Features
Software
Specifications

Features

Overview: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a 2 input/2 output audio interface that's part of the 4th Generation of Scarlett series professional computer audio interfaces. It features two balanced XLR inputs, with Focusrite's 4th gen mic preamps, and two 1/4" line-/instrument-level inputs. Two 1/4" jacks provide the line output. The Scarlett 2i2 audio interface also includes a plethora of recording software, sounds, and plug-ins to quickly get you started making music.

192kHz/24-Bit DAC: The Scarlett 2i2 employs 192kHz/24-bit analog-to-digital converters from Focusrite's flagship RedNet interface series, providing exceptional sound quality and a wide 120 dB dynamic range. The default sample rate of the 2i2 is 48 kHz with options in the Focusrite Control 2 software for 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz sampling rates.

Scarlett Preamps: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is equipped with Focusrite's 4th generation microphone preamplifiers with a huge 69 dB gain range, for best performance with all types of microphones. The net result of the new preamp design is high headroom, low noise, wide dynamic range, and extended frequency response. Two Air Mode settings are available for the Scarlett's preamps; Air Presence and Air Presence and Harmonic Drive.

• Air Presence: Air Presence mode boosts the signal's high-end, for intimate vocals and detailed instruments, bringing the sound to the front of the mix.
• Air Presence and Harmonic Drive: This setting boosts the mid-range harmonics in your sound, adding more "punch" to your vocals or guitars.

Focusrite Control 2: All setup and configuration of the Scarlett 2i2 is made through the Focusrite Control 2 software, available for Windows and Mac. The Focusrite Control 2 software allows detailed routing of all inputs and outputs with adjustable level controls for each. Many of the front-panel controls can also be selected for adjustment and offer more detailed options in the software than is available from the front panel.

Preamp Linking: The Scarlett 2i2 lets you link two preamps together for simultaneous control of both inputs with one set of controls. This is useful for recording in stereo from a pair of microphones or a stereo synthesizer or keyboard.

Loopback: The Loopback feature lets you capture computer audio and record it into your recording software on separate channels alongside any connected instrumets or microphones. Loopback works by "looping back" audio outputs from your computer to virtual input channels within the Scarlett 2i2. The front-panel 1/4" jacks (Channels 3 & 4) are used for the instrument inputs during Loopback recording.

Clip Safe: The Scarlett 2i2 features Clip Safe mode. When activated by the Safe button on the front panel, Clip Safe monitors the signal level up to 96,000 times a second and will automatically adjust the gain if the signal gets close to the clipping point, protecting the audio from distortion.

Auto Gain: An Auto Gain feature on the Scarlett interface lets you play your input signals for 10 seconds and will automatically adjust the input gain for the best sound quality. Gain levels can still be manually adjusted if needed.

Stand-Alone Mode: The Scarlett 2i2 can be used in Standalone mode, allowing the interface to pass audio when it's not connected to a computer. This can be used to increase the number of preamps on another interface or mixer, or to use your studio setup without having your computer powered on.

Audio Inputs & Outputs:

• Input Channels 1&2: Input channels 1&2 are comprised of two balanced XLR connectors, that can accept microphone-level signals, and two 1/4" jacks that can accept unbalanced (TS) or balanced mono (TRS) connectors, for either line-level or instrument-level (Hi-Z) signals. Connecting cables to the 1/4" inputs will disable the XLR inputs. An Inst switch on the front panel is used to switch between line-level and instrument-level connections.
• Outputs: Two 1/4" Output jacks can be used with unbalanced (TS) or balanced (TRS) cables for the connection to your mixer or amplifier.
• Headphones: A front-panel 1/4" stereo headphone output is provided, with corresponding level control.

USB-C Port: A rear-panel USB-C port provides the connection to your computer using the included USB cable. The audio interface is bus-powered via this connection and does not require an external power supply.

