Here's how to quickly set up your laptop to record and play back through the Clarett 4 Pre USB interface.
NOTE: You will find a USB A to USB C cable in the room already; in some cases a USB C to USB C for newer laptops. If you cannot find one at the back of the desk, text us on WhatsApp or use live chat at support.pirate.com and we will help you move to a different room.
How to setup: LAPTOP TO INTERFACE TO SPEAKERS
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Ensure the power cable is plugged into the back of the interface, then turn on the power.
The front lights should turn on.
- Plug the USB C end of the cable into the USB port [red circle] and the other end into your laptop.
Connect the two yellow speaker cables into LINE OUTPUTS 1-2 ports [blue circle]. Make sure the speakers are switched on and show the power light.
IMPORTANT: Only LINE OUTPUTS 1-2 will work!
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You should now see 3 green lights on the front of the interface.
If only 2 lights are showing and the middle one is off, it's likely an issue with the USB connection. This can happen if the cable isn't fully plugged in, the wrong cable is being used, or the cable is faulty.
Check that the USB-C cable at the back of the interface is fully inserted and runs directly to your laptop. If it doesn't, swap the cable so the interface is connected straight to your laptop.
- Finally, open your Mac/Windows audio settings and choose the Clarett 4 Pre USB as both your Input and Output device.
Repeat the same process for your recording software; eg. Logic Pro X > Preferences > Audio > Device.
How to setup: MIC & HEADPHONES TO INTERFACE
- Make sure the red XLR cable that is plugged into the microphone, is properly connected to the wall port and from the other side of the wall it goes into Channel 1 on the interface (first one on the left).
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Now engage the small 48V button next to channel 1 which will turn solid red. Increase the volume gain knob to at least the 12 o'clock position. Test the mic by speaking into it - the gain knob should be flashing green whenever you speak.
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Turn the monitor dial up to the desired level while playing audio. Sound should now come through the speakers.
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If you're monitoring via headphones, check they're plugged into the correct inputs on the front right side of the interface: control room headphones should be in the left port, and booth headphones in the right port (connected via the booth extension cable)
Adjust the volume to the desired volume.
Here is a short video running through the connections to the interfaces in our studios:
ANY ISSUES?
If you've followed all these steps and you still cannot hear properly through the HEADPHONES:
- Try bypassing the wall and plug the headphones directly into the interface or try a new extension cable.
- Reset the Clarett 4 Pre USB using the latest version of Focusrite Control. Here's how to do it
If you've followed all these steps and you still cannot hear audio through the SPEAKERS:
- Make sure they're both showing the power light. If not, switch them on at the back.
- Make sure they're plugged into the LINE OUTPUTS 1-2 ports at the back of the interface. Only these ports will work!
Windows only - Crashing/Blue Screen issue: "Your PC ran into a problem" - If Focusrite keeps causing a Windows computer to crash when it gets plugged in, check to see if McAfee Antivirus is installed. That will be the reason it's crashing. Un-install McAfee to remove the issue. A full guide on this is HERE
Please note: you can not use a Chromebook or phone with our Focusrite recording interfaces — they only support Mac and Windows Laptops.