The Official Source for Focusrite Product Support and Information .: Focusrite Answerbase

Could I use the Penta side chain connector as a second output?
We do not advise this - the best solution is to duplicate the signal with a mixer or splitter box after the main output stage of the Penta. Using clever connections with the side chain jack could...
2005-08-09 Views: 3229

How do you use the sidechaining function on the Liquid Mix?
Enabling sidechaining in the Liquid Mix makes a separate set of EQ controls appear on the Liquid Mix GUI. A copy of the signal incoming to the compressor is sent to this side EQ section, which...
2009-07-08 Views: 3361

Octopre dynamics control - what it does and how to use it.
So how does the dynamics circuit in the OctoPre actually operate?The Opto-driven dynamic circuit is not only a limiter and compressor, but also is split into two bands to improve sound quality....
2005-08-03 Views: 3895

Using the Octopre in a word clock chain.
It is important to remember that in a digital system all of the units need to be synchronised, thus the need for a common word clock signal feeding all of them. Word clock signal is carried on 75...
2005-08-03 Views: 4425

I can hear hiss on the output of my VoiceMaster Pro. What can I do?
First check that the cables you are using are not faulty - swap them with ones you know to be good. If they are good and you can still hear noise then ensure they are not running past any sources...
2005-08-05 Views: 3340

Platinum ADC R2 (MH444) card installation problems - what are jumpers and which ones do I remove?
The jumpers are small black rectangular clips on the pcb itself. You can remove the top which leaves two small wires poking up. Removing the jumper breaks the connection at that point in the...
2005-08-10 Views: 6014

The Liquid Channel input level meter is barely registering signal before distortion occurs. What can I check?
Distortion should not be introduced by the Liquid Channel until the O/L LED lights. If this is not the case then make sure the harmonics knob is set to 0, the compressor and EQ are not switched...
2005-09-21 Views: 4949

OctoPre Mk II Troubleshooting Guide
No output when using the MIC INPUT • Is the power switched on? • Is the LEVEL set correctly? Most of the gain is applied in the latter stages of the gain dial. Try turning it up further. •...
2009-09-16 Views: 3266

Why can I still hear signal from my mic when the gain is set to minimum?
Do not worry - this is normal behaviour. Note that for mic inputs the input gain range is +13 to +60 dB. This means that when the knob is fully left the signal still has 13dB of gain applied to...
2005-08-02 Views: 3205

How do I digitally sync my ISA with other studio gear?
The ISA 220, 428, 430 and 430 MkII can be fitted with optional digital converter cards. If your unit has one of these cards fitted and you are connecting digitally to other equipment (via AES,...
2005-08-02 Views: 6489

I get a loud pop through my speakers when I turn my VoiceMaster Pro on and off. Is this normal?
This is normal and you will find that any class A pre amp does this (unless there is a relay circuit to delay the switching of the output - normally found in active speakers). The noise is...
2005-08-05 Views: 4433

Connecting a Liquid Saffire 56 to 2 External Preamps via ADAT
When connecting external preamps to the Liquid Saffire 56 via ADAT, the biggest consideration is how all of the devices are synced together. All digital devices in a signal chain must be synced to...
2011-01-26 Views: 13445

Why do the attack and release time controls operate differently for the 'Stellar' emulations?
The Stellar emulations are modelled upon particular vintage compressors in which the attack and release time controls functioned opposite to the way they normally do. For the majority of...
2006-07-17 Views: 3387

Octopre heat and fan noise.
The Octopre will get very hot when it is on since it uses class A circuitry - do not worry - this is normal!! There is a cooling fan in the Octopre whose speed is governed by a thermistor so the...
2005-08-04 Views: 3389

OctoPre MkII Dynamic Troubleshooting guide
No output when using the MIC INPUT • Is the power switched on? • Is the LEVEL set correctly? Most of the gain is applied in the latter stages of the gain dial. Try turning it up further. • For...
2010-02-10 Views: 3537

I have to set all the gains on my Octopre LE high to get a good input level in my DAW. Is this right?
The level you set the mic pres to is dependent on the input signal level and the maximum input level of the next part of the signal chain. If you are recording with a mic that has a low output...
2005-08-03 Views: 3436

What has changed from the ISA 428 to the ISA 428 MkII?
The analogue circuit board used in the ISA428 MkII is exactly the same board used in the original. Here is a summary of the changes made to the ISA428 MkII: • Analogue ‘moving coil’ peak...
2010-07-22 Views: 3678

The limiter on my 220 does not seem to be working. How can I check?
The limiter has a fixed threshold of +20dBu so will not become active unless the output level reaches this (it's purpose is to prevent overload of the optional A/D converter so the 'active' LED...
2005-08-11 Views: 2913

DJ setups with the Scarlett 2i4
The 2i4 is a great tool for the laptop DJ. Its two phono outputs make connection to a mixer very easy, and the ability to switch the headphone feed source between outputs 1/2 or outputs 3/4 mean...
2012-09-19 Views: 2619

Troubleshooting USB interface connection and performance issues
If you are experiencing connectivity or audio performance issues with your USB interface you should follow these general troubleshooting steps to help overcome your issue: General...
2012-02-22 Views: 6125

How can I sync up the OctoPre MkII's clock?
There are two synchronisation options available: OctoPre MkII as Clock Source Master: Connect the OctoPre MkII to the digital device via ADAT and ensure that the receiving device is set to...
2009-09-14 Views: 5811

How can I sync my OctoPre MkII Dynamic?
There are a number of synchronisation options available: OctoPre MkII Dynamic as clock source master - ADAT: Connect the OctoPre MkII Dynamic's optical output to the digital device's...
2010-02-10 Views: 4898

Scarlett MixControl tutorial
Scarlett MixControl is the control software that is used to control the output routing and settings for the Scarlett interface range. This tutorial will explain the features and settings of...
2011-05-06 Views: 22476

Scarlett MixControl tutorial
Scarlett MixControl is the control software that is used to control the output routing and settings for the Scarlett interface range. This tutorial will explain the features and settings of...
2013-03-22 Views: 813

Scarlett MixControl tutorial
Scarlett MixControl is the control software that is used to control the output routing and settings for the Scarlett interface range. This tutorial will explain the features and settings of...
2013-03-22 Views: 818

Guide to Setting up your Studio Part 1
Continue To Part 2This article is a tutorial-style guide to setting up your system correctly, and eliminating any problems to get the best results from your studio. The two most popular home...
2005-08-03 Views: 54335

Dynamics Tutorial
As any pro engineer or producer will tell you, dynamics are one of the most important considerations with any mix. Proper use of dynamics processing is crucial to...
2005-08-01 Views: 12236

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