Recording live music is a risky proposition if you don’t have the right equipment for the job. This was true in the old days and it remains true in the 21st century. What has changed is the fact that recording in the digital age has made this a much easier task. New equipment, such as the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface, has made recording on the spot a far more manageable job.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface comes equipped with a wide range of features. Some are old, some are intrinsic to the new device, but all have received a thorough update. As a result, the new interface is set to become the gold standard in modern digital recording. This is nowhere more true than in the area of recording sizzling hot guitar pickups on the spot. The Focusrite gets it down like no other unit can.
What Are the Defining Features of the New Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface?
The new Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface comes packed with a wide variety of features that are sure to be of interest to home recording experts and amateurs alike. Some of these features include, but will not be limited to, the following:
A Unique New Selection of Four Different Analog Inputs
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface comes with a unique selection of four analog inputs. The first two are Scarlett mic preamps with plenty of even gain. These have been specially designed to provide a wholly organic sound, even if it does come through the interface of a digital source.
The Focusrite also includes two specially designed instrument inputs. These are the inputs that have caught the attention of industry experts and recording enthusiasts alike. These inputs are designed to handle a whole series of challenging scenarios, especially the issue of recording “hot” electric guitar pick-ups in a live situation.
State of the Art Conversion and Sample Rates
If you are looking for conversion and sample rates that are truly top of the line, this is the unit to buy. This is no middle of the road beginner’s model. We are talking here about conversion and sample rates that can reach up to 192kHz / 24 bit. These are rates that have been specially developed in order to provide the utmost fidelity in a live recording situation.
Lightweight and Portable Like No Other Interface
One of the most attractive features of the new Focusrite unit is its unique portability. This is not a unit that you will need to worry about taking up too much space on your gear rack. It’s a lightweight unit that weighs only 1.32 pounds. Its dimensions are 12 x 14 x 8 inches.
Quick Connections to Your Studio Monitor Speakers
The Focusrite unit comes with 1/4-inch balanced jack outputs. These allow the unit to quickly connect to professional studio monitor speakers. It also comes complete with a headphones output with gain control that will quickly allow you to monitor the outgoing sound. If you’re concerned with sound fidelity in real time, this is the defining failsafe.
What Are the Greatest Advantages That Come With the New Focusrite?
There are a number of advantages that will come with using the new Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface. One of them is the easy and quick compatibility that the unit has with all kinds of plug-ins, large and small. For example, the new Focusrite unit works perfectly in sync with these plug-ins in real time, with no need for post-production additions or DSP.
You should also note that the Focusrite comes packed with a ton of handy features. These include Pro Tools, First Focusrite Creative Pack and Ableton Live Lite, Focusrite Control, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite, and 2GB of Loopmasters samples.
Are There Any Major Disadvantages to Be Aware of?
There really are no major disadvantages to be spoken of. One small quibble is that the unit is still 100 percent digital rather than analog. This may cause ripples of discontent among purist musicians who prefer everything to remain “old school.” However, it should be noted that no matter what kind of sound you are trying to produce, from vintage blues to techno, the unit is more than adequate to the task.
While this audio interface is an excellent bang for your buck, you should keep in mind that it is more of an entry-level model. If you’re looking for something more high end, you may want to consider a professional audio interface.
Another small matter that may raise eyebrows is the fact that Mac users may have to do a bit of post-production tweaking to get the interface to yield its best results. This is an issue that has led to a bit of discontent among Mac enthusiasts. However, with a bit of searching on the web, you will quickly find all of the answers to your specific Mac-interface production issues.
Is This the Best New Audio Interface for Your Home Recording Needs?
Whether the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface becomes your most valued new piece of recording equipment will ultimately depend on a number of factors. Chief among these will be knowing exactly what you are searching for. If you need an interface that gives you a clear signal chain to your recording devices while also delivering top quality sound fidelity, this should be a model that catches your eye.
It will ultimately come down to several highly crucial matters: Affordability and convenience. Convenience will enter the picture very quickly when you realize that the new Focusrite unit is compatible with any number of browsers and online programs, such as the Ubuntu Studio and Armour programs that are available from Linux.
You should also keep in mind that the new Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface is extremely affordable. While equipment of this magnitude and influence can frequently be on the higher end of the economic scale, the new Focusrite really does manage to buck this trend. For the entry-level cost, you really won’t go wrong by giving it a go. For all of these reasons and more, we highly recommend this unit.
