Focusrite 18i20 ADAT/Optical Tutorial Faster

My first video about this was kinda bad-- this one clears more info quickly!

[@pietrosammarco6225]

Took me a moment to realize that the follower ("slave") device needs to be hooked up via usb for it to be recognized by mixcontrol for setup -- haha... of course it does. Pointing it out for folks who are following step by step.

[@andrewbarrett6403]

Thanks for this, I spent too long trying to get this to work to record a full band, and couldn’t figure it out in time

[@unclerhombus]

So weird he’d leave that *very* important point out..:

[@colinchilds]

Yeah, I was going to say... but I did notice the green USB light on the slave so I knew he did that otherwise there'd be no way for focusrite control to recognize those digital channels. Makes sense, but very confusing for someone going step by step!

[@JAMPROSOUND]

If only these things came with documentation that explains how to use them.

[@imacashew.]

Saved for future reference. I found this video once and then for some reason could never find it again when I really needed it for a session.

[@geyerking]

Short and complete. This is how a "How to do" should look like. You helped me to solve that problem. Thump Up! Thanks, man.

[@shawnmuench]

Absolutely :) I’m a firm critic of internet fluff.

[@imbogaa]

I've been looking for this solution for too long. Thank you!

[@doomstar2472]

This was so helpful for me in setting up my Clarett Plus 8 Pre with my RME BAbyfacePro FS. Thanks a bunch.

[@TroyTackett]

Quick question I have two Clarett + 8 pre no matter what I do with hooking them up it will never show in the controller when I plug a mic into both of them. They both show signal, but only one of them is going into the actual control and into logic Pro. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong.

[@johnnyhov2509]

Thanks for a great guide! Guess it is not possible to route PC-sound from audio interface to the OctoPre over SPDIF since there is no SPDIF input on the unit? I only hear instruments etc that is connected with XLR.

[@bugeyedmudafuka2]

Quality. Was having trouble with this and this sorted it. Nice one. Cheers!!

[@shawnmuench]

You're welcome!

[@ernestdaniels1671]

Great tutorial. I mistakenly purchased the Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre which as a mistake for connecting hardware to it as an expander for my 18i20..I emailed Focusrite and they informed me that adding external hardware to the Scarlett Octopre will not work because there is no ADAT IN Ports on the device. I then read an Article from SOS Magazine and they reported the following., "As before, the basic model offers only one-way (analogue-to-digital) conversion. That’s fine if you simply wish to hook up an additional bank of preamps to your interface to, say, record a rock band with a multi-miked kit. However, it does mean you’re unable to use the Scarlett OctoPre to hook up extra outboard to your DAW. To do that, you’d need the Dynamic model, because as well as the obvious addition of the analogue compressor on each channel, this features both A-D and D-A conversion - you can route your DAW outputs to the Scarlett OctoPre Dynamics’s line outputs, as well as route its line inputs back to the DAW". Now I am selling my Scarlett OctoPre for a Dynamic OctoPre!! ~~> Read yourself underneath the INS and OUTS section of the article >~~~~> www.soundonsound.com/reviews/focusrite-scarlett-octopre-dynamic

[@D.R_Drumming]

So with my main interface off my focusrite control is not seeing the octopre. Because it is connected to my 18i20. I got the ADAT out and connected even the world clock with a locked connection. However, my DAW is not seeing the extra 8 channels from my octopre. It drove me crazy for hours last night.

[@dr.gregoryf.maassen2637]

This is an excellent tutorial. Make sure to double check your ADAT connection. I couldn't figure out why I didn't get sound from the slave. Well, I didn't plug the cable in the input of the master, so that didn't work.

[@awpMusic1]

My interface is Behringer UMC1820 - which is full. I got a couple of new desktop synths yesterday and bought the Behringer ADA8200 to allow them to be connected. They are connected to ADAT1&2 and 3&4. The ADA8200 is the slave and connected to the UMC1820 by Toslink cables. Everything appears correct. The synths receive midi and the interface receives audio from them - I can see the green leds flash! However there is no audible output! If I connect these synths to the UMC 1820 all is as it should be. Just no audio output when connected via the ADA8200. Latest drivers installed in the UMC1820. I have a feeling it's probably something very simple I'm missing - but it's driving me mad. Any and all help appreciated. Thanks!

[@johnp3541]

Hi! the expander would be the Octo Pre? i am looking for a way to have 12 outputs and i have thought about acquiring the scarlet 18i20 and the Octo Pre, the configuration would be the same? i need it for dolby atmos

[@bobaboey]

A+ super helpful. Excellent info. Easy to understand.

[@joshtarnow492]

Thanks Shawn..this is exactly what I needed to know!

[@shawnmuench]

You bet!!

[@joci-93]

Can I connect Clarett Octopre with Focusrite Red 8 Pre (thunderbolt interface) ?

[@chrispeterson73]

I have a Focusrite scarlett 18i20 (1st generation) and a Scarlett octopre dynamic. My question is: can I run newer drivers for my 18i20 from 2nd or 3rd generation?🤔 The newer control panel layout and monitoring looks much simpler and easier to understand. Thanks 👍

[@athishayjain.m.k9257]

hi... i have Only 1 scarlEtt 18i20 what else should i need expand outputs for dolby atmos... its 18i20 but only 10 outputs i can see

[@centraliafuckcorruption]

Hi Shawn, can you tell me how this is clocked, im assume via adat lightpipe, and it onlt has bnc wordclock out Mmmm

[@TecDruid]

Hey - i have a scarlet 18i20 2nd gen and want to expand with 96khz OUTPUTS. Is that possible and how? I record only one Stereo In from my mixer. And want to route out outputs to the mixer. I do have now 1 Main Speaker Stereo out, with 3 Stereo Ch. Out. That works well. But i would love to get all 5 Stereo Out from the clarett 8Pre. Is that even possible???? Do i need to conect the Clock??

[@niccoloclemente2356]

great video! Fast and clear!

[@JakeJoyceMusic]

slave clock set to internal. what do you set the master clock to ?

