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 41 to 60 of 480 Reviews
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.
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...
Works Great with PT10
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Drbass on B&H Photo Video
The Scarlett 2i2 works great for mobile recording. It also sounds great I use a M-audio's Profire 2626 at home and I have no qualms about going back and forth between them. I originally had a problem using this with PT9 because the playback latency was a distraction but this was remedied by PT10's Low Latency Monitoring feature. It basically mutes the record enabled tracks so you hear the music but not your voice while recording. Problem solved.
Ads
Sounds great
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Scott on B&H Photo Video
The unit sounds and works great with my iMac. Be sure hook it up directly to the computer's USB port and not to a USB hub. Also note, the computer does not control the output volume of the unit. The only way you can adjust the output volume is to turn the large knob on the right of the unit.
Great recording interface with one flaw...
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Jeremy on B&H Photo Video
The Scarlet 212 is a high quality interface that delivers excellent audio quality, and it seems to work flawlessly with my mac. There is one caveat: direct monitoring (through headphones) is MONO, not stereo as suggested in Focusrite's documentation. For me this is an issue as my signal chain is in stereo: electric guitar/bass Adrenalinn III (amp modeling, stereo effects, drum machine) TC Electric Flashback (stereo delay) Scarlett 212 DAW (Ableton Live/Adobe Audition).
Great Audio Interface, Great Price
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Ole Drummer on B&H Photo Video
I was looking for an audio interface that was easy to use and produced good quality sounds, but I thought I would have to spend a lot of money. I am extremely pleased with my new 2i2, because I'm now able to record drum tracks to various songs with the greatest of ease. The initial setup was very easy, and the sounds are fantastic, whether you are monitoring through your headphones, or sending your sounds through powered speakers or a pa system, you will find that the 2i2 does it's job and then some. I've never done any home studio work before, but now I feel like an expert because of my new Scarlett 2i2. I would recommend it to the novice as well as the experienced person, looking for an affordable avenue to recording some really great tracks. Great product Focusrite! ... More
Why did I wait so long?
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by Home music hack on Guitar Center
I kept putting off buying an audio interface for years because I'm not a professional or even a gigging musician, just a (now stuck at home) amateur making music for my church and myself. Now I am kicking myself for not taking the now obvious step up. The Scarlett 2i2 was a great purchase if for nothing but how well it performs and how easy it was to set-up. In truth I can't really call opening the box and plugging it in to my computer setting it up. It just worked. The reduction in latency makes home recording so much easier and nicer. The clarity of the recorded sound and ease of use...anyway, you get it, the 2i2 is an awesome product I wish I had bought sooner. If you're doing home recording to your computer you need this piece of equipment. ... More
Great for You or the Band's needs.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by John P. on Guitar Center
I am Computer Stupid. I've been playing 47 Years and did some Recording in the early 80s.The Tech Support Team was so gracious and very patient. They were very helpful. I bought the 2i2 Bundle to lay down Tracks as I thought of them. Focusrite helped me through 3 different Computers. The Unit is solid, easy and fun to work/play with. It survived 3 moves. The best part of the Scarlet 2i2 Bundle is the wonderful Customer Service. I can't say enough good about them. It is worth every Penny. you can use it to record your Band to help make tweeks to the Band's sound, lay down some Tracks to send to Clubs or whatever. ... More
Great sound and easy to use.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by Jeremy on Guitar Center
I've had a number of USB audio interfaces, from the now-vintage MIDIMAN Quatrro through a few M-Audio pieces. This one is the simplest to use. I know operating systems have come a long away, and with that, automated driver support has improved. However, that I was able to get this working easily on Linux, OS X, and Windows 10 in one day was a triumph. Also, for the price, I highly encourage anyone out there who uses PC/phone headphone/aux outs to drive line-level inputs of even marginally nice audio systems to consider this instead. Night and day difference for some devices! ... More
works like a dream
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Boaz on B&H Photo Video
i was a bit worried about the looks of the unit and the build quality but all that was gone the moment i saw it in person and held it in my hands. the anodized aluminum casing screams quality and doesn't look cheap at all while the overall build quality is superb. the unit has a good weight to it and the knobs feel great. i expected much less from a product in this price range. more importantly - the sound is just fantastic. clean and transparent, good amplification on the headphone out, and the peak indicator halos are cool. the free plugin bundle really tops this purchase off as an excellent buy. you can't go wrong with this - i highly recommend it! ... More
