User Guide

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Version 2

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CONTENTS

Contents

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Listening with speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Recording a phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Hardware features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Recording to a video camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
In the Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Vocaster Hub software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Controlling the microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Controlling your mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Easy Start Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Recording sounds from your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Mac Users: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Example of Loopback usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Windows Users: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Recording Tracks into Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
iPad Users: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Hardware Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
All users: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Top Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Manual Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Audio Setup in your DAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Audio Setup in Hindenburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Performance Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Examples of use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Recording with a microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Copyright and Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Microphone Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Using Auto Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Manual gain adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Microphone Mute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Using Enhance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Listening with headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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OVERVIEW

Overview
Introduction
Welcome to your new Vocaster One Studio Connect Vocaster One to a computer via its Vocaster One is also compatible with Apple
pack. The Vocaster One interface is designed USB-C port and the cable provided. You can iPads with a USB-C port, so you can take
for podcasters, vloggers, voiceover artists, either live-stream audio in real time, or record advantage of the additional portability and
streamers, audiobook creators, and more. You sound for later edit and upload. convenience the tablet format provides.
now have a simple, compact and complete
solution for recording with a microphone Vocaster One also allows two-way connection If you can’t find what you need in this User
or directly from other audio sources. With to a phone, letting you record interviews or Guide, please visit support.focusrite.com,
Vocaster One and the included Vocaster Hub other audio from your phone to your camera which has a Getting Started section, setup
software you can record studio quality audio or computer. You can also record to the guides, and technical support.
with your computer and camera. audio track of a camera in perfect sync with
your video. You can monitor your stream or A video series explaining how to set up and
We’ve designed Vocaster One for users of all recording process on either headphones or use Vocaster One is available from our Get
experience levels. With features such as Auto loudspeakers. Started pages.
Gain and Enhance you can achieve clear and
consistent recordings quickly. The Vocaster One interface and the included
Vocaster Hub control software support both
The Vocaster Hub software is designed with Mac and Windows.
simplicity in mind. It provides easy access for
controlling Vocaster’s settings, and gives you
full control of your show’s mix as you send
it to your choice of recording and streaming
software.

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OVERVIEW

Hardware features
Vocaster One Studio includes a Vocaster One The microphone signal routes to your Vocaster One has outputs for both
audio interface, a Vocaster DM1 dynamic computer’s audio recording software via the headphones and speakers: a front panel ¼’
microphone, Vocaster HP60v headphones and USB-C connection at up to 24-bit resolution, TRS socket for headphones and two rear
access to all the necessary software to get and 48 kHz sample rate. (24-bit/48 kHz is the panel ¼’ TRS sockets for connection
you started as quickly as possible. standard for most podcasts.) to speakers. A set of Vocaster HP60v
professional quality headphones is included
The Vocaster One hardware interface allows If you don’t already have recording software, with your Studio pack.
you to connect a high quality microphone we recommend Hindenburg. This is included
to a computer running macOS or Windows: in the software package available to you free The top panel has knobs for microphone gain
this will let you achieve a much better audio of charge as a Vocaster owner. and listening level. The microphone control is
recording than you would get by using the surrounded by “halo” meters, showing both
microphone built into most laptops or tablets. A 3.5 mm jack socket allows you to connect the microphone signal level and the gain
a phone to Vocaster One: a second, similar setting. Three illuminated buttons mute the
The microphone input accepts a range of socket allows connection to a video camera. microphone, activate the Enhance feature and
microphone models, including both dynamic start the Auto Gain function. There are also
and condenser types. If you are using a The phone connector is a TRRS: TRRS means LEDs to show when phantom power and the
condenser microphone, Vocaster One can you get audio both in and out of the phone, USB connection are active.
provide the phantom power (48V) it needs so you can record audio from the phone,
to work. and the phone can also hear the other audio
sources you are recording to your show.
The Vocaster DM1 dynamic microphone
has been designed specifically for speech
recording, but you can use any microphone of
your choice if you prefer.

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OVERVIEW

In the Box System requirements

Along with your Vocaster One you will find: The easiest way to check your computer’s
operating system (OS) is compatible with
• Vocaster DM1 dynamic microphone, the Vocaster One is to use our Help Centre’s
with microphone clip and 3/8”-to-5/8” compatibility articles.
stand adaptor
As new OS versions become available over
• Vocaster HP60v headphones
time, you can continue to check for further
• Microphone cable, XLR (M-F) compatibility information by searching our
• USB cable, Type ‘A’ to Type ‘C’ Help Centre at support.focusrite.com.

