Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen Review – Is it Best in Class?

After discussing the best budget audio interfaces under $100 & under $200, it is time to get picky and get in a deep state of analysis to see the interfaces that’ll suit your needs. This is time for the Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen Review and sees if it will be helpful for you or completely worthless.

We will look at everything, be it features, pros, cons, who should get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and many more little things that most of the articles don’t talk about.

So, without any further delay, let’s dive in.

Related: Best budget audio interfaces!

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface review

Before going into the review, check out the features of the Scarlett 2i2.

Also, one thing to clarify is the compatibility of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is compatible with MacOS Big Sur. I use it regularly without facing any issues.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Specifications

• 2 Mic/Line/Instrument inputs,
• Phantom powered Mic preamps,
• Exclusive Air Mode feature,
• 1 Headphone output with dedicated gain knob,
• 2 line level/ Studio monitors outputs,
• Direct Monitoring Available in Mono and Stereo,
• Line output dynamic Range – 104 dB,
• 24-bit resolution,
• Supported sample rates – 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz,
• No MIDI port given,
• One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
• Wide range of softwares included,
• Windows/Mac Compatible.

[Also check: Audio interface setup diagram to connect different studio gears]

A Deeper Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen Analysis

Last update on 2023-09-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a two-input and two-output portable USB audio interface. Meaning that you can plug two of your Mics, Hi-Z instruments like electric or bass guitars, or two line-level inputs like regular keyboards / MIDI keyboards in it. In addition, it is one of the best portable audio interfaces out there. But there are a lot of other options to look at, as well.

Is there Phantom Support?

Yes, Both the inputs are +48V phantom power. Therefore allowing you to record both dynamic as well as condenser microphones. This feature can turn a massive advantage if you want to perform live, solo, or on tour to sketch ideas for new music. The gain knobs of the inputs have an embedded LED that shows you whether your signals are clipping, distorting, or in the normal range. RED means clipping and GREEN means everything’s fine!

Direct Monitoring in Focusrite 2i2

The direct monitoring feature is something to get excited about the USB audio interface itself. As you can see on the front panel, it is present in both STEREO & MONO modes. The double circle represents the Stereo mode, while the single circle represents the mono mode. Now, I don’t want to compare Stereo Vs. Mono direct monitoring and which one is better.

But, I will say that having both the stereo and mono modes available helps analyze your music from both perspectives. A convenient feature to have indeed!

Output Compatibility

Next, we have pretty common and standard audio interface output ports. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has got two line outputs that connect to external speakers or studio monitors. You also get one headphone output to fully utilize features like direct monitoring when a singer is singing into the microphone inputs.

You may use it like mentioned above, but most producers and home artists are going to use it in a mixed setting. Simply implying that a singer will mostly plug in a guitar and a mic to record themselves. In this case, it becomes necessary to see the use cases and all the different combinations to use the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB audio interface.

If you want an extra pair of line-outs for separate channel monitoring, I recommend checking our PreSonus Studio 26c Review.

Connectivity

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is USB-C compatible. Also, being USB-C type, it uses the power of your computer/laptop to power itself. Is it something that should concern you? Absolutely not! Most of the USB-type audio interfaces are powered in a similar fashion. In conclusion, the power consumption is fairly low.

Sound quality of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio interface

Both inputs have the same Focusrite Mic preamps that provide a great studio-like Ultra-high audio quality. There is not the slightest of noise or hum. The sampling rates and 24-bit resolution make it even evident why the sound is of superior quality.

Related: Best audio interfaces for Shure SM7B!

The gain and the overall dynamic range is well suited to record anything. Upon recording instruments like pianos, guitars, keyboards, samplers, I am satisfied with the overall harmonic retention. The harmonic retention is something that matters to me the most. And for a price of under $200, 2i2, in some cases, is best among its competitors. 

[Also check: Best Audio interfaces for Home studio]

Potential Use Cases

• Two guitars,
• Two Mics,
• Two Synths,
• A guitar & a synth,
• A Mic & a guitar,
• Synth & a mic.

This list can go on and on. Assuming that you are touring artists or beginning stages of production phases, it makes more sense to look at widely recognized instruments.

Gain Ranges of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB audio Interface

One thing that grabs my attention is the gain ranges. Check the table below:

Input Type	Dynamic Range
Microphone Input	111 dB
Line Input	110.5 dB
Instrument Input	110 dB
Headphone Output	104 dB
Line/Monitor Output	108 dB

The gain range is for some people concern. On the PreSonus Studio 68c, you’ll see the gain or dynamic range may exceed as to what 2i2 has to offer.

See the full tech specs here.

PROS of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

• High quality matt finish metal body,
• A very neat design,
• Clear indicators for Gain monitoring,
• Matches most of the studio themes,
• Enough features for a home/solo/beginner artist,
• Great for singers,
• A very rich audio quality,
• numerous sample rates available,
• 24-bit resolution for High definition sound,
• High portability,

CONS of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

• There is no LCD display for gain metering,
• Catches dust easily,
• No MIDI I/O,
• The gain ranges for Inputs, Mics, outs could have been more,
• Firmware issues.

Now, I want to take more about the cons than the Pros because knowing what can go wrong with your interface is essential knowledge every gear owner should know.

First of all, there is no MIDI port available, so that means you’ll have only one input if you want to keep the MIDI instrument plugged in all the time.

Secondly, the firmware in the initial setup may cause issues, and in the worst of cases, you may even be forced to contact the support team.

And lastly, one LCD for metering the gain levels of both output and input would have been great. But, you cannot have everything in an interface. Mostly, there is some cost-cutting done, whether it is in features or the quality.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB audio Interface – Who should get it?

Last update on 2023-09-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB audio Interface offers high compatibility to modern producers. It has got great sound, numerous sampling rates, high resolution, and enough features to sit in home studios.

[Also check: A complete list of beginner friendly audio interfaces]

I recommend the Scarlett 2i2 to beginner music producers and to touring artists. However, it can still be a very great tool for experienced artists as well.

But, one thing to keep in mind, there is no MIDI port and LCD Metering display.

The absence of a MIDI port and LCD Metering display makes PreSonus Studio 24c, a competitor, that can snatch a lot of users from Focusrite.

Read the full PreSonus Studio 24c audio interface review.

Conclusion

Here, we mark the end of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB audio interface review. I hope you got some valuable insights into the features and overall specs.

If you want an interface with more features and stunning specs, check out the article on best budget audio interface that will provide you with enough great options under $500.