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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Review

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – Good With Garageband?

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Review
4.1
Great
Get Yours Here

I don’t have a big impressive home recording studio. I don’t have dozens of guitars lining my walls, acoustic foam covering every surface or banks of expensive engineering equipment surrounding a top of the range Mac.

In fact, up until a few years ago I didn’t even use an audio interface at all, instead relying on a single USB microphone to capture my musical tomfoolery.

So when I eventually did make the leap and got my hands on a ‘proper’ recording interface I was thoroughly amazed at the jump in sound quality I was able to produce through the use of XLR microphones and directly inputted instruments.

There’s been a boom in the overall quality of ‘affordable’ audio interfaces in the last few years, with companies like Presonus and M-Audio leading the charge.

There is one company (and one model in particular) however that just keeps cropping up – the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.

I just had to see what all the fuss is about…

 

What Is It?

Marketed for ‘musicians on the go’, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a premium audio interface. The 2i2 refers to the number of inputs and outputs the device has – 2 Hybrid XLR/1/4″ TRS jack inputs on the front of it and 2 balanced monitor outputs on the back.

 

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Front and Back

 

Some XLR mics require Phantom power to work properly and it’s included here, along with a dedicated headphone monitor output, meaning that you can attach your ‘cans’ to the front facing headphone jack, flick a switch  and you’ll be listening to what your playing direct from the interface instead of from your Mac. Handy if you ever come up against latency problems.

The big draw here though is the Scarlett 2i2’s on board preamps. They’re the same ones that power Focusrite’s flagship interfaces. They definitely sound fantastic and I didn’t find them overly sensitive at all. I found that setting the gain knob at around the 1-2 o’clock position was ideal for picking up a good, strong input signal.

Speaking of Gain, the Scarlett 2i2 makes it really simple to set your levels by including a unique gain halo system. If you’ve pushed the gain too high, the light around the knob will turn red, reducing the gain until the light turns green let’s you know you’ve hit the ideal volume. Simple, but VERY useful.

You can find the full rundown of the Scarlett 2i2’s specs here

 

How Does It Sound?

Put simply – fantastic.

Those top spec pre-amps really bring out the best in whatever you decide to hook up to the device. I put together a wee comparison for you to hear for yourself.

 

 

In this comparison:

 

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 + Audio Technica AT2020 XLR Microphone

Samson C01U USB Microphone

In Built Microphone

 

 

So far, so awesome, but I did run into a couple of issues the first time I set the Scarlett 2i2 up…

 

Snap, Crackle and Pop

The first issue I encountered was a simple fix. When hooking up the Scarlett 2i2, Garageband instantly recognised it and changed the audio drivers appropriately. I wasn’t able to hear anything though, even though the the volume display in the track header was showing that something was definitely happening

The problem? Garageband had set the Scarlett 2i2 as the output device, and as I had my headphones through my Mac, I wasn’t hearing a thing. Diving into Garageband’s preferences menu and switching the output device to ‘Built In Output’ did the trick.

 

Screen Shot 2014-12-01 at 15.51.24

 

The second issue? Well, the second issue was a little more serious.

No matter how much I fiddled with the gain controls, unplugged/plugged back in, restarted and swapped inputs, there was an incredibly irritating ‘pop’ sound every few seconds when trying to record.

I actually thought i’d purchased a faulty unit! A swift Google search later and I found the solution – I had to download a ‘class compliant mode app’ and install it (it took seconds).

According to Focusrite, some users running OS X Mavericks can experience some glitchy sounds and drop outs. I guess that extends to Yosemite users too. A little annoying considering that the 2i2 is pushed as a ‘plug and play’ interface, but whatever – it was a simple enough fix, but still worth mentioning.

 

The Verdict

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Review
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Despite some teething problems early on, i've been really impressed with the Scarlett's sound quality. Focusrite's pre amps really shine when compared to other interfaces in the same class. Couple that with it's dashing good looks and rugged build quality and you have a strong contended for the best all rounder interface for bedroom/smaller recording set ups.
Positives
Preamps Sound Fantastic
Built To Last
Great Features and Free Software
Negatives
Class Compliant Install needed for some Operating Systems
Pricey
4.1
Great
Get Yours Here

Show Comments (41)
  1. I OWN THE FOCUSRITE 2I2- IT’S NOW IN MY CLOSET. I FELT I WASN’T GETTING ENOUGH GAIN ON GUITAR SO I GOT OUT MY TRUSTY MAUDIO FIREWIRE410- WHICH FRANKLY, REALLY DOESN’ IMPROVE ON THE GAIN SIDE SO I USE A PRE-AMP. BUT AFTER READING YOUR REVIEW I” TAKE THE FOCUSRITE OUT OF THE CLOSET AND GIVE IT ANOTHER SHOT. THANKS

  2. I think with guitar it takes a little getting used to the little magic red box. I am getting great guitar results from it now. As long as you getting a clear unclipped signal you can use plugins and third party plugins to make your guitar sound huge.
    I have a loads of waves plugins including the waves gt3 amp sims but I have to say the garageband amp sims still rock especially the new upgrade that included the “grit” distortion pedal. It’s amazing what garageband has to offer for FREE compared to some expensive plugins.