• Getting Started Information (printed on

the inside of box lid)
• Important Safety Information

As a Vocaster One owner, you are also

entitled to a selection of third-party software,
including the Hindenburg DAW (Digital Audio
Workstation) recording application. Go to
focusrite.com/Vocaster to see
what’s available.

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GETTING STARTED

Getting Started
When you connect Vocaster One for the first time, your computer
recognises it in the same way as if it were a USB memory stick.

Easy Start Tool

Getting up and running with your Vocaster One is made easy by our
Easy Start Tool. To use this, connect Vocaster One to your computer
with the USB cable supplied, and power it on by pressing the power
button next to the rear panel USB port.

The following steps show you what will appear on screen: these help
you get set up whether or not you’re new to audio interfaces.

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GETTING STARTED

Mac Users:
On connecting your Vocaster to your Mac you Double-click on the icon or pop-up to open After you submit the form you can either
will see a pop-up and/or a Vocaster icon will the Finder window shown below: follow our step-by-step setup guide, which
appear on the desktop: is tailored to how you want to use Vocaster
One, or go straight to your account and
download Vocaster Hub control software.

When you connect Vocaster One, your

computer should set it as your default audio
Google Chrome pop up device. If this doesn’t happen, go to System
Preferences > Sound, and ensure the input
Double-click the Click Here to Get Started. and output are set to Vocaster One USB.
url icon. This redirects you to the Focusrite
website, where we recommend you register
your Vocaster to access to your included
software package:

Vocaster Easy Start icon

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GETTING STARTED

Windows Users:
On connecting your Vocaster One to your PC, Double-click: This redirects you to the Focusrite website,
this notification will appear: where we recommend you register
Open folder to view files your device:

this opens an Explorer window:

Click on the notification to open the dialogue

box shown below:

After you submit the form you can either

follow our step-by-step setup guide, which
Double-click: is tailored to how you want to use Vocaster
One, or go straight to your account and
Click Here to Get Started download Vocaster Hub control software.

When you connect Vocaster One, your

computer should set it as your default audio
device. If this doesn’t happen, go to Settings
> System > Sound, and set Vocaster One as
the Input and Output Device.

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GETTING STARTED

iPad Users:
NOTE: Before connecting Vocaster One to To make the connections:
your iPad, we recommend you follow the
‘Getting Started’ section above to ensure
your hardware is up to date through 1. Connect one end of the
Vocaster Hub. USB Type-C to C cable (or adaptor) to
your iPad.
To connect your Vocaster One to an 2. Connect the other end of the
iPadOS device you need: USB type-C to your Vocaster One’s USB
port.

• iPad with USB-C port 3. Connect your headphones or monitor

speakers to the Vocaster One.
• USB-C to USB-C cable
(or the included cable and
an Apple USB-A to C adaptor*) Sound from the iPad routes to Vocaster
One’s outputs. You can route the
microphone and other sources connected
*This method may require a separate USB hub to to the inputs of Vocaster One to iOS apps
provide enough power to your Vocaster. that support audio recording.

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GETTING STARTED

All users:
If you have any issues using the Easy Start We recommend you download and install our To allow you to get started if you do not
tool, open the file More Info & FAQs, where Vocaster Hub software application, as this already have a DAW application installed on
you should be able to find answers to unlocks the full potential of the interface. You your computer, Hindenburg is included; this is
your questions. can download Vocaster Hub at any time from available to you once you’ve registered your
downloads.focusrite.com. Vocaster One. If you need help installing this,
NOTE: When you install Vocaster Hub on a please visit our Getting Started pages here,
Windows computer, the driver needed by Audio Setup in your DAW where a video tutorial is available.
Vocaster One installs automatically. Vocaster Vocaster One is compatible with any
Hub and the Vocaster Windows driver are Windows-based Digital Audio Workstation Operating instructions for Hindenburg can
always available to download at any time, (this is the software you use to record and is be found in the application’s Help files, or at
even without registering: see ‘Manual referred to as a ‘DAW’) that supports ASIO hindenburg.com/academy.
Registration’. or WDM, or any Mac-based DAW that uses
Core Audio. After following the Easy Start Please note - your DAW may not
Manual Registration procedure (see page 6), you can start automatically select Vocaster One as its
If you decide to register your Vocaster One using Vocaster One with the DAW of default Input/Output (I/O) device. In this
later you can do so at register. You need to your choice. case, you must manually select Vocaster One/
enter the Unique Product Number (UPN) Focusrite USB ASIO as the driver on your
manually: this number is on the base of the Vocaster One lets you record all the sources DAW’s Audio Setup* page. Please refer to
interface itself, and can also be found on the separately via the USB connection, for mixing your DAW’s documentation (or Help files) if
barcode label on the side of the box. later, but also has a Show Mix input which is a you are unsure where to select the ASIO or
stereo mix from Vocaster Hub software. Core Audio driver.

