Best
Beginner Audio Interface
-
Overall: Two XLR/Line Inputs And Two Additional Line Inputs
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Best Feature: Two Additional Fixed-Line Inputs For Sending Audio To FX Pedals Or Setting Up A Cue Mix
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Podcast Audio Interface
-
Overall:
Extremely Low Latency Monitoring -
Best Feature: High-Performance Mic Preamps With A Dynamic Range Of Up To 118 DB
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Professional
Audio Interface
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Overall:
Eight-Mic Preamps With Switchable Air Mode -
Best Feature:
High-Headroom Instrument Inputs -
TedScore™:
7/10
Allow me to introduce you to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. This versatile audio interface is your key to unlocking professional sound quality right at home without the hassle. The high-quality AD/DA converters derived from Focusrite’s flagship RedNet interfaces enhance sound clarity and dynamic range, making it suitable for professional studio use.
The Focusrite Scarlett combines advanced technology with user-friendly features like auto gain and precision microphone preamps. It’s not just about capturing sound; it’s about capturing the essence of your performance with studio-grade converters and a complete recording toolkit.
Are you ready to know the seamless world of professional audio recording? Let’s explore how the Scarlett 2i2 can transform your creative projects.
Features and Specifications
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 packs a punch with its advanced technical capabilities, versatile connectivity options, and intuitive built-in software tools. This audio interface is designed to bring professional studio quality into your home or project studio while making it easy to capture great sound.
Technical Specs
The Scarlett 2i2’s technical specifications are impressive. With a gain range of up to 69dB, it ensures you’re getting the best from any microphone. Its dynamic range extends to 120dB, offering clear and detailed sound reproduction. The frequency response is standard, ensuring full-spectrum audio capture with minimal coloration.
Total Harmonic Distortion and noise (THD+N) are kept remarkably low, resulting in clean audio recordings. The air mode is another highlight, adding a subtle harmonic enhancement resembling analog warmth. This interface is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to achieve high-quality results in their audio projects.
Connectivity
The Scarlett 2i2’s connectivity is comprehensive and user-friendly. It features two combination line inputs supporting both XLR and 1/4″ connections. This flexibility allows me to seamlessly record microphones and instruments. The outputs include two balanced line outputs and a dedicated headphone out for precise monitoring.
This generation also embraces modern technology with a USB-C connection, ensuring fast and stable data transfer. With such versatile connectivity options, it’s a breeze to integrate this interface into various setups, whether you’re working with PC, Mac, or even tablets.
Built-In Software Tools
Bundled with Focusrite Control software, the Scarlett 2i2 makes it simple to manage your input settings and routing. I appreciate the auto gain feature, which intelligently sets levels to prevent clipping. The clip-safe feature further ensures clean recordings by automatically adjusting levels.
Additionally, Scarlett 2i2 comes with the Hitmaker Expansion, adding value with Pro Tools Artist and Ableton Live Lite software. These tools, along with a selection of plugins, allow me to explore creative mixing and mastering possibilities. This combination of hardware and software makes for a robust package that meets both beginner and professional needs.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
FEATURES: Comes with two XLR/line inputs and two extra line inputs
- Focusrite Control compatibility provides flexibility for setting up monitor mixes and routing.
- You can use two virtual inputs to record a stereo feed with any hardware input and software playback channels
- Enhanced monitoring features provide improved audio reference
- Audio conversion optimized to deliver top-quality sound consistently
- Does not include any pre-packaged software or plugins
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Recording Experience
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 transforms recording into an efficient and enjoyable endeavor. With its flexibility and robust software suite, it caters to the diverse needs of artists and producers alike.
Versatility for Artists
The Scarlett 2i2 is a gem for artists and producers, offering a dynamic recording experience. As a singer-songwriter, I find its studio tools remarkably supportive. The audio interface provides studio-quality vocals, ensuring my voice sounds rich and clear.
The presets available cater to different genres and styles, making them versatile for various music projects.
Whether you’re recording vocals or instruments, the 2i2 handles it effortlessly. Its compatibility with popular recording software and plugins like Softube and XLN Audio enhances my workflow. It offers reliability and precision, making recording sessions smoother and more enjoyable.
Enhanced Software Suite with Hitmaker Expansion Software Bundle
The Scarlett 2i2 doesn’t stop at just being an audio interface; it comes packed with an impressive software suite.
It comes bundled with all the software you need to kickstart your music production journey, including the Hitmaker Expansion Software Bundle. It includes tools from Native Instruments, Antares, and more. The plugins are intuitive and easy to integrate into any project.
Having access to software like Relab and LANDR adds a new level to my recordings.
I’m particularly impressed with the seamless transition from demo to final mix, aided by these powerful tools. These enhancements allow me to focus more on creativity without worrying about technical hurdles. The software suite truly elevates the recording experience with its depth and range of options.
Other Recommended Models
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (4th Gen)
PERFECT FOR: professional studios and home recording alike
FEATURES: 18-in/20-out USB audio interface with high-quality preamps
OTHER INFO: Includes Focusrite’s Hitmaker Expansion software bundle
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (4th Gen)
- Dual headphone outputs with individual-level controls
- Affordable
- Supports Thunderbolt 3
- Variety of input/output options
- Software can be finicky
- Some users report reliability issues
- No onboard DSP processing
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Focusrite Clarett 8Pre
FEATURES: Extremely low latency monitoring
OTHER INFO: High-performance mic preamps with a dynamic range of up to 118 dB
- High-quality preamps and a wide dynamic range
- Low-latency performance and built-in DSP
- Limited Compatibility
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Final Verdict:
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
As I wrap up my thoughts on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, I’ve been impressed with its capabilities and performance. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is an essential tool for music makers, providing high-quality stereo audio recording capabilities with its hi-Z instrument inputs for guitars and other instruments.
Great Sound: Delivers excellent audio quality for both recording and playback.
Solid Build: Thanks to its compact and robust design, it travels well.
Affordability: Offers significant features at a reasonable price.
Free Software: Included packages make it even more enticing.
Its intuitive interface is perfect for beginners like me while still offering enough sophistication for more experienced users. It’s a breeze to set up and start using right away.
Though the device packs excellent features, some improvements could be made in areas like the consistency of its outputs. This tiny hiccup doesn’t cloud its value.
The Scarlett 2i2 stands out in versatility and convenience, making it an ideal choice for music producers, podcasters, or musicians. It covers all the basics and more without breaking the bank, which I find refreshing in today’s market.
Whether you’re connecting your studio monitors for playback or recording vocals and instruments, the Scarlett 2i2 delivers exceptional sound quality that enhances your creative process. With its user-friendly design, it’s perfect for both beginners and musicians alike!
Don’t go yet…
If you’re looking to elevate your music production setup, check out the article “Best Professional Audio Interface Revealed” for expert insights on choosing the perfect interface to enhance your sound quality!
