Focusrite Scarletts can't record and playback simultaneously?

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James35

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I just got a Scarlett 2i2 today. It appears you can't playback and record at the same time? For example, I can't listen to an MP3 file with the microphone working, or vice versa.

The main purpose of the purchase was for recording videos. However, I was pleased to discover a nice DAC built into the Scarletts. It really makes my DT-990 headphones sound so much better. And for a moment, I thought that it might be good enough so I wouldn't need the Aune T1 MK2 that on it's way to me. But I'll have to make the Scarlett act as a dedicated recorder only if it can't do both functions simultaneously. I disabled my onboard sound card just to be sure, but that didn't help.
 
James35 said:
It appears you can't playback and record at the same time? For example, I can't listen to an MP3 file with the microphone working.
Click to expand...

I'm sure you can. Maybe you just haven't got everything set up properly.
What recording software are you using? Most suites will have a toggle for input monitoring.

Tell us some specifics about what you've tried.
 
It sure can! That's how most people use it.

Make sure you have the proper driver installed on your computer and that your DAW is set up to use the Scarlett for record and playback.

Turn the direct monitor switch to "On" and use the big knob to control the balance between your input to the Scarlett and the output from the computer--most set up their DAWs so only pre recorded stuff comes from the computer and the microphone is fed to you live, i.e. with no latency.
 
My apologies, I should clarify. I'm not referring to DAW software. I'm referring to every day functionality inside Windows (8 in my case). For example, I can't listen to a Youtube video and leave the microphone on for my voice recognition (VoiceAttack). As soon as I close out VLC, Foobar, browsers, a few seconds later, the microphone levels (inside control panel -> Sound -> Recording devices) start working again. And vice versa, if I leave the microphone "Enabled", then the other programs with sound playback error out with errors like "Unknown error", or just no sound. I think I saw "audio device in use by another application" once. Soon as I disable the Scarlett "Recording" device, in the control panel, the playback works again.

My Scarlett driver shows version 2.51.128.1 (9/25/2013)
 
Hey James,

I guess the Scarllets were never supposed to be used for that purpose, I mean, for being used within Windows without even being routed through its ASIO drivers.

Windows, by default, will recognize the interface, but it wont use ASIO. Instead, it will use its own drivers, which are very limited in terms of resource allocation.

So, different applications will indeed compete for the same resources, but Windows drivers will only allow one of them to access them at a time.

Maybe, if you could explain to us what exactly you're trying to achieve, we could find a workaround.

Ideally, you should bring your audio tasks into a DAW, which would be able to take maximum advantages of your hardware capabilities.

Raf.
 
If you use an ASIO driver, it takes full control over the sound interface. Since latency is the main issue when using the interface and driver, it has to take control of the device in order to improve performance. If you want to record while playing Youtube or any other media device, you will have to make sure the recording software isn't using the ASIO driver. The other media software uses the Windows drivers and it is locked out when ASIO is being used.
 
Hmm? Gonna think about this one!

Now I know you can pull all sorts of I/O stunts in Samplitude that other DAWs don't seem to letcha! Not, I hasten to add, with ASIO drivers.

OP could try downloading Focusrites MixControl? This only works with my 8i6 as a dongle and I never really investigated its properties. The 2i2 might let you use it?

Now, almost daily I run BBC radio3 and record it in Sam SE8 (pretty sure I have done it with Reaper? Will try it) Now Sam records the radio because I select "MON MIX" as the input. I could just as well select "Delta 1/2" in the 2496 card and record a mic from my mixer?
Yup just done it. R3 is playing nicely in the background and the input is to ch1 of the Delta card. I record just voice on the mic (if of course I turn down the monitors) .

Another useful property of Samplitude is a very simple Mono record selector that means as can be seen on the meter, the mic is in double mono.

Now, can this be done with an external USB interface? I will investigate ASAP.

http://global.focusrite.com/answerbase/can-i-use-scarlett-mixcontrol-with-the-scarlett-2i2

Sugar! ^ Won't let ya!
Dave.
 

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Well, there is a chance it may be the USB ports on my motherboard (GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD4H LGA). Other devices have not been not working properly. I hooked the Scarlett 2i2 up to my laptop (Window 7) and I was able to play music and use the microphone simultaneously. I ordered a new motherboard and I'll report back if it fixes the issue on my tower (Windows 8).
 
Motherboard swapped out, and that fixed the (USB) problems. The Scarlett 2i2 can playback and record simultaneously.
 
Hmmm...suspicious cynical mind here...

Under pressure from the RIAA a lot of computer manufacturers have been disabling the ability to record what you're playing back (in order to "prevent piracy"). This is likely just a fault--but could it be that this initiative is finding its way actually into motherboards?

I love a good conspiracy theory in the morning.
 
Hmm... I have read that is exactly the reason that "Wave Out" (current playback) was removed from the available list of recording sources. You can download Realtek drivers that will fix some motherboards that use their chip- but yes it is a problem.
 
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