Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface Review (October 2024)

$199.00

Last updated on October 30, 2024 6:31 am Details

Description

In this review post we’re going to be discussing the Focusrite SCARLETT 2I2 3rd Gen 192KHz USB Audio Interface w/ Pro Tools First, including an overview of its unique features.

Product Description

Scarlett has gone platinum. Sitting on the desks of a huge global community of musicians, producers, and home recordists, the iconic 2i2 has already helped make more records than any other interface in history. And with the 3rd Generation, you’re going to sound better than ever.

  • Two of the best performing Scarlett mic preamps the range has ever heard – now with Air – for miking up guitars or recording vocals
  • Two high headroom instrument inputs, for plugging your guitar or bass straight in
  • High-performance converters, allowing you to record, mix, and playback audio in studio quality, anywhere
  • Easy Start tool, making it easier than ever to get up and running

Getting studio-quality recordings at home has never been easier. Easy Start gets you set up, recording, and playing back within minutes. Our mic preamps, high-headroom instrument inputs, and now-iconic Gain Halos mean the science of sounding great is sorted. We’ve worried about the tech, you can focus on the music.

We’ve been making mic preamps for 30 years, and the 3rd Gen mic pre is the best Scarlett has ever heard. The 24-bit/192kHz converters give your recordings clarity and detail. Air mode breathes life into vocals, adding unique high-end detail. Our decades of experience mean Scarlett sounds just like you.

Scarlett 2i2 is officially supported in use with USB-C iPad Pros. Setup and operation are simple: just plug in, fire up your favorite music-making app, and enjoy the Focusrite sound wherever you go. Scarlett 2i2 has been tested extensively with Garageband, Cubasis 2, Auria Pro, Amplify Launchpad, Amplify Groovebox, and Amplify Blocs Wave, as well as FL Studio. Now you can record anywhere, really.

Product Features

  • 2 Scarlett microphone preamps
  • Includes USB cable (Type C to A)
  • 2 Line outputs: 6.3 mm jack balanced
  • Stereo headphone output: 6.3 mm jack
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 175 x 47.5 x 98.8 mm
  • For PC / Mac
  • Weight: 0.47 kg
  • 24-Bit / 192 kHz
  • USB-C connection
  • USB bus-powered
  • Phantom power +48 V
  • Switchable air function
  • 2 Mic / instrument / line inputs: XLR / 6.3 mm jack combo balanced

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Strong build
  • Priced affordably
  • Easy to operate
  • Easy to set up
  • Value for money
  • Excellent sound output
  • Low-latency monitoring
  • Exceptionally trustworthy
  • Favorable consumer ratings
  • Transparent stereo recordings (XLR mics and quarter-inch inputs)

Cons

  • No MIDI outputs or inputs
  • A lightweight body can be easily pulled by cables
  • No way to precisely match gain levels for dual inputs
  • USB-powered, a potential issue if you don’t have many slots on your laptop
  • Not great when it comes to recording a lot of instruments or vocals simultaneously

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface Demo

Our Verdict

How good is the Scarlett 2i2 given everything we’ve mentioned thus far? If you ask us, it’s without a doubt one of the greatest options for a musician looking to set up a tiny studio in their home. The same may be said for DJs who want to connect their computers to a PA system.

This is an obviously good purchase in terms of product features and sound quality. Particularly in light of the competition. Sure, there are plenty of other high-quality audio interfaces on the market, but none at this price.

Where to Buy

The best place to buy this product has to be Amazon, due to their competitive pricing and fantastic customer service.

Focusrite SCARLETT 2I2 3rd Gen 192KHz USB Audio Interface w/ Pro Tools First

Focusrite SCARLETT 2I2 3rd Gen 192KHz USB Audio Interface w/ Pro Tools First

$335.00
Amazon.com
as of October 9, 2024 4:58 pm

Pricing History

Price History for Focusrite SCARLETT 2I2 3rd Gen 192KHz USB Audio Interface w/ Pro Tools First

Statistics

Current Price $335.00 October 9, 2024
Highest Price $335.00 December 31, 2023
Lowest Price $189.99 November 17, 2023
Since November 17, 2023

Last price changes

$335.00 December 31, 2023
$189.99 November 17, 2023

Focusrite SCARLETT 2I2 3rd Gen 192KHz USB Audio Interface w/ Pro Tools First
Focusrite SCARLETT 2I2 3rd Gen 192KHz USB Audio Interface w/ Pro Tools First
$335.00
as of October 9, 2024 4:58 pm
BUY NOW
Amazon.com
Last updated on October 9, 2024 4:58 pm

Buyers Guides This Product Is Featured In

Best 2 Channel Audio Interfaces

Best Audio Interfaces Under $200

Additional information

Item Weight

1.5 pounds
Package Dimensions

8.11 x 5.79 x 2.44 inches
Item model number

SCARLETT-2I2-3G
Date First Available

August 22, 2020

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