Scarlett 18i6: Headphones are outputting the left channel on both sides
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- KVRist
- 364 posts since 23 Mar, 2008
I figure a number of you have these Scarlett audio interfaces. I'm running an 18i6, which I assume is 1st generation, on a Linux machine. I have the two rear outputs going to a boom box, and the headphone jack running to my headphones.
The boom box is playing in stereo. If I plug my headphones into the headphone output of the boom box, I get stereo sound. But if I plug my headphones into the headphone jack of the Scarlett, I only get the left channel, out of both sides.
I thought it might be because my headphones are meant to have a mic, so they have that 3-ring jack. However, I also tried this with normal earbuds and I have the same problem.
I got this box because it seemed like the most hightly-recommended for Linux users; however, it looks like there are programs for Mac and Windows that let you play with the outputs, and maybe there's some configuration that I can't access. Anyway, any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
The boom box is playing in stereo. If I plug my headphones into the headphone output of the boom box, I get stereo sound. But if I plug my headphones into the headphone jack of the Scarlett, I only get the left channel, out of both sides.
I thought it might be because my headphones are meant to have a mic, so they have that 3-ring jack. However, I also tried this with normal earbuds and I have the same problem.
I got this box because it seemed like the most hightly-recommended for Linux users; however, it looks like there are programs for Mac and Windows that let you play with the outputs, and maybe there's some configuration that I can't access. Anyway, any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
- KVRAF
- 16889 posts since 8 Mar, 2005 from Utrecht, Holland
Sounds like you just need to push the plug in a little bit deeper. Or a bit less deeper...
That should be compatible, but it's possible the rings don't align as it should. There probably are adapters for such cases.publicradio wrote: Wed Nov 09, 2022 4:48 pm But if I plug my headphones into the headphone jack of the Scarlett, I only get the left channel, out of both sides.
I thought it might be because my headphones are meant to have a mic, so they have that 3-ring jack.
We are the KVR collective. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated. 
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 364 posts since 23 Mar, 2008
Thanks for the reply. I tried pushing it in and out, and this didn't help. My headphones are 1/8 inch jacks, and the outlet is 1/4 inch. I changed out the outlet, tried a couple others, I tried blowing canned air into the outlet, and nothing works. It really seems that the Scarlett is only sending the left output, twice, to the headphone outlet.
- KVRAF
- 16889 posts since 8 Mar, 2005 from Utrecht, Holland
Maybe you need one of these
https://www.amazon.com/YCS-Smartphone-H ... B00MV2PDCA
which surely properly aligns with 1/4" trrs
paired with a regular 1/4" -> 1/8" headphone adapter (you already have that?)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09JZC4P ... V9kZXRhaWw
https://www.amazon.com/YCS-Smartphone-H ... B00MV2PDCA
which surely properly aligns with 1/4" trrs
paired with a regular 1/4" -> 1/8" headphone adapter (you already have that?)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09JZC4P ... V9kZXRhaWw
We are the KVR collective. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated. 
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 364 posts since 23 Mar, 2008
I don't think so, because even when I plug basic earbuds into the jack, ones with no microphone, I have the same problem. So I don't think it's a compatibility issue.
- KVRAF
- 16889 posts since 8 Mar, 2005 from Utrecht, Holland
Standard earbuds are 1/8". You said the headphone jack on the interface is 1/4". So you do use an adapter.
First thing to try then is another 1/4" -> 1/8" adapter.
First thing to try then is another 1/4" -> 1/8" adapter.
We are the KVR collective. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated. 
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 364 posts since 23 Mar, 2008
Hi there, I just wanted to offer an update, in case this comes up for anyone else: this only happens when I suspend the computer, then wake it back up. So the solution is to power cycle the interface after waking a Linux machine from suspension.
