Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Generation) Review
2x2 USB Audio Interface
- Singers, Guitarists, Podcaster Duos
- USB Type-C Connectivity
- 2 Mic/Line/Instrument Preamps
- 1 Headphone Out, Stereo Monitor Out
- 24-Bit / 192 kHz Converters
- Bus Powered / Mac, Windows, iPad Pro
- Phantom Power, Direct Monitor
- Mic Air Mode, Multicolor Gain Halos
- Compact, Rugged Housing
- DAWs, VIs, Loops, and Samples
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 623,790 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Generation). This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Generation). For example, 91% of 306,795 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Generation) have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 21 to 40 of 480 Reviews
GREAT Interface
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Daryl T. on Reverb
These gen 3s are awesome - I picked this up on a steal so I could have something mobile and comparable to my Clarett 4pre, and I am not disappointed. It’s small, light, affordable and just works really well. Pre’s sound great, I love that they’ve included ‘air’ on these guys, I really like was that option does for my acoustic guitar recordings and actually when I ‘line-in’ my synth too. If you are looking for an affordable interface and only need a couple of mic inputs - stop searching and buy this one. Or if you’re looking for a compact, portable option that actually *feels* like it could survive a nomad kind of life - I’ll say again: you’ve found what you need right here. Build of knobs, and unit as a whole just feels solid. Additionally, the latency comparison between my clarett (which is lightning connection) and this guy at 256 samples was only a difference of about 4ms - it holds it own on every level and sounds awesome and costs a fraction of other big-name interfaces. BUY NOW ... More
All works perfectly according to design...but
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by John on B&H Photo Video
The Scarlett 2i2 (by design) does not permit left/right separation when monitoring the input through the interface. INPUT monitoring is summed to MONO. You should know before you select this product
Superb D/A. Poor preamps.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by frnz on B&H Photo Video
The D/A converters on this are superb! No noise on the outputs even when cranked all the way up. The power this thing punches is amazing, as I have my BX8 monitors set to half gain and I rarely need to turn the 2i2 output past 1/3. Build quality is great except the switches seem a little flimsy. My huge complaint is with the preamps though. When the specs say the max input is -3dbu, they are serious about it. These pres clip at exactly -3db which gives you a surprisingly less amount of headroom as you would expect if you're used to clipping at 0db. I honestly didn't know it was possible to clip before 0. This makes monitoring meters counterintuitive since your brain expects them to reach 0 and illuminate the clip led, but it will simply stop at -3 and hear harsh clipping without triggering any kind of indicators. I will not record anything with this due to that, so I'd rather this be cheaper and only be a D/A convertor and lose the preamps. ... More
Plug & Play
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Skype live lecture on B&H Photo Video
Scarlett 2i2 is used to Skype a live lecture from a lecture hall. We use the VDO360 VPTZH-03 camera (no mic) to frame the speaker 60' away. Obtain the audio from a Aux line out port of the auditoriums sound board into the Gain 01 port of Scarlett 2i2. We used the USB port to connect the Laptop to Scarlett. The video and sound were in sinc and of professional quality at the receiving end. Did not use the software but easily downloaded the correct USB driver from Focusrite. I threw away my first inexpensive camera and A/D converter. In hind sight if I had just explained my project to B&H and followed their recommendations I would have saved money and many hours of labor. I am very pleased with the VDO camera and Scarlett 2i2 USB audio interface. B&H technical support is the greatest. They even verified my cable choices. ... More
scarlett 2i2 review
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Alex on B&H Photo Video
I was using my computers soundcard with asio drivers and wanted an upgrade, and the possibility of recording audio. I didn't have the chance to test recordings yet but from what i heard focusrite amps are good for it! WHat i like: Definite improvement in quality over my laptop soundcard... Good looking box... the free plugins are cool (i like the reverb mostly, different and better in some ways (specially on percs/hats i use in electrohouse music... for me atleast) compared to the only (flstudio) reverb i used for 2 years ! And you get a demo for ableton which i plan on trying soon... for the low price you simply can't be disappointed. I am very satisfied and am using less than half of everything i got... Basically, if you're looking to buy your first soundcard this is a perfect choice. not so great: nothing i found so far! ... More