[@CharlesK441]

Hi Shawn, i have the Octopre MK2 and 18i20. Im guessing im not able to use the physical outs from the Octopre. Im trying to add outboard equipment through send and returns. Can anyone suggest a solution

[@dilutinginertia]

hi, do you know if I could have two octopre with one 18i20? like this : Octopre 2 > octopre 1 > 18i20 ? Thank you

[@robinmaxime6076]

what i need to put on adat out for connecting an Es3-MK4 please ?

[@DimiBer]

Excellent! You really helped me out! Thanks Bro!

[@RenePretschner]

Thank you very much for your good explanation. Greetings from cologne, germany.

[@johnerodz7]

Hi what about if I want to go from an actual Adat machine to my Apollo twin via optical cable so I can transfer my files to my computer

[@Zestran]

i don't have any I/o options in my focusrite control. what do I do?

[@athishayjain.m.k9257]

plz show how to extend prism lyra 2 with scarlett 18i20 thakyou soo muxh is it d same procedure

[@CodyKemby]

Great tutorial. I have two 18i20s. All of the outputs are being used on my master interface. How do I connect the two to send audio from the master interface, into the slave interface and out of the slave interface outputs?

[@shawnmuench]

You could tell the master interface to send its tracks to the slave ADAT in. Just don't forward those back because of the feedback loop (I think?). It just takes a little back and forth to get the assignments ready in both devices and sure that you're not feeding a loop. I don't have my head totally wrapped around it yet. BTW if you're looking into headphone tracking I did ok with art headamp: artproaudio.com/product/headamp6-pro-6-ch-pro-headphone-amp/ and www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K59P692/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Used the cables to sum Focusrite mono outs to a stereo pair for the Headamp aux inputs.

[@vitorbuenomusic]

How can I connect Samsung Smart Optical Audio to my Focusrite?

[@johndurstfamilynyc]

My focusrite 18i20 (2d gen) recognizes the ADAT. I do NOT see how to control the GAIN on the Adat inputs though... I control the gain on the focusrite with the gain knobs - how would you control the gain on the adat channels??

[@SteveHolmesDrums]

Thanks! Question: Once the slave is configured, does it need to remain hooked up via usb/firewire to a computer? Or can it serve as a slave with no computer connection? Only ADAT to master at that point?

[@shawnmuench]

Correct!

[@ShivamRath]

thanks for sharing ! I have just followed the instructions on this with both Apollo Twin and the Scarlett 18. It works however when I click record on any device that is connected through the Scarlett in my DAW (ableton) it records all the other tracks simultaneously playing in Ableton. I have gone through both the Apollo twin and Scarlett preferences to try and work out whats being re-routed but I cant work anything out yet.... any ideas would be greatly appreciated at this stage, thank you

[@ShivamRath]

figured out it was routing to do with the monitors on the default setting via the apollo app.... sigh

[@jeffandthom]

focusrite control isnt showing digital io section for me. any ideas?

[@StaxT]

So you don’t have to change either word clock from internal? Also, I followed each of your steps but at the end. In my DAW I can’t seem to see where these channels would be coming in, the mixer is different on ableton live and I can’t seem to find the place where you would select the optical channels. Sorry if you don’t know much about ableton

[@sergemnatsakanov651]

Hit Ctrl , and select input configuration. Then select the inputs you want ableton to recognize.

[@somuchmusic19]

What if the Scarlet is the master, and I have an 8 channel preamp as the slave?

[@1manrcvids286]

Thank you for this video. You got me running! One thing I noticed is you have to have both devices set to dual adat in focusrite control. Otherwise, the mapping of the inputs/outputs gets all screwy. This is with using 2 scarlet 18i20s. Thank you again for making this video!

[@shawnmuench]

mmm that's probly right good catch!

[@stevecooper5334]

Hopefully you read this a year later- I'm trying to set up 2 18i20s as well and am having trouble. Did you mess with the clock settings at all?

[@stevecooper5334]

Hopefully you read this a year later- I'm trying to set up 2 18i20s as well and am having trouble. Did you mess with the clock settings at all?

[@1manrcvids286]

@stevecooper5334 Here are my notes for this. I hope this helps you: Setting up focusrite control Hook it up: Scarlett B's adat out to Scarlett A's Adat In Scarlett B set to internal and dual adat in focusrite control (close focusrite control) Open fc backup Define the output Set adat 1.1 to mono and set to analog 1 (just click the stereo button and it toggles on those outputs) 1.2 to analog 2 ect. Once finished, close focusrite control. Turn off B Scarlett Turn on Scarlett A and then Scarlett B. Set scarlett A to clock source Adat and dual adat. Make sure both are set to 48khz. It should work Both must be set to dual adat or routing will be off

[@stevecooper5334]

@1manrcvids286 you just saved me thank you so much!! Spent forever trying to figure out it

[@ARCASIAUK]

Would you know how I connect a TC clarity m to my focusrite 18i10 via optical? The cable is plugged in but I cannot understand why there is no signal.... I use the focusrite control but can’t seem to understand what I am supposed to be changing. Thanks in advance

[@shawnmuench]

looks like you want the TC to receive signal. If you're using a DAW, the ADAT out should have *software 1-2* going out. If you're just passing forward 18i20 hardware inputs, you assign 1-2 on the ADAT out. Also the usual-- check that you've got the cable on the 'out' door.. make sure you told Focusrite Control to use digital over ADAT.. etc. Dunno if that helps but feel free to ask!

[@melbourne_creative]

Question, I have two Scarlett 2nd Gen interfaces. There's no 'Digital I/O' in Focusrite Control and I can't get ADAT to work. Funnily enough if I use an old M Audio interface as my ADAT extension, it works fine. I've checked that both Focusrites are running at 48khz

[@tristancaver4836]

EDIT: For anyone in the future with two 2nd Gen units, FYI I had a fantastic experience with Focusrite technical support. Basically you don't need the "Digital i/o Mode" menu in settings. If your Toslink cable is hooked up correctly, you should have ADAT channels to mess with in the mixer section. Just assign them as needed with the expansion/backup unit and then adjust your clock setting from Internal to ADAT. Turn off the unit. Unplug the USB from the expansion unit and turn them both back on.

[@wahanmusic]

I have a question, I can do that with interfaces of different brands right? the slave interface after configuring I must disconnect the usb cable right? and then connect the master interface

[@shawnmuench]

Yep that all sounds right!