Controls:

• Output: A rotary dial adjusts the overall audio output level from Outputs 1&2.
• Gain 1 & 2: Two rotary dials adjust the preamp gain for audio signals on Inputs 1&2 respectively. Both controls have concentric tri-colored LED rings to confirm signal level:
  • Green: Signal level is at least -24dBFS (i.e., signal is present)
  • Amber: The ring turns amber at -6dBFS, indicating the signal is close to clipping.
  • Red: Lights when the signal hits 0 dBFS (digital clipping)
• Headphone Level: A rotary knob controls the volume of the headphone output.
• 48V: Activates +48V phantom power to both XLR input jacks.
• INST: Switches both 1/4" inputs between Line and Instrument (Hi-Z), changing both the gain and input impedance for each. This setting can also be selected from the Focusrite Control software.
• Air: A push-button lets you switch between Air Presence, Air Presence and Drive, and Off. This setting can also be selected from the Focusrite Control software.
• Select: Pressing the Select button is used to cycle through the inputs with the currently-selected channel number lighting Green.
• Safe: Turns the Clip Safe feature On/Off.
• Auto: Turns the Auto Gain feature On/Off.
• Direct: A Direct Monitor button lets you hear the signals coming into the interface inputs without them going through your computer, letting you monitor the signals without any latency or added effects. Options include monitoring in Stereo or Mono, or Off.

Software

Software Bundle: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 comes with a powerful software bundle that provides everything you need to record, mix, and master your next project. The 2i2 is compatible with any ASIO-supported DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) on Windows or any Core Audio-supported DAW on macOS.

• Ableton Live Lite: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 includes Ableton Live Lite, the industry-leading music-making software. Key features include: up to 16 audio and MIDI tracks, 4 software instruments, over 1500 sounds (5+ GB), 21 Audio effects, 8 MIDI effects, VST2, VST3 and Audio Unit support.
• Pro Tools Intro+: Pro Tools Intro+ is a specially designed version of Pro Tools developed for select Focusrite audio interfaces. It includes the essential audio and MIDI tools you need for any kind of music production, plus a large selection of over 80 effects and instrument plugins, many that aren't included with the regular version of Pro Tools.
• FL Studio Producer Edition: FL Studio's Producer Edition DAW is designed for advanced music production, including audio recording and Stem Seperation. Includes over 94 instruments and effects, lifetime free updates, and includes one month of FL Cloud for free (paid subscription required after initial trial period).
• Hitmaker Expansion: Features exclusive content from legendary Auto-Tune creators Antares, as well as Relab, Sonnox, Native Instruments, and more.
• Focusrite Plugins: Includes Bx_console Focusrite SC and Red 2 & 3 Plug-in suite.

Specifications

Supported Sample Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz

Bit Depth: 24-bit

Inputs:

• Microphone Inputs 1&2:
  • Signal Type: Balanced/unbalanced microphone-level
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.06 dB)
  • Dynamic Range: 116 dB (A-weighted)
  • Gain Range: 69 dB
  • THD+N: -100 dB (-1dBFS input @ 8 dB of gain)
  • Noise EIN: -127 dBu (A-weighted)
  • Maximum Input Level (at minimum gain): 16 dBu
  • Input Impedance: 3 kΩ
• Line Inputs 1&2:
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.05 dB)
  • Dynamic Range: 115.5 dB (A-weighted)
  • THD+N: -100 dB (-1 dBFS @ 8 dB of gain)
  • Gain Range: 69 dB
  • Maximum Input Level: +22 dBu
  • Input Impedance: 60 kΩ
• Instrument Inputs 1&2 (Hi-Z):
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.15 dB)
  • Dynamic Range: 113 dB (A-weighted)
  • THD+N:  -80 dB (-1dBFS @ 8 dB of gain)
  • Gain Range: 62 dB
  • Maximum Input Level: 12 dBu
  • Input Impedance: 1.0 MΩ

Line Outputs 1&2:

• Type: (2) 1/4" balanced/unbalanced
• Dynamic Range: 120 dB (A-weighted)
• Maximum Output Level: 16 dBu
• THD+N: -109 dB
• Output Impedance: 100 Ω

Headphone Output:

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (± 0.1 dB @ 33 Ω / 300 Ω)
• Dynamic Range:
  • @33Ω: 112 dB
  • @300Ω: 115 dB
• Maximum Output Level:
  • @33Ω: 2.5 dB
  • @300Ω: 10 dB
• Maximum Output Power:
  • @33Ω: 32 mW
  • @300Ω: 22 mW
• THD+N:
  • @33Ω: -99 dB
  • @300Ω: -108 dB
• Output Impedance: 50 Ω

Other I/O:

• USB: (1) USB-C

Dimensions: Width = 7.087", Height = 1.862", Depth = 6.010"

Weight: 1.31 lbs.