Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Generation)

Features
Software
Specifications

Features

Overview: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a 2 input/2 output audio interface that's part of the Third Generation of Scarlett series professional computer audio interfaces. It features 2 XLR combo inputs, with Scarlett mic preamps, that can also accept instrument-level signals, along with 2 rear-panel line outputs. The Scarlett 2i2 audio interface includes a plethora of recording software, sounds, and plug-ins to quickly get you started making music.

24-Bit/192kHz DAC: The Scarlett 2i2 employs a high-definition 24-bit/192kHz analog-to-digital converter for exceptional sound quality and recording with up to 111 dB dynamic range. The default sample rate of the 2i2 is 48kHz.

Scarlett Preamps: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is equipped with Focusrite's 3rd generation of microphone preamplifiers for use with all types of microphones. The net result of the Scarlett preamp design is high headroom, low noise, wide dynamic range, extended frequency response, and most importantly, musicality and transparency, with smooth highs, solid deep lows, and everything in between.

• Air: Focusrite's latest 3rd gen Scarlett mic preamps feature Air circuitry, derived from Focusrite's legendary ISA preamps. Activating Air can make guitars and vocals sound instantly brighter and more spacious, with a lustrous sheen that can make a real difference in your mix.

Focusrite Control: All setup and configuration of the Scarlett 2i2 is done through the Focusrite Control software, available for Windows and Mac, found here. The Focusrite Control 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.

Audio Inputs & Outputs: The Scarlett 2i2 includes two front-panel inputs along with 2 rear panel outputs.

• Front Microphone/Instrument/Line Inputs: Input channels 1 & 2 feature balanced XLR/1/4" combo jacks that can accept either microphone-, line-, or instrument-level signals. Preamp gain is automatically set to Mic or Line depending on whether an XLR or 1/4" plug is inserted into the combo jack. A front-panel switch allows selection of Instrument or Line. Instrument can also be selected from the Input Settings menu in the Focusrite Control software.
• Rear Line Outputs:
  • Line 1 & 2: Two 1/4" outputs, accepting either balanced TRS or unbalanced TS connectors. The audio level from these outputs can be adjusted with the front-panel Monitor control, with a maximum output level of +10dBu.
• Headphone: One 1/4" stereo headphone output is provided, with corresponding level control.

USB 2.0 Port: The rear-panel USB port (type-C, 2.0) provides the connection to your computer using the included USB cable. The interface is bus-powered via this connection and does not require an external power supply.

Controls: The Focusrite 2i2 provides the following front-panel controls.

• Monitor: The Monitor knob adjusts the audio output level from Outputs 1 & 2 on the rear panel.
• Gain 1 & 2: These 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)
• Phones: The Phones knob controls the volume of the headphone output on the front of the unit.
• 48V: This activates +48V phantom power to both XLR/1/4" combo jacks.
• INST (x2): Switches the corresponding input between Line and Instrument, changing both the gain and input impedance for each. INST can also be selected from the Focusrite Control software.
• Air (x2): These two switches, one for each input, can be used to activate the AIR feature for that input. AIR modifies the frequency response of the input stage to model the classic, transformer-based Focusrite ISA microphone preamps. This setting can also be selected from the Focusrite Control software.
• Direct Monitor: This switch determines how input sources are monitored, stepping between 3 Direct Monitoring modes: Off, Mono, and Stereo. When set to Off, input monitoring is done via the DAW; in Mono or Stereo, monitoring is taken directly from the preamp inputs, eliminating and latency effect. Symbols for Mono and Stereo will light green to indicate either mode.

Software

Included 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. This software package includes:

Included 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. This software package includes:

• 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
• Hitmaker Expansion: Features exclusive content from legendary Auto-Tune creators Antares, as well as Brainworx, Softube, XLN Audio, Relab, and more.
• Focusrite Plugin Collective: This lets you receive free versions of the most innovative software as well as discounts.
• Splice Sounds: A three month subscription to Splice Sounds gives you access to millions of high-quality, royalty-free sounds and loops.

OS Requirements: Below are the minimum operating system requirements for the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface

• Windows 7, 8, and 10
• Mac® OS X 10.12 Sierra, 10.13 High Sierra, 10.14 Mojave, 10.15 Catalina, 11 Big Sur

Specifications

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

Inputs:

• Front: 2 x XLR / 1/4" combo jacks (balanced, Mic/Line/Instrument)
• Microphone Inputs 1 & 2:
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.1dB)
  • Dynamic Range: 111 dB (A-weighted)
  • Gain Range: 56dB
  • THD+N: <0.0012% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
  • Noise EIN: -128dBu (A-weighted)
  • Maximum Input Level: +9 dBu
  • Input Impedance: 3kO
• Line Inputs 1 & 2:
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.1dB)
  • Dynamic Range: 110.5 dB (A-weighted)
  • THD+N: <0.002% (minimum gain, -1 dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
  • Gain Range: 56dB
  • Maximum Input Level: +22 dBu
  • Input Impedance: 60kO
• Instrument Inputs 1 & 2:
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.1dB)
  • Dynamic Range: 110 dB (A-weighted)
  • THD+N:  <0.003% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
  • Gain Range: 56dB
  • Maximum Input Level: +12.5dBu
  • Input Impedance: 1.5MO

Line Outputs:

• Type: 2 x 1/4" TRS (balanced)
• Dynamic Range: 108.5 dB (A-weighted)
• Maximum Output Level (0 dBFS): +15.5 dBu (balanced)
• THD+N: <0.002% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Output Impedance: 430O

Headphone Output:

• Type: 1 x 1/4" stereo
• Dynamic Range: 104 dB (A-weighted)
• Maximum Output Level: 7 dBu
• THD+N: <0.002% (measured at +6dBu with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Output Impedance: <1O

Other I/O:

• USB: 1 x USB Type-C, 2.0

Dimensions: Width = 6.875", Height = 1.875", Depth = 6.0"

Weight: 1.04 lbs.