Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

Product Information

The original iD44’s primary strength was always the superb quality of its mic pres and converters. This version ramps up the performance even further and adds a handful of nifty new features.

There are three types of output ports, a headphone (for personal monitoring), a monitor (room monitoring through speakers), and an interface cable (to communicate with the computer). Low-budget audio interfaces will feature only one headphone output with a dedicated control button for volume, while an expensive one could feature more than one. It also includes a dedicated headphone amplifier that offers a wide range of outputs. Investing a lot of money into any type of gear can be a tough decision. Don’t worry! We got you covered. With the release of the new third-generation range of audio interfaces, Focusrite shows no plans in slowing down on their quest to provide affordable, easy to use and high-quality audio products for beginners and professionals alike. Overall, the iD24 brings this unit in line with other 2nd generation iDs, offering an attractive balance of features, with a heavy focus on a genuinely audiophile front end – which we love. It has well-designed software for additional features like cue mixes and signal routing. All in all, it is a flexible interface delivering good value for money. Universal Audio used to focus on the high-end market with interfaces that boasted both a quality signal flow and also acted as hosts and accelerators for the company’s very well-regarded plugin range. That changed with the Volt range, a set of four units that eschew the plugin hosting in favour of value and more standard features. The more expensive 176 and 276 are reviewed later in this buyer’s guide, but the Volt 1 and 2 offers most of what they deliver bar their extra 1176-style compression.

What is the best audio interface?

Regarding the headphone output, yes you’ll be absolutely fine. The Scarlett preamps are extremely capable, and you’ll find that the headphones you’re mixing through are going to be the driving factor whether you can produce capable mixes. What’s more important for you in your situation, are the specs of your computer. The Scarletts are super-low latency, so if you do find you are having dropouts, audio pops, etc — it’s more than likely going to be an issue to do with the overall computer specs. Writing with loads of channels of CPU-intensive orchestra libraries and VSTs will take its toll on your computer’s resources, regardless of how low latency the audio interface is. Finally, there's an interface output that uses interface cables to take digital signals to your computer. The cables are commonly USB or firewire, but newer options like ethernet cables are available. Thunderbolt cables are used for Mac computers. USB and firewire provide fast speeds so you can choose between the two according to your computer input availability. Likewise, there are adapters to switch between the two options. As you can see from the table above, there are some noticeable improvements in the 3rd Gen. All specs considered, the inputs and outputs benefit from a wider dynamic range, gain ranges, and higher input and output levels. What Else Is New In The 3rd Gen?

An audio interface takes the signals from your instruments or microphones and digitizes them before sending them to your computer. You can relate it to an external sound card that is equipped with extra features. Eight inputs and ten outputs; eight 3rd Generation mic pres, two Hi-Z instrument inputs, and ten balanced outputs plus ADAT input and output for up to eight more channels each way. An audio interface can also be an external sound card which is used for recording sound or music. When your computer already has a sound card then what's the need for another one? There are certain limitations of a built-in sound card. It can't support all types of recordings and this is why you may require an external sound card or an audio interface. On the front panel, there's a Neutrik combination input for connecting line and instrument level signals along with the microphones. This makes it the best for recording the digital stage piano along with the electric or acoustic guitar. It's also equipped with unique halo indicators which let you know about the signal strength. If it outputs red then it means your signal is experiencing interference and you should reduce the gain. When a healthy signal is achieved, it will turn to green. It also has a large monitor dial for providing tactile control for volume control. A high-quality amplifier provides clean yet loud sound to your headphones.The Element 46 Thunderbolt Audio Interface by Apogee is specially designed for Mac as they have a Thunderbolt interface port. With elite hardware features and stunning software advancements, this audio interface delivers the ultimate recording experience. The Scarlett 2i2 by Focusrite is an audio interface which features two award-winning Focusrite preamps. SSL 12 is a 12-in/8-out interface, with four XLR combo mic/line inputs with high gain ‘SSL-designed’ mic preamps (including a +48v option for using condenser mics). Two inputs at the front can be poached for recording hi-Z instruments like guitars, bass, or vintage instruments. You get four balanced outputs and two sets of headphone outs. The extra eight inputs come by way of an ADAT connection.

Thunderbolt connectors are usually found in the audio boxes/interfaces designed for Mac as they have an input thunderbolt port. They offer way faster data transferring speeds compared to both USB and Firewire. PCIEThe Scarlett 2i2 has a firewire interface so that speed is not compromised. A phantom power option is also included for microphones without an external power supply. AudioFuse connects via USB 2, but USB connectivity goes further; Arturia has built a USB hub into it, providing three extra USB ports. AudioFuse provides a beautiful and contemporary approach to USB audio interfacing with a great design, compatibility with a huge range of possible audio sources, a great sound and a highly tactile control set. Audient has also managed to improve the iD44’s Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC) THD+N figure by an impressive 9dB to a class-leading 112 dB. The Digital to Analogue Converters (DACs) are similarly pristine, with imperceptible noise and 126dB of dynamic range. The four mic pres are exactly the same as you’ll find in Audient’s pro-level consoles. Latency or delay is another factor that shatters your workflow. This audio interface completely revolutionizes the concept thanks to Scarlett’s unrivaled round-trip latency which is as low as 2.74ms. Features like Logic Pro X integration, the Apogee hardware control remote, and elementary control make this a premium choice. Great Value