Mason Blake
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a 2-input 2-output audio interface that connects via USB-C, simplifying the recording process with its intuitive use and features. The 4th generation Scarlett 2i2, unveiled in August 2023, offers user-friendly features and a super intuitive layout, making it ideal for beginners. With a compact design and a sturdy interface, the Scarlett 2i2 is suitable for both live performances and remote recording sessions. It offers a clean sound with a low noise floor and ample input gain range, allowing users to record high-quality vocals and instruments. The device also includes a loopback feature, enabling users to record or stream computer audio without the need for physical cables, making it a versatile tool for creators.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of inputs and outputs | 2 |
| Connection type | USB-C |
| Microphone connection | 3-pin Neutrik XLR connectors |
| Headphone connection | 6.35mm TRS jack connector |
| Instrument connection | 6.35mm TS mono jack cable |
| Speaker output connection | 6.35mm (1/4") jack (TS or TRS) sockets |
| Direct Monitor settings | Mono and stereo |
| Loopback feature | Yes |
| Preamp sound modes | Air Presence, Air Presence and Harmonic Drive |
| Sample rates | Up to 96kHz |
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What You'll Learn
Connecting microphones and other devices
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has two XLR inputs at the back for connecting microphones and two 6.35mm (1/4") jack inputs on the front for instruments or line-level devices.
To connect a microphone, you must use an XLR cable. If your microphone requires it, enable 48V phantom power by pressing the 48V button, which will light up green. This power is safe for most modern microphones, but you should check your microphone's user guide if you are unsure. Using the front panel jack input will disable the XLR input.
To connect a line-level device, such as a synthesiser, keyboard, or mic preamp, use a 6.35mm jack input on the front panel. When connecting a line-level device, use a 6.35mm to 6.35mm TRS jack cable, but note that each 6.35mm input is a mono input. Turn off Inst when you connect a line-level device.
You can also connect instruments such as guitars, bass, and electro-acoustic guitars to Input 1 or 2 using a 6.35mm jack input on the front panel. Use a 6.35mm to 6.35mm TS mono jack cable and set the input to 'instrument' using the Inst button.
The Scarlett 2i2 also has a loopback feature that allows you to record or stream the sound produced by your computer without using physical cables. This can be useful for sampling, podcasting, live-streaming, or creating video tutorials.
Additionally, you can connect your headphones using a 6.35mm jack to the headphone output. You must use a 3.5mm TRS jack connector, and if your headphone jack is smaller, you will need an adapter.
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Using the loopback feature
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 loopback feature allows you to send the sound produced by your computer and route it back into your Scarlett for recording or streaming, without using physical cables. This is especially useful when creating video tutorials or screencasts, as it lets you include the sound produced by your computer along with your narration.
To use the loopback feature on the Scarlett 2i2, you need to connect your inputs accordingly. Input 1 typically has a microphone preamp connected, which boosts the signal level to line level. If your microphone preamp has an XLR (M) output, you will need to use a 6.35mm TRS jack to connect to the Scarlett. Input 2 is usually used for connecting a mono synthesiser with a 6.35mm TRS jack cable.
When using the loopback feature, it is important to note that the default setting only captures Playback 1-2, which is your computer's output. If you want to include the analogue input signal in the loopback audio, you need to go to Focusrite Control 2 > Preferences and enable the "Send Direct Monitor Mix to Loopback" option. This ensures that your Direct Monitoring Mix settings in Focusrite Control 2 are also sent to the loopback channels.
To avoid causing a feedback loop, it is crucial to follow specific steps in your recording software. First, select input channels 3-4 in your software. Then, either mute the loopback channel or change its output to "none". Additionally, when creating a new recording channel in your DAW, make sure to set its output to "none" or to an output/playback channel that is not part of your Focusrite Control 2 Loopback Mix.
While the loopback feature on the Scarlett 2i2 offers convenience, some users have reported limitations and issues. There have been challenges with routing flexibility, and some have opted to purchase the 4i4 interface for improved routing and loopback capabilities. Additionally, there are third-party routing applications available, such as RogueAmoeba's Loopback, but they usually come with an additional cost.
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Direct Monitor settings
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface features a Direct Monitor button with three selectable modes: Off, Mono, and Stereo. These modes are indicated by the green illuminated symbols below the button. Pressing the Direct Monitor button cycles through the modes.
