Introduction
When your Focusrite audio keeps disconnecting, it can ruin a perfect recording take, interrupt a live stream, or throw off a podcast episode. Focusrite interfaces like the Scarlett, Clarett, and Vocaster are popular for their sound quality and reliability, but occasional disconnection issues are reported by users on both Windows and macOS.
The good news? Most of these problems aren’t hardware failures — they’re caused by simple power, driver, or software issues that you can fix at home. In this guide, we’ll explore why these disconnections happen, how to fix them quickly, and what to do if the problem persists.
Why Focusrite Audio Keeps Disconnecting
Before fixing the problem, it’s important to understand why it happens. Here are the most common causes:
USB Power & Cable Problems
A poor-quality USB cable is the reason many users experience random disconnections. Audio interfaces need stable data transfer and consistent power.
Solution: Use the original cable that came with your interface, or buy a high-quality, short replacement cable (preferably under 6 feet).
Direct Connection: Avoid unpowered USB hubs, as they may not supply enough power to keep the interface stable. Always connect directly to your computer’s port.
Power Management Settings
Both Windows and macOS have power-saving features that can disable USB ports when the computer thinks they are idle.
Windows Users:
- Go to Control Panel → Power Options → Advanced Settings.
- Find USB Settings → USB Selective Suspend Setting and turn it OFF Mac Users:
- Open System Preferences → Energy Saver.
- Uncheck “Put hard disks to sleep when possible.”
Also, keep your laptop plugged in when recording. Many laptops lower power output on battery mode, which can cause dropouts.
Outdated Drivers or Firmware
If your Focusrite audio keeps disconnecting , outdated drivers may be the cause.
- Visit Focusrite’s official support page and download the latest drivers and firmware for your specific model.
- Uninstall older drivers first, then perform a clean installation.
- Restart your computer after installation to ensure everything loads correctly.
DAW & Software Configuration
Sometimes, the problem is with the software settings rather than the hardware.
Buffer Size: Too low of a buffer size can cause clicks, pops, and even disconnections. Try increasing your buffer to 128 or 256 samples.
Driver Mode: On Windows, use ASIO drivers instead of WDM or MME for best stability.
Background Apps: Close CPU-heavy programs and disable unnecessary startup apps that may compete for system resources.
Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
Before going into deep fixes, try these quick steps. These solve the issue for most users:
Switch USB Port: Try a different port, ideally a USB 2.0 port if available.
Swap Cable: Replace the USB cable with a short, shielded one.
Disable Power Saving: Turn off USB selective suspend and energy-saving modes.
Restart Devices: Reboot your computer and power cycle the interface.
Update Software: Install the latest Focusrite Control software and drivers.
Advanced Fixes for Persistent Problems
If the quick steps didn’t work, it’s time to dig deeper.
Perform a Clean Driver Reinstall
Sometimes leftover files from old drivers cause instability.
1. Uninstall all Focusrite drivers and software.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Install the latest version from Focusrite’s official website.
4. Reboot again and reconnect your interface.
Optimize Your Computer for Audio
For professional use, your computer should be tuned for audio performance:
Windows:
- Set power plan to High Performance.
- Disable CPU throttling features like Intel SpeedStep.
- Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when recording macOS:
- Keep the system updated.
- Disable background iCloud sync during recording sessions.
These optimizations reduce latency and prevent system interruptions.
Use a Powered USB Hub
If your computer’s USB ports don’t deliver enough power, a powered USB hub can stabilize the connection. This is especially helpful for bus-powered interfaces like the Scarlett 2i2, which rely entirely on USB power.
Test on Another Computer
If possible, test the interface on a different computer.
- If it works fine there, your issue is system-specific.
- If it still disconnects, the problem might be hardware-related.
Prevent Future Disconnections
Once you’ve fixed the problem, take steps to keep it from coming back:
- Keep Focusrite Control software and drivers up to date.
- Dedicate a single USB port to your interface — avoid plugging in and out repeatedly.
- Close your DAW before unplugging the interface.
- Store your cables carefully to prevent internal wire damage.
When to Contact Focusrite Support
If none of these steps work and your Focusrite audio keeps disconnecting, the hardware itself may be failing.
- Gather your system information, error logs, and driver versions.
- Contact Focusrite Support through their help centre.
- If your unit is under warranty, you may be eligible for a replacement.
Conclusion
When Focusrite audio keeps disconnecting, it’s usually caused by something simple — a bad cable, power-saving settings, or outdated drivers. By checking cables, updating software, and optimizing your computer for audio work, you can eliminate most issues in minutes.
If you still face problems after following these steps, Focusrite Support can guide you through further diagnostics or arrange a replacement if your device is faulty. With a stable setup, you can focus on what matters most — creating great music, podcasts, and content without worrying about dropouts.
FAQs
Why does my Focusrite audio keep disconnecting?
Usually because of a bad USB cable, power-saving settings, or outdated drivers.
How do I stop Focusrite from cutting out?
Update drivers, use a good cable, and disable USB power-saving features.
Does buffer size affect disconnections?
Yes. A too-low buffer can cause dropouts — set it to 128–256 samples.
Should I use a powered USB hub?
Yes, if your computer’s ports don’t supply enough power.
When should I contact Focusrite support?
If it disconnects even after cable, driver, and power fixes.