Great no frils interface
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by Rumzdizzle on Guitar Center
Excellent interface for your average home user. Good build quality and doesn't feel cheap without being to bulky. I've been impressed so far. Only know is the software that comes with it is pretty trivial and almost everything can be downloaded free off the net minus a couple plug-ins. Everything included seems to be a "pay for more features" style ware. Also the software install process on the focusrite website is not very intuitive and might take a while for the less experienced user to download everything they need. I figured it out but it could be streamlined. ... More
This is a real GEM
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Judy on B&H Photo Video
I'm not an expert and took the recommendation of another to get this. A few things I didn't realize... It records the mic on one channel in MONO. Duh. I just assumed Stereo. The second channel can be another mic for Stereo. The other thing I learned is that 1/4 phono cable from your guitar can go into the other channel... These connectors work both ways. I'm probably the only one who didn't know that! Anyway it's great, give Phantom Power to my Mic and you get to choose Inst (instrument) or Air (Mic) as the type of input, and run up the GAIN to balance them. For the price The 2i2 is wonderful. AND B&H shipped it same day... during Covid insanity. ... More
Works like a charm
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Casey on B&H Photo Video
I bought the Maudio and returned it for this. I had a few crashes until I went to Focusrite web site to download newer drivers. Wokrs nice now, but I have only used it with headphones for I'm waiting on my backordered speakers. I not using it to record instruments but instead using for video editing. I like that all controls are on the front as well as headphone jack. I may use it to record voice overs but have not use it for that yet either.
Great output
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by SoundGuy on B&H Photo Video
I have only used the output side which is what I bought it for. The inputs are a bonus. I am using this to connect a Macbook to a theater sound system. The balanced output is perfect at the +4db level of professional gear. Also, I can run two discrete channels without worrying about bleed over from one channel to the other which I get with the internal sound jack. This is a huge improvement. It is built solid.
Solid and a fun interface
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Randy on B&H Photo Video
This little box does what an affordable interface is supposed to do. It feels solid, and knobs are pleasing to touch. with the USB-C port, I can use charging chords for my phone I have laying around to plug it in, if the chord that came with it ever goes missing. yes, if i crank the gain all the way to its max, I do get some slight buzzing and feedback noise- but that is pretty expected. I have a feeling this will last me a good number of years, until i am ready to commit to something more. for an entry level price, there is a reason I think this interface comes so highly recommended to those just starting out. ... More
Perfect all you need starter
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by DocPoppi on B&H Photo Video
This package is dollar for dollar the best buy! It's all great quality equipment. I'm giving it 5 stars, but the mic stand isn't strong enough to hold the microphone and pop filter. The arm drops, and needs to be tied off. Still really good gear! Sound quality is perfect as is, or you can pre-amp the mic, but it's not really necessary with this set up. Focusrite also offers a free DAW, and one comes with the package. (It is not MAC compatible though) I use Audacity and it required two simple clicks and I was up and running.
Great for stereo recording to DAW software
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3)
Reviewed by Stephen on Guitar Center
This model has two equivalent input channels allowing me to record stereo output from my mixing console. The pre-amps on the input channels exhibit a good range of gain, provide low latency analog to digital conversion and produce a high quality digital waveform for use in my DAW software. This model also allows direct monitoring (connecting input directly to output for sound / continuity / cable check), and allows selection of either mono and stereo monitoring. I simply plugged the device into an iMac and it worked perfectly, without any additional software or driver installation or configuration.
The gold standard for a reason
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
Reviewed by Derek on B&H Photo Video
I preface this by saying I'm an audio engineer by trade for the last 20 years. Concerts, tours, TV shows, studios, you name it. The 2i2 has been the gold standard in the industry since it came out, and for good reason. It sounds great and you can depend on it working every time. It's built tough with a solid aluminum shell so you can throw it in your bag and not worry about it breaking. Focusrite hardware is just rock solid reliable on both Windows & Mac platforms. I've owned 4 Focusrite interfaces over the last 10 years (still own 3) that I've used on both Mac & Windows machines and they just simply work every single time. ... More