[@jameswilkerson8873]

Q: Presently using 18i20 to mix. utilizing Xpressor, Karacter, and Xfilter. How many stereo devices can I use with the 18i20? I.m using headphones, no monitors. Can I hook up one more stereo device?

[@DaWhizZod]

I followed the video and set up the slave interface for adat 1-1etc but when I open logic only the master inputs show audio in the daw. 2-scarlett 18i20’s also drum mics going in. Both unit’s show up in focusrite control when plugged in to my mac book independently. Any advice to fix this issue?

[@shawnmuench]

Are you able to select the ADAT (Digital) channels in the DAW input list? Logic has to be told to look at those to pull them from the master interface. If it's not working after that I'd be sure the settings for optical out are matching between the two interfaces. ie. ADAT is selected in Focusrite control. Or maybe the sample rate isn't matching between the two. Are optical cables in the right spots? etc. Also maybe see if you can see the audio coming in to the master interface on the ADAT channels on Focusrite control. Meaning the slave sends via ADAT and you see the levels in Focusrite control for the master. Then you know whether the issue is before Focusrite Control or after it and a Logic problem. Good luck :))) thanks for dropping by

[@Late_Nite_Ryde]

Question for you. I currently have the focusrite software sending each track to an external mixer. Now, I want to send those channels back into my daw, so I can record the external mix. What chords go where on my external mixer, from what to what? Where to where on the virtual mixer in my daw,scarlette 18i20, etc? I am new, and waaaay over my head it seems..

[@shawnmuench]

Here you have to be careful because you could make a feedback loop and get loud sounds. Send your lines to inputs 1-4 on the mixer. Those will come back to the Focusrite via lines 5-8 let's say. But you have to make sure you're not sending Focusrite inputs 5-8 out to the mixer because that will create a loop. Imagine it like a water flow to help understand the routing. And it's tricky because you have to do settings in your DAW AND in Focusrite Control, ya know? All depends on your scenario. Sometimes people find me on Instagram for help-- so feel free to jump on a call with me!

[@jamesrossmusic6013]

Can you use the optical out to connect to the optical input of an RMS Raydat PCIE Card?

[@shawnmuench]

Looks like it!

[@chrisclarecharged2699]

Hi, after trying to connect my digi 003 as adat expander for my scarlett 18i20 3rd gen I really don't understand why it doesn't work. Could you help me?

[@shawnmuench]

You bet! You're going digi 003 --> ADAT out ---> Focusrite (Adat In)? I'll have a peek later on.

[@mickrinaldiofficial979]

I've got 2 motu interfaces..I have no idea how to set the clock on protools

[@uptownphotography]

Great info and well explained video. I am considering buying 4 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen 18-In 20-Out models. I want to be able to play 32 channels of an analog signal (coming from my DAW) into my Allen Heath 32 TRS balanced line inputs. (So I can mix old school with my vintage outboard gear) It seems I would need 4 of the Scarlet units to achieve 32 channels of balanced analog as 3 Scarlet units only get me to 30 TRS line outputs to run into the Allen Heath... Would you know of a better way to do this that might use less interface units and be more cost effective? Thanks for your time in advance and again well explained video. Phil NYC / Jersey Shore Area

[@shawnmuench]

mm I'd say look at the Behringer X32. There's a rackmount variant too, and you can use expanders. The X32 would probably moot your other mixer, which you could dedicate to live use. Also: check out equipment with Dante if that can integrate with your allen and heath board. Focusrite Rednet can work with Protools apparently-- but it's a single cable IO and would depend on what mixing board you use.

[@precisionautobodyofplano6627]

would this work with apogee ? im trying to use apogee symphony desk top to be master over ensemble thunder bolt ensemble of cores being the slave

[@shawnmuench]

I think yeah! You'd send the ADAT info from the ensemble to the apogee symphony. The symphony then communicates with your computer via thunderbolt.

[@patpet149]

i can see clearly now...thank you!

[@kadebyrd5429]

Hi Shawn! I’m trying to do the same thing that you are in your video. 2nd and 3rd gen 18i20’s. I’ve set it up the same way except I’m running out my 2nd gen into my 3rd. I’m using Pro Tools and when I go to set the input to one of my optical inputs I’m not getting a signal.

[@shawnmuench]

Hey! I've never dealt with this-- but look into clock settings in pro tools and Focusrite Control. I guess Pro Tools can get where it doesn't pass signal if something isn't right for clock stuff. But that's all I've got atm

[@richardseniow5668]

What buffer size do you use when recording at 44.1kHz? Would you recommend recording at 48kHz if only using one ADAT cable?

[@richardseniow5668]

@@shawnmuench thanks! I used 256 now and it works great most of the time! Just been new to using adat and had some issues ...using the interface as slave and at 48k with 256 buffer size is optimal.

[@kdhansome]

I do. Have 18i20 How to i spilt the audio? Fo i can enjoy rocksmith with minum latancy i am open to video chat.

[@Shred_Rocket]

Actually, it would be best to utilize two opticals for in/out with the BNC for the WORDCLOCK setting the Main interface as that master (internal clock). In this configuration, you can take advantage of both inputs and full outputs (16 in/out). Otherwise, your configuration will NOT allow outputs from your slave (ADAT).

[@shanemoore1450]

This is what I'm finding as well

[@shawnmuench]

I'm gonna check this out! Thanks for adding information!

[@bobwoolcock]

I just ordered a Scarlett OctoPre to act as an expansion to my 18i20 3rd gen. Focusrite tech support is excellent. One of their recommendations: "The Octropre clock will be set to internal and the 18i20 clock must be set to ADAT. The sample rates must also match between the two devices." Once I see the eight new inputs in the drop down I'm wondering if I will need to re-configure through the control panel if I want to just use the original 8 inputs for a small gig? That would be cool. In other words I have one carrying rack for the 18i20, splitter and cables - the new case will have the OctoPre and another splitter. It would be nice if I could just take the small rig to gigs where I don't need the extra tracks - without having to reset the control panel.