*Typical names. Terminology may differ slightly

between DAWs

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GETTING STARTED

Audio Setup in Hindenburg

The examples opposite show Tutorial videos explaining how to

the correct configuration on the set up and use Vocaster One with
Hindenburg audio preferences on various DAWs can be found at our
Windows and Mac. There are two Getting Started pages.
set ups, automatic and manual:

Preferences page (Mac version),

Windows automatic setup

and at the Mac automatic setup

Tools > Options > Audio tab

(Windows version).

Mac manual setup

Windows manual setup

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EXAMPLES OF USE

Examples of use
Vocaster One is the ideal audio interface for The microphone input is an XLR socket
live podcasting or voice recording, using a and will work with microphones that have
Mac, PC, or iPad. A typical set of connection an XLR connector: this includes the Vocaster
possibilities is shown below. DM1 dynamic microphone supplied with the
Vocaster One Studio. Although the Vocaster
Recording with a microphone One interface can be used with condenser
This setup shows a typical configuration for and ribbon microphones as well as dynamic
recording from a microphone using software types, we recommend the use of dynamic
on your Mac, PC, or iPad. You can record your microphones for speech recording for these
voice while listening to yourself and any other reasons:
audio via headphones.
• Dynamic microphones are typically less
Apart from the headphone socket, all sensitive than other types, so they will
Vocaster One’s connections are pick up less room noise (typing, mic
on the rear panel. Connect your adjustment etc.) which can ruin the quality
computer or laptop to the USB port of voice recordings.
(marked ) using the USB cable
• To get the best isolation on a voice
supplied. Turn the unit on with the
recording you need to be close to
Power button.
the microphone. You can get close to
dynamic microphones without hearing
lots of “plosives” (popping sounds
made by the lips) and breathing noise,
which more sensitive microphones may
pick up.

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EXAMPLES OF USE

Recording with a microphone (cont)

The Vocaster DM1 microphone supplied Dynamic microphones, such as the Vocaster • Use a mic stand. As the Vocaster DM1
with your Vocaster Studio is a dynamic DM1 included in your Vocaster One Studio, is a dynamic microphone, handling
microphone optimised for voice recording, do not require phantom power. It’s rare, noise is low but a microphone stand
and is suitable for Podcasting, Voice Over, but some microphones can be damaged by is always a good idea. The Vocaster
Audiobook Narration or any other spoken phantom power. We recommend turning off DM1’s clip has a standard 5/8” thread
word application. Connect the Vocaster DM1 phantom power when you use a dynamic and a 3/8” adaptor is included. One
to the Vocaster’s mic input using the included microphone. If you are unsure whether your of these thread sizes will fit almost any
XLR cable. microphone needs phantom power, please microphone stand.
check its documentation.

Microphone Tips
A guide to microphone technique is beyond
the scope of this User Guide but if you
are new to recording with a studio-quality
microphone, you should follow some
guidelines:

• Make sure you have the correct level.

