In the world of audio recording and production, achieving superior sound quality is essential. The Focusrite 18i20 3rd Gen interface is a favorite among musicians, podcasters, and sound engineers. Its superior preamps, stellar AD/DA conversion, and user-friendly design make it a top choice. However, many users wonder how to elevate their audio setups even further. One effective solution is connecting two Focusrite 18i20 units. This article will guide you through the steps to connect two Focusrite 18i20 3rd Gen devices, discussing the benefits, setup process, and potential challenges along the way.
Understanding the Benefits of Connecting Two Focusrite 18i20 Interfaces
When you connect two Focusrite 18i20 interfaces, you expand your audio input and output capabilities significantly. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Expanded Input Channels
By linking two 18i20 interfaces, you can access up to 16 microphone preamps, making it perfect for recording full bands or larger ensembles.
2. Increased Output Options
With double the output channels, you can route audio to multiple destinations, whether they’re headphones, studio monitors, or other outboard gear.
3. Enhanced Flexibility
Using multiple interfaces allows for greater flexibility in your workflow. Assign different audio tasks across multiple devices, accommodating a more complex production environment.
Getting Started: What You Need for Your Setup
Before diving into the connection process, ensure you have the necessary components:
Essential Equipment
- Two Focusrite 18i20 3rd Gen Interfaces: Ensure both units are updated to the latest software and firmware.
- USB C Cables: Needed for connecting the interfaces to your computer.
- ADAT Cables (Optional): If using ADAT for digital connectivity.
- DAW Software: A robust Digital Audio Workstation that supports multiple audio interfaces.
- Power Source: Ensure both interfaces are connected to power.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Two Focusrite 18i20 Interfaces
Now, let’s delve into the specific steps for connecting your Focusrite 18i20 interfaces effectively.
Step 1: Setup Your Primary Interface
Begin by selecting one of the 18i20 units to serve as the primary interface. This unit will connect directly to your computer.
- Connect the Primary Interface: Use a USB C cable to connect the primary 18i20 to a USB port on your computer.
- Power On: Ensure the primary interface is powered up, then install any necessary drivers or software updates from the Focusrite website.
Step 2: Configure Your Primary Interface Settings
Before adding the second interface, configure your primary interface:
- Open Your DAW: Launch the DAW software and navigate to the audio settings.
- Select ASIO Driver: If you’re on Windows, make sure to select the Focusrite ASIO driver. For macOS users, the Core Audio driver will suffice.
- Set Up the Sample Rate: Ensure the sample rate is set correctly (common rates include 44.1kHz or 48kHz).
Step 3: Link the Secondary Interface
Now, it’s time to connect your second Focusrite 18i20:
- Connect via ADAT: Use an ADAT cable to connect the ADAT Out from the primary interface to the ADAT In of the secondary interface. This will allow the primary device to send additional channels to the secondary unit.
Note: Make sure to use good quality ADAT lightpipe cables to avoid signal degradation.
- Power Up the Secondary Interface: Like the primary, ensure that the secondary interface is connected to a power source and powered on.
Step 4: Configure the Secondary Interface
Now, set up the secondary interface in your DAW:
- Access Audio Settings Again: Return to your DAW’s audio settings.
- Select Both Interfaces: Look for a method within your DAW to utilize multiple interfaces through a single driver, which Focusrite supports. You might need to select the Focusrite aggregate device if using macOS.
Step 5: Finalizing Settings for Seamless Operation
After both interfaces are connected:
- Set the Clock Source: On your secondary interface, set the clock source to ADAT. For the primary interface, ensure that it’s set to internal clock.
- Test the Connections: Conduct a quick check by creating a new audio track in your DAW and selecting inputs from both interfaces to confirm they are operational.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a straightforward connection process, you may encounter some challenges. Here are common issues and how to resolve them:
1. No Sound from Secondary Interface
Ensure that:
– The ADAT cables are securely connected.
– The clock source on the secondary interface is set to ADAT.
2. Latency Problems
If you experience high latency:
– Check your buffer settings in the DAW.
– Lower the audio buffer size for real-time monitoring.
Best Practices for Managing Multiple Interfaces
To ensure optimal performance with your dual-18i20 setup, consider the following best practices:
1. Maintain Software Updates
Regularly check for firmware updates for both interfaces and ensure that your DAW software is up to date.
