Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen: The Ultimate Review

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Are you looking for a simple yet powerful audio interface that can help you record and mix your music or podcasts? Do you want to enjoy studio-quality sound and performance without breaking the bank? If so, you might want to check out the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is one of the most popular and best-selling audio interfaces in the world. It has been trusted by millions of musicians, producers, and podcasters to deliver professional results at an affordable price. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, and drawbacks of this audio interface, and compare it with some of its competitors. We will also share some representative product reviews from real users, and provide a purchase link for you to get your own Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen.

What is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface?

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is a 2-in, 2-out USB audio interface that connects to your computer or laptop via USB-C. It allows you to record and playback up to two channels of audio with independently controllable headphone and monitor outputs. It has two combo XLR/TRS inputs that can accommodate microphones, guitars, keyboards, or other instruments. It also has two balanced TRS outputs that can connect to studio monitors or speakers.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen features two 3rd generation Scarlett mic preamps that provide low-noise, high-headroom, and transparent sound quality. The preamps also have a switchable Air mode that adds brightness and detail to vocals and acoustic instruments, emulating the legendary Focusrite ISA mic preamps. The audio interface also has high-performance 24-bit/192kHz converters that ensure pristine sound reproduction and fidelity.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is easy to set up and use, with intuitive controls and indicators. The gain knobs have LED halos that change color to indicate the input level and prevent clipping. The direct monitor switch allows you to monitor your input signals with zero latency, either in mono or stereo. The large volume knob controls the output level of the speakers or monitors, while the smaller knob adjusts the headphone level. The USB-C port provides fast and reliable data transfer and power supply, eliminating the need for an external power adapter.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen also comes with a generous software bundle that includes Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools First, Focusrite Red Plug-in Suite, and more. You also get access to the Focusrite Plug-in Collective, which offers exclusive discounts and free downloads from leading software companies every month. Additionally, you get a three-month subscription to Splice Sounds, which gives you unlimited access to millions of royalty-free samples, loops, and presets.

What are the benefits of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface?

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen offers many benefits for anyone who wants to record and mix audio at home or on the go. Some of the main benefits are:

– It provides professional sound quality and performance at an affordable price. You can capture and reproduce your audio with clarity, detail, and dynamic range that rival more expensive audio interfaces.
– It is compatible with most operating systems and software applications. You can use it with Windows, Mac, or iPadOS, and with any DAW or recording software of your choice. It also supports ASIO, Core Audio, and WDM drivers for low-latency operation.
– It is compact and portable, making it ideal for traveling or mobile recording. You can easily fit it in your backpack or laptop bag, and use it anywhere with a USB-C cable. It also has a sturdy metal chassis that can withstand bumps and scratches.
– It is versatile and flexible, allowing you to record and mix various types of audio sources. You can use it for vocals, guitars, keyboards, synths, drums, or any other instrument. You can also use it for podcasts, voiceovers, interviews, or live streaming.
– It is user-friendly and easy to operate, with simple and intuitive controls and indicators. You can quickly and easily adjust your input and output levels, monitor your signals, and switch between modes. You also get helpful guides and tutorials from Focusrite to help you get started and improve your skills.

What are the drawbacks of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface?

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is not a perfect product, and it has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before buying it. Some of the main drawbacks are:

– It has limited inputs and outputs, which may not be enough for some users. If you need to record or playback more than two channels of audio at a time, you may want to look for a bigger audio interface with more I/O options.
– It does not have a MIDI input or output, which may be a problem for some users. If you need to connect MIDI devices such as keyboards, controllers, or drum machines, you may need to use a separate MIDI interface or adapter.
– It does not have a dedicated power switch, which may be inconvenient for some users. You have to unplug the USB-C cable to turn it off, which may cause wear and tear on the port or the cable. You also have to remember to plug it back in when you want to use it again.

How does the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface compare with similar products?

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is not the only audio interface in its category, and there are some similar products that you may want to consider. Here is a comparison table that shows some of the key features and specifications of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen and three of its competitors: the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2, the Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD, and the Universal Audio Apollo Twin.

As you can see from the table, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen has some advantages and disadvantages over its competitors. The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 is slightly cheaper and has a similar feature set, but it does not have the Air mode or the LED halos. The Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD is much cheaper and has comparable quality and features, but it does not come with any software bundle or customer support. The Universal Audio Apollo Twin is much more expensive and has more features and functions, but it requires a Thunderbolt connection and may be overkill for some users.

What do users say about the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface?

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen has received many positive reviews from users who have bought and used it. Here are some of the representative reviews from Amazon, where it has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 13,000 ratings.

– “I love this interface. It’s simple, easy to use, and sounds great. The Air mode really makes a difference in the clarity and presence of the vocals and acoustic guitar. The software bundle is also very generous and useful. I highly recommend this product to anyone who wants to record high-quality audio at home.”
– “This is a great audio interface for beginners and intermediate users. It has everything you need to start recording and mixing your music or podcasts. The preamps are clean and quiet, the converters are crisp and clear, and the latency is minimal. The setup was quick and easy, and the customer service was helpful and responsive.”
– “This is a decent audio interface, but it has some flaws. The gain knobs are not very precise, and it’s hard to match the levels of the two inputs. The USB-C cable is too short, and the interface is too light and can be easily pulled by the cables. The software bundle is nice, but some of the plugins are outdated or incompatible with some DAWs. I would recommend this interface for beginners or casual users, but not for professionals or advanced users.”

Conclusion

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface is a great product for anyone who wants to record and mix audio with professional quality and performance. It has many features and benefits that make it stand out from its competitors, such as the 3rd generation Scarlett mic preamps, the Air mode, the LED halos, the USB-C connection, and the generous software bundle. It is also compatible, portable, versatile, and user-friendly, making it suitable for various types of audio projects and applications.

However, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen also has some drawbacks that may limit its appeal for some users, such as the limited inputs and outputs, the lack of MIDI I/O, the absence of a power switch, and the minor flaws in the design and functionality. It may not be the best choice for users who need more I/O options, MIDI connectivity, or more control and precision over their audio interface.

Overall, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is a highly recommended audio interface for anyone who wants to get started or improve their audio recording and mixing skills. It offers excellent value for money and delivers outstanding results. If you are interested in buying this product, you can click on the link below to get it from Amazon. You will also get a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime, which gives you free shipping, unlimited streaming, and other benefits.

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