Owner's Manual

15
Connecting Scarlett 18i8 to loudspeakers
The 1/4” MONITOR OUTPUTS jacks on the rear panel will normally be used to send audio to monitoring
speakers. Self-powered monitors incorporate internal amplifiers with a volume control, 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.
Active Speakers
Amplifier
Passive Speakers
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.
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 mute (or turn off) monitoring loudspeakers while
recording, and use headphones when overdubbing.