2. Organize Your Signal Flow
Create a clear signal flow diagram to visually map out how audio is routed between the interfaces and your DAW, preventing confusion during recording sessions.
3. Monitor Levels Consistently
Use metering tools within your DAW to monitor input and output levels closely, ensuring that your recordings remain distortion-free.
Conclusion: Unlocking Your Audio Potential
Connecting two Focusrite 18i20 3rd Gen interfaces opens a world of possibilities in audio recording and production. By following this guide, you can harness the power of dual interfaces, expanding your input and output channels while maintaining high audio fidelity. Whether you’re recording a full band or laying down intricate tracks with numerous layers, this setup will provide the flexibility and sound quality you desire.
By mastering your audio connections, you’re not just investing in great sound; you’re investing in your craft. Happy recording!
What is the purpose of connecting two Focusrite 18i20 3rd Gen interfaces?
Connecting two Focusrite 18i20 3rd Gen interfaces allows you to expand your audio input and output capabilities, which is particularly useful for larger recording sessions or when you need more channels for various instruments and microphones. By linking them, you create a more comprehensive and versatile audio interface setup that can accommodate complex recording situations.
Additionally, this setup enhances the overall flexibility in your studio. It enables you to utilize more of the high-quality preamps and converters that Focusrite offers, improving the sound quality of your recordings. It also streamlines the process of monitoring and mixing, as you can manage all of your inputs from a single setup with ease.
How do I physically connect the two interfaces?
To physically connect the two Focusrite 18i20 interfaces, you will need to use a standard ADAT optical cable. First, connect the ADAT OUT of the master interface to the ADAT IN of the slave interface. Ensure that both interfaces are powered on before making any connections to avoid any potential issues with signal loss.
After you establish the physical connection, verify that the sample rates of both interfaces are set to match in the control software. This will help ensure that they communicate effectively without dropping or distorting the audio during recordings, providing a seamless workflow for your audio production needs.
What settings do I need to configure in the Focusrite Control software?
In the Focusrite Control software, you will need to designate one of the interfaces as the master device and the other as the slave. This is crucial because the master interface will dictate the sample rate and clock settings for both units. Once you have made that selection, ensure that the clock source on the slave interface is set to ADAT.
Moreover, it’s important to configure the input and output routing within the Focusrite Control software to ensure that all channels from both interfaces are accessible. This step will allow you to utilize the additional inputs and outputs in your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) for a more efficient recording process.
Will linking the interfaces affect the audio quality?
Linking two Focusrite 18i20 interfaces should not negatively impact the audio quality if done correctly. Both interfaces are designed to maintain high-quality audio performance even when connected together. The key is to ensure that you have properly configured the master and slave settings and that both interfaces are operating at the same sample rate.
With proper setup, using multiple interfaces can actually enhance your audio quality as you gain access to more preamps and converters. This can result in clearer recordings with better dynamic range, especially when capturing multiple audio sources simultaneously in a professional setting.
What are the limitations of connecting two Focusrite 18i20 interfaces?
While connecting two Focusrite 18i20 interfaces expands your capabilities, there are some limitations to consider. One of the main constraints is the maximum number of combined inputs and outputs that your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) can handle. Some DAWs may have restrictions on the number of audio channels they can process simultaneously, which could limit the effectiveness of using two interfaces.
Another potential limitation is the need for additional hardware, such as ADAT cables, and ensuring both interfaces are compatible with your computer system. If you are using an older computer or interface, you may encounter latency or driver compatibility issues. Always check the specifications and requirements of your software and hardware to avoid running into problems during your recording sessions.
Can I use different brands of audio interfaces when linking them?
Using different brands of audio interfaces when linking them is generally not recommended due to potential compatibility issues. Each brand may have unique driver requirements and clocking methods, which could result in synchronization problems that degrade audio quality. Focusrite interfaces work best when paired together as they are designed to communicate effectively without any disruptions.
If you must use another brand alongside your Focusrite interfaces, ensure that both devices can operate in a similar clocking configuration. This typically involves using an external clock source or ensuring that both interfaces can sync up properly. However, be prepared for the likelihood of experiencing complications and reduced performance compared to a uniform setup with interfaces from the same brand.