Music Studio - set up speakers and Focusrite Audio interface
I have a Focusrite Audio Interface. This is a 3rd gen version (approx $188Cdn).
I have 2 Tannoy Speakers:
They have XLR and 1/4" cable plugins:
The Focusrite uses 1/4" cables to connect to the speakers.
It connects to the PC using USB. There is a USB 2.0 on Focusrite:
and I used a USB hub for the connection to the PC.
basic packages to install
Install these apt packages:
sudo apt update
sudo apt-get install pulseaudio-module-jack
sudo apt install qjackctl
# when asked: “enable real-time process priority?” select yes
sudo apt install pipewire-jack
sudo apt install pipewire-audio-client-libraries
sudo apt install libjack-jackd2-0
# sudo cp /usr/share/doc/pipewire/examples/ld.so.conf.d/pipewire-jack-*.conf /etc/ld.so.conf.d/
# TODO check if the previous line is needed
sudo ldconfig
suudo usermod -a -G audio $USER
sudo apt install linux-lowlatency
sudo reboot # needed to pickup the new group and to ensure OS pickes up lowlatency change
- check Focusrite shows up
cat /proc/asound/cards
# should see:
1 [USB ]: USB-Audio - Scarlett 2i2 USB
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB at usb-0000:00:14.0-3, high speed
- set VOLUME to halfway on each speaker
- set volume on PC to the middle range
- NOTE: plugging USB cables, rebooting PC, can cause a loud noise on the speakers!
- goto Ubuntu settings | Sound
- select Output Device: Analog Output - Focusrite
- select Input Device: set to Soundwire - microphone (i.e. the default)
- click "Output Device" | Test
- click left/right speaker; should hear voice
- open Rhythmbox; play some music; should play over the speakers
- Plug Focusrite directly in without a USB hub and it should be found
- Add the USB hub and it should be found again
- run
pw-jack qjackctl; NOTE: running the app from Ubuntu desktop does not work for some reason - on qjackctl:
- Set Interface to Focusrite (hw:USB)
- click Start. (lights flashed, speaker make a sound)
- click graph