The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Generation is an audio interface used for recording by connecting your instruments and microphone to the computer.
Here, we review the Scarlett 2i2 and help you decide whether this is the audio interface you need.
Contents
Pros
- Very compact and travel-friendly design
- Reliable and go-to preamp manufacturer
- Versatile and flexible audio interface
Cons
- No digital input and output
- Only USB powered
- Can’t record multiple sounds at one time
Key Features
- Type: USB Audio Interface
- Power: USB bus-powered
- Dimensions: 7.68 x 2.09 x 1.32
- Overall Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Computer Connectivity: USB 2.0
- Preamps: 2
- A/D Resolution: 24-bit/ 192kHz
- Inputs: 2 xLR-¼” combo mic, line, Hi-Z
- Outputs: 2 x ¼” TRS
- Headphones: Yes, 1 x ¼”
- USB: 1 Type USB-C
- Software: Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite, Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools First Creative Pack
- Requirement for PC: Windows 7 or later
- Requirement for Mac: macOS 10.12 or later
- Compatible with: iPad Pro, iPad with lightning
3rd Generation Upgrade
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Generation is better than ever.
Focusrite made their Scarlett mic preamps even more impressive, added line inputs, developed further the features and how the interface performs to give you the best-quality recording outputs every time.
Six Interfaces
The Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Generation has six interfaces: Solo, 4i4, 2i2, 8i6, 18i8, and18i20 and 2 types of Studio bundles comprising the 2i2 Studio and Solo Studio.
These interfaces will give you the ability and versatility of recording the vocals, the guitar riffs, your synths, the drum machine, the effects and outboards, and many more in one versatile and compact device.
This audio interface will be everything you need in order to give you high-quality audio throughout your recording session.
Portable and On the Go Recording
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is not just portable and handy, but now they have upgraded the available port to accommodate USB-C ports for iPad Pro.
All you need to record is your Scarlett 2i2, an iPad Pro and an application, no need for a laptop or a PC, especially when inspiration hits you in the middle of the road or when you’re not at home.
Updated Mic Preamp Range
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has excellent 24-bit/192kHz converters and an outstanding high gain mic, low in background noise, and won’t color the original sound sent to the interface from your mic.
This audio interface device has an Air circuit option that makes your sound, both your voice and the guitars, more vivid and cavernous.
It does it because the Air mode follows the boost in the mid-high frequency range; it adds a bit of oomph to your recording, giving it a dreamlike quality and making it sound brighter.
Focusrite’s 30 years of experience in this technology field is evident in the making of the Scarlett 2i2.
Halo Indicators
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 comes with an automatic indicator to let you know when the audio interface and your device signal are conducive to having you start recording.
The audio interface will also tell you when you need to lower your gain and turn from red to amber as the levels are balanced, then it will turn green once the signal is perfect.
This innovation makes it easier for you to know the problem, and no guessing time will be wasted on figuring out what’s wrong.
Easy Start Tool
The Scarlett 2i2 has a QuickStart tool that will make your recording up and running with no wait time.
Who is it for?
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Generation is for young musical artists looking to record their song covers and compositions using an audio interface that will surely bring about superior quality recordings.
It’s also for voice recorder professionals like game streamers, podcasters, YouTubers, and many others; the Air setting in this audio interface will make your voice clearer, especially if you are using an XLR mic and editing using a computer.
Potential Drawbacks
A potential drawback to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Generation is that it can’t record multiple audio or instruments at once.
With the minimum number of input and output jacks, you can only record, say, with one microphone in and a guitar also connected to the audio interface device.
It’s not intended for use with multiple instruments, but this could be a point of consideration for others.
Another drawback is the limited device supported for use without a PC.
It only accommodates iPad Pro users, and maybe in future updates of the product, it would include more.
Conclusion
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Generation audio interface is an affordable and fantastic-looking device encased in a sturdy casing.
The quality of sound and the low noise is remarkable for the price you pay for this product.
It also has two jacks for headphones that are essential for recording.
It’s an affordable, versatile, and great addition to anyone’s recording setup.
FAQs
What is the difference between the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Generation and the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Generation?
The differences between the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Generation and the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Generation are:
The Scarlett 4i4 has 2 additional line inputs than the 2i4.
The 4i4 also has much refined audio specs in terms of preamps and conversion, and the preamps have the added Air feature.
The 4i4 employs Focusrite Control to allow a monitoring amalgam of input signal and DAW playback, but on the 2i4, this is done by way of control on the device itself.
What is the output voltage of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2?
The output voltage level of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is +4 dBu or about 1.23 volts (0 dBu=. 775 volts).
This output voltage is a standard for all professional audio mixers and audio interfaces.
Will the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 help with the hum and hiss in my recordings?
Yes, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 will help with the hiss and hum in your recordings.
The mic preamps included with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 have a very low noise floor, so issues with humming, hissing, and other white noise won’t be expected.