Use Vocaster’s Auto Gain function to
Two types of dynamic microphone get to a useful starting point. It’s not
unusual to turn the gain up high. If
Vocaster One can provide phantom power the level is too low, turn the gain up
(48 volts) at the XLR input if you’re using or move closer, if the level is too high,
a condenser microphone that needs it. To reduce the gain or move slightly further
enable phantom power, push the 48V button from your microphone.
on the rear panel: the 48V LED lights red to Top to bottom:
confirm it’s active. Microphone Clip, thread adaptor, microphone stand

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EXAMPLES OF USE

Microphone Dos and Don’ts (cont)

• Understand the microphone’s pick-up • Experiment with your distance from • Don’t blow into a microphone to test it!
pattern. The Vocaster DM1 is an ‘end the microphone. Speaking close to the Lightly rub or scratch the end instead.
address’ microphone; you need to speak microphone (about the length of a fist)
into the end of the microphone and not the reduces the effect of the room’s acoustics,
• Don’t forget a microphone will pick up any
side. If you point it the wrong way, it will but increases the bass response, so your
other sound source in the room: a clock, air-
sound odd. voice might start to sound a bit boomy.
con, heating, a creaking chair etc.

This can be good for voiceover work but

You might not notice these sounds at the
for a more natural voice sound, move away
time, but the microphone will, and you’ll
from the microphone slightly (15-30 cm).
hear them on the recording.

If the room you’re using doesn’t have

Use Vocaster’s Enhance feature or a High-
great acoustics, the further you are from
Pass Filter (HPF) in your recording software
the microphone, the more aware you’ll
to reduce any unavoidable low-frequency
be of room sound when you listen to the
rumble.
recording. Natural reverberation from a
room is neither good or bad, but often
• Experiment with the angle of the
inappropriate for spoken word recordings.
microphone. Recording with the
microphone pointing directly at you
can work great but if the sound is too
‘breathy’ or you hear plosives, angling the
microphone slightly ‘off-axis’ can reduce
these. (Plosives are the popping sounds you
sometimes hear with the letters like ‘P’ or
‘B’.) Try different angles to see what works
best for you.

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EXAMPLES OF USE

Using Auto Gain Auto Gain didn’t set my input level

Vocaster One’s Auto Gain feature allows Speak into the microphone for ten If the halos flash amber the signal is too
you to get a good recording level seconds, using a normal speaking voice loud or too quiet so Auto Gain couldn’t
without guesswork. you will use for the recording itself. set the correct level and sets it to the
minimum or maximum level.
Press the button to activate Auto The halos acts as a count down timer,
Gain or, if you have Vocaster Hub open starting fully white, then moving If the halos flash red Auto Gain couldn’t
on your computer, by clicking on the towards the bottom. Vocaster Hub also set a usable level. This could be due to
on-screen Auto Gain icon. shows a progress bar. a Mic Level that was too low:

The Auto Gain button will pulse amber. • Test a different microphone or
cable.
• Make sure 48V is on, if you’re
using a condenser microphone.
Vocaster One • Make sure you switch on your
microphone (if it has an on/off
Halo countdown on Vocaster switch).

Vocaster Hub

Vocaster Hub countdown

After ten seconds, Auto Gain sets the

input level for the microphone and
you’re ready to record.

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EXAMPLES OF USE

Manual gain adjustment

On Vocaster One, the large knob marked To set your gain, speak into your microphone
sets the microphone gain, and the level to 48V
as if you were recording, adjust the gain knob
your recording software. until the halo(s) just start to turn amber when
you speak at your loudest. At this point, turn
The gain knob is surrounded by two LED the knob down a bit until you don’t see any
‘halo’ indicators, shaped as arcs. These light amber. If the halos ever turn red, you will
in various colours to show the microphone definitely need to turn the gain knob down:
signal level. red means your recording is likely to distort.
(See diagrams below.)

You can also adjust the gain from Vocaster

Hub by moving the on-screen Mic Level
slider: drag it to the right to increase the gain.

When you’re adjusting the gain by turning

the knob, the left halo changes to white to
show the gain setting. Good Level A bit too high Your recording
will distort

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EXAMPLES OF USE

Microphone Mute Using Enhance

Vocaster One’s microphone channel has a Vocaster One’s Enhance feature optimises the To use Enhance, either press the button or,
mute button, marked . microphone’s audio processing to achieve the if you have Vocaster Hub open, click the on-
best possible recording. screen Enhance icon.

It uses compression to control the level of the

microphone signal, equalisation to help voice
Vocaster One
recordings sound clearer and a high pass filter
Vocaster One
to remove unwanted low frequencies such as
rumbling and microphone handling noise.

