Scarlett Solo & Audacity. Solved. Setup info inside

[Kikegg]

Well, I think I'm done with it. Again BIG THANKS!

In case anyone else needs to setup Audacity with this USB interface here I leave my computer specs:

Intel Core i5-4690 @ 3.50Ghz
16Gb RAM
Windows 10 Pro
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen

and Audacity settings (device settings):

Audio Host: MME (recommended by Focusrite: Invalid Link Removed)
Input device: Focusrite USB
Output device: Focusrite USB
Recording Channels: 2 (Stereo) for recording voice and bass
Buffer length: 130 ms
Latency compensation: -320 ms*

*I've adjusted it by ear as the recommended Audacity procedure is not possible, at least for me (maybe I'm a bit clumsy). Anyway, hearing the recording along the backing track seems to be sync'ed. Maybe it could be few milliseconds apart but I cannot notice any echo or something that makes me believe it's out of sync.

 

[N4860]

Not sure if it's been suggested yet, but Id ditch audacity and download Reaper instead. It's still free but has a lot more functionality and more support.

 

[toddbooster]

REAPER isn't free. It doesn't expire or limit it's features in any way after the 30 day trial period, but you're supposed to pay for it after that.

Cakewalk by Bandlab is free: BandLab: Music Starts Here
Tracktion 7 is free: T7 DAW | Free digital audio workstation band editing software - Tracktion

Both are fully capable DAWs that will grow with you, have an easy learning curve and good community support.

 

[N4860]

REAPER isn't free. It doesn't expire or limit it's features in any way after the 30 day trial period, but you're supposed to pay for it after that.

Cakewalk by Bandlab is free: BandLab: Music Starts Here
Tracktion 7 is free: T7 DAW | Free digital audio workstation band editing software - Tracktion

Both are fully capable DAWs that will grow with you, have an easy learning curve and good community support.

Pretty sure reaper license is only required for commercial use so if it's just for home personal use, it's free.

 

[toddbooster]

It's a mistake people frequently make because the demo never expires, you just get a nag screen reminding you to buy it after the trial period (which is actually 60 days, not 30). However, you are technically required to buy it after that; $60 for personal use or commercial income using REAPER of less than $20,000 per year, $225 for everyone else. It's right on their homepage.

 

[Kikegg]

Thanks so much for the suggestions but I don't need any advanced DAW software, really. I just need to play along the songs I'm practicing or want to play and sometimes to record my own track to share or review. Audacity covers these two situations nicely, it is easy to use and it is free software.

All the best!