Scarlett 4i4

The Scarlett 4i4 hardware interface provides the means for connecting microphones, musical instruments or line level audio signals to a computer running Mac OS 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 then routed from your DAW to the physical outputs. The 4i4 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 that you wish to use. Although all inputs and outputs on the Scarlett 4i4 are routed directly to and from your DAW for recording and playback, you can configure the routing within the 4i4's accompanying Focusrite Control application in order to meet your needs. The 4i4 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 master 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.

Key Features

Inputs 1 & 2 - “Combo” type input sockets - connect microphones, instruments (e.g., guitar), or line level signals here. Combo sockets accept both XLR and ¼” (6.35 mm) jacks. Microphones will normally be connected using XLR plugs: instruments and line level signals should be connected via ¼” (6.35 mm) jack plugs of either TR or TRS type. The preamp gain is appropriate for microphones when an XLR plug is inserted, and for higher level signals when a jack plug is inserted. Do not connect anything other than a microphone - e.g., the output of a sound module or FX unit - via an XLR plug, as the signal level will overload the preamp, resulting in distortion; also, if phantom power is enabled, the equipment may be damaged.
GAIN 1 and GAIN 2 - adjust the preamp gain for signals at inputs 1 and 2 respectively. The gain controls have concentric tri-colour LED ‘rings' to confirm signal level: green indicates an input level of at least -24 dBFS (i.e., ‘signal present'), the ring then turns amber at -6 dBFS to indicate that the signal is close to clipping, and finally to red at 0 dBFS (digital clipping).
48V - phantom power switch for mic inputs - enables 48 V phantom power at XLR contacts of both Combo connectors.
INST - two red LEDs; illuminate when Instrument mode is selected for Inputs 1 or 2 from Focusrite Control; gain is set to suit instrument signals. When INST is off, the ¼” jack input is configured to accept a line level signal, e.g., from a keyboard, synth module or FX unit.
AIR - two yellow LEDs indicating selection of AIR mode for Inputs 1 and 2. AIR mode, selected from Focusrite Control, modifies the frequency response of the input stage to model the classic, transformer-based Focusrite ISA microphone preamps.
PAD - two green LEDs; illuminate when PAD is selected from Focusrite Control for Inputs 1 or 2. PAD decreases the signal level going to your DAW by 10 dB; use when the input source has a particularly high level. 18
MONITOR - main monitor volume control, sets the level at rear panel Outputs 1 and 2
Headphone level - adjusts the output level at the front panel stereo headphone output.
Headphone socket - ¼” TRS output jack - connect your stereo headphones here.