Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface Review (July 2024)
$145.10
Description
In this review post, we’re going to be discussing the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface, including an overview of its unique features.
Product Description
Scarlett has gone platinum. Sitting on the desks of a huge global community of musicians, producers, and home recordists, the iconic 2i2 has already helped make more records than any other interface in history. And with the 3rd Generation, you’re going to sound better than ever.
- Two of the best performing Scarlett mic preamps the range has ever heard – now with Air – for miking up guitars or recording vocals
- Two high headroom instrument inputs, for plugging your guitar or bass straight in
- High-performance converters, allowing you to record, mix, and playback audio in studio quality, anywhere
- Easy Start tool, making it easier than ever to get up and running
Getting studio-quality recordings at home has never been easier. Easy Start gets you set up, recording, and playing back within minutes. Our mic preamps, high-headroom instrument inputs, and now-iconic Gain Halos mean the science of sounding great is sorted. We’ve worried about the tech, you can focus on the music.
We’ve been making mic preamps for 30 years, and the 3rd Gen mic pre is the best Scarlett has ever heard. The 24-bit/192kHz converters give your recordings clarity and detail. Air mode breathes life into vocals, adding unique high-end detail. Our decades of experience mean Scarlett sounds just like you.
Scarlett 2i2 is officially supported in use with USB-C iPad Pros. Setup and operation are simple: just plug in, fire up your favorite music-making app, and enjoy the Focusrite sound wherever you go. Scarlett 2i2 has been tested extensively with Garageband, Cubasis 2, Auria Pro, Amplify Launchpad, Amplify Groovebox, and Amplify Blocs Wave, as well as FL Studio. Now you can record anywhere, really.
Product Features
- For PC / Mac
- Weight: 0.47 kg
- 24-Bit / 192 kHz
- USB-C connection
- USB bus-powered
- Phantom power +48 V
- Switchable air function
- 2 Scarlett microphone preamps
- Includes USB cable (Type C to A)
- 2 Line outputs: 6.3 mm jack balanced
- Stereo headphone output: 6.3 mm jack
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 175 x 47.5 x 98.8 mm
- 2 Mic / instrument / line inputs: XLR / 6.3 mm jack combo balanced
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong build
- Priced affordably
-
Easy to operate
- Easy to set up
- Value for money
- Excellent sound output
-
Low-latency monitoring
- Exceptionally trustworthy
- Favorable consumer ratings
-
Transparent stereo recordings (XLR mics and quarter-inch inputs)
Cons
- No MIDI outputs or inputs
-
A lightweight body can be easily pulled by cables
- No way to precisely match gain levels for dual inputs
- USB-powered, a potential issue if you don’t have many slots on your laptop
- Not great when it comes to recording a lot of instruments or vocals simultaneously
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface Demo
Our Verdict
Given all we’ve said so far, how good is the Scarlett 2i2? If you ask us, it’s unquestionably one of the best solutions for a musician wishing to build a small studio in their house. The same is true for DJs seeking a means to link their laptops to a PA system.
In terms of product features and sound quality, this is unquestionably a worthwhile investment. Especially given what the competition has to offer. Sure, there are lots of other high-quality audio interfaces on the market, but you’d be hard-pressed to find one at this price.
Where to Buy
The best place to buy this product has to be Amazon, due to their competitive pricing and fantastic customer service.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First & Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable - 6 Feet, Black
$129.10
Pricing History
Price History for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First & Amazon Basics XLR...
Statistics
| Current Price | $129.10 | July 25, 2024 |
| Highest Price | $199.41 | October 1, 2023 |
| Lowest Price | $129.10 | December 23, 2023 |
Last price changes
| $129.10 | December 23, 2023 |
| $181.05 | November 18, 2023 |
| $185.90 | November 12, 2023 |
| $161.38 | October 28, 2023 |
| $180.94 | October 10, 2023 |
Buyers Guides This Product Is Featured In
Best 2 Channel Audio Interfaces
Best Audio Interfaces Under $200
Additional information
| Date First Available | January 12, 2021 |
|---|---|
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
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