[@PrettyBrickey]

Bro, ure a legend... thats what I came for! I actually thought he somehow resolved this problem by routing the octopre BEFORE the 18I20. Anyway THANKS :D

[@bobwoolcock]

Turns out it's just one click to change from ADAT to internal. Here's a gig where I used the Octopre - 11 tracks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4KXpZR7Zdifm7s

[@user-cy8yw1qq7d]

I'm trying to ADAT 2. 18i20 second gen together it doesn't work

[@tangerinebandit2292]

hi mate, is it possible to get more custom mixes with the adat set up? cheers

[@shawnmuench]

More headphone mixes? Yes. I've recorded a five piece band using this setup. Each player had a custom mix defined in FL Studio and sent out using the rear outputs. The mixes went to an Art Headphone Amp for their headphones.

[@yoashuain1]

Thanks for making this Easy bro!😎🤗😁

[@niklaswagener87]

Hey Shawn. Great thx I am struggling with the following I have the 18i20 as a Master and the Octopre as the Slave (both Focusrite:)) Recording and everything with all XLR Inputs are working fine But In my Situation I am using on the 18i20 Outputs 1+2 for my Monitor-Speakers and Outputs 3+4, 5+6, 7+8 and 9+10 for custom mixes so that we are using this setup for playing with my Band in-ear while jaming But now I also need a 5. custom mix. I want to use the Outputs from the octopre for this. But nothing is coming out of it, and also the Control says that the maximum count of custom mixes is reached Isnt it possible to use the Outputs from the octopre for custom mixes? Or am i doing something wrong here? Regards from Germany Niklas

[@shawnmuench]

You might need to use the 1+2 for your fifth mix while working on a project with friends. The octopre could output its own inputs as a mix, but you'd be missing the 18i20 sounds. You're using stereo outputs for them? You could reduce down to mono outputs and double your headphone outputs. Dunno if you're running to a headphone amplifier like I do etc. Sometimes it takes a bit to figure out what works! Hope this sparks some ideas.

[@PrettyBrickey]

guck dir mal die Kommentare weiter oben an, da gehen Leute weiter auf das Problem ein... ich konnte es noch nicht ganz fixen. falls du mittlerweile einen weg gefunden hast die outs zu benutzen (nicht nur durch zu schleifen) erzähl mir gerne wies geht :D mfg

[@audioworkbench]

Can you use the headphone and main outputs of the slave interface?

[@shawnmuench]

Yep- whatever you assign to those will go because the slave will remember whatever you tell it. Not sure if you could send ADAT signals from the master and then route to headphone? You'll have to putz around with it.

[@jinxwren4628]

Found this looking for something else- trying to compare scarlett gen 3 and clarett 8pre to figure out which to buy. Saved me a trip. I’ve been wondering about the functionality of this. I was hoping you might have the time for an off-topic question about some routing I’m having trouble with. I’m finally getting all the equipment I’ve been wanting for a decade, and I’m having trouble figuring out how to route sound with a compressor. Seems more difficult to find info than I anticipated. To clarify, my main problem was that my old interface is an Eleven Rack, which cannot receive from two inputs at the same time. I could use the ER as a separate preamp if I needed to, but just out of curiosity, is there a way I can use just the scarlett and get it to understand that I want a mic to go in to one preamp, be routed out to the compressor, and be accepted into another input? Could I do it with another track armed to record in protools with the right i/o setup where one track would be recorded dry and the other with compression? Or- is there any reason I couldn’t record a track dry, send it out of the output connected to the compressor and have it sent back into the scarlett while recording a compressed copy to a new track after the original has already been recorded (in case I want to tinker with the amount of compression without it being permanent on a good take)?

[@shawnmuench]

Oh yeah-- you can route all that in Focusrite Control. You just have to be careful that your mic signal circulating back in isn't being outputted where the original signal is being outputted-- or something-- avoid loops basically. Careful assignments etc. Don't want to fold the signal over itself multiple times. I'm having trouble imagining what would amount to feedback in this case but be careful-- hardware feedback is loud and awful haha

[@jinxwren4628]

The Transcendental Academy thanks for the input! Any thoughts on scarlett gen 3 vs clarett 8pre?

[@shawnmuench]

@@jinxwren4628 No experience with the clarett-- and don't really have ears to say anyhow! Gen 3-- I've had midi issues, which is why my gen 2 is the master interface. I'm assuming the clarett is higher end?

[@jinxwren4628]

The Transcendental Academy Clarett is the higher end of the exact same thing. Slightly lower noise floor, slightly higher dynamic range, and slightly better preamps for almost twice the money. MIDI issues? That’s sad to hear. I literally just got 18i20 gen 3 in the mail. Haven’t even unboxed it yet. I was seriously hoping it would be easier with MIDI than my eleven rack🙄 What sort of issues? I’m trying to use MIDI for my drum kit, but it would be good to know if it’s not going to work before I drop $150 on a drum vst.

[@shawnmuench]

@@jinxwren4628 Well it was dropping notes and stuff-- maybe just my rig though! Try yours and see. :)

[@pietrosammarco6225]

Once the follower device is setup, does it still need to be plugged in via usb?

[@shawnmuench]

Nope! It does whatever you told it to do. The computer only talks to one interface at a time.

[@keyoflife24]

Does the two interfaces need to be connected to the computer the entire time, or just during setup

[@shawnmuench]

Actually, one at a time for setup! Then after you can unplug the slave to free up that port. The slave device remembers its settings.

[@shawngguitar]

Hey Shawn! I followed your video and found that my inputs are now working!! However, I’m planning to use outboard gear in my setup, and unfortunately, it appears my 18i20s outputs are not going through the ADAT to use in my outboard gear. My master device is my Audient iD44, if that matters at all. I experimented and tried using every possible output option to figure this out, but I have unfortunately come up with nothing. I do only have one TOSlink cable connected, so I’m not sure if I’d need a second to send the outputs through? Any help would be appreciated!! Thanks!

[@shawnmuench]

Hmm so 18i20 to the Audient to send to your computer. Then you'd want to send stuff out of the 18i20 with another optical. But then you have to think about how to get that stuff back IN to your computer. It wouldn't be over optical. You'd have to go back in through the audio inputs. You'll want to keep in mind what is routed where so a feedback loop isn't created. Your outboard gear receives the audio via ADAT? ie like effects gear? What gear are you sending to? Or would you just run audio outputs instead of optical to get sound to those? Then use some inputs to get the sound back in. Again, feedback(!) so mute accordingly.

