Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Review: Best audio interface

Posted 2021-07-12 09:39:26

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 best audio interface 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.

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.