I am running Audacity with a Focusrite Scarlett on a Windows 11 Pro, laptop. It used to work fine, but after I installed the Scarlett controller software (which I also tried uninstalling), it just records a flat line when I hit record (regardless of what microphone I select). I have tried MME, Windows direct sound, and WASAPI, with no results. I have also tried every recording device… And when I select (Focusrite USB audio) (loopback), audacity does nothing at all. Someone, please help!!
Is the recording volume slider turned-up? (“Hidden” under the recording meters).
Also check your Check your Windows Permissions/Privacy Settings to make sure Audacity is allowed to use the Fousrite.
When you plug headphones into the interface and use direct monitoring (without going through the computer) are you hearing anything?
Try Listen To This Device to make sure Windows is getting a signal. (Windows has to work first.)
And when I select (Focusrite USB audio) (loopback), audacity does nothing at all.
Loopback records whatever is playing OUT of your soundcard/interface. It’s normally used for recording streaming audio where there is no analog input. And the sound has to be coming out of the soundcard/interface first. If there is no digital audio stream WASAPI can’t record. (It can record a silent stream but it can’t record “nothing”.)