Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Review

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Hi friend and Welcome!

Before we get into the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…

You’ve come to the right place!

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

Ratings/Price

• Amazon | Check eBay!

  

Specifications

• 2 in / 2 out USB audio interface. What does an audio interface do?
• 96 KHz, 24-bit conversion
• 2 Focusrite microphone preamplifiers
• Red anodized aluminum unibody chassis

Front panel

• 2 line/mic/instrument combination inputs – high quality XLR/¼” TRS Jack Combo. What is XLR?
• 2 Line/Instrument switches
• 2 Gain knobs
• 2 Gain halo signal indicators
• 48V Phantom power switch
• Direct monitor switch
• Large monitor level dial
• USB Connection LED indicator
• Headphone output – ¼” TRS Jack
• Headphone level knob

Back Panel

• 2 balanced monitor outputs – ¼” TRS Jack. TRS vs. TS
• USB 2.0 Port
• Kensington Lock slot

Summary and Backstory

The Scarlett 2i2 is a nice entry-level unit that oozes quality.

I had a really bad experience with the M-Audio Fast Track Pro in the past, and it really soured me on interfaces in general.

I went years without even so much as a thought about one.

Then one day I decided to upgrade my studio and purchase the JBL LSR 305s (after careful and exhaustive deliberation).

I didn’t have an interface, however, and once again it was back to the internet to scour every page I could in hopes of coming to a conclusion.

What was that conclusion?

To find the best and most affordable audio interface.

I didn’t really have a budget other than I didn’t want to fork over my arms and legs. Lol.

I can say without a doubt that the Focusrite 2i2 has met and surpassed all of my expectations.

Is it over-hyped? Yeah, it has gotten a lot of attention over the last couple of years. BUT IT’S AN EXCELLENT PRODUCT.

That’s why it gets all of the buzz and attention. Other people don’t seem to get it. But I know you will after I’m done here.

Value & Ease of Use

The Scarlett 2i2 may be the best value out there in terms of price-to-performance ratio. My initial investment now seems like an afterthought.

It’s a little workhorse machine, a tank disguised as a supermodel, if you will. 😛

Sound

Obviously, the interface itself doesn’t emanate any sound. But paired with a good set of studio monitors, you will hear what it’s capable of. It’s quiet and provides a seamless conversion.

• Related: Beginners Guide: What is a USB DAC?

It’s also a breeze to set up and is almost instantly recognized by your computer.

I use it with my Samson C01 microphone, as well as my Audio Technica AT2020.

There’s a convenient 48V phantom button on the front, which indicates that the mic has received juice.

It turns red and looks pretty slick in the dark.

Aesthetic aside, microphones in general sound really good with this unit, even with the gain set at 50%.

Every mic is different, so experiment with the level until you hit that sweet spot!

My C01 is so old that even at 95% it still doesn’t quite sound loud enough. I’m not really sure if it’s because I’ve had the mic since 2007, or the XLR cable needs replacement (it’s also 10 years old), but I’m willing to bet that the mic is worn out.

Why? Because my newer AT2020 sounds plenty loud with the gain turned up. Who knows. 😛

Build Quality

This is where the Scarlett 2i2 shines (no pun intended). It’s got a nice aesthetic but also sports an efficient and rugged build. It’s heavy enough to keep your mind at ease, but also light enough for portable use.

The buttons and knobs feel pretty solid, and I never got the impression that I purchased a unit made from cheap or poorly designed materials. The volume knob is my favorite. It’s nice and big, and I really do enjoy turning it.

There’s also a headphone jack that supports a 1/4″ adapter. It’s nice and convenient to be able to switch from mixing live on monitors back to headphones for a bit of reference.

So you want to pair it with some studio monitors? All you need is… Well, all you need is love, but for our purposes:

• 2 balanced TRS to XLR cables
• 2 active Studio Monitors.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great value.
• The price-to-performance ratio is remarkable.
• This unit is built to last like Duralast.
• Very quiet and pairs nicely with The JBLs.
• Also pairs well with a variety of affordable microphones.
• Records acoustics very nicely.
• Build quality is solid.
• Flexibility. Combo units enable TS (instrument cable) as well as XLR (microphone, etc.)

Cons

• Static can sometimes be heard when turning up and down the volume. No effect on the sound.

Who this interface benefits?

• Those looking to record guitar.
• Those looking to record vocals.
• Those looking to pair this with a nice set of studio monitors.
• Those looking for exceptional value.
• Those who are new to home recording and need an affordable, reliable solution to their dilemma.

Consensus/Conclusion

I have nothing but good things to say about this puppy.

The build is solid, it looks great in the studio, it’s quiet, and it powers my monitors with no problems.

My computer also recognized it immediately upon hookup, and there hasn’t been one driver issue or malfunction since I purchased it. I record vocals with it beautifully as well.

9/22/17 Update: I was having an issue with it but downloaded the latest driver, and I think it fixed the problem. *Fingers crossed*

In the open, I talked about bad times with the M-Audio Fast Track Pro.

My experience with the Scarlett 2i2 has fortunately been the complete opposite! Highly recommended.

Fast forward to today, and it’s honestly impressive how much Focusrite has improved the Scarlett lineup over the years. What started as a simple, reliable interface has evolved into one of the most feature-rich options in its price range.

The current 4th-generation model now boasts 69dB of gain, Auto Gain, Clip Safe, Air Mode, and an impressive 120dB dynamic range, all while retaining the ease of use and reliability that made the original so popular in the first place.

In other words, if I was impressed with the 1st-generation unit back in 2014, it’s not hard to see why the Scarlett 2i2 remains one of the most recommended audio interfaces on the market today.

Well that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you gained some insight into the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB 2 audio interface! If you have any questions or would like me to clarify something, please Contact me!!

Also, what do you think about this unit? Does it seem like a good value? Let me know as well down below!!

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

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