Using a Focusrite Scarlett Solo (single-XLR) with Wispr Flow on Mac

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Available on: Mac. Applies to Focusrite Scarlett Solo interfaces where the microphone connects to the XLR jack on Input 2.

Flow detects your Scarlett Solo but the volume indicator stays flat, or you see "No audio" and "Transcription empty"? On single-XLR Solo models the XLR jack is Input 2, while Flow captures the device's default input stream — so apps that mix both inputs (Zoom, Voice Memos) hear you and Flow doesn't. Enabling Focusrite's Combine Input 1 and Input 2 fixes it in under a minute.

Quick checks

  • Is the Scarlett selected in Flow? Check Settings → General → Microphone; "Auto-detect" follows the macOS system default input instead and shows the resolved device in parentheses (e.g. "Auto-detect (MacBook Pro Mic)").

  • Did Flow just see your Scarlett for the first time? A microphone Flow has never seen before is added at the bottom of Flow's preference list, so select it explicitly.

  • Is another app holding the interface? Quit Focusrite Control 2 or any DAW that has the Scarlett open.

  • Does the mic work elsewhere? Record a clip in Voice Memos. If it's silent there too, the problem is your cabling or gain, not Flow.

How to fix this

Fastest method: the Direct button

  1. Connect the Scarlett Solo to your Mac. If Flow shows "<device name> detected," choose "Switch."

  2. Press and hold the Direct button on the front of the Scarlett for about 3 seconds.

  3. Release it when the 1 and 2 channel LEDs both turn green — this enables Combine Input 1 and Input 2.

  4. Quit and reopen Wispr Flow.

  5. Go to Settings → General → Microphone → Change and select your Scarlett Solo.

  6. Speak into the mic. If the volume indicator next to the selected microphone moves, you're done. A completely flat meter is the symptom of Input-2-only routing.

Alternative: Focusrite Control 2

  1. Open Focusrite Control 2.

  2. Open the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and choose Preferences.

  3. Select the Device tab.

  4. Enable Combine Input 1 and Input 2.

  5. Restart Wispr Flow and reselect the Scarlett as your microphone. The volume indicator moves when you speak.

If the Combine option is missing

Install or update Focusrite Control 2, connect the Solo, and accept any offered firmware update — the option may appear only after the firmware is current. Then retry the 3-second Direct button method.

Important: Turn Combine Input 1 and Input 2 back off when using Logic, Ableton, GarageBand, or another DAW where you want the microphone and instrument recorded as independent inputs.

Messages Flow may show

  • "Is your microphone muted?" — no audio detected at dictation start; offers a mic picker and Troubleshoot.

  • "We couldn't hear you" — empty transcription; offers a mic picker and Troubleshoot.

  • "Microphone unavailable" — another app or a stuck driver is holding the device; offers Troubleshoot. Always shows, regardless of notification settings.

  • "Selected microphone is unavailable" — offers Choose Microphone. Always shows, regardless of notification settings.

  • "Unable to access mic" — offers Restart App.

  • "Microphone disconnected" — the interface was unplugged mid-dictation; the "Insert" button inserts the text recorded up to that point and does not retry dictation.

  • "Microphone not found" — offers Open Sound Settings, the only action that opens the macOS Sound → Input pane (Windows: the Sound control panel Recording tab). All other mic actions open Flow's own microphone picker or a help article.

  • "<device name> detected" — a new mic is connected.

FAQs

Do I need to create a macOS Aggregate Device?

No. An Aggregate Device keeps the same channel order and will not reroute the mic. Use Combine Input 1 and Input 2 instead.

Is there another quick workaround?

Yes. A USB microphone or headset is a single-input device that Flow picks up without any interface configuration.

Where else can I change the microphone?

From the Flow Bar menu or Settings. Once you select the Scarlett, Flow re-prefers it on reconnect, even when macOS re-enumerates the interface with a new device ID.

Will "Mute music while dictating" work with my Scarlett?

Yes — see Limitations and notes.

Limitations and notes

  • The full microphone picker (Auto-detect plus a list of connected devices) exists only on Mac. On iOS, Settings → Audio offers only a "Use built-in mic" toggle, which forces the built-in microphone instead of the active input and restarts any in-progress recording when changed.

  • Flow warns that another app is holding the microphone only on macOS 14.2 or later.

  • Mute music while dictating is off by default on Mac. Because Scarlett interfaces have no hardware mute, Flow sets output volume to zero during dictation and restores your level when dictation ends or is cancelled. If the Scarlett is disconnected mid-dictation, it may return at zero volume — adjust output volume in macOS System Settings → Sound.

  • Virtual/loopback devices (labelled "(Virtual)", e.g. BlackHole, ZoomAudioDevice) can be selected but are never remembered in Flow's ranked device list, so they aren't auto-reselected like physical mics. The Mac built-in mic appears as "Built-in mic (recommended)".

Still stuck?

Contact support if:

  • The volume indicator stays flat after combining the inputs and restarting Flow.

  • Focusrite Control 2 shows the Combine setting enabled but Flow still reports "No audio."

  • You see an error message not listed above.

Include your macOS version, Scarlett model, and the steps you already tried. Most mic issues are resolved in one reply.