Features
Audio Interface
Microphone
Headphones
Specifications
Features
Overview: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio is a 2 input/2 output audio interface that's part of the 4th Generation of Scarlett series professional computer audio interfaces. It features two balanced XLR inputs, with Focusrite's 4th gen mic preamps, and two 1/4" line-/instrument-level inputs. Two 1/4" jacks provide the line output. In addition to the audio interface, the Scarlett 2i2 Studio package also includes a CM25 MkIII studio-grade condenser microphone, a pair of SH-450 professional headphones, a 10' XLR cable, and a USB cable for connection to your computer. The Scarlett 2i2 Studio also includes a plethora of recording software, sounds, and plug-ins to quickly get you started making music.
Audio Interface
192kHz/24-Bit DAC: The Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen employs 192kHz/24-bit analog-to-digital converters from Focusrite's flagship RedNet interface series, providing exceptional sound quality and a wide 120 dB dynamic range. The default sample rate of the 2i2 is 48 kHz with options in the Focusrite Control 2 software for 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz sampling rates.
Scarlett Preamps: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is equipped with Focusrite's 4th generation microphone preamplifiers with a huge 69 dB gain range, for best performance with all types of microphones. The net result of the new preamp design is high headroom, low noise, wide dynamic range, and extended frequency response. Two Air Mode settings are available for the Scarlett's preamps; Air Presence and Air Presence and Harmonic Drive.
- Air Presence: Air Presence mode boosts the signal's high-end, for intimate vocals and detailed instruments, bringing the sound to the front of the mix.
- Air Presence and Harmonic Drive: This setting boosts the mid-range harmonics in your sound, adding more "punch" to your vocals or guitars.
Focusrite Control 2: All setup and configuration of the Scarlett 2i2 Gen 4 is made through the Focusrite Control 2 software, available for Windows and Mac. The Focusrite Control 2 software allows detailed routing of all inputs and outputs with adjustable level controls for each. Many of the front-panel controls can also be selected for adjustment and offer more detailed options in the software than is available from the front panel.
Preamp Linking: The Scarlett 2i2 Gen 4 lets you link two preamps together for simultaneous control of both inputs with one set of controls. This is useful for recording in stereo from a pair of microphones or a stereo synthesizer or keyboard.
Loopback: The Loopback feature lets you capture computer audio and record it into your recording software on separate channels alongside any connected instrumets or microphones. Loopback works by "looping back" audio outputs from your computer to virtual input channels within the Scarlett 2i2. The front-panel 1/4" jacks (Channels 3 & 4) are used for the instrument inputs during Loopback recording.
Clip Safe: The Scarlett 2i2 Gen 4 features Clip Safe mode. When activated by the Safe button on the front panel, Clip Safe monitors the signal level up to 96,000 times a second and will automatically adjust the gain if the signal gets close to the clipping point, protecting the audio from distortion.
Note: The Clip Safe option is only available with sampling rates up to 96 kHz.
Auto Gain: An Auto Gain feature on the Scarlett interface lets you play your input signals for 10 seconds and will automatically adjust the input gain for the best sound quality. Gain levels can still be manually adjusted if needed.
Stand-Alone Mode: The Scarlett 2i2 Gen 4 can be used in Standalone mode, allowing the interface to pass audio when it's not connected to a computer. This can be used to increase the number of preamps on another interface or mixer, or to use your studio setup without having your computer powered on.
Audio Inputs & Outputs:
- Input Channels 1&2: Input channels 1&2 are comprised of two balanced XLR connectors, that can accept microphone-level signals, and two 1/4" jacks that can accept unbalanced (TS) or balanced mono (TRS) connectors, for either line-level or instrument-level (Hi-Z) signals. Connecting a cable to the 1/4" inputs will disable the XLR inputs. An Inst switch on the front panel is used to switch between line-level and instrument-level connections.
- Outputs: Two 1/4" Output jacks can be used with unbalanced (TS) or balanced (TRS) cables for the connection to your mixer or amplifier.
- Headphones: A front-panel 1/4" stereo headphone output is provided, with corresponding level control.
USB-C Port: A rear-panel USB-C port provides the connection to your computer using the included USB cable. The audio interface is bus-powered via this connection and does not require an external power supply.
Controls:
- Output: A rotary dial adjusts the overall audio output level from Outputs 1&2.
- Gain 1 & 2: Two rotary dials adjust the preamp gain for audio signals on Inputs 1&2 respectively. Both controls have concentric tri-colored LED rings to confirm signal level:
- Green: Signal level is at least -24dBFS (i.e., signal is present)
- Amber: The ring turns amber at -6dBFS, indicating the signal is close to clipping.
- Red: Lights when the signal hits 0 dBFS (digital clipping)
- Headphone Level: A rotary knob controls the volume of the headphone output.
- 48V: Activates +48V phantom power to both XLR input jacks.
- INST: Switches both 1/4" inputs between Line and Instrument (Hi-Z), changing both the gain and input impedance for each. This setting can also be selected from the Focusrite Control software.
- Air: A push-button lets you switch between Air Presence, Air Presence and Drive, and Off. This setting can also be selected from the Focusrite Control software.
- Select: Pressing the Select button is used to cycle through the inputs with the currently-selected channel number lighting Green.
- Safe: Turns the Clip Safe feature On/Off.