[@shawngguitar]

@@shawnmuench hey!! So sorry for the confusion, but my outboard gear doesn’t accept via adat, it uses XLR/TRS balanced connections that use interface outputs like speakers would, and then send back into the interface. The gear in question is my Art VLA II compressor and then a 500 series 10 channel rack that I just bought that’s currently on the way that connects in the same way. Im just essentially trying to make my DAW and iD44 recognize the extra 8 outputs that the 18i20 can provide via ADAT.

[@ovanderbeek]

When you turn on the master unit you pause for a brief second, and then you switch on the slave. In the previous step, you just configurated the slave and therefore the USB cable was connected to your computer. When turning on the master and then turning on the slave both units, have a USB cable plugged in if I am not mistaken. Will the whole configurations work if I take out the USB cable from the slave unit just before powering it on?

[@shawnmuench]

Yep! The slave doesn't care if it's connected. On Windows, only one interface can be connected. You turn on the master first, so it connects. Then when you turn the slave on, Windows has no idea. It just does what it wants and feeds audio to the master via ADAT.

[@YouVWatcher]

Hey! Great video very informative. Im still struggling to connect my 18i8(master) to my 18i20(slave) both 3rd gen. They're both set to 44khz, out from 18i20(1-4) to the in on the 18i8. Im using clock source Internal on the 18i20 and ADAT on the 18i8 as the Focusrite site says. I did the setup on the 18i20 like you said, adat 1 = analogue 1 and so on. I'm able to select the channels on my daw, but there's no signal coming through although I can see the meter working on the slave interface. Any tips? I've already tried a bunch of setups, any help would be much appreciated!

[@shawnmuench]

Do you see meters in Focusrite control for the main device that's hooked up to the computer? Then you'll know whether there's an issue before the computer, or an issue getting from the computer to the DAW. Seems silly to ask, but the main device is the one you have USB connected, correct? Remember the follower device will run in the background only. It doesn't have to be USB connected. Hope you can work it out :) Takes some experimenting in an individual rig to see what's up.

[@YouVWatcher]

@@shawnmuench Applying what youve teached in the video and reading some comments here I could understand that the master needed to be receiving clock from adat and the spdif input needed to be spdif/rca. I have literally no idea why but it works! Thanks again.

[@shawnmuench]

@@YouVWatcher Yeah another commenter mentioned that! In my setup that wasn't the case but glad you found a resolution. Good to get more information up here.

[@shanemoore1450]

Im using 2 3rd gen 18i20s. Im getting the same results however I should unhook the slave via usb after setting up in focusrite control correct? Also should i use spdif rca as well? Any help is appreciated..been at it for hours and im stumped and discouraged lol

[@irvinmusicstudio]

@@YouVWatcher THANK YOU FOR THIS COMMENT!!!! FINALLY, AFTER HOURS OF FINAGLING... SOUND!!!

[@Chinintoo16]

Do you have to keep the slave interface plugged into your computer even after it's all been set up?

[@shawnmuench]

Nope it'll keep its settings in the background and route whatever audio you told it to!

Thanks for the help. Is it necessary that both interfaces are connected vía USB to the computer? I mean mainly during recording?

[@shawnmuench]

Not during recording :) Just one will be hooked up. The other remains in the background and feeds audio. The Focusrites save their last used settings from the software. They remember what to do.

[@akiojuni8445]

Nice tutorial. By the way, do you know if Octopre is compatible with 1st and 2d gen Scarlett audio interfaces ?

[@shawnmuench]

In terms of Adat, absolutely!

[@akiojuni8445]

@@shawnmuench Thank you for your rapid answer, I am going to install the devices 🤝

[@nichttuntun3364]

Hi Shawn, thank you for the tutorial. I got one 18i20 (3rd gen). Is it possible to use a second 18i20 and connect both via ADAT? If yes, have both, master and slave, to be connected to the PC via USB, or only the master? I got lots of hardware synthesizers and want to use 16 channels permanently. Thank you a lot, ADAT is new for me and I have a hard time understanding it. The Focusrite manual didn't help me unfortunately. PS, I broke my 18i8 (1st gen) when I connected it with the 18i20. I switched 18i18 off and on again and it didn't work any more. Can a wrong configuration cause such severe damage? They where just connected via the optical cable, ADAT out on one and ADAT in on the other.

[@hockeytalk6084]

Having this same exact question pretty much.

[@richardmelhuish4733]

I leant one great thing from the comments here. If you have a standard octopre you cannot loop back any outboard hardware units to the ADAT outputs you HAVE to get the octopre Dynamic. Took me 2 weeks to figure out. Wish I could thank whoever wrote that in the comments….hard to find

[@lucasberg5907]

So what changes if you want to record on 96khz?

[@shawnmuench]

Then you use two optical cables (at least on these Focusrite devices). But-- in my case I have the Gen 2 as one of my interfaces-- which doesn't have two doors to receive/send the split optical signals. Then I suppose you just be sure to set the 96khz in Focusrite control-- and in your DAW.

[@user-rk1ln9iw4t]

I"m a beginner with this sophisticated interface, but you said to turn off the interface that connects to the computer so that I'm only working with the slave. I connected the optical cable, but when I open the program, it says no hardware connected.

[@shawnmuench]

mm connect the slave via usb. Then you go in focusrite control and mess with that one. Tell it what to send over optical to the master. When you're done configuring, you can close focusrite control. Turn the slave off. Turn the master on (it should be USB connected). Your computer will "grab" it. Then you can turn the slave on too. It will send its audio over optical to the master. In the "background" without being connected via USB.

[@torpedo5256]

Merci ! Tu m'as sauvé après deux heures de galère ! Ouf

[@shawnmuench]

content que ça ait aidé

[@valeriolapiana6643]

Thanks a lot for the video! I am thinking about buying the Scarlet OctoPre to add 8 ins via ADAT to my Scarlet 18i8 3rd Gen (that only has 4 mic pre), and wanted to ask if you'd recommend this combo? Also I was wondering if the use of external ADAT devices is going to affect the CPU significantly? Thanks in advance

[@shawnmuench]

Nope! Audio over digital is real spry. It's plugins and stuff that will tax your CPU. You can do audio for days. You could definitely get more inputs with the octopre. It's not an interface though so you lose some flexibility. For a bit more money you could grab an 18i20. I wouldn't think the preamps are worse-- haven't checked the specs. Can read here too: www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end-theory/1264664-focusrite-scarlett-18i20-focusrite-octopre.html

[@shawnmuench]

Think of the gear as a baller audio card for your computer-- it handles the thinking so your computer doesn't. That's why it doesn't hit the CPU much.

