Since the existing soundcard on your computer is likely not enough to handle what you’re trying to do if you are a recording musician or running podcast, and you are looking for a way to connect your microphones and equipment to a PC or Mac, a USB audio interface provides a variety of inputs and outputs for all of your equipment. In this Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 review, I compare the Focusrite to three other high-quality audio interfaces to see what makes it stand out and to help you decide on the best addition for your digital audio workstation (DAW).
What Is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface?
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a high-quality USB audio interface with an array of inputs and outputs to connect microphones, headphones, and equipment. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface is intuitive and easy to use. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has an excellent sound quality and powerful preamps for a good signal.
But What Is an Audio Interface?
Okay, so you must be new to music production and/or live music. Welcome ?
An audio interface is basically an external sound card. Your computer’s stock sound card just isn’t really made for what you’re about to be doing with it.
Plug your audio interface in via USB, and bam, you have multiple Microphone and Instrument inputs, with built in Microphone pre-amps—not to mention so much more control over your output (studio monitors, speakers, etc.).
An Audio Interface really is one of the first pieces of equipment you’ll need (after a computer, of course). And in this article, I’m going to share my review of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2—a great product from a great company.
I’ve been using Scarlett interfaces for years now (I upgraded to the 18i8 about 4 or 5 years ago).
Scarlett interfaces summed up in a few words: Simple. Reliable. Affordable. Not to mention, they come with quite a few bonuses upon registration. Well, without further ado, let’s get into it.
A Closer Look: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
As I mentioned earlier, this interface is pretty easy to use. Simply plug and play. And maybe if you’re on a PC and it doesn’t seem to be picking it up right off the bat, see about installing a driver. Poof, done.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is an excellent way to connect a simple studio (1-2 microphones or instruments) to your PC or Mac.
Inputs, Outputs, & Features
When it Comes to Inputs (front), you can plug in:
- 1 Microphone
- 2 Microphones
- 1 Microphone and a guitar
- 1 Microphone and a synth
- 1 guitar and 1 synth
- 2 guitars
- 2 synths
- And any number of combinations of 2
- And lastly, while it’s not an input, the headphone jack is conveniently placed on the front
Don’t forget to hit that 48v button if you’re hooking up condenser mics!
Hit the “Air” button to add a brightness to your recording. This is a great tool for recording vocals.
Pro Tip: In order to use 48v phantom power, you must connect via XLR (not 1/4″ cable). And to answer your next question, YES, those are combo plugs on the front—you can plug in XLR or 1/4″ TRS cable.
When it Comes to the Outputs (on the back), You Can Plugin:
- Connect your Scarlett interface to a Kensington Security Lock to prevent it from being stolen (See the K lock on the back)
- Connect your computer (via that USB output right there)
- 2 Studio monitors via the right and left outputs
- Or use those to connect your output to another mixer
- Or use them to connect it to a stereo system
- Or again, use them wherever else you want the sound to go
(but I recommend keeping it simple with 2 studio monitors)
Product Specs
The Scarlett 2i2 is made by Focusrite: a company with over 25 years in audio equipment experience.
Microphone Preamps (48v Phantom Power)
The audio interface uses the same preamp design as their flagship Sapphire pro 40 interfaces.
Portability
This interface is one of the most portable and durable interfaces on the market—giving you the ability to place the unit in a laptop backpack or luggage without worrying about damage thanks to the metal case. At most, be careful about scratches to the red finish.
Miscellaneous
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is an affordable USB interface that is portable and lightweight. The interface makes it easy to monitor the equipment that is plugged in with illuminated gain knobs, so you know whether you are adjusting your phantom power condenser microphone or electric guitar.
Included Software…This is a Big One:
Once you get your Focusrite 2i2, you can register it on the Focusrite website and download the Pro Tools|First Focusrite Creative Pack, which adds 12 powerful plug-ins, all taken from the acclaimed Avid® Eleven Rack.
