Can't use external microphone via Scarlett 18i20 for FaceTime on MacBook Pro

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Level 1

8 points

Can't use external microphone via Scarlett 18i20 for FaceTime on MacBook Pro

Hello, I am using a Scarlett 18i20 3rdG audio interface with my MacBook Pro, 15in, 2.6Ghz Core i7 6 cores, 32GB RAM. The MacOS is up to date. I am working with the cover of MBP closed since I am using a secondary display. When I receive a call on Mac via iPhone I would like to use the microphone plugged into my sound card. The microphone works great with Logic but I can't use it when answering a call on the MBP. The Scarlett 18i20 is correctly selected in System Preferences / Sound as input and output. In the FaceTime video settings "Use system setting" is selected but nothing helps. When I receive a call I have to open the MBP cover and select the Mac's internal microphone so that I can be heard. Same thing if in FaceTime I select in the Video menu Scarlett 18i20 (instead of system settings) as input. On the other hand, the output via the interface still works, the sound is therefore routed to the external monitors via the interface. I can't figure out what is wrong. There may be something to be done on the Focusrite Control side, but I don't see what. Has anyone experienced this problem and managed to get around it?

Thank you for taking the time to respond to this post.

Martin C.

Posted on Jul 11, 2021 1:47 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Martin Caron Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 14, 2021 10:51 AM in response to Teddy_B

Hi Teddy,

I have contacted Focusrite about this issue and it seems that some communication/streaming applications will only recognise the first input on an audio device regardless of the number of inputs it has. It seems to be the case with FaceTime because since my microphone has been connected to input 1, everything works just fine.

Thanks for your concern,

Regards

Martin C.

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Answer 2

Teddy_B

Community Specialist

Jul 12, 2021 9:44 AM in response to Martin Caron

Hello Martin Caron,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

It sounds like you’re unable to use your Scarlett 18I20 interface with your Mac. We’d like to help.

Thank you for providing all of those details. As a next step, we would suggest contacting the manufacturer, Focusrite, for support. Here’s a link to the Focusrite Help Centre. You may need to reset or reconfigure your audio preferences to resolve this issue.

Take care.

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Can't use external microphone via Scarlett 18i20 for FaceTime on MacBook Pro

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