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Great Starter Kit for Guitar Recording
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Oggy on B&H Photo Video
I purchased this unit as an immersion into digital recording for electric guitar. I am running an electric guitar into a pedalboard into the 2i2. The main drawback is that this setup pushes too much gain into the 2i2 causing clipping. Even with the input gain knob turned all the way to zero it pushes it too hard. I am now following other advice and running a DI box with a -35dB pad before it to help reduce the clipping. So as the only drawback that I've found: it doesn't handle direct electric guitar line levels well. If it had it's own built in dB pad it would be perfect. Otherwise, it is a great unit. Seems well built. Software is great for starters (Ableton Live Lite 8). I had some difficulty with my PC and getting a lot of garbled sound initially, but this was on the PC side, and took reinstalling the USB drivers before it all worked. So the unit has performed as advertised. So it wasn't exactly plug and play. Now that it is running, I'm very pleased with the easy of use. ... More
Great Interface for the price
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Call me Max on B&H Photo Video
This is my first USB interface, and I am very impressed with it's performance. The mic pres are smooth and the gain is practically noiseless. I started off using this with a Shure SM58, and it provided enough gain to give me a nice, recordable signal. Recently, I added the Rode NT1A to my arsenal, and the two combined are just amazing.I am using this interface with my newly purchased laptop with Windows 8, and for those of you who are using this platform, you WILL have to make sure your drivers are up to date. Once I downloaded the most recent update, my issues with popping and clicking were fixed.This USB interface is a must-have for those who are on a budget yet want good, clean audio signals. ... More
Best Audio Interface I have ever used.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by Cliff on Guitar Center
Have had no issues with my 2i2 , built like a tank and works like a dream.
Works great, sounds clean. Will be purchasing another.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Don D. on B&H Photo Video
I own a video and media production company and purchased the Scarlett for voiceover work on podcasts I produce for corporate clients. The unit worked perfectly out of the box and has good clean mic preamps. I use it with the Heil PR-40 mic and the clarity is perfect. Just make sure to plug it directly into a USB port on your computer. It doesn't work through a USB hub. Other than that I am very happy with it.
Really good, but touch of monitor latency
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Barry on B&H Photo Video
I'm using this to record a multi-track session in Adobe Audition for Mac. Pros: The unit sets up easily and interfaces with Audition very well. The sound is great, and has a lot of headroom, like the old analogue Mackie pre amps. Two channel is perfect for vocal and instrument simultaneous recording. Cons: There is a monitor latency issue. I'm not sure if the issue is the fault of the Scarlett, but here's what happens. I'm connected via USB to Mac. I'm using the monitor on the Scarlett. Using the click track in Audition, or a dropped in drum track, I can't sync time. I'm playing to what I hear in the monitor to record a track, and it never jives. So I wind up recording using phone out of my mac. The problem with that is, I can't hear myself on the recording track, so i have to do it old style with one ear open and one ear monitor from mac. I've not done a great deal of troubleshooting or tech support to try to solve this, so it may not be the Scarlett. ... More
Great piece of equipment
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Albert on B&H Photo Video
Due to COVID and the need to move many functions on-line, had been searching for the right piece of equipment that would let me send quality, live audio signals to my laptop or IPhone. I spend hours every day on-line in video conferences as well as have a need to live stream ceremonies/graduations. This Scarlet 2i2 no only works with the laptop, but can also be powered to support my IPhone (with the right adapter). I tested the system out using a $30 Dynamic Cardioid microphone in a teams meeting, replacing my headset. One of the participants commented that I had the best sounding microphone and it sounded like I was on a radio broadcast. I attribute this to the Air pre-amp effect. I also used this to record audio into a PowerPoint presentation, adding a higher level of professionalism to the product. If you are spending your time in live meetings and streaming virtual events, this is definitely a great piece of equipment to add to your technology Solutions. ... More
Horrible experience!
