With the Focusrite.... be sure you are using ASIO drivers... then set it up for the lowest latency you can.

I would try the ZERO LATENCY setting for recording audio.

It might take a few adjustments to get latency and buffer size correct. Of course, start with the default settings because they may actually be right and work well for you.

There's always a trade off between low latency and getting playback smooth. You're looking for the happy place in the sun where latency is low enough that it's not noticeable and playback is perfect.

In the end.. the only thing that matters is that it works smoothly and doesn't present itself as an obstacle to your workflow.

I believe the default settings worked well for me.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.