Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen): The Best-Selling Audio Interface
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is probably the world’s most popular USB audio interface, and with its third generation, Focusrite has refined an already excellent product even further. This 2x2 interface offers everything a musician or content creator needs for high-quality recordings at an affordable price.
Design and Construction
The Scarlett 2i2 maintains the distinctive metallic red color that has made the Scarlett series famous. The aluminum casing is robust and high-quality, with controls that feel solid and reliable. The two preamps have LED indicators around them that change color according to the signal level (green for correct signal, orange when approaching the limit, and red when clipping).
The gain controls are smooth and precise, and the direct monitoring button is very useful for latency-free recordings. On the front, we find two XLR/TRS combo inputs for microphones or instruments, and on the back, there are two balanced TRS outputs for monitors and a 1/4” headphone output with its own volume control.
Sound Quality
The third-generation Scarlett preamps are excellent for this price range. They offer up to 56dB of gain, more than enough for most dynamic and condenser microphones. The noise is very low, and the frequency response is flat and clean.
The 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA converters provide professional audio quality, with a dynamic range of 110dB at the outputs and 112dB at the inputs. In our tests, we obtained crisp and detailed recordings, both with microphones and instruments connected directly.
Focusrite’s exclusive “Air” mode, which emulates the response of their high-end ISA preamps, adds brightness and presence to voice and acoustic instrument recordings, and is especially useful for podcasts and vocals.
Performance and Software
Latency is a crucial aspect of any audio interface, and the third-generation Scarlett 2i2 excels in this aspect. With the optimized drivers, we achieved a round-trip latency of only 2.74ms at 96kHz with a 32-sample buffer, which is impressive for a USB interface.
The included software package is generous:
- Ableton Live Lite
- Pro Tools First Focusrite Creative Pack
- Focusrite Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite
- Softube Time & Tone Bundle
- 3 months of Splice subscription
- XLN Audio Addictive Keys
- A selection of Focusrite plugins
The new Focusrite Control application makes it easy to configure routing and monitoring, although for a simple interface like the 2i2, it’s not used much.
Compatibility
The Scarlett 2i2 is compatible with Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.12 or later. It also works with iOS via a Lightning or USB-C camera adapter, although you’ll need a powered hub for iOS devices.
It’s compatible with most popular DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, FL Studio, Studio One, and many more.
Limitations
The main limitation of the Scarlett 2i2 is obviously its number of inputs and outputs. With only two inputs and two outputs, it’s not suitable for full drum recordings or setups that require multiple simultaneous inputs. For these cases, higher models like the Scarlett 4i4 or 8i6 should be considered.
Also worth noting is the absence of MIDI, which can be a drawback if you need to connect MIDI controllers or synthesizers. In this case, the Scarlett 2i2+ or 4i4 would be better options.
Finally, the interface is powered only by USB, with no external power option, which can be a problem on laptops with low-power USB ports or if you need to use it with mobile devices for extended periods.
Final Verdict
The third-generation Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 continues to be one of the best options for musicians, podcasters, and content creators who need a quality audio interface at an affordable price. Its combination of excellent sound quality, robust construction, ease of use, and low latency makes it an easy recommendation.
If you only need two inputs and don’t need MIDI, the Scarlett 2i2 offers a hard-to-beat value proposition. For users with more complex needs, the higher models in the Scarlett series or Focusrite’s Clarett series might be more suitable.
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- High-quality Scarlett microphone preamps
- Robust and attractive design
- Easy to use
- Very low latency
Cons:
- Only two input channels
- No MIDI
- USB power only (no external power option)