Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface Review

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is the latest iteration of Focusrite’s best-selling Scarlett 2i2 USB audio interface.

Launched in 2011, the Scarlett range pioneered the concept of an easy-to-use, high quality audio interface aimed at home studio owners, musicians, podcasters and streamers.

With each new generation, Focusrite has refined and improved the Scarlett 2i2 formula. But is the 3rd Gen worth an upgrade for existing Scarlett 2i2 users?

And how does it stack up against competing models for those looking to buy their first audio interface?

In this review we will provide a detailed look at the features, performance and value proposition of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen.

Key Features

The Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen retains the same core 2 input/2 output configuration as previous versions. However, a host of upgrades under the hood aim to deliver improved sound quality, lower latency and greater versatility. Here are some of the key features that set the 3rd Gen model apart:

• Next generation Scarlett microphone preamps – Redesigned from the ground up to deliver even lower noise and richer, more detailed sound quality. Up to 60dB of gain is available to amplify weak microphone signals.
• High performance AD/DA converters – New converters provide 119dB dynamic range on inputs and outputs, surpassing many interfaces costing twice as much. This allows more detail to be captured from subtle sounds and room ambience.
• Ultra-low roundtrip latency – As low as 2.74ms makes monitoring and software instrument playback feel super tight and responsive. Vital for musicians recording and producing music.
• Air mode – Engages analog modeling on the mic preamp to add warmth and character to recordings. Especially useful for vocals and acoustic instruments.
• High speed USB-C connectivity – USB 2.0 has been replaced by USB-C 3.0 for lightning fast data transfer speeds. Makes the interface fully bus-powered for minimal desktop clutter.
• Loopback functionality – Hidden menu allows the 2i2 to receive input from both physical and software sources at once. Useful for live streaming, podcasting and audio routing.

On paper, the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen represents a significant step up in audio quality, versatility and future-proofing. But specs only tell half the story. The real test is how the 2i2 performs in actual use cases.

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Build Quality & Design

Opening the box, you immediately notice the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen has a refreshed aesthetic compared to older generations. The rounded red corners and engraved logo give the unit a more premium, stylish look. Build quality feels robust thanks to the rugged metal construction. Rubber pads on the bottom provide grip and isolation. At just 12 x 3 x 5 inches and weighing 1.1 lbs, the 2i2 maintains a conveniently compact footprint for crowding desktops.

The front panel keeps things simple, with just two combo XLR/TRS inputs, gain control knobs, 48v phantom power buttons, headphone volume knob and direct monitor mix control. Each input has a ring of halo-style LED metering to visually monitor signal levels going into the interface.

Around the back, you’ll find the main outputs on standard TRS jacks, along with USB-C and Kensington lock slots. The USB-C port not only provides charging power to the unit, but also handles all audio data transfer to and from the computer. This allows the 2i2 to function as a true standalone interface with no extra power connections required.

While the 2i2 lacks digital connectivity options like AES3 or S/PDIF, the simple analog I/O arrangement covers the core needs of most home studio owners at this price point. Operation is made intuitive by the hands-on control knobs for key functions like gain staging. Overall, the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is a well-built, thoughtfully designed interface for desktop use.

Setup & Compatibility

Getting up and running with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is refreshingly easy thanks to the plug and play USB-C connectivity. Simply download the free Focusrite Control software for your Mac or Windows computer, connect the included USB-C cable between the 2i2 and computer, and you’re good to go. No external power supply or extra cables required.

The latest Control software automatically detects the 2i2 model and configures optimized low latency driver settings. Focusrite Control also unlocks access to “hidden” settings like Air mode, mono sum andDirect monitor dim. Custom headphone mixes between input signals and DAW playback can be dialed in for zero-latency overdubbing.

Compatibility is excellent with all major DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton and more. On Windows, ASIO drivers provide tight integration, while Macs use the native Core Audio interface. iOS compatibility allows using the 2i2 with Apple iPads via the Camera Connection Kit. The only slight drawback is lack of native Linux support currently. But for most users on macOS or Windows machines, the 2i2 will work flawlessly out the box.

Sound Quality

This is where the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen really shines. The upgraded mic preamps and converters deliver a level of transparency, detail and depth that rivals or exceeds interfaces costing twice as much.

Focusrite’s Air mode is actually modeled on the classic ISA preamp – engaging it adds a subtle layer of analog warmth that flatters vocals, acoustic guitars and other instruments. 44.1 to 192kHz sampling rates are supported, covering everything from podcasts to high resolution recordings.

Monitoring latency as low as 2.74ms pairs perfectly with soft synth plugins like Native Instruments Komplete for incredible playability. Phantom power makes it easy to use professional condenser mics. There’s very clean gain available through the mic pres before clipping kicks in.

Overall, it’s hard to fault the pristine audio quality Focusrite has packed into this diminutive desktop interface. The round trip latency is equally impressive for software monitoring. Considering the affordable price point, the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen punches well above its weight in terms of sound and versatility.

Value Proposition

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen carries an MSRP of $159, which represents a modest $10 price increase over the previous 2nd Gen model. However for that extra investment, you’re getting a heap of additional functionality and performance.

Chief competitors in this space include the PreSonus Studio 24c, which can be regularly found discounted to $149. The SSL 2+ is another alternative at around $169. All three units have broadly similar I/O arrangements, but the Focusrite edges ahead on sound quality while retaining competitive pricing.