Enhance has four presets for you to tailor the

Vocaster Hub
sound to your voice or your intended. You can
Vocaster Hub
select one of the four presets using the drop-
You can press this at any time to turn the
down arrow in Vocaster Hub:
microphone ‘off’: the button lights red and The button lights green when Enhance is on.
the gain halos pulse red while the microphone Press it again to turn Enhance off.
• Clean
is muted.
• Warm
Press the button again to unmute. You can • Bright
also click the button with the same icon on
• Radio
Vocaster Hub. (Broadcasters often refer to
this feature as a ‘cough switch’.)

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EXAMPLES OF USE

Listening with headphones

The Vocaster One Studio includes a set The headphones let you hear what you
of high quality HP60v headphones. They are recording. This is a ‘default’ mix of
are lightweight and durable, and should your microphone and any other audio
prove comfortable to wear for extended sources, such as audio from a phone
periods. The headband is adjustable. or computer playback (the Loopback
channels).
The HP60v headphones are fitted with
a ¼” (6.35 mm) 3-pole (TRS) jack plug. You can adjust the volume of individual
You can connect headphones to the front audio sources using the mixer in Vocaster
panel headphone socket marked to Hub.
hear what you are recording.
You can adjust the volume in the
You can use this headphone output with headphones with the control on Vocaster
other headphones: if they have in a 3.5 One marked
mm TRS jack, use a TRS 3.5 mm-to-¼” : this control does not affect your
jack adaptor. recording level.

The headphone output on Vocaster One The Host level controls both the
may not work correctly with headphones headphones and speaker outputs. When
terminating in a 3.5 mm TRRS connector. you’re using headphones we suggest
muting your monitors in Vocaster Hub.

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EXAMPLES OF USE

Listening with speakers

Use the ¼’ jacks marked Outputs R and L You can also mute the speakers using
to connect speakers. You can connect Vocaster Hub software. Click the speaker
powered monitors or an amplifier to these icon in the top right of Vocaster Hub
outputs. Speaker volume is controlled by software to toggle mute on (red) or off
the same knob used for headphones (black)
volume.

The outputs are balanced ¼’ TRS jack

sockets and provide line level. Small
powered monitors have unbalanced inputs, NOTE: You can create an audio feedback
typically a 3.5 mm jack plug intended for
Connecting to active speakers loop if your speakers are active at the same
direct connection to a computer. Separate time as a microphone! We recommend
power amplifiers are likely to have phono you turn off your speakers while recording
(RCA) sockets. podcasts, and use headphones for
monitoring.

Connecting to passive speakers

via an amplifier

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VOCASTER HUB SOFTWARE

Recording a phone The connector also feeds Vocaster One’s

You can connect a phone to Vocaster One output back to the phone so the person on
to record a conversation, or to record music the phone call can hear the whole podcast
from the phone. mix, but without their own voice. This type
of mix is known as ‘mix-minus’: it ensures the
The rear panel has a phone connector, caller will not hear their voice delayed or with
marked . This is a 3.5 mm TRRS jack socket, echoes.
use a 3.5mm TRRS jack cable to connect
to the phone’s headphone socket, which is The signal level to the phone depends on the
normally a 3.5 mm TRRS socket. setting of the input channel sliders in Vocaster
Hub’s mixer, but is unaffected by the master
A 3.5mm TRS cable will work, but you may output slider. The signal fed to the phone is a
not get two-way communication with your mono version of the stereo mix, because the
phone guest. phone’s input is a mono microphone.

If the phone does not have a 3.5 mm

headphone port, you can use a 3.5 mm TRRS
headphone adaptor.

Vocaster One records audio from a phone in

mono.

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VOCASTER HUB SOFTWARE

Recording to a video camera

If you are working with video, you may want
to record your audio into a video camera.
Vocaster One has a dedicated output
connector for this purpose, the 3.5 mm TRS
jack socket on the rear panel marked .

voice from phone

You can connect this output to the audio/mic
input on your camera using a 3.5mm jack-to-
jack cable.

If your camera input uses a different

connector, use a suitable adaptor cable.
Ensure you select your camera’s external
audio source rather than its internal audio all audio
microphone. to/from is routed
computer to camera

The camera output carries the same mix as

the USB recording output, and what you hear
in your speakers and headphone. You can set
the mix and levels going to the camera using
the sliders in Vocaster Hub’s mixer.

