Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is one undisputedly one of the best-known and most popular USB audio interfaces on the market. On the company website, Focusrite even speaks of one of the "world's best-selling USB interfaces." The device, which was released in 2012, is now in its second version at Techwatch.de in the test. You can find out here whether the Scarlett can live up to its good reputation.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 lives up to its reputation and popularity. The compact device convinces with a clear layout, simple operation, great sound and a reasonable price.

Processing in focus – stylish

Compared to the first version, the Scarlett has hardly changed. Only the lettering on the top and the monitoring wheel have been changed. In addition, the new model weighs around 80 grams more and thus comes to 625 grams. Otherwise, the second version of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is also encased in red aluminum.

Included in the scope of delivery, in addition to the device itself, is a red USB cable for connecting to your computer. The length should be sufficient for most setups. The two XLR inputs including separate GAIN controls with LED rings for input display and LINE or instrument switches are located on the front. On the right is the 48V phantom power button, which will light up red when activated. Below this is the switch for direct pre-listening, the aforementioned volume wheel for the same, and a 6,3 mm jack output for your headphones. In between there is a green USB status LED. On the back there is only the USB 2.0 port for connecting to your PC or Mac as well as the two LINE outputs.

Overall, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is well made and looks valuable. The red aluminum is a matter of taste, but looks stylish despite the signal colour. The new monitoring volume wheel is also made of metal in the second version and has a clearer black line. The bottom line is that only the knobs could do with a little more “levels” and resistance.

Version 2 promises lower latency

Apart from minor design changes, the second edition of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 mainly promises lower latency, revised inputs and higher sample rates. In fact, there is an improvement in latency, which is around 5 ms between version 1 and 2. However, this is due to the updated drivers, which also work with the first version of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. Switching because of the latency is therefore not worthwhile. Apart from that, these delays are probably negligible for most missions anyway. If you need even lower latency, you should get that ZOOM UAC-2 which we have also tested.

Installing the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

To install the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 in our test scenario, all you need is the device, an XLR cable and a condenser microphone, in our case the Rode NT2A. After that, the setup takes care of itself:

1. Connect the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 to your PC or Mac using the included USB cable.
2. Mac does not require drivers, as a Windows user you can download the current Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 driver from the Website .
3. After installation, connect your Microphone using the XLR cable with the Scarlett. Then activate the phantom power.
4. Use the GAIN control to your microphone using the Monitoring or listening function in the Windows sound settings to level.
5. Choose the 2i2 "as default device" and as a "Default Communication Device".

Sound Quality and Drivers

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 sounds great. In our USB audio interface testwith the NT2A, the little red box is convincing throughout. The volume can be adjusted properly thanks to the GAIN controller and is high enough. We couldn't hear any static or background noise either. However, in order to achieve these great results, Windows users need the manufacturer's drivers.

And here we come to the biggest weakness of the Focusrite Scarlett. Many users complain about unstable drivers and problems like popping or clicking noises. To be fair, however, Focusrite has improved significantly compared to the Scarlett version 1 days. In our test, the drivers ran stably and without any problems. If you encounter similar problems as described above, we recommend the following steps:

1. Uninstall and reinstall the current driver and restart your system.
2. Tests the current beta driver from the Focusrite website.

Our sound test is carried out in a closed room with pyramid foam insulation recorded. Nevertheless, there are no studio conditions. The ambient volume from running devices was 40,1 dB at the time of recording.