Connect your Scarlett Solo to Logic Pro in three steps

To use a Focusrite Scarlett Solo with Logic Pro, you need to install the Focusrite Control software, plug in the interface via USB, and then select it as your input and output device in Logic Pro's settings. The whole process takes about ten minutes if the software is already installed.

The Scarlett Solo is a two-channel USB audio interface — it has one microphone input and one line input, plus stereo outputs. Logic Pro will not recognize it as an audio device until you install the driver software that comes with it. Once installed and connected, you can record through the microphone input and monitor your work through the headphone output or speakers connected to the line outputs.

Key Takeaways

  • You must install Focusrite Control software on your computer before Logic Pro will see the Scarlett Solo as an audio device.
  • After installation, plug the Scarlett Solo into a USB port, then open Logic Pro and select it in the Audio/MIDI settings under Preferences.
  • Set the Scarlett Solo as both your input device (for recording) and output device (for monitoring) in the same preferences window.
  • If Logic Pro does not show the Scarlett Solo in the device list, restart Logic Pro after plugging in the interface.

Install the Focusrite Control software first

Visit the Focusrite website and download Focusrite Control for your operating system — macOS or Windows. The software is free. Run the installer and follow the on-screen steps to completion. You do not need to open Focusrite Control after installation; it runs in the background and handles communication between your computer and the Scarlett Solo.

If you are using an older Scarlett Solo (first or second generation), Focusrite offers a separate driver called Scarlett Mix Control instead of Focusrite Control. Check which generation you own by looking at the back of the interface or the original box. Download the correct software for your model.

Plug in the Scarlett Solo and check that your computer recognizes it

Connect the Scarlett Solo to your computer using the included USB cable. Plug the cable into a USB port on your computer and the USB-B port on the back of the Scarlett Solo. The interface will power on automatically — you will see a light on the front panel.

Wait a few seconds for your computer to recognize the device. On macOS, you may see a notification that a new audio device has been detected. On Windows, the system will install the device driver automatically. You do not need to do anything at this stage — just let the computer finish its setup.

Select the Scarlett Solo in Logic Pro's audio settings

Open Logic Pro. Go to Logic Pro (top menu) and click Preferences, then select Audio/MIDI. In the window that opens, look for the Devices tab at the top.

Under Input Device, click the dropdown menu and select Scarlett Solo USB. Then click the dropdown under Output Device and select Scarlett Solo USB again. Both input and output should now point to the Scarlett Solo. Close the Preferences window.

If the Scarlett Solo does not appear in either dropdown, close Logic Pro completely, unplug the Scarlett Solo, wait five seconds, plug it back in, and reopen Logic Pro. This forces your computer to re-detect the device.

Test recording and playback

Create a new Logic Pro project. In the arrange window, click the red record button to arm a track for recording. Speak into the microphone input on the front of the Scarlett Solo or plug in a line-level device. You should see the input meter on the Scarlett Solo's front panel move as sound enters the interface.

In Logic Pro, watch the input level meter in the arrange window — it should also show movement when sound enters. If you see levels in Logic Pro but not on the Scarlett Solo, or vice versa, go back to Audio/MIDI Preferences and confirm that both input and output are set to Scarlett Solo USB. If the problem persists, restart Logic Pro and try again.

Adjust input gain on the Scarlett Solo itself

The large knob on the front of the Scarlett Solo controls the input gain for the microphone. Turn it clockwise to increase gain and counterclockwise to decrease it. Set the gain so that the loudest parts of your recording reach the top third of the input meter on the Scarlett Solo — not all the way to the top, which risks distortion.

The headphone volume is controlled by the smaller knob next to the input gain knob. Turn it to adjust how loud the signal sounds in your headphones while you record. This does not affect the level being recorded into Logic Pro — it only changes what you hear in real time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Logic Pro not see my Scarlett Solo even though it is plugged in?

The most common cause is that Focusrite Control software was not installed before you plugged in the interface. Install the software, restart your computer, plug in the Scarlett Solo, and then open Logic Pro. If it still does not appear, try unplugging the interface, waiting ten seconds, and plugging it back in while Logic Pro is open.

Can I use the Scarlett Solo with both input and output at the same time?

Yes. You can record through the microphone input while monitoring through the headphone output or line outputs simultaneously. Set both input and output to Scarlett Solo USB in Logic Pro's Audio/MIDI Preferences, and both will work together.

What if I hear no sound coming out of my headphones or speakers?

First, check that the output volume knob on the Scarlett Solo is turned up. Then confirm in Logic Pro that the output device is set to Scarlett Solo USB in Audio/MIDI Preferences. If you are using speakers connected to the line outputs, make sure the speakers are powered on and their volume is turned up as well.

Do I need to change any settings in Logic Pro after the Scarlett Solo is connected?

No settings beyond selecting the Scarlett Solo as input and output in Audio/MIDI Preferences are required. Logic Pro will automatically use the interface for all recording and playback once it is selected. You can start recording and monitoring immediately.