Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 4th Gen

Description

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio includes, in addition to the popular Scarlett 2i2 audio interface, a CM25 MkIII large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone for capturing vocals and instruments, an XLR microphone cable, SH-450 closed-back headphones for precise monitoring, and a complete recording software suite with Pro Tools Artist, Ableton Live Lite, and Focusrite’s Hitmaker Expansion software bundle.

What makes the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 the world’s best-selling USB audio interface? You get ultra-low latency, a 192 kHz sample rate, optimized preamps, and instrument inputs that can handle even the most powerful guitar microphones. But there must be more to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 that makes this audio interface so widespread and popular.

The Scarlett 2i2’s sound quality and ease of use have made the audio interface the preferred tool for Danes when it comes to recording, podcasting, and streaming. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has now been launched in a 4th generation that Focusrite has strived to make better than the previous three generations. This allows musicians and content creators to record high-quality audio without having to spend an excessive amount of time learning how the audio interface works. The 4th generation model features new ultra-low-noise microphone preamps with up to 69 dB of gain (13 dB more than the 3rd generation), making it possible for the Focusrite 2i2 Studio to handle the vast majority of microphones without you having to invest in an expensive microphone preamp.

The upgraded 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA converters give the audio interface a massive dynamic range of up to 120 dB (9 dB more than the 3rd generation), matching the quality you would expect in a professional studio. The new Auto Gain feature automatically sets your recording level, while the Clip Safe feature automatically prevents your signal from clipping, so you never have to redo a recording because the levels were set incorrectly. The Loopback feature allows podcasters, gamers, YouTubers, and streamers to route audio from other apps running on the computer into the mix. The Scarlett 2i2 can also now operate in standalone mode without a computer, which is useful for live performances or monitoring.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio is an ideal small project studio or mobile recording solution. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 features two instrument inputs on the front, while the XLR microphone inputs with the excellent Scarlett microphone preamps are located on the back of the audio interface. The high-impedance instrument inputs allow you to record guitar or bass without unwanted distortion, while the Gain Halo metering makes it easier to set the input level. The Scarlett 2i2 is powered by USB-C bus power and features analog protection circuitry to protect it from power surges. The Scarlett 2i2 is robustly built and ready to sit securely on your desk or take with you on the go. Since it is bus-powered via a USB-C connection, it can be used anywhere with your preferred DAW on a Mac/Windows computer or on an iPad Pro equipped with a USB-C port. The Scarlett 2i2 4th Generation can operate in Standalone mode and still route audio from input to output without the need for a computer. To power the device, simply connect an external USB power supply or a USB power bank to the USB-C 5V input on the rear panel.

The Scarlett 2i2 4th Generation uses the same studio-grade 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA converters found in Focusrite’s flagship RedNet audio interfaces. Thanks to the high-performance AD/DA converters, you can capture any sound source, from vocals to acoustic and electric instruments, clearly and precisely, so you don’t have to worry about the audio interface coloring your sound. With a massive gain range of 69 dB, the two upgraded 4th generation Scarlett XLR microphone preamps capture the sound of your microphones with greater transparency and detail than previous versions of the Scarlett 2i2. And, of course, you get 48V phantom power, so you can use your preferred condenser microphones with the Scarlett 2i2.

Air Mode, which can be selected per channel, allows you to access the sound of the original ISA preamps, as well as the brighter, more open sound for which ISA preamps are renowned. With Air Mode, you can access a more present and harmonically richer sound, similar to the Air effect from Focusrite’s original ISA microphone preamp. The two jack inputs on the Scarlett 2i2 4th Generation’s front panel are specially designed to preserve sound quality when connecting high-impedance instruments (Hi-Z), such as electric guitars or basses; no DI box or amplifier is required.

If you want to be able to work creatively with your music without being limited by your equipment, you need a proper monitor mix that includes everything you need to hear to get inspired—such as reverb and delay on a guitar solo. The Scarlett 2i2’s ultra-low latency lets you monitor audio with plug-in effects in real time, so you can hear your music just as you imagine it should sound. You get separate volume controls for speakers and headphones, allowing you to quickly and independently adjust the volume of each.

The Scarlett 2i2 is designed to be user-friendly for both beginners and experienced audio enthusiasts. Connect the Scarlett 2i2 to your computer and tell Focusrite’s Easy Start tool how you plan to use your Scarlett, and let it guide you through all the software and setup you need, with recording tips and other useful content along the way.

The Scarlett 2i2 Studio comes with a complete software suite for recording and streaming. You get the Pro Tools Artist DAW (3-month subscription with the Complete Plugin Bundle), Ableton Live Lite DAW, and Focusrite’s Hitmaker Expansion software bundle; with Auto-Tune Access for vocals, Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555 for guitar, Native Instruments MASSIVE synth, and more.

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