Sometimes—but it depends on the exact Focusrite model and generation. First- and second-generation Scarlett Solo, 2i2 and 2i4 models use hardware controls and do not use Focusrite Control. Third-generation Scarlett Solo, 2i2 and 4i4 models need Focusrite Control; fourth-generation versions need Focusrite Control 2. Audio drivers are a separate issue: on Windows, Focusrite says its interfaces need a driver to run properly.
Identify your interface before deciding
Check the model name and generation printed on the interface, then match it to the table. A similar name does not guarantee the same software requirement: for example, the second-generation Scarlett 2i2 is listed as driver-only, while second-generation 6i6, 18i8 and 18i20 models are among the devices supported by Control 2.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Interface | Focusrite’s software guidance | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Scarlett Solo, 2i2 or 2i4, 1st generation | Driver only; not compatible with Scarlett Mix Control or Focusrite Control. | Controls are on the hardware. Focusrite says to adjust buffer size and sample rate in the DAW’s audio preferences on Mac or the ASIO Control Panel on Windows. |
| Scarlett Solo, 2i2 or 2i4, 2nd generation | Driver only; not compatible with Scarlett Mix Control or Focusrite Control. | Controls are on the hardware. This guidance does not apply to every second-generation Scarlett model. |
| Scarlett Solo, 2i2 or 4i4, 3rd generation | Focusrite Control is needed. Control 2 compatibility also includes Scarlett 3rd Gen, subject to current version and OS compatibility. | For 3rd-generation Solo and 2i2, Focusrite says output routing is not supported in Control; output controls are on the front panel. |
| Scarlett Solo, 2i2 or 4i4, 4th generation | Focusrite Control 2 is needed. | Check Control 2 release notes for compatibility with your computer’s operating system. |
| Other Focusrite families or models | Requirements vary; some use Control 2, while other products have different software requirements. | Do not infer requirements from a Scarlett Solo or 2i2. Check the exact model’s downloads and compatibility information. |
Focusrite’s guidance for first- and second-generation bus-powered Scarlett Solo, 2i2 and 2i4 models is in its compatibility article. Its Windows driver instructions list models and software separately.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Control software and an audio driver do different jobs
Focusrite Control or Control 2 manages the settings and routing available for compatible interfaces. An audio driver lets the computer communicate with the interface; your DAW also has its own audio-device and recording settings. Being able to use an interface without a particular control app does not mean you can omit the driver your operating system and model require.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
On Windows
Focusrite Support’s article, updated 24 September 2026, says its interfaces need a driver to run properly on Windows. It describes Microsoft’s class driver as intended for two-channel input and playback from non-ASIO software, not low-latency recording. For supported recording applications, Focusrite recommends its driver for low-latency ASIO use. In your recording software’s audio settings, select the Focusrite ASIO driver when appropriate, and install the driver or bundled control software specified for your model and Windows version. See the Windows plug-and-play guidance and driver installation instructions.
On Mac
The cited Windows driver guidance does not establish a general driver requirement for macOS. For first- and second-generation Solo, 2i2 and 2i4, Focusrite says buffer size and sample rate are adjusted through the DAW’s audio preferences on Mac. For other models, follow the model-specific software and operating-system guidance rather than assuming the Windows setup applies.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What “using it without Control” means in practice
If your model is listed as driver-only, you can use its hardware controls and configure the audio settings Focusrite identifies through your DAW or, on Windows, the ASIO Control Panel. If your model requires Focusrite Control or Control 2, do not assume that basic audio passing through the interface proves all routing, monitoring or device settings are available without that application.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
There is also a specific limitation that can cause confusion: third-generation Scarlett Solo and 2i2 devices can be detected by Focusrite Control, yet the app reports that output routing is not supported on those devices. Focusrite says their output controls are on the front panel. That exception does not make Control optional for all third-generation interfaces. See Focusrite’s hardware detection and routing guidance.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Check Control 2 compatibility before installing or switching
Compatibility changes over time. Focusrite Control 2 release notes dated 15 September 2026 list version 1.1139.0 for Windows 11, Windows 10 (64-bit), macOS 26 (Tahoe), macOS 15 (Sequoia) and macOS 14 (Sonoma). The listed devices include all Scarlett 4th Gen and Scarlett 3rd Gen; Scarlett 2nd Gen 18i20, 18i8 and 6i6 only; Clarett+; Clarett USB; and ISA C8X, with a version requirement noted for ISA C8X. These are dated compatibility details, not a guarantee for later releases. Check the current Control 2 release notes and the download information for your exact model before installing.
Do not keep the original Focusrite Control and Control 2 installed together: Focusrite warns this can cause connection issues. Switching between the two can reset the interface to factory defaults. If you rely on a saved setup, make a Snapshot backup before moving to Control 2; original Control snapshots cannot be loaded in Control 2. Follow Focusrite’s upgrade guidance.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
If Control 2 does not detect your interface
- Confirm compatibility. Check the exact model and generation against the current Control 2 release notes. An unsupported model will not become compatible because you reinstall the app.
- Check the connection and detection. Verify the USB connection and follow Focusrite’s steps for troubleshooting an interface Control 2 does not detect.
- Use the correct software path. Install the driver or control software specified for the interface and operating system. A detection problem alone is not evidence that the application is unnecessary.
Using a Focusrite interface with an iPhone or iPad
Focusrite says its Control 2 mobile app remotely controls the desktop Control 2 app; it cannot control an interface connected directly to an iPhone or iPad. So the mobile app is not a replacement for desktop Control 2 in a direct mobile-device setup. See Focusrite’s iPhone and iPad setup guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
