About the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (Second Generation)
Make high-quality recordings almost anywhere
Make high-quality recordings almost anywhere
This newly redesigned version of Focusrite's popular Scarlett 2i2 interface is a strong choice for songwriters and musicians who want a simple home recording setup that uses their computer. Its two mic preamps let you hook up a pair of microphones to capture sound, or plug a vocal mic into one input and a guitar or bass into the other. The interface is powered by your computer, and it's compact enough so you can bring it along with a laptop and record wherever and whenever inspiration strikes you. Even if you've never done home recording on your computer before, Focusrite includes helpful intuitive software to get you started quickly.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 gives you easy recording using your Mac or PC.
Faster, better performance
This interface's super-low latency makes it easy to use software effects like vocal reverb or guitar amp simulation in real time. Or, select "Direct Monitor" on the front panel to hear dry input signals with zero latency while you're doing a take. Another major improvement in this second-generation Scarlett interface is a better mic preamp design, which offers more even, precise gain adjustment. Plus, Focusrite has improved the headroom of the direct instrument input to cleanly capture stronger signals, like really high-output electric guitar pickups.
Connections for your recording gear
Two combination inputs on the front panel can accept XLR cables from dynamic or condenser microphones, and 1/4" line-level signals from drum machines and keyboards. For direct connection of an electric guitar or bass, just switch the input into high-Z "instrument" mode. Select phantom power for the mic inputs using the front-panel 48-volt selector. A pair of balanced 1/4" outputs let you connect a pair of studio monitors. Or plug in your favorite headphones — the 2i2's headphone amplifier is powerful enough to drive just about any pair to high volume levels.
An impressive list of bundled software
The Scarlett 2i2 is designed to work flawlessly with all major DAW software, but if you're just getting started, you'll appreciate that this interface comes bundled with Avid Pro Tools® First as well as Ableton Live Lite. You also get newly designed Focusrite Control software for intuitive control of your mixing and monitoring setups. The bundled software package also includes the Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite, Novation's Bass Station Virtual synthesizer, and 2GB of Loopmasters samples.
Product highlights:
- computer audio interface with 2 input and 2 output channels
- 2 newly redesigned Focusrite mic preamps offer low noise, high headroom, and evenly distributed gain
- redesigned direct instrument input signal path offers improved headroom, so it can handle seriously hot electric guitar pickups
- super-low latency lets you record and monitor with software effects in real time
- roundtrip latency as low as 2.74ms
- new, intuitive Focusrite Control software for configuring your mixing and monitoring setups
- bundled software includes Avid Pro Tools First, Ableton Live Lite, Focusrite Red Plug-in Suite, and more
- supports sample rates up to 192kHz
- analog circuitry protects inputs and outputs from common mishaps, like plugging an output into a console with phantom power or shorting a mic input when phantom power is engaged
- sleek, durable metal chassis
- powered by your computer via USB
Connections:
- 2 front-panel XLR/TRS switchable mic/line/instrument inputs for use with microphones, electric guitars and basses, keyboards and drum machines
- two 1/4" balanced analog outputs for connecting powered studio monitors
- 1/4" headphone output
- USB 2.0 port for connection to a computer
General Features:
- 24-bit analog-to-digital/digital-to-analog conversion with sampling rates of 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192kHz
- Direct Monitor switch lets you listen to dry, zero-latency input signals
- illuminated halos around gain knobs indicate signal clipping
- USB cable included
- supported operating systems: Windows® 7 (64-bit), Windows 8.1, and Windows 10; Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) and 10.11 (El Capitan)
- 6-7/8"W x 1-13/16"H x 3-15/16"D
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # Scarlett 2i2 2G
What's in the box:
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (Second Generation) owner's manual
- Two-channel audio interface
- 44" USB cable (Type A USB on one end and Type B USB on other end)
- Important Safety Instructions
Customer reviews for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (Second Generation)
Loading...
Loading reviews...
Average review:
5.0 out of 5 starsThanks for submitting your review
Customer photos
This review was collected as part of a promotion
Pros:
Cons:
More details on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (Second Generation)
Product Research
Features
2nd Generation Overview: The Focusrite Scarlett line of USB audio interfaces is the best selling in the world. The second generation Scarlett products are still housed in a red anodized aluminum chassis, and feature upgrades to make your recordings sound even better. The new interfaces feature super-low latency to let you record and monitor your performance with software effects in real time. Scarlett 2nd Gen products have new metal volume controls, and now operate at sample rates of up to 192 kHz. The new Scarlett mic preamps have more gain structure to let you more accurately set your levels. At the same time, the redesigned instrument inputs have more head room to make it easier to record electric guitar without clipping. The new generation interfaces also have new analog protection circuitry across the inputs and outputs to guard against unwanted power surges.
Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen): The Scarlett 2i2 (2nd gen) is a 2-in/2-out USB recording interface, which allows you to record audio onto a Windows or Macintosh computer. The Scarlett 2i2 is recommended for soloists, songwriters, or stereo recording. It has 2 analog inputs, 2 balanced outputs, and a headphone output with volume control. The 2i2 comes with a USB cable and free software via download.
Mic Preamps: The Scarlet 2i2 2nd gen features two high-quality Focusrite mic preamps with combo connectors that accept either XLR or 1/4" plugs. The rotary input level controls have unique gain "halo" indicators that change color to let you know if you have a good signal (green) or clipping (red). The award-winning Focusrite microphone preamps feature plenty of headroom and 48V phantom power when using condenser microphones.
Line Inputs: The combo connectors can be used to connect line-level devices via XLR or 1/4" plugs. The Scarlett 2i2 (2nd gen) does not have a "Mic/Line" switch because the preamplifier stage is automatically configured for a microphone when you plug an XLR into the input, and for a line or instrument when you connect a 1/4" plug. The line inputs will accept balanced or unbalanced inputs.
Instrument Inputs: The front panel inputs can be used for connecting an instrument, such as a guitar. They will accept TRS (balanced) or TS (unbalanced) plugs. You can set the front panel inputs to Instrument or Line by using the Line/Inst switches on each input.
Direct Monitor: The Scarlett 2i2 (2nd gen) features a Direct Monitor switch on the front panel. This allows you to route the input signals directly to the headphones and main monitor outputs. Although the 2nd generation Scarlett interfaces have super low latency, you may still want to monitor yourself with zero latency, or in "real time." The input signal to your computer is not affected by the Direct Monitor switch setting.
Computer Interface: The Scarlett 2i2 (2nd gen) connects to your Windows or Macintosh computer via a USB 2.0 or 3.0-compliant USB port. The interface is compatible with the following operating systems:
- Windows 7 (64-bit)
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 10
- Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite)
- Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)
Included Software: Focusrite Scarlett interfaces come with Pro Tools/First recording software, which features the main features of Pro Tools 12 in an entry level package. All of the bundled software is available via free download with the code key included in the box. An Internet connection is required for downloading the software. The Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) includes the following software:
- Pro Tools/First
- Focusrite Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite
- Softube Time and Tone bundle
- Ableton Live Lite
- LoopMasters sample library
- Novation Bass station
- 2i2 USB Drivers for Windows
- Multi-language User Guides
Specifications
Supported Sample Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
Inputs: 2 x XLR / 1/4" combo jacks (Mic/Line switch: automatic; Line/Instrument switch: manual)
- Microphone Inputs:
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.1dB)
- Dynamic Range: 106 dB (A-weighted)
- Gain Range: 50dB (-4dB to +46dB)
- THD+N: <0.002% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Noise EIN: -128dBu (A-weighted)
- Maximum Input Level: +4 dBU
- Line Inputs:
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.1dB)
- Dynamic Range: 106 dB (A-weighted)
- THD+N: <0.003% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Gain Range: 50dB (-21dB to +29dB)
- Maximum Input Level: +22 dBu
- Instrument Inputs:
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.1dB)
- Dynamic Range: 106 dB (A-weighted)
- THD+N: <0.002% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
- Gain Range: 50dB (-4dB to +46dB)
- Maximum Input Level: +13dB
Line Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS (balanced)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.2dB)
- Dynamic Range: 107 dB (A-weighted)
- Maximum Output Level (0 dBFS): > +10 dBu
- THD+N: <0.002% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
Headphone Output: 1 x 1/4"
- Dynamic Range: 107 dB (A-weighted)
- Maximum Output Level (0 dBFS): > +10 dBu
- THD+N: <0.002% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
Dimensions: Width 6.89", Height 1.912", Depth 4.26"
Weight: 1 pound 5.2 ounces
Loading...
Loading accessories...
Customer Q&A
Loading...
Loading articles...
Terrific sounding unit and a great software package. Works seamlessly with all DAW platforms that I've tried.
William from Woodland Hls, CA