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 answer to this question is almost always no—you don’t need a specific audio interface for your DAW. While the exact menu that you go to within your workstation’s settings to connect your audio interface might vary, you should be able to use the same interface across Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Pro Tools, Studio One, etc. Firewire is used in high-end audio boxes and it offers a significantly faster speed compared to USB ports. Thunderbolt

Is there a connection type that’s essential to my laptop or other gear that I’ll be connecting with my interface? Most interfaces are class-compliant, so will work out of the box –just plug them in and start using them straight away. Some come with extra software you will need to access some of their more detailed functions and routing. Many, especially mobile interfaces, are bus-powered so you don't have to plug a mains power supply into them. Clarett+ has improved independent A-D and D-A converters, slightly better noise figures throughout, and improved dynamic range. The mic inputs are silky smooth and have plenty of headroom, and the outputs are crystal clear and suitably noise-free. If you want to add some life to your input, the Air option does just that. Also excellent are the two JFET instrument inputs, substantially better than a regular instrument input.MiniFuse 2 has its own Control Centre software and is bundled with an Intro version of Arturia’s excellent Analog Lab, four effects, Native Instruments Guitar Rig LE, and Ableton Live Lite, plus three-month trial subs to Splice Creator and Auto-Tuner Unlimited. In our experience, Focusrite’s Scarlett USB interfaces have traditionally combined excellent sonics and audio flexibility at affordable price points, and the third-generation units keep up the good work. Eight inputs and four outputs; four 3rd Generation mic pres, two Hi-Z instrument inputs, four fixed line inputs, and four balanced outputs plus ADAT input for up to eight more channels. Feel free to use the table of contents below to easily navigate to a specific section. What you’ll learn: Digital Signal Processing software or DSP, is included on audio interfaces that have 8 outputs or more. This software helps you to edit and create mixes within your monitoring outputs. For instance, if you're recording with your team and you guitarist asks you to turn up the pitch on his headphones, you can easily do so within the software without affecting the original sound you are recording.

The anodized aluminum unibody chassis ensures that your audio interface can deal with the harsh environment. Scarlett 2i2 is very light and portable making it easy to carry and transport. You don’t need to add an additional power supply as it is equipped with bus power. 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. 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.Audio quality is where ID44 MkII really shines; everything else is icing on the cake, but that icing is layered deep and tastes exceptionally sweet. As we just mentioned, there are several different connection types that your audio interface may offer—let’s take a look at a few of the key ones below. USB When browsing for an audio interface, you’ll often come across multiple interfaces from a single manufacturer with almost identical specs, with the key difference being the I/O (input and output) configuration. You’ll find that in these specific cases, the more expensive interface simply features more inputs and / or outputs. The exact number of inputs and outputs you’ll need will depend entirely on your specific musical needs. A compact interface with pro features and connectivity, the SSL2+ promises an affordable version of ‘the SSL sound’, bringing the feel of a gazillion recordings made in 7-figure recording studios within reach of everybody. PCIE ports are usually found in professional audio boxes because it offers additional processing power and fast data transfer.

First, it’s worth noting why having a great audio interface is important. All audio interfaces will consist of the essentials for inputting and outputting audio— see this article for a breakdown of the different pieces that make up an interface and how they work. 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. I bought this device because its predecessor had a pretty good reputation in the linux world. While the 2i2 2nd Gen seemes to have worked right out of the box under linux operating systems, this is no longer the case with the 3rd generation. One can get it working, though. The 4i4 supports Focusrite’s Control application, which means that a number of settings can only be made in the software. The app also handles low-latency monitoring.Includes Ableton Live Lite, three months of Pro Tools Artist, and the Hitmaker Expansion, with plugins from Antares, Softube, Landr, XLN Audio and more. There are two combi mic/line inputs with Hi-Z (impedance) options for switching between guitar and bass signals or those from synths or drum machines. A +48v option also allows the connection of both condenser and dynamic mics. With great monitoring and recording quality and a flexible I/O configuration, the SSL 2+ comes highly recommended by us. This input requires the addition of both a mic preamp and a digital converter with “optical out” to be used as a mic branch. DI Input

Last but not least, some audio interfaces include onboard DSP effects, which allow you to process effects like reverb, delay, and EQ right within the device. While these tend to be more expensive, some great interfaces with DSP effects include the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X and Antelope Audio Discrete 4 Synergy Core. We're big fans of the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X here at MusicRadar, and this super interface has some incredibly powerful features that will offer a serious upgrade to anyone’s home recording experience. It comes in two formats, Duo and Quad which are named for the amount of DSP processing chips they possess.Both interfaces use M-Audio’s Crystal Preamp design, and this provides you with plenty of clean neutral gain, great for lower output dynamic mics or weedy passive guitars. Both can sound pretty nasty when they’re overloaded so we kept well away from the red clip LED. Two inputs and two outputs; two 3rd Generation mic pres, switchable to line or Hi-Z instrument inputs, with two balanced outputs. This is the big brother to the standard SSL2, the main difference being that the 2+ adds two outputs to the 2-in, 2-out configuration of the 2, MIDI In/Out plus an additional independent headphone out (with both being able to monitor different mixes). There's also the 4k button which adds some extra presence and high-end zing (and, more importantly, makes you feel that little bit more 'pro'). Do you want to invest less and get the best? In that case, buy the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2 nd gen. 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.