[@valeriolapiana6643]

@@shawnmuench Thanks you very much man! Very helpful!

[@shawnmuench]

@@valeriolapiana6643 All about that real world info! The internet's only useful if we work 1:1.

[@mikelaing9812]

Hi Shawn having a time sorting out my adat using focusrite 18i20... I am trying to connect audient asp800 to the focusrite as master...the audient has no on off switch to follow steps in your video. If I turn of the focusrite I have no way to sort out the audient.. using reaper as my daw... there is no control type software for the audient Thanks!

[@shawnmuench]

Hi Mike! Looks like the Audient doesn't have USB so I'm assuming it just sends over the 8 channels via ADAT by default. Use one optical cable in the out to send it over to the Focusrite. Make sure the Focusrite is expecting to see 48k in Focusrite Control.

[@mikelaing9812]

Thanks Shawn looks like there is issues with unit as lots of crackling and popping. This unit was repaired but the music store will take it back...I may just buy a new unit rather than repaired thanks for the help 👍

[@LonielRobinson]

Hey Shawn! This video got me pretty far but I’m not quite there yet! Using Ableton . I have (2) gen 3 18i20 that I’m trying to get to work in line and the only metering from the second rack I see is on the interface itself, nowhere else. Any advice?

[@shawnmuench]

Meaning you don't see it send anything to the master interface? Nothing metering in Focusrite Control when you open an ADAT channel? (Meaning on the right, under hardware inputs--- make sure you've opened the ADAT channels you want to see. Focusrite Control has to be told what inputs (hardware or software) that you're actually passing to outputs). Not sure if I'm on the right track. Other things to check-- Optical cable in right spots? Sample rate matching between interfaces? Dual ADAT selected under Digital I/O mode in settings (on both interfaces)? Remember to turn on the master, let the computer grab it, and THEN the slave. Then you're sure you're viewing the Focusrite Control for the master interface. ?? :)

[@LonielRobinson]

@@shawnmuench I don't know if there's a different process when running two 18i20s but I talked to a focusrite tech today and he helped me set it up in less than 8 min. Everything was the same EXCEPT... He had me change the digital IO to S/PDIF RCA on both the Master and slave. Dual ADAT was not working for me.

[@shawnmuench]

@@LonielRobinson Oh I gotcha! You're using the round jacks on the back right? Rather than an optical cable?

[@LonielRobinson]

@@shawnmuench No sir! Only thing connecting the two units is the Toslink optical cable. Kinda doesn’t make any sense.

[@YouVWatcher]

@@LonielRobinson Holy shit I was so frustrated, your comments here saved my day thanks to both of you!

[@Reg-Edit]

What if I want to make some of the adat inputs stereo pairs ? In control🙏

[@shawnmuench]

In the left panel of Focusrite control, down in the ADAT section there's a stereo button-- is that how you mean?

[@Reg-Edit]

@@shawnmuench hi thanks for reply I only have option for spiff x 2 I have 8 ADAT channels in control But it doesn’t have the ADAT outputs like yours when you do one to one after spiff nothing But I do have the 8 ADAT faders inputs from octarack 🤔

[@Patriots21777]

I just got the Focusrite 18i20 1st gen and when I plug it in to my MacBook Pro it says there's too much power if I get the 3rd gen you think I will still have this problem. Have you ever heard of this happening ??

[@shawnmuench]

that's funky! the mac is saying there's a power issue? also- you're using scarlett mix control right? I think gen one uses that.

[@faragopeter6175]

Mate,is the 18i20 going to display the adat inputs in mixcontrol if you connect a slave 8 input via adat? I have an rme 400 as a preamp slaved via adat but nothing comes up in mixcontrol apart of the 18i20`s analog ins.

[@shawnmuench]

A quick glance on the google makes it look like mixcontrol doesn't display those inputs unless you route them to a mix. Does it show up at all? Or no sign of ANY Adat signal? If nothing at all, I'm assuming something in Mixcontrol needs to get turned on so it takes in those optical inputs.

[@faragopeter6175]

@@shawnmuench thank you,yes I looked at google too and focusrite help talks about is the outputs and routing but no mention of inputs. The adat works as output from the 18i20 but no inputs,although the rne shows aignal going in.

[@havardkvrnehansen3643]

Hi! I have followed everything, but channel 1 on the slave driver registers as 11 in my DAW. Shouldn't it be 9? as 1-8 are on the master driver? Channel 9-10 is just gone somwhere. Thank you!

[@shawnmuench]

Odd! Which DAW? I can only say to check that your "slave" routing is correct! Maybe your DAW standardizes ADAT 1 as "11" because then it's more like "one, two three." but in the teens. -- I know I group things like that sometimes so that input one is consistently some kind of one later in the chain (even grouping like headphone mixes and whatnot). That way I'm not going through two or three different numbering schemes.

[@DiegoChapuis-fs7nj]

Hi. Your video is great. I have a question: I have my master connected via thunderbolt. The slave is connected via adat to the master, but needs to be also connected to the computer. When I disconnect the slave interface from the computer, even it receives audio, I cannot see the control panel. How did you manage to see the Focusrite control panel with the slave disconnected from the computer?

[@shawnmuench]

You can only view one control panel at a time. So you'd disconnect the master, connect the follower, adjust its settings, and then disconnect it. It will retain those settings in the background.

[@DiegoChapuis-fs7nj]

@@shawnmuench I have created a new midi device that is the sum of both interfaces that pro tools recognizes well. If I disconnect the slave, the interface disappears. If I keep it connected, everything seems to work. Is there any problem with that alternative?

[@ademdervish8197]

does this work with two different generations?

[@shawnmuench]

Yep that's what I have!

