Pro Tools First Not Working with Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3
 

I am trying to use my Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3 USB audio interface as my playback device with Pro Tools First. However, when I try to open a new project, I get the following error message: "Some inputs or outputs may have become inactive because your audio hardware device has changed". I am not able to hear any playback through my Focusrite interface.

I have tried some solutions that I have found in similar threads on here, such as making sure that the Focusrite is not the default audio device in use by Windows, and restarting Pro Tools. I have also tried making sure that the Focusrite is selected as the playback device, and it is, although I am not able to select an input channel, and the output channel is grayed out. However, no matter what I try, I continue to get the same error message and am unable to hear any playback through my Focusrite interface.

Is there anything else I can do to resolve this issue? I am unable to make use of Pro Tools First if I cannot get the playback hardware to work with it.


Here are some of my technical specs:

Device Specifications
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-10700K CPU @ 3.80GHz 3.79 GHz
Installed RAM: 16.0 GB (15.9 GB usable)
System type: 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

Windows Specifications
Edition: Windows 10 Home
Version: 20H2
OS build: 19042.1466
Experience: Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.3920.0

Re: Pro Tools First Not Working with Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3
 

Try holding the N key while Pro Tools is opening. That should take you(eventually) to the Audio Engine setting window so you can see if the Focusrite is actually selected(I bet its set to something else at the moment):o

Re: Pro Tools First Not Working with Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3
 

Try to open the Focusrite Control application. There might be something wrong there.

Re: Pro Tools First Not Working with Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3
 

Good tips from the others.
Try holding the N key, check Focusrite Control and let us know how it works out.

If you are still having issues after that, take a look at the Help Us Help You thread where you will find general setup, optimization and troubleshooting tips for Pro Tools.

Re: Pro Tools First Not Working with Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3
 

I have tried this several times, and selected the Focusrite interface, but I still get the same error. :(

Re: Pro Tools First Not Working with Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3
 

Can you be more specific with what to check? I opened Focusrite Control and tried playing with the sample rate a little bit, but I didn't seem to get anywhere with that. I made sure the selected sample rates are set the same in both Focusrite Control and Pro Tools First, but still got the error.

Re: Pro Tools First Not Working with Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3
 

First, Have you selected the focusrite in the output selector of tracks or master fader? It will be called "Output 1-2" or similar.

Re: Pro Tools First Not Working with Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3
 

Do you have the latest drivers installed for your interface?
In the Playback Engine, is the Default Output set to the main outputs on the Focusrite?
Do you have speakers connected to the main outputs of your Focusrite?

Re: Pro Tools First Not Working with Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3
 

Hmmm, did it ever work before? Have you set Windows to use the on-board sound card as its default playback device(Settings>Sound)? On most every Windows setup, this is needed so that Pro Tools can have exclusive control over the interface.

Re: Pro Tools First Not Working with Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3
 

I'm sorry I didn't respond for a few days. I had to go out of town. Not the most convenient timing, I know. :D

I don't know if this screen shot shows enough to illustrate it, but this is what I am selecting when Pro Tools starts up. I included the Focusrite Control window to show that the sample rate is consistent in both contexts.
Attachment 15431


1. When I went to look up the drivers for this model of my Focusrite interface, everything I found stated that the drivers were installed automatically when Focusrite Control was installed. If it makes any difference, the interface works with any other application I've tried to use it with.

2. See the screen shot above. The Default Output selection box is grayed out so my only option is Output 1-2. I think this is supposed to be the correct output.

3. I don't have speakers connected to the main outputs of my Focusrite, but I do have headphones connected.


It worked with Pro Tools on an older computer. But that was a while ago and I hadn't tried it since getting my current computer, until recently.

I made sure to not have the Focusrite selected as the default Windows playback device in Sound Settings. Does it make a difference whether the on-board sound card or internal speakers are selected, as long as it's not the Focusrite?

Attachment 15432


Thanks for everyone's feedback so far.