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VOCASTER HUB SOFTWARE

Vocaster Hub software

As part of the Easy Start registration process, If your Vocaster One interface is not When you connect the interface and power
you’ll install Vocaster Hub software on your connected to your computer and powered it on, the icon lights white to confirm
computer. Vocaster Hub gives you access on, you will see a Welcome Page. the interface is communicating with your
to additional Vocaster One features - most computer, and you’ll see Vocaster Hub’s
importantly, it lets you balance your voice Control Page:
against any other audio in your mix.

IMPORTANT: A separate Vocaster Hub

User Guide can be downloaded from the
downloads area of the Focusrite website.
This describes the use of Vocaster Hub
in full detail. The following section of this
User Guide is limited to an overview of the
software’s primary features.

To open Vocaster Hub: After you install

Note the Help Centre or Contact Support
Vocaster Hub on your computer this icon
links. You can always return to this page by
appears in your applications:
turning the interface off. More guidance on If the icon lights red, it shows Vocaster
using Vocaster One, including tutorial videos, One has not been able to communicate with
are available at these links. your computer, and you should check the
cable is plugged in correctly.

Click it to open Vocaster Hub.

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VOCASTER HUB SOFTWARE

Controlling the microphone

The Host Input panel is where you adjust The bar should remain green most of the
Vocaster One’s microphone channel: time, with amber showing only on the loudest
‘peaks’. If it goes red, the gain is set too high.

Below the meter/level display are three

buttons which duplicate those on the
interface top panel:

• Auto Gain – click this to start the

Auto Gain function; speak normally
into the microphone for 10 seconds to
calibrate the gain setting.
• Enhance – click on this to activate
the Enhance feature; the button shows
green. Click again to deactivate.
• Mute – click on this to mute the
The Mic Level display is both a level meter microphone; the button and the level
and a level control. Click and drag the grey display show red when mute is active.
bar to adjust the gain. This control duplicates Click again to unmute.
the rotary gain knob on the interface, and you
can adjust the gain with either control. The
colour bar shows the microphone signal level,
and again, this duplicates the signal level halo
display on the interface.

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VOCASTER HUB SOFTWARE

Controlling your mix

The Mix section of Vocaster Hub allows you to • Host (mono) – this is Vocaster One’s • Loopback 1 and Loopback 2 (stereo)–
balance the audio inputs and computer outputs Host microphone. these control the level of two audio
making up your Show Mix. sources within your computer: these
could be feeds from the internet, pre-
• Aux (mono) – use this when you have recorded files, or other sources. In the
Like the Mic Level control, the ‘sliders’ are
connected a phone to the rear panel image below Loopback 1 is ‘clipping’ so
both meters and level control. The sliders
connector. It adjusts the audio level the source level needs turning down to
affect the headphone/speaker mixes and
being received from the phone. stop the red clip bar appearing.
Show Mix recording but don’t affect the
level of each channel into your software. The
channels of the mixer are (left to right):
• Show Mix (stereo) – this shows and
controls the overall output level of the
mixer.

On the Loopback 1 channel the red part

of the meter is the ‘Clip Indicator’. This
shows you the source is too loud and may
distort in your recording. Loopback is an
exception and may show as clipped often.

Turn down the track’s source, not the

slider in the mixer. If the Show Mix clips,
turn down the tracks in the mixer.

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VOCASTER HUB SOFTWARE

Recording sounds from your computer

Vocaster’s Loopback feature lets you record • Loopback 1 – this input gets its signal
audio sources from within your computer from software with its output set to
(e.g., the audio output from a web browser). Playback 1-2, or software that doesn’t
There are two stereo Loopback sliders support output routing. The software
on the mixer; these use Vocaster One’s you can use with Loopback 1 includes:
‘virtual’ inputs. The virtual inputs don’t have
- Internet browsers
connectors on the interface, but you can
- Music playback software such as
record them in your DAW in the same way as
Spotify or Apple Music.
any other input.
- Video call and conference software.

You can feed each Loopback input from

• Loopback 2 – this input gets its signal
a different software application. Which
from audio software with its output
application you use with each Loopback
routing set to Playback 3-4. You can
input is configured in the application’s output
configure this in the software’s audio
settings. If you’re a Mac User and wish to use
settings, but not all software allows
both Loopback inputs, we recommend you
output routing selection, so please
read this support article.
check your software’s user guide for this
feature. Software with the ability to feed
audio to Loopback 2 includes:
- Other recording or playback software
you’re using.
- VOIP and video conferencing
applications.