[@MrBlackPasta]

How do you make sure the slave interface is the only one on? It connects to the PC... If you turn it off, the ADAT interface doesn't work.

[@shawnmuench]

Mm you configure it by itself, then turn it off and it remembers its settings. After that, switch on the master. It will get connected, and THEN turn on the slave and it runs in the background, doing whatever you told it to. Only one interface is actively connected at a time.

[@MrBlackPasta]

@@shawnmuench the second I switch Focurite control to ADAT I lose all sound. Syncing my Clarett+ 8Pre and Clarett+ OctoPre should be simple. It clearly is not

[@TroyTackett]

I’m also using the ADAT connection

[@Tatawamusic]

Can you chain 2 or 3 octa pre with 1 18i20?

[@shawnmuench]

I.... don't think so. At least not the way you want. The channels over ADAT are 1-8, so you'd end up summing at some point.

[@grizzlycore]

hello man, thanks for your video, it helped me a lot, I can use just one headphone output from MAIN INTERFACE, can I use headphone outputs from SLAVE INTERFACE? if yes, please tell me how. thanks in advance .

[@shawnmuench]

You can set whatever outputs you like on the slave interface. But be aware that you might not be able to get alllll buses to that output. Idk if the master can send back stuff or not? You'd have to mute things to prevent a feedback loop. But yes! You could utilize those for something.

[@grizzlycore]

@@shawnmuench will try tomorrow. thanks for answer

[@joeguitar7164]

with usb 3.1/usb c, why would you want to use adat nowadays? (aggregate device works fine on macOS)

[@shawnmuench]

On Windows you've got to do weird stuff to aggregate-- it's not built in.

[@breakers55]

Thanks! would this approach work if I was connected x2 Saffire pro 40's?

[@shawnmuench]

Looks like it! Seems to be the same sort of gear-- and looks like they have a control software for all the routing etc. etc. Give it a go!

[@bobdrums]

that does work! I have a video up on my channel and I'm working on some more!

[@breakers55]

@@bobdrums yep cheers! I hooked them both up and all good

[@bobdrums]

@@breakers55 did you connect over adat or connect them together over firewire? I've connected min over firewire and you can control them both in Saffire mix control through just one being connected to your computer!

[@breakers55]

@@bobdrums Over firewire also using mix 9 onward for the second set of ADAT outputs. So for example Mix1 has the first Saffire 1-8 analogue inputs, then mix 9 would be for the first of the additional saffire inputs with the analogue input 1 and fader up and ADAT output 1-=Mix 9, second mix 10 analog In 2 etc with the ADAT ports set to match the mixes if that makes sense. Might be a better way but works for me!!

[@silvershadow415]

At the 1 minute mark did you make an error as to which interface you were meaning?? You said "Only one interface is on; the slave interface." Didn't you mean the master or main interface??? If I had only the slave interface on at this time, it loses contact with the computer as the main interface is off... At the 1:20 mark you say close out Focusrite Control and restart your device. Which device are you referring to? The master (main) interface or the slave?

[@shawnmuench]

Mm-- the slave interface is the one sending signal to the master. At that time I only have the slave plugged in via USB so that I can configure it. Once configured I turn it off. Then I turn on the master interface and the computer "grabs" it. Following that, I can turn on the slave (sending) interface and it runs in the background np. At 1:20 I'm shutting down my slave interface having completed the configuration. :))

[@isaacmora-]

Hi, I've been struggling trying to connect my Clarett October to my Scarlett 18i20 for a few weeks now. Does it matter that the Master interface stays on while adjusting the settings on Focusrite Control? According to the video, you say to have the master interface off and only have the slave on. By doing so, Focusrite control reads "no hardware detected." I still can't get signal into my DAW from the octopre. Thank you

[@shawnmuench]

Mm.. if the Octopre has a control software, you'd connect that with a separate USB cable and configure that device with only it on. After configured, turn it off, plug in the master, turn that on, let the computer grab it, and then turn on the slave.

[@CharlesK441]

My Octopre MK2 has no USB connection on the back 😒

[@DonPritch1850]

I am having the same problem. Did you ever get it sorted?

[@precisionautobodyofplano6627]

also would i have to connect the monitors to the master interface ?

[@shawnmuench]

Typically that's what you do because then you can select ANY inputs to come out of the monitors. Course it's also possible to connect your monitors to your slave interface that's running in the background.

[@agesonjohanesburg2915]

@@shawnmuench How? I have all my outputs used for my master 18i20 gen 3 for near spkrs, wedges and 2 hph amps, but i have 8 outputs left unused on my slave octopre, but dont know how to get them to power/signal more wedges/ hph amps etc? ! :(

[@fernandosanchez4193]

Can I do that with two Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen?

[@shawnmuench]

Most def!

[@danferris4946]

Can you show how to have 4 individual headphone mixes 2 from slave and 2 from master . I am using two 80i20 3rd gen. Thanks,cheers ,dan

[@shawnmuench]

Hi Dan! Depends on whether you're routing stuff from your software, or from each hardware unit separately. There are lots of options. I think your best bet is to do this: The line outputs on the back of your Focusrite aren't for headphones. But you could send each pair to a headphone amp. For example, I use this www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K59P692/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 cable to send my Focusrite outputs to the headphone amp www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TTOYHE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I set the custom mixes in my DAW and send those out to each musician for stereo(!) headphone feeds.

[@shawnmuench]

Or! It is probably possible to send stuff back and forth between the two devices and use their built in headphone outs. Again, it depends on whether you're doing the mixes in the software, or just routing thru the hardware. If you want help with that, I'll mess with it this weekend and send you a video. Maybe buy me a coffee or something haha Cause now I work fulltime instead of doing music. Have a good one Dan!

[@raphaelcote3577]

Hi! Does the slave interface need to be connected with the USB cable in the computer even tho the computer is talking to the Master Interface? Thank you!

[@shawnmuench]

You can take it out after you've programmed it! It'll still use the settings you gave it.

[@raphaelcote3577]

@@shawnmuench Ok great so I plug it in with USB to set it up and after that it's just the Master Interface that's gonna use the USB cable?

[@shawnmuench]

@@raphaelcote3577 Right! The background interface will just do its thing and continue sending to the main interface.