- BBD Delay: Create delay, chorus, and vibrato effects based on the Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man
- Black Op Distortion: Add rich distortion based on the Pro Co Rat pedal
- Black Shiny Wah: Achieve the famous classic tones of the VOX V846 pedal
- Black Spring Reverb: Get the twang and space of the blackface-era Fender Spring Reverb units
- C1 Chorus: Get the unmistakable sounds of the Boss CE-1 Chorus with this emulator
- DC Distortion: Dial up a range of overdriven tones with this Avid custom distortion effect
- Eleven Lite: Get the sound of popular guitar amps and speaker cabinets
- Flanger: Create unique sounds with this homage to vintage and modern flangers
- Graphic EQ: Sculpt frequencies with ease
- Gray Compressor: Add warmth to tracks based on the gray-colored Ross compressor
- Green JRC Overdrive: Get the coveted sounds of the Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer
- In-Tune: Keep your instruments in tune with this digital tuner
- Orange Phaser: Create interesting effects with this phase shifter based on the MXR Phase 90*
- Roto Speaker: Re-create the sounds of a Leslie* rotary speaker cabinet
- Sci-Fi: Add analog synth-type ring and frequency modulation
- Studio Reverb: Create natural-sounding reverb and ambient effects
- Tape Echo: Add vintage analog delay and chorus effects
- Tri Knob Fuzz: Get the Hendrix tone with this fuzz box based on the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi
- Vari-Fi : Create the effect of audio changing tape speed
- Vibe Phaser: Add phase-shift and rotary speaker effects based on the Univox Uni-Vibe*
- White Boost: Boost gain without coloring tone with this homage to the Xotic RC Booster
In addition to all of those plugins, you’ll also receive:
- Ableton Live Lite
- Softube Time and Tone Bundle
- Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite
- A 3-month Splice subscription
- Your choice of one free XLN Addictive Keys Virtual Instrument
Ease of Use [5 Stars]
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has a simple and intuitive interface with high visibility clipping lights. The gain controls or gain knobs and lights make it easy to monitor instruments plugged into the interface.
Features [5 Stars]
As I already mentioned, the 2i2 comes bundled with a plethora of great software, including DAWs, VSTs, and effects. In case you missed, them, check them out here.
The interface is powered by USB, which can be great for saving space without requiring an AC adapter. There are two Combo XLR/TRS inputs, two TRS outputs (left and right), and a headphone output right on the front.
It also features a headphone output, or headphone jack. It has two TRS line outputs altogether.
Sound Quality [5 Stars]
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has great sound quality and allows for hi-resolution audio (24 bit, 192Khz) with the flagship Focusrite preamps—the best microphone preamps the Scarlett models have ever seen.
In short, this product is a great way to ensure the avid sound producer is getting quality recordings into the recording software on the computer.
Compatibility [5 Stars]
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is compatible with Windows 7 and up and MacOS. The interface is now even compatible with USB-C supporting iPads.
Portability [5 Stars]
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 fits in any luggage or laptop bag easily. The unit is lightweight and is made of durable metal, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking easily.
MIDI I/O Support [3 Stars]
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has no MIDI connections. If you’re interested in more inputs and outputs, including both MIDI and Audio, consider upgrading to the Scarlett 18.8.
Pros
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Compact and powered by USB
- The best preamps the Scarlett range has ever seen
Cons
- No MIDI connections
Price: $$
But—How’s it Hold Up Against the Competition?
I picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare:
- PreSonus AudioBox iTwo
- Apogee ELEMENT 46 Thunderbolt Audio Interface
- Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6
PreSonus AudioBox iTwo
The PreSonus AudioBox iTwo is an easy to use and portable USB interface with MIDI connectors for all of your older devices. The iTwo has support for Windows, Mac, and iPad. PreSonus has two apps specifically for iPad with a robust array of virtual instruments, effects, and samples.
Ease of Use [4 Stars]
The gain knobs on the PreSonus AudioBox iTwo are easy to adjust and clearly labeled.
Features [5 Stars]
The PreSonus AudioBox iTwo software includes 6GB of sampling sounds, 27 native effects, and 4 virtual instruments.
Sound Quality [4 Stars]
The Presonus AudioBox iTwo’s class A preamplifiers provide a high signal quality. The iTwo’s interface has a 24-bit resolution and a 96kHz sampling rate to provide high-quality sound.
Compatibility [5 Stars]
The PreSonus AudioBox iTwo is compatible with Mac, Windows, and iPad. PreSonus offers two apps made specifically for use with an iPad.
Portability [5 Stars]
The Presonus AudioBox iTwo is lightweight and portable at under 2 pounds.
MIDI I/O Support [4 Stars]
The Presonus AudioBox iTwo has a five-pin input and output for MIDI connections.
