Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface plus Waves Musicians 2 and iZotope Mobius Filter Bundle Review

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) is a versatile USB audio interface that provides everything you need to record studio-quality music on your computer. Paired with the Waves Musicians 2 and iZotope Mobius Filter plugin bundles, it becomes a powerful production station for recording, mixing and mastering.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features and capabilities of the Scarlett 2i2, Waves Musicians 2 and Mobius Filter. We’ll explore how they work together to create a cost-effective home recording setup for musicians, podcasters, streamers and content creators.

Scarlett 2i2 Overview

The Scarlett 2i2 is Focusrite’s best-selling audio interface, used by beginners and professionals alike. Here are some key features:

Inputs and Outputs

The Scarlett 2i2 provides two combo XLR/TRS inputs with phantom power, so you can connect both microphones and instruments like guitars. There are also two balanced TRS outputs to connect studio monitors or external devices.

A stereo headphone output with its own volume control allows for zero-latency monitoring. There’s also an optical SPDIF output for connecting to external digital devices.

Conversion Quality

The Scarlett features Focusrite’s renowned mic preamps and 24-bit/192kHz conversion for studio-quality audio recording and playback. The crystal-clear preamps have plenty of headroom to handle dynamics of vocals and instruments.

No products found.

Latency-Free Monitoring

Direct Monitoring routes your input signal directly to the headphone output before going to your computer. This avoids any playback delay or latency when tracking and recording.

Other Features

The Scarlett 2i2 works seamlessly with major DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton Live and more. It’s USB-powered so you can use it anywhere, and the metal chassis feels solid and durable. Status LEDs provide visual feedback of signal levels.

Waves Musicians 2 Overview

Waves is renowned for their audio plugins used in top studios worldwide. The Musicians 2 bundle provides essential effects for vocalists and instrumentalists:

Vocal Plugins

• DeEsser: Removes harsh “ess” sounds on vocals
• Renaissance DeEsser: More advanced de-essing with EQ control
• Renaissance Channel: Channel strip with compression, EQ, gating
• Renaissance Compressor: Smooth vintage-style compressor
• Renaissance EQ: Clear, musical EQ for sweetening vocals

Guitar Plugins

• GTR3: Amp/cabinet modeling and effects for electric guitars
• Abbey Road Reel ADT: Vintage doubling effect used by The Beatles
• Renaissance Compressor: Smooth compression for guitar
• Renaissance EQ: shaping guitar tones

Reverb/Delay

• Renaissance Reverb: Convolution reverb for realistic spaces
• H-Delay: Vintage and modern delay effects

This suite of 11 plugins covers all the processing needs for vocals and guitar recording, from subtle sweetening to complete tonal shaping. The interface is intuitive while providing deep tone-shaping features.

iZotope Mobius Filter Overview

Mobius Filter from iZotope is a powerful audio filtering and processing tool. It includes a variety of filter types and vintage coloration effects to shape your sound:

Filter Types

• Low Pass: Removes high frequencies
• High Pass: Removes low frequencies
• Band Pass: Keeps midrange, removes lows and highs
• Vowel Shaping for synth tones and vocals

Vintage Effects

• Vintage Vibe: Adds vibe/chorus character
• Vintage Warmer: Analog saturation modeling
• Vintage EQ: Vintage-style parametric equalization
• Vintage Limiter: Analog-style limiter

You can re-order the effects signal chain to create unique textures. The intuitive visual interface shows filter curves in real time. Use Mobius Filter for surgical tone shaping, creative sound design, or just subtle vintage vibe.

Recording and Mixing Workflow

Together, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface, Waves Musicians 2 plugins, and Mobius Filter provide a powerful yet affordable DAW recording system. Here is a typical workflow:

Recording

Connect mics, guitars and other instruments to the Scarlett 2i2 inputs. Dial in the right gain staging with the Gain knobs to optimize the signal level. Monitor through headphones with zero latency while recording into your DAW.

Mixing

Add effects processing using the Waves plugins on vocal, guitar and other tracks. De-ess vocals, enhance guitars with amp models, and add rich reverbs. EQ and compress tracks as needed for a balanced mix.

Mastering

On the master bus, use Mobius Filter for overall tonal balancing. Add vintage character with the saturator and EQ. Limit dynamics using the vintage limiter to achieve commercial loudness.

The Scarlett interface provides pristine conversion, Waves brings studio-grade processing, and Mobius adds analog polish. Together they enable you to record release-ready mixes at home.

FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Focusrite/Waves/iZotope bundle:

What computer connectivity does the Scarlett 2i2 have?

It connects to computers via USB 2.0 or USB-C cables. Works with Mac, Windows, iPad Pro.

What sample rates and bit depths does it support?

The Scarlett 2i2 handles sample rates up to 192 kHz and bit depths up to 24-bit.

Does the 2i2 provide phantom power for condenser mics?

Yes, 48V phantom power is available on both mic/line inputs. It can be activated via the switch on the front panel.

How many Waves Musicians 2 licenses are included?

You get a single Waves Musicians 2 license that works on up to 3 computers simultaneously.

Can the plugins be used for live sound?

Yes, the Waves plugins work for live mixing applications like churches and livestreams when used in a DAW or compatible console.

Do I need an iLok for the Waves plugins?

No iLok USB dongle is required. The Musicians 2 license uses computer-based activation.

What do I need to install Mobius Filter?

Mobius Filter works on Mac & PC as AAX, VST2, VST3 or AU plugin. No iLok needed either.

Conclusion

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen audio interface provides high-quality conversion and flexible I/O for computer-based recording. Paired with the Waves Musicians 2 plugin bundle, you have an arsenal of studio effects for crafting pro-level vocal and instrument tracks. iZotope’s Mobius Filter adds the finishing touch with its unique sound-shaping and analog modeling capabilities.

Together, this bundle gives home studio owners and mobile recordists everything needed for professional recording and mixing. With the Scarlett interface capturing pristine audio, Wavesplugins dialing in rich processing, and Mobius putting on the final sheen, you can make release-ready recordings in any genre – all at an affordable price. This powerful combination can take your productions to the next level.

No products found.