[@raphaelcote3577]

@@shawnmuench Ok I see, another question I was wondering, if I want to send the Headphones out on both interfaces, do I need a 2nd optical cable?

[@shawnmuench]

@@raphaelcote3577 It's possible to do it other ways. But yes, you could send the headphone mix back to the follower device and tell it to output that to its headphone outs. You can do that with 1/4" cables. Or optical. Depends on whether you have room to do so. Don't create a feedback loop! :)) You can also get like a headamp6 and distribute that way. If you want stereo headphone mixes, use this: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K59P692/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 You can see how I'm taking the two outputs from the Focusrite and sending them to the headamp at the start of the video. It works well!

[@shanemoore1450]

Restart device meaning the computer or just the slave interface?

[@shanemoore1450]

Watched the vid a few more times and read some comments and figured it out! Im hype thanks all!!

[@erichlange5340]

One Question is left for me: I heard that I can connect two 18i20 with each other and it would work out as well to get my 16 mic inputs. So what is the deal to get a (for example) octopre instead of a second 18i20? BC i want Air mode to work on my slave Interface as well, and that is not covered in the newest version of scarlett octopre. I would need to go for a clarett+ octopre for that, which is damn expenicive. Thanks for the awnser

[@shawnmuench]

Well looks like it has ADAT out, so you'd use the 18i20 as your interface that receives 8 digital channels from the octopre. So it's a one way street in this case-- only ADAT out for the octopre

[@erichlange5340]

@@shawnmuench so the only difference is that tge octopre only has ADAT out, but the 18i20 has In AND out? lol why should I consider buying an octopre then?

[@jedtool]

@@erichlange5340 & @shawnmuench - YES! I'm also wondering this. I know this thread is old but why would one buy the octopre (out only) as opposed to a 2nd 18i20 (in & out, as well as air mode for all 16 channels)? Especially if they're identically priced. Are there any issues when connecting 2 18i20 units that I'm missing?

[@erichlange5340]

@@jedtool Amen. finally someone understood my problem :D. Now we just need an awnser

[@danvitarello2449]

I have those same exact interfaces. I did exactly what you did, but the problem was that when I had the main interface turned off like you did…my “slave” interface was not showing up on mix control.. why is that ? Also, when I saved a snapshot to make an I/O template it shows up as an option on my ProTools session, but it won’t let me click on it for some reason..

[@shawnmuench]

Mix Control or Focusrite Control? Focusrite Control is newer I think. When I turn off an interface my computer automatically grabs the other one when I turn that on. And not to be a complete dip, but you have another USB cable for the second interface right? Sometimes I literally forget that.

[@shawnmuench]

Could also be: You want the newest driver/Focusrite Control software, for the Gen 3.

[@danvitarello2449]

@@shawnmuench it’s Focusrite control.. and yes, I plug both of them into my computer. I did what you did and it actually worked. but today I had a recording session where I was logging onto another ProTools session that was recorded at a different studio which had a different sample rate, so I had to change the sample rate which screwed up something with my slave interface to where it doesn’t work and I don’t know what I did that screwed but now it doesn’t work..also when I go on my I/O settings, where my inputs are.. my Interface says I only have optical channels 11-14 instead of 11-16.. for some reason it changed after all of that and I don’t know how to reset it. For Analog, there’s channels 1-8 and for SPDIF channels 9-10 (which both are correct) but for optical it change from 11-14 when it should be channels 11-16.

[@jimleadbetterdrums]

Hey hey, I added an octopre to my focusrite 18i20 (18i20 is my main interface). finally got focusrite controls to see an adat signal. However, i'm not seeing any adat track/input whilst in garage band. all I see is inputs 9-20. nothing resembles adat. Any clues? Thanks!

[@shawnmuench]

Hey! I don't want to lie and say garageband can't do it. But I imagine a full DAW will be more capable and worth learning. Try Reaper?

[@shawnmuench]

Also- not to be a dip, but did you activate those 9-20 inputs and see if signal comes through? Maybe they're not labeled etc. Just covering bases.

[@jimleadbetterdrums]

@@shawnmuench thanks for the hit. I think I did, but not getting any signal. Nothing worked in audacity either. Gonna get logic soon enough but the 8 channels work in garage band easily. The octopre doesn’t even recognize via adat in garage band.

[@jimleadbetterdrums]

@@shawnmuench thanks man. I got logic and problem solved :)

[@SayAgain709]

Looks like I'm using the same configuration that you're showing: 18i20 3rd gen and 18i20 2nd gen. Is there a reason you're using the 2nd gen as the master instead of the 3rd gen? I set mine up with the newer 3rd gen as the master. The only other difference is I have dual TOS cables. My units were working perfectly together until last week. The power blinked while the computer was on and after that, the 2nd gen slave unit wouldn't talk to the 3rd gen master unit. I thought I had been smart by saving config files for both units but had no joy when I reloaded them. What finally solved my issue was already built into Focusrite Control. While setting up the slave unit, I selected File>Output Presets>Standalone Preamp, converted the outputs from stereo to mono, saved it as backup config, and powered off the unit. I then connected the 3rd gen master unit, powered it on, went into Focusrite Control, selected File>Output Presets>Analogue + Digital, converted the outputs from stereo to mono, and turned the slave unit back on. The master unit instantly recognized all the new inputs and I was back in business, so I saved that config file, too. Hooray for presets!!! In retrospect, I think my biggest mistake was not powering down the slave unit and leaving it off until after setting up the master. Thanks for putting this helpful video out!

[@shawnmuench]

Good stuff! I use the Gen 2 as a master because I've found it handles MIDI with fewer issues.

[@tiranoharris]

@@shawnmuench Conversely, shouldn't have a problem? 3rd master gene, 2nd slave gene?

[@shawnmuench]

@@tiranoharris Right! I've switched before. But my gen 2 handles MIDI better for my setup so it is the master.

[@tiranoharris]

@@shawnmuench Thank you very much for your answer, I still have not been able to connect my 3nd gen master with a 2nd gen as a slave. I'll keep trying, I'm working with a macbook pro with OS Catalina.

[@tiranoharris]

@@shawnmuench For everything to work well, I had to add a Software control template (digital template) and with that everything worked perfectly! Thank you very much for everything!!!