Pros
- Compatibility with iPad, Mac, and Windows
- MIDI input and output
- Excellent software for use with iPad
Cons
- The interface is not as intuitive as competitors’ audio interfaces
Price: $$
Apogee ELEMENT 46 Thunderbolt Audio Interface
The Apogee ELEMENT 46 is a high-end audio interface and provides the best quality input for Apple iOS and Mac devices. The interface uses Thunderbolt for a low latency signal and delivers a 96kHz sampling rate.
The Element Control software uses a graphical display and provides templates and a range of customization. The Apogee ELEMENT 46 can support a large number of microphones and equipment with 12 line inputs and 14 line outputs.
Ease of Use [5 Stars]
The Apogee ELEMENT 46 is easy to use and set up. When you register the interface with Apogee’s website, they automatically provide the correct software. The Element Control software has visual elements and templates to get started.
Features [5 Stars]
Thunderbolt audio gives the Apogee ELEMENT 46 excellent connectivity to Apple devices. The Element Control software is easy to use and offers a range of functions.
Sound Quality [5 Stars]
The Apogee ELEMENT 46 has unrivaled sound quality with four world-class line-in preamps. Thunderbolt provides the lowest latency at 1.41Ms, and the sampling rate is 96kHz.
Compatibility [3 Stars]
The Apogee ELEMENT 46 is only compatible with Apple products. The Element Control software is made specifically for Mac and iOS. Although Thunderbolt is currently the fastest connection available
Portability [3 Stars]
The Apogee ELEMENT 46 is a bit heavy, but it has a large number of inputs and outputs.
MIDI I/O Support [3 Stars]
The Apogee ELEMENT 46 has no MIDI I/O support. Instead, it has an array of combi, balanced, and optical input and output ports.
Pros
- Thunderbolt connection
- 12 inputs and 14 outputs
- Four line-in preamps
Cons
- High price point
- No Windows compatibility
Price: $$$
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 mk2
The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 is a high-quality USB audio interface with MIDI input and output ports for use with older equipment.
The Komplete software provides a large library of virtual instruments, effects, and samples. One of the most impressive features is the ease-of-use; the Komplete 6 mk2 has well-labeled monitor lights on top of the unit and an intuitive interface.
Ease of Use [5 Stars]
The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 mk2 has an intuitive interface with easy to use knobs and clipping lights. The monitor lights are positioned on top of the unit with labels, making them easier to see.
Features [5 Stars]
The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 mk2 includes Komplete software with 1000 studio-quality sounds, 3GB of samples, and a library of instruments to choose from.
Sound Quality [4 Stars]
The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 mk2 has powerful preamps for a good signal and provides low-latency performance for excellent sound quality.
Compatibility [5 Stars]
The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 mk2 is compatible with Windows, Mac, and iPad. There is no official software for iPad, but it works well with third-party software.
Portability [5 Stars]
The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 mk2 is portable and fairly lightweight at only two pounds.
MIDI I/O Support [5 Stars]
The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 mk2 has a five-pin MIDI input and output to support older equipment.
Pros
- Monitor lights on top
- MIDI I/O support
- Komplete software loaded with features
Cons
- Heavier than similar competitors
Price: $$
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Review | The Verdict
In this Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 review, I gave the 2i2 USB audio interface a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is an affordable USB audio interface that has high-quality preamps and is very useful in terms of portability.
The 2i2 runs on USB power, so you don’t need to find an additional outlet or carry a bulky AC adapter. The unit itself is light at just under two pounds and has a sturdy metal unibody case that can handle some rough travel. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is perfect for travel in a laptop bag or luggage.
If the performance of this interface wasn’t enough, don’t forget about the included plethora of included software.
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If You Need More Inputs, Outputs, and MIDI: the Focusrite Scarlet 18i8
If you want the same quality preamps, the same durability, portability, and all of the great features that I love about the 2i2—simply consider upgrading to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8.
The 18i8 has 4 XLR/TRS inputs on the front, with 4 state-of-the-art mic preamps. In addition, it has 4 TRS inputs, 4 TRS outputs, 1 S/PDIF digital output, 1 S/PDIF digital input, 1 optical input, and has the ability to connect to ADAT and expand the number of ins, outs, and preamps. Oh…and 2 headphone jacks! 🙂
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