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by MTDrummer on Guitar Center
The set up instructions say to plug it in click on open folder to view files and then click on click here to get started. First off when you plug into windows it tries to install the drivers and tries to find them via windows update. They provide no instruction to cancel out of that process. So you wait for however long you choose (30 minutes) before you decide to cancel out. Then the open to open folders and click here finally shows up. After that the install process is long and difficult with accounts needing to be created in many different places. Also the install may or many not just stop partway through and completely lock everything up. Then you need to force reboot. But if the device is still plugged in it seems to be set as a bootable USB so it tries to boot your PC off the 2i2. Then you need to unplug it and boot again, but the software opens on bootup but does not find the device so it gets hung and plugging in the 2i2 after makes the software not recognize it. After that as you finally get think it might be installing correctly your PC might crash and show a blue screen with the message "The Windows Driver Framework has detected that a violation has occured. .... Beginning dump of physical memory." So you open a support case with Focusrite, RE: Scarllett 2i2 - Ticket 1519442 - Scarlett 2i2 (3rd generation), and almost a full week goes by and they do not respond at all. Not sure if the actual product even works as it will not install. Hopefully if you choose to buy this your experience will be different. ... More
Worth It
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Kevin S. on B&H Photo Video
Very simple to use. Great sound whether used as a line input or a mic pre. I've used it a handful of times so far with no software hangups or notable problems. I use it for an RTA mic pre into a computer to tune up PA rigs quickly. Since I can just tune the rig by ear, the RTA is an added helper and convenience, and I do not want to waste a lot of time setting up a USB interface and mic. It couldn't be more convenient with this device. I also have used it to pull a stereo line off of a live console with great results. I have not recorded with the mic pre any yet, but I am sure it will be great. It's built well, and I expect it will handle being taken out on the road. I bought it because it seemed like the best 2 channel USB pre for the money, and I have not been disappointed so far. ... More
Good quality audio into your computer for a low price
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Devin on B&H Photo Video
I recommend this unit to clients if they need to get one or two mics into their computer via USB at high quality. For a low budget person, you could use this for music recording, but I usually recommend it to people if they need to plug in a vocal mic to use for things like Zoom or other conferencing, or for live streaming situations, and even just recording a voiceover, as long as your mic is decent. I've used the bigger Focusrite interfaces for recording high quality music recordings. One wish I had for this, is an option to also plug in a power supply so that it can stay on even if your computer is off. This would be useful in situations where you have monitors/speakers hooked up to it, and want to use it to hear your mic or plug in a phone for music, but don't want to have a computer there to power it. Otherwise, it's an awesome little unit and good quality. ... More
Great small recording interface
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Rataliv3 on B&H Photo Video
Using to record homemade electronic music hardware. Excellent plug and play device with single USB connection. Works perfect with ableton live. Installing drivers is easy. Great price, great sound. Make sure to use latest drivers from Focusrite website and NOT the ones from the CD-ROM that are included in the package.
Great Interface. Easy to set up!
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video
I did a LOT of research into affordable yet, high-quality interfaces for mac. There is a ton of information out there and (unless you are a sound engineer) it can be confusing for folks who are new to the audio recording or podcast game. I couldn't be happier with the Scarlett 2i2 Gen 2 interface. The sound is clear, it was easy as 1-2-3 to set up and it works as described. The build quality is solid. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this interface to anyone. I would suggest that anyone using a dynamic microphone invest in an inline pre-amp. This interface worked well with my AKG D5 but, I virtually had to eat the mic with the gain almost maxed out. For speech recording. That would get old quick so, after much searching, I decided to purchase the Triton Fethead in-line preamp. There are several brands that will work. Do the research, then decide what works best for you. ... More
Great value for the price
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Thomas on B&H Photo Video
I was really impressed by how compact, sturdy, inexpensive and easy-to-use this device is. Not to mention, it produces a very clean sound. I also chose this brand/product based on the reputation of the company. Focusrite has been around for a while and seem to consistently put out high quality products at affordable prices. Really happy with the 2i2 in general and would highly recommend it. Cheers!
Focused -right
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Thai T. on Reverb
The 2i2 does what it sets out to do. Clean clear sound in a simple and compact package. I do have it always in viewing distances to make sure the levels are good. Other than that its plug and play. The build quality is very good with metal casing and knobs (two are rubberized so I'm not sure what's under). Having a combo XLR/6.35mm jack is really versatile. The Air filter is great! It adds a lot of body to what would be sort of more subdued sound. I'm not sure why it's just not on all the time, but having options is always a plus, I leave mine on, and forget it. I think it's a great addition to this gen. Easily my favorite gadget in the home studio. ... More
Nice piece of gear!
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by Capnpele on Guitar Center
The Scarlett 2i2 itself was easy to install. There are a lot of downloads to install and set up that was confusing for me, but a tech savvy user should be able to get it done easily. Overall good sound.
Quick and easy
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by MvtMusic on Guitar Center
It is working great with a guitar straight into Garage Band...
