Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 and Overdrive/Distortion Pedals

Did you reset to default settings? Click on the three little dots upper right. Click on prefernces, then device. Click red box with reset to default settings.

Did you check for updates to the software? If you do update, go to windows and remove the software, and reboot computer. Then, do a clean install of the new software, reboot computer.
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I'm having issues with my Focusrite Scarlet Solo that I'm trying to work out with the Help center. Every time I send them an attachment of a screenshot they claim that it's missing. I'm not going to buy another Focusrite product.

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I don’t think that’s the way to do it. Are you running an amp sim on the computer? If not, you’d need something like a Strymon Iridium, UA amp pedal or some other such amp. I don’t think you can go guitar->pedal->io.

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From GroK:
Yes, you can absolutely use a Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 in a setup with Guitar ? Boss distortion pedal ? Scarlett 18i16. This is a common and straightforward way to record guitar with pedals directly into an audio interface (often called "direct input" or DI recording without an amp).Here's how it works best and why it's compatible:Recommended ConnectionPlug your guitar into the input of your Boss distortion pedal (standard 1/4" TS cable).
Take the output from the Boss pedal and connect it to one of the Scarlett 18i16's front-panel 1/4" inputs (inputs 1–4 are combo jacks that accept 1/4" cables).
On the Scarlett, press the Inst (Instrument/Hi-Z) button for that channel (available on inputs 1 and 2, and often similar behavior on others in the series).

Important note on Inst/Hi-Z mode:Boss distortion pedals (like DS-1, OD-1, MT-2, etc.) output a hotter, lower-impedance signal than a passive guitar pickup — more like line level or "pedal-level" than raw guitar level.
Many users and Focusrite docs explicitly mention connecting guitars "directly and via effects pedals" to the instrument inputs.
In practice, you can leave Inst mode on (Hi-Z ~1MO) — it usually works fine and won't damage anything, though the sound stays brighter/cleaner.
If the signal feels too hot/clippy or you want to tame it, turn Inst off to use the line-level input impedance (typically ~60kO or lower on Scarletts) — this often matches better with pedal outputs and prevents overload.

Practical Tips for Best ResultsStart with the pedal's output level (if it has one) or your guitar volume knob turned down, then adjust the Scarlett's gain knob so peaks hit around -12 to -6 dB in your DAW (avoid constant red/clipping).
Use good shielded 1/4" instrument cables to minimize noise.
If you get unwanted distortion/fuzz/noise beyond what the pedal provides, check gain staging — pedals like Boss distortions can push hot signals, so back off the drive/output if needed.
This setup gives zero latency for the pedal effect (it's analog), and you can monitor through the Scarlett's headphone output or add amp sim plugins in your DAW for a full tone.

This configuration is widely used for home recording, silent practice, or tracking — many guitarists run entire pedalboards straight into Scarlett interfaces (Solo, 2i2, 4i4, 18i16, etc.) exactly this way.