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VOCASTER HUB SOFTWARE

Example of Loopback usage Recording Tracks into Software

You might want to use both Loopback inputs
when you’re recording a show but need Depending on which recording software you
independent recordings of other software use, you can pick from up to ten channels to
sounds to mix later. For example, in your record from, to separate tracks.
show, you want to record your conversation
with a guest in a video call in addition to The ten channels you’ll see are:
including a sound or jingle playback from
another audio playback software.

DAW Input Number Vocaster Input Use

Your video call software (e.g., Zoom), routes
its output to Playback 1-2 by default. This 1 Video Call L A mix of all inputs excluding Loopback, this is a mix-minus so a video call
appears as Loopback 1 in the mixer. You Video Call R guest can hear your whole show without hearing (minus) themselves.
2
can then route the output of your playback
3 Show Mix L
software to Playback 3-4, which becomes A stereo mix of all the inputs to record your whole show.
4 Show Mix R
available as Loopback 2.
5 Host Microphone The Host microphone input.

In your recording software you can now have 6 Aux A mono feed from a device connected to the phone input on Vocaster.

separate tracks for recording: 7 Loopback 1 L

Signal from software fed from software playback 1-2.
8 Loopback 1 R
• Loopback 1 appears on your DAW 9 Loopback 2 L
Signal from software fed from software playback 3-4.
channels 7 and 8 10 Loopback 2 R

• Loopback 2 appears on your DAW

channels 9 and 10

For all further details, please refer to

the Vocaster Hub User Guide.

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HARDWARE FEATURES

Hardware Features
Top Panel Indicators
48V

The large rotary control adjusts the gain

An LED which illuminates white when the
for the microphone input.
interface has established communication
with the computer it is connected to, and
The gain control has two ‘halo’ LED arcs.
red if communication fails.
These have several functions.

• In normal operation they confirm

microphone level: green means
normal operation, amber shows the
signal is close to clipping, and red Illuminates red when 48V phantom power
shows digital clipping, which should is active.
always be avoided.

• Following an Auto Gain calibration,

the arcs illuminate either green or red Buttons
to show a successful or unsuccessful
operation (respectively).
Monitor output level control - sets the
• The left-hand arc illuminates white output level at both the front panel
while microphone gain is being Press to start the Auto Gain function: Enhance button. Press to activate/ headphone output and the rear panel
adjusted, to show the current gain speak normally into your microphone for deactivate the Enhance function. LED speaker outputs.
setting 10 seconds to set the microphone gain. illuminates green when Enhance is active.
The LED pulses amber during the process.
• Both arcs pulse red when the
microphone is muted
Microphone mute button. Press to mute
or unmute the microphone channel. LED
illuminates red when muting is active.

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HARDWARE FEATURES

Rear Panel

Press to turn Vocaster One on and off. 3.5 mm TRS jack socket for connecting Vocaster One to Phantom power switch for microphone input – press to
the external audio input of a video camera. enable 48V phantom power at the XLR socket.

USB 3.0 port – Type C connector; connect to your 3.5 mm TRRS jack socket for a wired connection to a XLR socket for connecting a microphone
laptop or computer with the USB cable supplied. compatible phone.
On the front:

Outputs L and R – for connecting to monitor Headphones output socket. Connect your headphones
Kensington security slot – make your Vocaster One
loudspeakers. Two ¼’ TRS jack sockets; electronically here. If your headphones use a 3.5mm jack then you
secure using a Kensington lock.
balanced. Either ¼’ TRS (balanced connection) or TS need to use a 3.5mm to ¼’ jack adaptor.
(unbalanced connection) jack plugs can be used.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications
Performance Specifications
These specifications allow you to compare your Vocaster with other devices and make
sure they’ll work together. If you’re not familiar with these specifications, don’t worry you
don’t need to know this information to use your Vocaster with most devices.

