Three years ago, Focusrite released the second generation of Scarlett, propelling the company to leadership in home audio recording by maintaining top sales with these interfaces. Since its inception, the company has prioritized attention to detail and responsiveness to market demands. Therefore, the company promptly decided to launch a new series, ensuring they didn’t overlook customer preferences.
Personally, I regularly come across a line of these devices. I propose to talk about the compact Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio, which is available today in the third generation of devices. In the future, I think I will prepare reviews of senior products of the updated series.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Pros: stylish appearance, ease of connection, universally high sound quality, high quality components
Cons: sound distortion when recording at very high volume
Basic information and appearance
The Scarlett 2i2 Studio by Focusrite is a great choice for songwriters, podcasters, bloggers, and beginners in music production. The latest version now supports higher-quality audio settings with less delay, making your recordings sound even better.
The device is red with a black front. The main volume control for the monitor is silver, and there’s another control for headphones nearby. On the front, there are two input jacks with phantom power. These jacks work for both microphones and instruments. On the back, there’s only a mini-USB port and two line outputs for monitors. The sound card is made of aluminum, giving it a cool look.
I will clarify again the specifics of the functional elements on the case now in the review. The FOCUSRITE SCARLETT 2i2 3rd Gen has on the front panel gain controls, INST / AIR / 48V / Direct Monitor buttons, a headphone volume control, and a general volume knob. The FOCUSRITE SCARLETT 2i2 3rd Gen features two combined XLR / TRS inputs, a headphone output, a pair of TRS outputs for the studio monitors, and a USB-C port to facilitate switching capabilities.
In summary, the quality of materials and workmanship is high, especially considering the affordable price. Ports, buttons, and controls in all models are made in good faith, and the interfaces themselves are packed in durable metal cases with plastic panels. The third generation holds the brand and in quality does not lag behind its predecessors.
Sound and features
The audio interfaces are notable for their low noise figure and compatibility with a large gain. The company has been making microphone preamps since 80s, so they managed to develop confidence and skill in creating the top devices of this niche, and the words always confirmed with the deed. Among the innovations, since the newest generation, the device has received the AIR mode, which additionally colors the sound in frequencies and makes it more detailed. In practice, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio exhibits a very low level of delay while allowing users to monitor the signal in real-time using the direct monitor switch with original plugins. USB-C is responsible for working with a computer, so the product will remain relevant for a long time. If you’ll find this review five years ago, it can be still useful.
Now there is also a Loopback function, previously available on premium devices. Loopback allows the user to combine stereo signals from any outputs or virtual channels using 2 virtual inputs. This feature is especially useful for podcasts, streams and sampling.
Focusrite Control allows person to set general parameters for summing signals, routing, synchronization, as well as Air settings. Also, users of audio card owners have access to Plug-in Collective – free virtual tools and discounts on plugins regularly, plus a lot of useful software. In such a situation, the device will become a bestseller and an excellent working tool for home recording, obviously.
Another important thing that is especially useful for beginners is the Quick Start option. In fact, this is an instruction on registration and an overview of complete virtual instruments, plug-ins, and samples. For many, this device could be the first tool, at least the first with such a rich set of features.
And the last thing of the review, Direct Monitor is useful for those who record sound from two microphones. The function now works in mono and stereo modes. Accordingly, you can hear exactly the picture that is transmitted to the interface, and without actual delay.
Conclusion
The manufacturer has done a lot of work on the third generation of its devices: driver stability, rich equipment, super-quality preamps, Air mode, which will surely gain popularity, and, most importantly, attention to a wide range of users. Affordable price is also valuable. If you work a lot in stereo and can find applications for the Air mode, then it is definitely worth upgrading to the newest generation. From the point of view of the economy, I recommend you to pay attention to bundle equipment with headphones and a microphone.
Features and specifications
- Professional solution at an affordable price
- Stylish design in aluminum case
- A set of premium features previously available only in expensive premium solutions from the company
- Access to free (or discounted) software and plugins
- 20 – 20,000 Hz frequency range
- 106 dB dynamic range
- 1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz sampling frequencies
- A pair of combined (line / microphone / instrument) XLR / 6.3 mm inputs
Focusrite’s Scarlett series, epitomized by the Scarlett 2i2 Studio, offers a blend of affordability, quality, and innovation. With top-notch preamps, Air mode, and Loopback function, these devices cater to both beginners and pros alike. The inclusion of free software and plugins sweetens the deal, making it a must-have for anyone in the audio recording game. Whether you’re a podcaster, musician, or content creator, investing in Focusrite’s Scarlett line ensures a smooth and enjoyable recording experience.