Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface Reviews

I've been playing guitar, piano, and singing for several years but I was always intimidated by the thought of the effort that it would take to begin creating recordings. I don't have a lot of time to play music I would rather not spend time with technical stuff. But I finally wanted to give it a try so I did some research and picked up this inexpensive interface that seemed to get positive reviews and had the options I was looking for like two inputs that I can use simultaneously for voice and instrument. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 ended up being quick to set up, easy and intuitive to use. From taking it out of the box I was able to start recording in about a half hour. That included downloading the software needed on my laptop, choosing a program (I went with Ableton Live Lite) and downloading that to my laptop, and watching some quick instructional videos. Now whenever I play, I can be ready to record by just opening my laptop and clicking into Ableton. I'm sure there are much more sophisticated programs and devices but I'm very happy with the quality of the recordings, and like I mentioned in my review title I do think that this is perfect if you're an individual just getting started with recording your music.

Upgraded from an older model interface, and purchased the 2i2 4th Gen on the advice of several studio savvy friends. This thing is much more than a usb audio interface, it's packed with fantastic automation that's common sense and easy to use. I've used the Scarlett to record acoustic guitar and vocals with incredible results! Super clean and crisp; just what I was looking for! I love the auto level and "safe" features, and it has worked flawlessly! the "air" feature adds a presence that is a delight to the ears. And it goes without saying that Sweetwater Customer Support sets the standard!

I've been using the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen up to now, but this 2i2 Gen 4 is one heck of a step up. Easy to use and a lot of new features that I will have to spend some time with. The setup was easy and it works well on my MacBook Pro for traveling. (I normally use it on my iMac at home, but when I travel it is small and light enough to just pop in and go.). Strong, sturdy, and the Focusrite name that I have come to trust over the years.

Thanks to Ian Chamberlain for getting this handled for me as quickly as possible. Even arrived a day earlier that posted on the UPS website. Can't be that level of service with Sweetwater.

Easy set up. Works great when I combine with my Tech 21. Using to practice along with audio through phones at this time. May get into recording later. Much better representation than headphone output from amp. which was my previous setup.

It's early days yet, but I'm impressed with my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface. The controls are fairly intuitive, and the on-screen control panel is helpful. The auto-gain function is very useful. Finally, I can't believe how good my guitar sounded in my DAW by simply plugging it directly into the Focusrite - a very welcome surprise!

The sound that this unit is able to capture are leaps and bounds above what other similar units are able to produce. This is a must for those looking to record on a small scale.

This was a Christmas gift for our daughter. We had bought a microphone and condensor before but it wouldn't work with our daughters computer USB port. Needless to say we contacted Mr. Gregg and he helped us to get what we needed and its all perfect now! When I learned of sweetwater several Years ago, there is no other place I shop for our music needs. Sweetwater and their team is fantastic and very knowledgeable!

This interface is very easy to use. The pre amps are clean and clear. This is a great place to start if you are getting into home recording! Watch my full review for all the details on the new Gen 4 features!

Wow ! Amazing interface! Lives up to expectations and exceeds it ! Do not hesitate in getting the Focusrite 2i2 outstanding home recording usb interface!

A great, straight forward unit with a decent amount of very usable features. Extremely pleased.

I bougt so I could connect my pro headhpones to my laptop to do ear training. Was easy to install and works great.

A very nice piece of gear. Very intuitive. Functions very well with my DAW

The 4th Generation is a major improvement from the previous, particularly the pre-amp. It's also an improvement ascetically and functionally. The needed software is very light on the hardware.

Perfect for a small podcasting lineup in studio, meaning for one or two speakers, and also for dropping vocal tracks.

Using with the Shure SM7dB and just loving it.

Take what I say with a grain of salt. I'm a complete idiot with a computer and of course had to get assistance from tech support to get up and running. Now that it all works I'm slowly figuring things out, and I'm impressed with all I can do with just the basic package. I see a lot of fun in my future.

This little unit is a gem on a budget. Setup was a breeze and it does exactly what it's supposed to. I have the Clip Safe feature on my mobile recording rig and it's one of the best things to ever happen to recording with a microphone. It's awesome to have it on my home setup now.

This is a pretty good unit. Every so often it cuts out or makes noise while reording but it usually happens towards the beginning if it is going to happen so going back and starting over is not so difficlt just a bit anoying. When it works the recordings are flawless.

So I was really looking forward to get my new Scarlett 2i2 4th gen after watching a couple of videos of it. I have to say the unit looks very nice and clean. The new implementations to it are very nice BUT................... THE HEADPHONE OUTPUT for me is very weak comparing it to others and with that THE PREAMPS while the sound of them is very nice and the AIR mode adds an interesting color to them that I REALLY LIKED. I could barely hear myself on the HEADPHONES and If you want to RECORD on a HEALTHY LEVEL without DISTORTION you have to set the gain to about 9, 10 or 11 O' Clock and that makes the HEADPHONE OUTPUT to have a problem because you are hearing your voice very low EVEN WITH THE HEADPHONE VOLUME KNOB TO a 100. If you put the PREAMPS Gain to 12 O' Clock you WILL Start to CLIP and DISTORT your RECORDING. I Try and I Try with every DAW and setting that I Could but the results were the same. It's a shame because this new gen has the potential but that HEADPHONE OUTPUT and The PREAMPS Distortion at a very low level are not good at all.

The headphone jack has failed on me with less than a year of use. It sounds like it keeps shorting out when moving it barely or bumping it, I have to wrap my headphone cord around the device in order for it to make a full stereo connection. I have tried multiple connectors with same result.

I got to use it for a couple months before the device just stopped getting showing an input signal in both inputs. Im jumping ship on this brand. Also the quiet headphone output is another disappointment.

In the short time that I have had my Scarlett 2i2 I have really enjoyed its features and ease of use and the arrangement of the controls and jacks. The courteous and professional response, assistance, and knowledge of my sales engineer, Mr. Josh Hacker and all of the Sweetwater staff members is exceptional and the reason that Sweetwater is my go-to source for my equipment.

Worked amazing fresh out of the box until someone modified some thing on my laptop. Now I can't get it to respond, re install, nothing. Absolute waste of time (three days) on forums, support, emails, nothing. No one can figure out how to make it simple.