- Auto: Turns the Auto Gain feature On/Off.
- Direct: A Direct Monitor button lets you hear the signals coming into the interface inputs without them going through your computer, letting you monitor the signals without any latency or added effects. Options include monitoring in Stereo or Mono, or Off.
Software
Software Bundle: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 comes with a powerful software bundle that provides everything you need to record, mix, and master your next project. The 2i2 is compatible with any ASIO-supported DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) on Windows or any Core Audio-supported DAW on macOS.
- Ableton Live Lite: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 includes Ableton Live Lite, the industry-leading music-making software. Key features include:
- Up to 16 audio and MIDI tracks.
- 4 Software Instruments.
- Over 1500 sounds (5+ GB)
- 21 Audio effects
- 8 MIDI effects
- VST2, VST3, and Audio Unit support
- Pro Tools: A 3 month free subscription to Pro Tools is included (a paid subscription is required after the first 3 months).
- Hitmaker Expansion: Features exclusive content from legendary Auto-Tune creators Antares, as well as Relab, Sonnox, Native Instruments, and more.
- Focusrite Plugins: Includes Bx_console Focusrite SC and Red 2 & 3 Plug-in suite.
Microphone
CM25 MkIII: The included CM25 MkIII microphone is a studio-quality condenser microphone which is ideal for recording vocals and most acoustic instruments. It features a cardioid pickup pattern, allowing it to pick up sounds in front and on the sides of it, while rejecting sounds from behind it. The CM25 MkIII is a condenser type microphone, requiring phantom power to operate. The Scarlett 2i2 Studio package includes an adjustable microphone stand-adapter that comes with a pre-attached 5/8" to 3/8" thread-adapter for attaching to most microphone stands (not included). A fold-out cardboard microhone holder is also included for desktop use.
Headphones
SH-450: The Scarlett 2i2 Studio package includes a pair of high-quality professional SH-450 headphones. Featuring an adjustable headband, the SH-450s are lightweight, durable, and designed to remain comfortable, even when wearing them for long periods of time. The studio-grade headphones include a low-noise cable that's fitted with an 1/8" TRS (stereo) jack. An 1/8" - 1/4" adapter is included.
Specifications
2i2 Inputs:
- Microphone Inputs 1&2:
- Signal Type: Balanced/unbalanced microphone-level
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.06 dB)
- Dynamic Range: 116 dB (A-weighted)
- Gain Range: 69 dB
- THD+N: -100 dB (-1dBFS input @ 8 dB of gain)
- Noise EIN: -127 dBu (A-weighted)
- Maximum Input Level (at minimum gain): 16 dBu
- Input Impedance: 3 kΩ
- Line Inputs 1&2:
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.05 dB)
- Dynamic Range: 115.5 dB (A-weighted)
- THD+N: -100 dB (-1 dBFS @ 8 dB of gain)
- Gain Range: 69 dB
- Maximum Input Level: +22 dBu
- Input Impedance: 60 kΩ
- Instrument Inputs 1&2 (Hi-Z):
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.15 dB)
- Dynamic Range: 113 dB (A-weighted)
- THD+N: -80 dB (-1dBFS @ 8 dB of gain)
- Gain Range: 62 dB
- Maximum Input Level: 12 dBu
- Input Impedance: 1.0 MΩ
2i2 Line Outputs 1&2:
- Type: (2) 1/4" balanced/unbalanced
- Dynamic Range: 120 dB (A-weighted)
- Maximum Output Level: 16 dBu
- THD+N: -109 dB
- Output Impedance: 100 Ω
2i2 Headphone Output:
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (± 0.1 dB @ 33 Ω / 300 Ω)
- Dynamic Range:
- @33Ω: 112 dB
- @300Ω: 115 dB
- Maximum Output Level:
- @33Ω: 2.5 dB
- @300Ω: 10 dB
- Maximum Output Power:
- @33Ω: 32 mW
- @300Ω: 22 mW
- THD+N:
- @33Ω: -99 dB
- @300Ω: -108 dB
- Output Impedance: 50 Ω
Other 2i2 Specifications:
- Supported Sample Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
- Bit Depth: 24-bit
- USB: (1) USB-C
- Dimensions: Width = 7.087", Height = 1.862", Depth = 6.010"
- Weight: 1.31 lbs.
CM25 MkIII Microphone:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Capsule: Condenser
- Capsule Diameter: 20mm
- Sensitivity: -36 dB ±2dB (0dB = 1 V/Pa @ 1kHz)
- Frequency Response: 30Hz to 18kHz
- Impedance: 1000O ±30% (@ 1kHz)
- Equivalent Noise Level: 16dBA (A-weighted IEC651)
- S/N Ratio: 74dB
- Power Requirement: 48V phantom power
- Current: 3mA
- Dimensions: Diameter = 1.80", Length = 6.28"
SH-450 Headphones:
- Type: Closed-back
- Ear Pad: Circumaural (over-ear)
- Impedance: 32Ω
- Sensitivity: 96dB ±3dB
- Frequency Response: 15Hz to 30kHz
- Power Rating: 350mW
- Maximum Power Rating: 1.8W
- Cable Length: 10'
- Connector: 1/8" Stereo (includes 1/8"-1/4" adapter)
- Weight: 10.58 oz.
