9
Using Direct Monitoring
You will frequently hear the term “latency” used in connection with digital audio systems. In the case
of the simple recording application described above, latency will be the time it takes for your input
signals to pass through your recording device (your Mac or PC) and the associated software. Latency
can be a problem for a performer who wishes to record while monitoring their input signals.
Scarlett Solo is fitted with a “Direct Monitoring” option, which overcomes this problem. Setting the
front panel DIRECT MONITOR switch to ON will route your input signals directly to Scarlett Solo’s
headphone and main monitor outputs. This enables you to hear yourself with zero latency – i.e., in
“real time” – along with the computer playback. The input signals to your computer are not affected
in any way by this setting.
When Direct Monitoring is ON, ensure that your recording software is not set to route its input (what
you are currently recording) to its output. If it is, you will hear yourself “twice”, with one signal
audibly delayed as an echo.
Headphone monitoring
Connect a pair of stereo headphones to the front panel headphone socket to hear both what you are
recording - your current input signal(s), plus any tracks you’ve already recorded in your computer.
Note: Set the front panel DIRECT MONITOR switch to ON when recording. The pre-recorded tracks
will be heard in stereo, and the current input signals in mono – central in the stereo image. If you are
using both the mic and instrument inputs, the two inputs will be summed in mono.
