To support personal laptop sessions or simplified studio computer session, the studio is equipped with a Scarlett 18i20 audio interface that functions as a standalone I/O path aside the room's Dante system. The 18i20 is located in the left rack, below the red ADA8200 mic preamps.
This page explains how to use the 18i20 to monitor and record audio.
Inputs
Inputs 1-2: Front-panel jacks on the Scarlett
Inputs 3-8: Available in the studio's patch bay
Inputs 11-18: Available in the studio's patch bay via ADC8200 preamp
Outputs
Main outputs 1-2 feed directly into the Grace m908 controller
Connecting your laptop or studio computer
Connect your laptop to the Scarlett using the USB cable connected to the left rack
In your DAW's audio preferences, select Scarlett 18i20 as both input and output device
Using inputs
Connect your mic/instrument into either of the front-panel inputs 1-2
To use inputs 3-8, patch a desired wall or floor panel input into the labeled focusrite 18i20 patch points
e.g. If I wanted to use input 77 in the control room floor panel, I would check the patch bay in the back of the room, and connect a cable from the FP-105 77 patch point to 18i20 input 3
To use the ADA8200 inputs, patch a desired wall or floor panel input into the labeled ADA8200 patch points (these will show up as DAW inputs 11-18)
Input gain is controlled by clicking the button assigned to each channel and using the input knob to adjust accordingly.
Phantom power is not normalized throughout several channels, and can be turned on for an individual channel by engaging the button once you have selected the channel you wish.
Using the studio speakers
The Scarlett 18i20 feeds into the Grace m908 via balanced analog outputs
To listen to the 18i20 outputs on the speakers:
On the Grace m908 select the behr-in-st input (bottom left button)
To control your main output level
Use the main knob on the Grace m908
The "MAIN OUT 1-2" knob on the UMC1920 should be set to fully clockwise
This ensures proper gain staging into the monitoring system
The "Monitoring knob" should be set as needed - typically fully clockwise for playback unless input moniotring is desired.
Using headphones
The Scarlett 18i20 provides two headphone outputs on its front panel
Each headphone output has its own volume control
The headphones connected here are independent of the Grace m908
Monitoring inputs
The Output knob on the Scarlett controls blend between direct input signal and DAW playback
For standard DAW monitoring usage, turn the knob fully clockwise
Only turn this knob counterclockwise if you explicitly need zero-latency input monitoring
No sound in the room
Confirm Grace m908 input selection
Confirm Main Out knob on UMC1820 is fully up
Confirm DAW output is set to outputs 1–2
Input signal visible in DAW but not audible
Check MONITORING knob position
Confirm Grace m908 is not muted
Confirm correct control room speaker selection (CR3 for stereo)
Distorted or weak signal
Reduce input gain at the UMC1820
Avoid using DAW output volume as a substitute for proper gain staging