Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Evaluation: At-a-glance
- The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a USB audio interface
- Not solely that – it’s the most well-liked audio interface amongst podcasters
- You should utilize it to plug one or two XLR mics and run them into your pc
- It’s preferrred for recording solo or domestically co-hosted conversations
- It may be paired with an internet name recording software to seize distant conversations, too
- You’ll be able to choose one up model new for round $140-$200, relying on the mannequin
- The 2i2 is now in its 4th Technology, although you may nonetheless discover earlier fashions on sale
- Learn on to get the total lowdown…
On this Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 evaluate, I’ll cowl one in all my favorite (and hottest!) items of podcasting equipment.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is what’s often called an audio interface. However what does that really imply, and why would you utilize one?
Let’s begin there, earlier than delving into the 2i2 itself.
What’s an Audio Interface, & Why Would possibly I Want One?
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An audio interface is a bit of {hardware} that can provide you larger management over your recording setup. This one—the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2—plugs into your pc or laptop computer through the USB port and permits you to document with two separate microphones.
This may be a very good choice for you should you:
- Need to enhance your audio high quality
- Need to document domestically with a co-host
- Need to document professional-sounding interviews or podcasts on location
I’ve owned a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for about 14 years and have recorded the overwhelming majority of my audio with it in that point. Many different podcasters really feel the identical means, with the 2i2 coming in as the most well-liked interface in our 2024 Gear Survey.
It’s not simply podcasters who swear by the 2i2, both – it’s arguably the most well-liked audio interface on the planet!
What Else Will I Must Run the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2?
Podcasting with a USB mic is a good way to get your showcase the bottom, however after some time, you may begin to consider constructing out a extra ‘studio high quality’ setup. That is the place a transfer in direction of shopping for an interface just like the Scarlett 2i2 is value contemplating.
To be able to use the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 you’ll need:
- An XLR cable, or two when you’ve got a co-host or are conducting interviews.
- An XLR microphone, or two when you’ve got a co-host or are conducting interviews.
An XLR cable (or microphone cable) is the usual sort of cable utilized by musicians and different dwell performers. It merely connects at one finish to your 2i2 and on the different finish to your microphone.
Should you’re searching for a high quality mic to pair along with your 2i2, see our best podcast microphones roundup. Clearly, your alternative of mic has a huge impact in your sound, although your environment and technique are equally as essential, too!
I’ve run all method of mics into the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, from the Shure SM57 and Samson Q2U to the Electro-Voice RE20 and the Neumann U87.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen Vs Authentic
At a look, a 2011 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 may not look so completely different than a 2023 2i2 4th Gen mannequin. However numerous enhancements and iterations have been made. Listed below are probably the most notable:
- The pattern Fee restrict has jumped from 96kHz to 192kHz
- It has a extra exact Frequency Response
- Dynamic Vary has elevated from 105dB to 116dB
- Achieve Vary has elevated from 46dB to 69dB
- The Headphone outputs have improved
Bodily, the 2i2 4th Gen has a USB-C connection, whereas Gens 1 and a pair of had been USB-B. New options have additionally been added to assist inexperienced (or rushed!) podcasters get optimum sound with minimal effort. These are:
- Auto Achieve – the 2i2 can hearken to a pattern of your audio and set the acquire for you
- Clip Protected – mechanically adjusts acquire should you’re susceptible to clipping
- AIR Mode – enhances your audio with some EQ presets
You’ll be able to toggle these on and off, so veteran audio professionals have the choice to retain full guide management over their sound. The great thing about the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is that it has at all times catered to creators of all expertise ranges, and these further options solely go in direction of strengthening that declare.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: Pricing
The 4th Gen is the best to seek out and purchase model new. It’s clearly the costliest, however not by an outrageous quantity. If in case you have yours so long as I’ve owned mine, a model new 4th Gen will price you lower than $15 a 12 months:
Should you’re sure you’ll solely ever use one XLR enter, you may go for the Focusrite Scarlett Solo as a substitute. Relying on its era, one in all these will normally price between $100 and $140.
Does the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Have Phantom Energy?
Sure! All fashions of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 comprise that legendary superhero often called Phantom Power. This lets you use any XLR condenser mic with the system (together with any XLR dynamic mic) by merely hitting the 48v button on the entrance.
How Does the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Sound?
These sound samples had been recorded with a Rode Procaster, Shure SM58, and a Samson Q2U. No post-processing has been utilized. They had been recorded on my 1st Gen 2i2, and, though I believe they nonetheless sound good, the preamps and basic audio specs have improved loads since then, too!
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: Portability
The Scarlett 2i2’s small, gentle nature means you could mainly pack a cellular studio into an average-sized shoulder bag. For instance, you may be attending an occasion or convention and need to do some interviews, or it’s possible you’ll even need to document a podcast episode there after which.
You could possibly simply pack the Focusrite together with a laptop computer, headphones, USB cable, 2 XLR cables, and a pair of microphones and nonetheless have room in your bag to spare. Positive, it isn’t as small and useful a setup because the Rode Wireless Pro, nevertheless it’s much more moveable than the horse-drawn Rodecaster Pro.
Ought to I Purchase a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2?
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a wonderful little piece of equipment for podcasting or any artistic audio endeavour. However do you want one?
Should you’re already glad sufficient with the sound and workflow of your present recording setup, then in all probability not. Simply keep it up, and preserve doing what you’re doing.
However should you’re seeking to improve from a USB mic setup to utilizing XLR mics (and nonetheless document into your pc), then the 2i2 is among the finest choices in the marketplace.
There are different high quality USB audio interfaces on the market; nonetheless, should you’d nonetheless like to buy round, take a look at the roundup I’ve linked to there.
Want Extra Assist Selecting Podcasting Gear?
Should you want some extra tailor-made recommendation to your personal setup or need assist with every other side of podcasting, then you’ll want to take a look at the Podcraft Academy. That’s the place we run our weekly dwell Q&A classes, and also you’ll have entry to all of our video programs, tutorials, ebooks, and different downloadable assets!
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