Is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Worth It? We’ll use our experience with home recording, studios, live streaming, and video conferencing to give you the answer.
Quick Answer: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is worth it for most people looking for an audio interface.
Preamps and Gain
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has great, clean-sounding preamps that are extremely capable, but it only comes with 56 dB of gain. When we compare it to its competitors like Mackie, Yamaha, SSL, etc. the Scarlett 2i2 is on the low end.
If you’re using a condenser microphone, this isn’t an issue at all, but if you’re using a broadcast dynamic (SM7B, Rode PodMic, RE20, etc.), you may need to use an inline preamp (Cloudlifter) or be better off with an audio interface that has 60-64 dB of gain.
Inputs
The Scarlett 2i2 has 2 x XLR/1/4″ Combination Inputs. This gives you a ton of flexibility and you can mix/match between XLR, 1/4″ Line Level, and 1/4″ Instrument level sources.
48v Phantom Power
The Scarlett 2i2 comes with 48v of phantom power which will power any condenser microphone that you want to use with the Scarlett 2i2.
Blend Knob
Unfortunately, the Scarlett 2i2 does not come with a blend knob. A blend knob allows you to seamlessly blend your headphones between zero-latency inputs and the signal from your computer.
There are direct monitoring options built into the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, but now most devices include a blend knob as it’s a super popular and in-demand feature.
Overall Impression
We believe that the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is the perfect audio interface for most people.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is extremely easy to plug and play and has a very small footprint. You can easily fit it in a laptop shoulder bag for mobile recording. With the two combi jack inputs, you can connect mic-level XLR inputs, line-level 1/4-inch inputs, and instrument level inputs. It works great with devices like PC, Mac, iPads, and phones.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Pricing
To help you find the best prices of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and other equipment used in this video, we’ve linked the current prices from different online retailers.
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_2i2
- SSL2+ Audio Interface: https://currentprice.io/ssl2_plus
- Yamaha AG06 Audio Mixer: https://currentprice.io/yamaha_ag06
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
- Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
- Rode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://currentprice.io/boom_arm
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Topics
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:16 – Current Price
- 0:43 – Preamps & Gain
- 2:18 – Blend Knob
- 3:13 – Usability
- 3:32 – Inputs
- 3:45 – Compatibility
- 3:58 – Is the Scarlett 2i2 Worth It?
- 4:30 – Final Thoughts
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