Focusrite not working in Audacity

Audacity 3 Help Forum Windows
1

Hi,

I’m running Audacity 2.3.3 with a Focusrite 2i2 Gen 2 with the Scarlett Studio microphone. The interface is recognised it Windows and I can see and listen to the device fine. I can open up Discord and set the input to the Analogue 1+2 (Focusrite USB Audio) and that works fine, same in OBS. No issues with the interface or the microphone. However, when I open Audacity and set the input to the same device, when I hit record the track doesn’t start and nothing is recorded. I can set the input to anything other than the Focusrite and the track records fine, but obviously I want to record the Focusrite!

Any ideas why this interface isn’t working in Audacity but is fine everywhere else I’ve used it?

2

Yes, i had the same problems with my SSL2.

The first problem is that Windows does not allow you to use your line-in devices to record in Audacity! You have to open you sound settings, then manage your sound devices, and then (most important), go to the microphone privacy settings, where you will need to add audacity in the list “allow desktop apps to access your microphone”, and make sure you find audacity there.

Second, use Windows direct sound, and not Windows Wasapi. Wasapi records fine, but once you will listen what you have recorded, the sound will be corrucpted.

3

I am currently having this exact same issue. I am on Windows 11 and using a Scarlett Focusrite 2i2 sound card. Audacity audio settings are:

  • Host: Windows WASAPI
  • Output: Speakers Focusrite USB Audio
  • Input: Speakers Focusrite USB Audio (loopback)

The Focusrite device has a sample rate of 24bit 48000 kHz. I matched this sample rate in Audacity. Clicking record throws an error stating that the recording device cannot be opened by Audacity. Not sure what else could be the problem. All drivers are up to date include both those for Windows and my Focusrite device.

Lastly, Audacity has permission to access my microphone as well as my speakers. I can record audio from my microphone directly or an instrument with no issues but am unable to record audio from any internal source.

Any insight would be appreciated.