Direct Monitor allows you to hear the signals coming into your interface's inputs without them going through your computer. This means you hear the inputs without any latency and without effects. You might want to use Direct Monitoring if you are experiencing latency or a delay between making a sound and hearing it back from your software. By muting your software inputs and turning on Direct Monitor, you no longer hear latency.
The Mono and Stereo modes give you two different ways to monitor the inputs in real time without waiting for a signal to return from the computer. In Mono mode, both inputs are heard in both ears. In Stereo mode, each input is routed to a separate stereo channel. So, if you have a single microphone connected to the first input, you’ll only hear it in the left ear of your headphones. If you connect another mic to the second input, you’ll hear that in the right ear.
To enable Direct Monitor on the 4th Gen Scarlett 2i2, click on the Direct tab in Focusrite Control 2 and click the Direct Monitor software switch at the top of the tab. The switch lights green and Direct lights green on your Scarlett 2i2's front panel. You can also enable it by pressing the corresponding button on the front of the interface.
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Air preamp sound modes
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 features two preamp sound modes: Air Presence and Air Presence and Harmonic Drive. The Air preamp modes can be activated by pressing the Air button on the device or by clicking the Air button on the Focusrite Control 2 app. The Air LED changes colour to indicate the selected mode.
Air Presence mode enhances the clarity of the input source, emulating the classic ISA sound. It adds a 4dB boost at 24kHz to the frequency response, giving your vocals and instruments a warmer and fuller sound. This mode is ideal for podcasters as it adds richness to the voice, making it sound more like a broadcaster or radio announcer.
Air Presence and Harmonic Drive mode is only available at up to 96kHz sample rates. This mode boosts the mid-range harmonics in your sound, adding vintage warmth and punch to your recordings. It recreates the sound of a big studio console, making it perfect for instruments that need a little more punch, such as guitars or vocals.
The Air preamp modes work with any source, so you can experiment with different sources to find the best sound for your recordings. The Air effect is analogue, so there are no DSP or plug-ins running in the background, and it adds no latency or timing issues to your recording path.
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Speaker outputs
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a 2-input 2-output audio interface that is ideal for musicians and creators who require good-quality audio at an affordable price. The speaker outputs, R and L, are 6.35mm (1/4") jack (TS or TRS) sockets that allow you to connect your Scarlett to speakers or an amplifier. It is recommended to use 6.35mm (1/4") TRS jack cables for balanced connections.
The Scarlett 2i2 has two different Direct Monitor settings: mono and stereo. To enable Direct Monitor, press the button once for mono direct monitoring, which will place signals from input 1 and input 2 in the centre of the stereo image. This is useful for recording two mono sources, such as a guitar and a voice. Pressing the button a second time enables stereo direct monitoring, with input 1 panned left and input 2 panned right. This setup is ideal for recording a stereo device, such as a stereo microphone pair, a stereo synthesiser, or a keyboard.
The Direct Monitor feature also helps address the issue of latency, which is the slight delay that occurs when sound enters the interface and computer. By enabling Direct Monitor, the sound is routed directly to your headphones, eliminating this delay. This ensures that you can record in time with the music you're hearing through your headphones.
Additionally, the Scarlett 2i2 offers the Air feature, which allows you to change the preamp sound with two different modes: Air Presence and Air Presence and Harmonic Drive. Air affects the mic, line, and instrument inputs, and can be enabled by selecting the desired input and pressing the Air button. The Air LED will indicate the selected mode.
The loopback feature on the Scarlett 2i2 is another useful function. It allows you to capture the sound produced by your computer and route it back into your Scarlett for recording or streaming without the need for physical cables. This is beneficial for various scenarios, including sampling, podcasting, live streaming, and creating video tutorials.
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Frequently asked questions
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a 2-input 2-output audio interface for musicians and creators requiring good quality audio at an affordable price.
The sound output features of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 include Speaker Outputs R and L, 6.35mm (1/4") jack sockets to connect to speakers or an amplifier, and two different Direct Monitor settings: mono and stereo. It also has a low noise floor and ample input gain range.
You can connect your headphones to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 using a 6.35mm jack to the headphone output. You must use a 6.35mm TRS jack connector, and if your headphone jack connector is smaller, you will need a headphone jack adaptor.
The loopback feature on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 allows you to record or stream sound produced by your computer without using physical cables. To use this feature, open your recording software, create a new recording channel, and set the output to 'none'. Set your recording input to the loopback channels (channels 3-4) and start recording.