Given the major upgrades under the hood like the Air mode, USB-C connectivity and class-leading mic preamps, the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen feels almost like a cut-price Clarett interface. It’s impressive just how much pristine sound Focusrite has packed into a sub-$200 product.

For musicians, podcasters and streamers seeking premium quality on a budget, the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is quite simply one of the best value propositions on the market right now. It outperforms rivals at a similar price point, giving home studio owners more flexibility to capture professional results.

Who Is It For?

Thanks to the versatile feature set and high build quality, the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen serves a wide range of users:

• Home studio musicians – The great sounding preamps, low latency performance and compact footprint make the 2i2 a perfect interface for home studios. Allows pro-quality recording and mixing capabilities on a budget.
• Podcasters – Loopback functionality plus ultra low latency monitoring are ideal for podcast workflows. The 2i2 provides studio-grade quality for voice recording in a simple plug and play interface.
• Streamers – With the ability to pull in audio software and hardware sources, the 2i2 is primed for computer streaming. Dial in custom headphone mixes for game, chat and music audio.
• Mobile users – Compatibility with iOS devices like iPads and iPhones via the Camera Connection Kit turns the Scarlett 2i2 into a portable recording interface.
• Students – An affordable way for students to access broadcast standard audio tools for music, media and podcast production from their laptop. Great educational investment.

The unit’s small footprint and bus-powered operation also makes it easy to transport for mobile recording use. Overall, the 2i2 3rd Gen is versatile enough to appeal to a wide spectrum of musicians, content creators and audio professionals.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the biggest pros and cons based on our hands-on testing:

Pros

• Rich, detailed sound quality from upgraded mic pres and converters
• Air mode adds character and body to recordings
• Latency as low as 2.74ms
• USB-C powered operation
• Rugged metal construction
• Affordable pricing

Cons

• No digital connectivity like AES3
• Limited to just 2 inputs and 2 outputs
• No official Linux support
• Headphones have to share volume control with main outputs

For the price, compromises have to be made somewhere and core I/O limitations are to be expected. However, the 2i2 nails the fundamentals of great sound, low latency and easy operation.

Conclusion

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has been a benchmark USB interface for home studios and musicians for over a decade. With each generation, Focusrite finds ways to incrementally improve on the already solid 2i2 formula. This 3rd Gen model represents the biggest evolutionary leap yet, with a redesigned preamp, premium converters and future-proofed USB-C connectivity.

Sonically it delivers professional quality recordings with surprising transparency and depth, aided by the Air analog modeling. Impressively low latency cements its usefulness for tracking and monitoring. Despite the upgrades, pricing stays very reasonable for an interface punching far above its class.

For home studio owners ready to step up their recording game, the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is a thoughtfully refined iteration on a classic interface design. It brings broadcast-ready audio quality down to the desktop in a compact plug and play unit. For users wanting premium I/O expandability, Focusrite’s Clarett series may be worth considering instead.

But overall, as an affordable workhorse interface for musicians, podcasters and streamers, the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen earns top marks and an enthusiastic recommendation. The sound quality and versatility on offer are difficult to beat at this price point. Focusrite has succeeded in making a great interface even better for the 3rd generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 2i2 3rd Gen compare to the popular Solo model?

The 2i2 simply adds a second input and output over the Solo. So it allows recording a microphone and instrument simultaneously. The core sound quality and features are otherwise pretty much identical. Go with the Solo if you only need one input.

Can the headphone output power headphones up to 250ohms or more?

Yes, the headphone amp has plenty of power to drive even high impedance headphones up to 300ohms nicely. The tone shaping from the monitor mix knob helps dial in a good listening level.

Does the Scarlett 2i2 work with an iPad/iPhone?

Yes, using a Lightning to USB Camera Adapter you can connect and use the Scarlett 2i2 as either a headphone amp or stereo interface with an iOS device. The iPad will see the 2i2 as a class compliant audio device.

What sample rates and bit depths are supported?

The 2i2 can handle sample rates from 44.1kHz up to 192kHz at a bit depth of 24-bit on both inputs and outputs. So it covers everything from standard definition to high resolution audio.

Can the Air mode be applied independently to each mic preamp?

No, unfortunately the Air effect has to be enabled globally and can’t be switched on per input. You’ll need a 4i4 or higher model for independent Air per mic pre.

Is there a headphone volume control separate from the main output?

No, the front panel monitor volume knob adjusts both headphone and main output volume together. You can balance the mix between input and DAW playback though.

Does the 2i2 work well for live streaming applications?

Yes, the loopback functionality allows you to pipe audio from streaming software and microphone/instruments into your broadcast. Plus ultra low latency makes monitoring easy.

What is the typical roundtrip latency on Windows and Mac?

Latency can be as low as 2.74ms making software instruments very playable. On Mac expect around 3-5ms, and Windows 5-8ms for typical performance depending on PC specs.

What is the maximum gain available on the mic preamps?

You get up to 60dB of clean gain before the mic pres start to clip or distort. This allows quiet mics and instruments to be amplified well. Engaging the Air mode adds even more gain if needed.

Conclusion

In summary, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB audio interface offers outstanding quality and performance in a compact, bus-powered unit. It represents excellent value for money and is a great choice for home studio musicians, podcasters, streamers and other content creators looking to elevate their productions to the next level. While not without some limitations, the upgraded preamps, converters and thoughtful design make the 2i2 a benchmark product in its class.

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