Focusrite Scarlett support

[reneknuvers]

The current kernel does not provide support for the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 gen 3 interface and most likely other Scarlett interfaces. I will try a 'Solo 3rd gen' tomorrow.

There is a kernel module available that does support all 2nd and 3rd gen Scarlett interfaces, but I was not able to compile it for the pi.

Support for focusrite interfaces increases the number of potential users a lot. Bundles with the 'Solo' and a condenser mic and a headphone are reasonably affordable and would be a nice 'step up' from the usual Behringer UM's.

[kdoren]

@reneknuvers Officially, Focusrite does not support linux. I believe the solo and 2i2 might work on standard kernel (I think 2i2 gen2 works, I'm not sure about gen3).

I build my own kernels so patching it for improved Scarlett support including gen3 was not too hard. I was able to test it on a 6i6 gen2 and an 18i20 gen3 and it seems to work OK. This kernel will be used in the next jambox release.

If you want to try it now (feedback would be welcome), I released it (with installation instructions) in my linux repo: https://github.com/kdoren/linux/releases/tag/5.10.35-rt39-scarlett (you'll want to edit /boot/config.txt so that only 1 kernel is selected, although I think last one wins).

Pimixer ("Audio Device Settings" on the desktop) can be used for configuration. If you want to use any PCM channels other than 1 & 2 (not recommended), use "Patchage".

[reneknuvers]

Thanks. I will evaluate that. I can confirm a solo 3rd gen works after disabling USB Mass Storage Device (MSD) mode.

Groetjes, René

Op 23 mei 2021 om 09:24 heeft Kevin Doren @.***> het volgende geschreven:

 @reneknuvers Officially, Focusrite does not support linux. I believe the solo and 2i2 might work on standard kernel (I think 2i2 gen2 works, I'm not sure about gen3).

I build my own kernels so patching it for improved Scarlett support including gen3 was not too hard. I was able to test it on a 6i6 gen2 and an 18i20 gen3 and it seems to work OK. This kernel will be used in the next jambox release.

If you want to try it now (feedback would be welcome), I released it (with installation instructions) in my linux repo: https://github.com/kdoren/linux/releases/tag/5.10.35-rt39-scarlett (you'll want to edit /boot/config.txt so that only 1 kernel is selected, although I think last one wins).

Pimixer ("Audio Device Settings" on the desktop) can be used for configuration. If you want to use any PCM channels other than 1 & 2 (not recommended), use "Patchage".

— You are receiving this because you were mentioned. Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub, or unsubscribe.

[kdoren]

@reneknuvers Just in case you already downloaded it, I replaced my initial release with an updated one using a different patch set. I discovered some problems with the -6 version, the -7 debs seem much better.

[reneknuvers]

I haven’t, but thanks!

Groetjes, René

Op 23 mei 2021 om 15:07 heeft Kevin Doren @.***> het volgende geschreven:

 @reneknuvers Just in case you already downloaded it, I replaced my initial release with an updated one using a different patch set. I discovered some problems with the -6 version, the -7 debs seem much better.

— You are receiving this because you were mentioned. Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub, or unsubscribe.

[kdoren]

@reneknuvers Focusrite Scarlett support is included in the latest Jambox release 1.4.0b1. Check it out!

I've tested it with 18i20 and 6i6

Observations:

1. Pi4 appears to be required. Pi3 does not seem to work with the Scarlett patches.
2. QasMixer is included, it's the best way I've found to set the Scarlett config. It's not a friendly as Focusrite Control, but does give you a way to make it do what you want.
3. Some internal functions may not be exposed (i.e. spdif rca vs optical on 18i20). You need to plug into pc/mac to set this.
4. startup order seems to matter, at least on 18i20. It's best to boot Pi with Scarlett off, then power the Scarlett on. Otherwise it can come up in a broken state.

[reneknuvers]

Ah thanks! I have just received some extra Pi 4’s, including some old stok 1GB versions, so I will try it out this weekend!

Groetjes, René

Op 4 jun. 2021 om 18:46 heeft Kevin Doren @.***> het volgende geschreven:

 @reneknuvers Focusrite Scarlett support is included in the latest Jambox release 1.4.0b1. Check it out!

I've tested it with 18i20 and 6i6

Observations:

Pi4 appears to be required. Pi3 does not seem to work with the Scarlett patches. QasMixer is included, it's the best way I've found to set the Scarlett config. It's not a friendly as Focusrite Control, but does give you a way to make it do what you want. Some internal functions may not be exposed (i.e. spdif rca vs optical on 18i20). You need to plug into pc/mac to set this. startup order seems to matter, at least on 18i20. It's best to boot Pi with Scarlett off, then power the Scarlett on. Otherwise it can come up in a broken state. — You are receiving this because you were mentioned. Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub, or unsubscribe.

[kdoren]

@reneknuvers You mentioned 18i8 in your initial message. Unfortunately, this model is flagged by the people working on the kernel mods as one that is not working (controls work but not the sound). The guy working on it crowd-funded the purchase of an 18i8 for debug so they will likely have a fix soon. Let me know what you find.

[reneknuvers]

Hi Kevin,

Just tried it. Seems to work with the 18i8. As you said, only if you boot and then connect the interface. The way that the interface is configured is womewhat puzzling. For example: patchage does not seem to work. So I haven’t been quite able to figure out how to tie inputs to a mix, a mix to Jamulus inputs and Jamulus output to the set of outputs used for the headphone.

Also the loop device seems to have only inputs in QaS-mixer.

But still, it is a vast improvement to have at least the interface working and with the potential tools to control the interface. When I have time I will try to work out how things ought to be set up and maybe post an instruction.

Met vriendelijke groet,

René Knuvers

Op 4 jun. 2021, om 18:56 heeft Kevin Doren @.***> het volgende geschreven:

@reneknuvers https://github.com/reneknuvers You mentioned 18i8 in your initial message. Unfortunately, this model is flagged by the people working on the kernel mods as one that is not working (controls work but not the sound). The guy working on it crowd-funded the purchase of an 18i8 for debug so they will likely have a fix soon. Let me know what you find.

— You are receiving this because you were mentioned. Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/kdoren/jambox-pi-gen/issues/100#issuecomment-854874220, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AC4LAR6MYNJ3QE2CD2BS7TLTREAUZANCNFSM45G2EMIQ.

[johan-66]

Neat, will give it a try with my 8i6 (I had to "downgrade" to a UM2, perhaps that box is now obsolete...)