    Just bought a new rode nt1-a mic and the vocal sound through the scarlett is amazing.

  3. Hello:

    I own at home a QUAD-CAPTURE: Interface Audio USB 2.0, do you have any kind of opinion about how it could work with GB?

    thanks!!

  4. Hey Patrick, I got the Focusrite 2i2 a while back. Love the pre’s but, can you help me get rid of the latency when playing guitar direct ? Thanks for all the great stuff on here.
    Jim.

    1. Hi James,

      make sure that you route the output signal through the “Built-in Output” option ( as seen above in Garageband’s “preferences” box), and NOT via the Scarlett interface. This did at least work in my case. If you are using an older version of Garageband (<10) there may be an option in the preferences dialogue for setting the size of the audio buffer. This should be as small (!) as possible (until the signal cuts out or starts crackling) to reduce latency.

      HTH

  5. Instead of my iMac, i very often connect my iPad Air via a cam-con-kit and an old no-name self-powering USB 2.0 1:4 USB-Hub to my Scarlett 2i4 (ok, it is not a 2i2). From there a midi keyboard controller and two active Speakers are connected too. With this configuration i can play such great apps like SampleTank, iGrand Piano, Waldorf Nave, Jordantron, … either from the midi keyboard or control and play it direct in the iPad and the sound comes powerful back out of the two active speakers without noticeable latency. To make things easier the USB-Hub is permanent connected to Scarlet.

  6. I’m looking for something to record guitar and vocals into garageband 10.0.3 running on os 10.10.2

    Had to send back the Steinberg UR22,as I couldn’t get any sound in or out, through it..

  7. I can hear the guitar sound coming from the 2i2 but how come I am not hearing the effects garage band is producing. Only upon playback on the sequence, I can hear the effects.

  8. Well, directly from Ottawa Canada, this is a great and very interesting site. I love GarageBand and well done with the Guide. I was able to understand it much better than with the Appe guide.

    I’m using a Mac Pro Air with garageband. Just recently purchased a pair of KRK 6 Roket speakers and for the moment using an Apogee One interface with GarageBand.

    The Focusrite 2i2 was highly recommended to me but since I already had the One, I decided to give it a try. Other then the much better output connecters, are they any advantage to acquire this interface over Apogee One. Perhaps you could recommend other worthwhile investment that would be better

    I’m a simple a mature.

    Awaiting for your comments

    John

    1. The Apogee one seems like a good piece of kit – how do you output to your Rokits from it though? If you have both a Mac and iPad then the one is able to connect to both, so i’d stick with that John.

    2. Thanks for your reply Patrick. I was surprise and pleased to see it here. You were asking about the output connections from my Apogee One (first version) to my KRK speakers. The Apogee One has only one output, the headphone jack. Therefore I used a Y connector from Apogee to KRK with a 1/8″ stereo plug at one end going to two 1/4″ monos connectors, one for each of the KRK speakers. I feel that a mini stereo plug going from Apogee to two 1/4″ monos was perhaps not the best way. Yes I have a Mac Pro Air and an IPhad.

      The Focusrite has a much superior connecting capacity. One for each speakers. Now knowing the connection format available on Apogee, would your recommendations have been the same, still stands? Would I get a better sound quality? Better volume? if I convert to Focusrite? My view is that the Apogee One is very much a mobile unit and not so much a permanent installation. However, Apogee always receive outstanding reviews.

      The advantage with Apogee over Focusrite it that it has a good quatily built in microphone, none on 2i2. The 2i2 has much better connectors. What about the software that comes with 2i2? So what are your thoughts now?

      In your opinion, are their any other units on the market that would give better connections and provide a better sound quality?

      Thanks for your advice Patrick and looking forward for your reply. Love your guide and other work.

      John

  9. I’ve been using a 2i2 for about 3 years and love it. Originally bought it for use with Ableton Live, but dislike that program and have started using GarageBand instead. Not only does it work great for inputting instruments/voice, but it works great to output iTunes music, or any other source you want to amplify out of your comp.

  10. I actually own the M-Audio version of that same interface although I haven’t used it much. (Big plans and all that) I’m hoping that some day I’ll sit down and try it and see how my results compare to yours with the 2i2.

