Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Review – Familiar Face With Even More Features

Design:
Features:
Performance:
Value:

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Focusrite's Scarlett series have been one of the more popular devices of its kind on the market for a long time. Scarlett 2i2 is easily among the most capable audio interfaces you can find for under $200. Today we're going to check out what it has to offer and more.

Design

In terms of design, Focusrite has pretty much used the same or similar chassis for the entire Scarlett series of interfaces. By that we mean a bright red aluminum enclosure and that standard control layout most other brands are using these days. What separates this particular model from others is its build quality. Scarlett 2i2 is easily one of the most rugged audio interfaces you can find. On the outside, not much has changed compared to the first generation of 2i2. However, once you peek inside, you will find a whole lot of new and improved hardware. More on that later. From a purely aesthetics point of view, Scarlett series in general are attractive. That red exterior, mixed with a brushed aluminumtexture and black panels really gives it a unique look. If aesthetics are a factor for you, this box won't disappoint. That is for sure.

Features

So, what's new on the inside? Well, first generation of Scarlett interfaces has had some issues with handling hot guitar pickups. That would get so severe that some users had to link attenuation boxes between the guitar and the interface. With this new generation, those issues have been handled. We now have two brand new instrument lines backed up by two proven microphone preamp units in each channel. As usual, Focusrite went with the XLR/TRS combo ports. In many ways, Scarlett 2i2 is just an expanded Scarlett Solo. Everything is the same, including gain knobs with illuminated rings to indicate peaking signal as well as the rest of the controls. However, that additional channel means a lot if you need more versatility in your studio. Even though Scarlett 2i2 is among the more basic models in this price range, it is among the most respected ones as well.

Performance

Performance wise, the second generation Scarlett 2i2 brings more of the same but in larger quantity. The sound quality meets and exceeds standards for home use, but also more serious applications. Now that you can hook up just about any active set of pickups to this interface, sky is the limit. Scarlett series have always been easy to use, which can be attributed to both the intuitive controls layout, as well as the flawless integration. Scarlett 2i2 can be used with both Windows and Mac OS, while the interface comes packed with a copy of Ableton Live Lite and a whole bunch of other software. Scarlett 2i2 is truly ready for action right out of the box. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that this model supports 24bit/192kHz bit rate, meaning that you can expect crystal clear audio no matter what.

Conclusion

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 brings the already familiar performance, but with a bit more versatility. As such, it is perfectly priced and offers a good solution to those who need reliability in their daily life. On top of that, it is one of the more aesthetically pleasing units on the market.

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