Owner's Manual

27
INPUT SETTINGS
Scarlett interfaces have a variety of hardware functions that are operated from Focusrite Control,
rather than by physical controls on the unit itself.
Clicking on Input Settings gives you access to these functions. The page for the Scarlett 18i20
looks this:
If you have a different Scarlett model, most of the functionality will be the same, but fewer switches
may be visible because your interface includes channels that require software to switch between
settings, e.g., Scarletts 4i4, 8i6, 18i8 and 18i20 use software switching to change between Line and
Instrument inputs and to select the Pads and AIR mode. The following screengrab demonstrates this
with the 18i8 Device Settings page.
Inst/Line
Some of the channels on your interface will be configurable as dedicated instrument inputs for
connecting electric guitars and basses directly. Selecting INST for these channels switches the ¼”
jack contacts of the input to a high impedance, unbalanced input to configure it for direct connection
of electric guitars/basses. Selection of INST mode is confirmed by a red LED on the unit’s front
panel. Depending on the Scarlett model you have, you may be able to select INST or LINE from the
front panel of the unit as well.
The alternative switch position for these channels is LINE; in this mode, the inputs are suitable for a
standard balanced line level signal.
Use a 2-pole (TS) ¼” jack when using the inputs in INST mode, and a 3-pole (TRS) ¼” jack when using
them in LINE mode with a balanced source.