interface for the entry-level market has long been the Scarlett 2i2, I wanted to get something that would tick more boxes and thus last a bit longer in my studio.

Main reasons i chose the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 are:
It has more inputs and outputs than the 2i2 (more flexible and future-proof)
It has two dedicated headphone outputs (separate channels to allow different mix for producer vs vocalist for example)
It has software loopback function (meaning you can directly record whats playing on your computer which is good for streaming etc.)
Has legacy inputs and outputs SPDIF & MIDI (you just never know when you'll need it!)
Is powered by a dedicated power adaptor (meaning you don't get annoying speaker pops when unplugging USB before turning the speakers off)
Can be used as a standalone unit (you can set up the mixer/routing in software, unplug the USB, take it to a gig and not even need a computer to operate it. A basic example of how i use this right now is that i have a Google Chromecast Audio plugged into the line inputs on the rear, which means i can play music out of the Yamaha studio monitors without having my laptop plugged in at the desk)

Software included (via download from Focusrite website): Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools First, Samples, Plugins, Virtual instruments

Any questions do ask and I'll get back to you.

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Computer: MacbookPro 13 (mid-2012)
Audio Interface/Soundcard: Focusrite 8i6 3rd Gen https://amzn.to/3oBjDR6
Lapel Microphone: VoJoPi https://amzn.to/3uIlzLG
Voiceover Microphone: Samson CO1U Condenser (USB) https://amzn.to/3rGF4ST
Vocal Microphone: Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 https://amzn.to/3gFOh7s
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Booth Speaker: Pioneer S-DJ50X-W Active Speaker
Main Speaker: ProSound 500W 15-inch Active Speaker
Monitor Speakers: Yamaha HS80M Active Speaker https://amzn.to/3BfUYXf

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