Sample Rate Phone Input Headphone Output

48 kHz Impedance 18KΩ Impedance 5Ω
THD+N (@ -1dBFS) ≤-94dB Maximum Output Level
+6.5dBu
Maximum Input Level +1dBu @ 0dBFS
8.5mW into 270Ω
USB Frequency Response 20Hz - 20KHz +0, -0.5 Maximum Power (mW)
28mW into 33Ω
Version USB 3.0 THD+N -96dB unloaded
Maximum Current 0.8A Frequency Response 20Hz - 20KHz ±0.5dB
Maximum Voltage 5V Phone Output
Maximum Power 4W Impedance 220Ω
Maximum Output Camera Output
-26dBu
Level
Impedance 220Ω
THD+N -73dB
Microphone Input Maximum Output Level -24.5dBu
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20KHz +0dB, -0.5dB
Impedance 3KΩ THD+N
Maximum Input Level +12.5dBu @ minimum gain (Max Output, -1dBFS, -73dB
22Hz - 22kHz)
Gain Range 70dB
Line Outputs Frequency Response 20Hz - 20KHz ±0.2dB
THD+N (@ -1dBFS) ≤-94dB
Frequency Response Impedance 440Ω
20Hz - 20KHz +0, -0.5 dB
(20Hz @ mininum gain) Maximum Output
+14dBu
Level
THD+N ≤-96dB
Frequency Response 20Hz - 2kHz ±0.15dB

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SPECIFICATIONS

Physical And Electrical Characteristics

Other Audio I/O

Camera output 3.5 mm TRS jack on rear panel
Phone input and output 3.5 mm TRRS jack on rear panel
Loopback inputs Two (stereo) via Vocaster Hub

Microphone Input
Connector Balanced, via female XLR on rear panel
Phantom power 48V, rear panel switch

Weight and Dimensions

Weight 348g
Height 50mm
Width 195mm
Depth 113mm

Analogue Outputs
Main outputs Balanced, 2 x ¼’ TRS jacks
Stereo headphone output ¼’ TRS jack on front panel
Output level control
On top panel
(main and headphone)

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SPECIFICATIONS

Vocaster DM1 Microphone Specifications Vocaster HP60v Headphones Specifications

Capsule Performance
Type Dynamic Impedance 32Ω
Polar Pattern Cardioid Sensitivty 98dB ±3dB
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz
Max. power rating 1.2W
Performance
Sensitivity
-53dB ±3dB
(0dB = 1V/Pa at 1kHz) Physical and Electrical Characteristics
Frequency Response 50Hz - 14kHz Type Closed-back
Impedance (@1kHz) 19Ω ±20% Driver Diameter 50mm
Cable length 3m (approx.)
Electrical Characteristics 3.5mm stereo jack, 6.35mm screw-on
Connectors
adaptor
Mounting Standard 5/8”; 3/8” adaptor supplied
Weight 288g (inc. cable)
Net Weight 405g
Diameter 41mm
Body Dimensions
Length 164mm

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TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting Credits
For all troubleshooting queries, please visit Focusrite would like to thank the following
the Focusrite Help Centre at members of the Vocaster team for their hard
support.focusrite.com work to bring you this product.

Adrien Fauconnet, Alex Middleton-Dalby,

Copyright and Legal Notices
Alex Wood, Andre Cerqueira,
Focusrite is a registered trademark and
Vocaster is a trademark of Focusrite Audio Anthony Nicholls, Ben Bates, Ben Cook,
Engineering Limited. Ben Dandy, Bran Searle, Ben Cochrane,
Chris Graves, Dan Weston, Daniel Clarke,
All other trademarks and trade names are the Daniel Hughley, David Marston, Derek Orr,
property of their respective owners.
Ed Fry, Eddie Judd, Emma Davies,
2022 © Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited.
Harry Morley, Ian Hadaway, Jack Cole,
All rights reserved.
Jake Wignall, James Johnson, James Otter,
James Surgenor, Jason Cheung, Jed Fulwell,
Jessica Chambers, Joe Deller,
Kai Van Dongen, Linus Reitmayr,
Luke Matthews, Martin Dewhirst,
Mary Browning, Michail Fragkiadakis,
Mike Richardson, Mukesh Lavingia,
Orla Haigh, Pete Carss, Rob Stevenson,
Ryan Gray, Seraphin Gnehm, Steve Bush,
Stefan Archer, Stratis Sofianos,
Tom Cartwright, Vidur Dahiya,
Vincenzo Di Cosmo and Wade Dawson

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