  11. Hi Tim,

    I’m having the same issue as well.Am not able to get the guitar effects to my headphones while recording via the focusrite 2i2.

    Patrick, any advice?

  12. Very useful site, thank you Patrick. I have exactly the same setup as you, a 2i2 and AT 2020 into GarageBand. I was having trouble with the guitar input, but since reading your tutorial about changing the input/output in the preferences, that has been cured, NOW, it’s the mic that won’t respond. The signal is fine on the 2i2, but nothing is happening in GarageBand – no audio whatsoever on the selected track. If I switch back to built-in input it works again, although the sound isn’t great. Any suggestions? Thanks!

  13. Running the new version of Garageband with OS X El Caitan . I need to buy an audio interface and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and the 2i4 seem to be showing up as a major contender. I will never be recording more than two instruments at a time so either one of these would work for me. There is a $50.00 difference between the 2i2 and the 2i4. Does anyone know what the advantage is to go with the higher priced version? One thing that I am concerned with is the complaints I am hearing regarding clipping on the audio levels when using a guitar. Considering that I will be using an electric, electric acoustic with active pickup as well as a bass with active pickups, has this issue been resolved? Any information would be welcomed

    1. I am in exactly the same position as you. I think the 2i4 is the one to go for when recording electric guitar as it has a PAD button which you can use to reduce the decibels without effecting the tone in order to prevent clipping.

      I am very new to recording guitar and quite a novice guitarist so just want to record myself in order to hear where I need to improve. I have an iRig HD which I have used to record in Garage Band but am not that impressed with the sound, I was wondering if there is a big difference in sound quality between the Irig HD & Focusrite 2i2/2i4. I can’t find a comparison on the web.

  14. I have remained with GarageBand ’09 (pre-flex) which came with my 2010 Mac. I personally love what’s under the hood and I still haven’t truly mastered its potential (hence remaining with it). I last updated my Operating System to Yosemite. Do you know whether the Scarlett 2i4 will work with my version of GarageBand?

  15. Hi all, I’m undecided between the Scarlett 2i2 and 2i4.

    Aside from the usual Instr/Line inputs I require from the front for my Guitar and Mic, I also use a weighted Keyboard with old school MIDI in/out. Currently I use a MIDI-USB cable to go straight into the back of my Mac (like a regular typing keyboard) and this has worked brilliantly – no latency issues or slow response.

    However, once I have the Scarlett, will it be better to send the Keyboard into that and then let the Scarlett’s USB send everything to GarageBand? If so, this would require the Scarlett 2i4 as the 2i2 has no MIDI input.

    If I can carry on with my keyboard routed as it is (direct to Mac) then I only require the simpler Scarlett 2i2 to handle Instr/Line.

    Your advice is golden!

  16. Hi,
    I have a Focusright 2i2 using it with a Mac book Pro 2015 running El Capitan. 8GB ram.
    There is … NOTICEABLE LATENCY….. monitoring through GarageBand using affects.
    🙁
    If there’s a solution to this I’d love to hear about it.

  17. Just bought the Focusrite and am unable to use it with Garageband. While it recognizes it when plugged in, it disables with recording level volume, so I cannot bring the volume up to get a good signal. Is it maybe a faulty unit, or am I missing something? All of the tutorials have advised going to preferences, then selecting built in output, which I have done, but still have no ability to raise the recording level. When I plugged in my UX2 interface, the recording level slide was accessible, as it is when I use built in audio, but as soon as I plug in the Focusrite I cannot adjust recording level slide. Please advise. Thanks!

    1. For the life of me I cannot get a volume reading on a vocal track using the scarlett 2i2.
      Input is set for the interface and output is set for built in. I hear everything through my headphones (plugged into the interface) but again nothing will record and no reading shows.

  18. Hi Patrick,

    I see you’re still answering questions in 2016 so I have one more. I’m running ¼” inputs into my 6i6, then into Garageband to play guitar. Everything works fine UNLESS I switch to a second instrument track in Garageband. If I switch instrument tracks at all, the guitar input goes mute and won’t play at all for any instrument track including the original one that worked at first. Any thoughts on this?

  19. No effects through sierra 10.12.3 and garageband 10.6.3 scarlettt 2/24

    I only have the PB of the guitar but no effects of the libray Apply

    Thanks for your advices

  20. Hi Patrick,

    I’m shopping for an audio interface and everyone is telling me to get the Universal Audio Twin Quad. Would this interface work with Garageband on my iMac?

      1. The class compliant app is no longer available for download from Focusrite I don’t think??? Having major issues monitoring with the 2i2 on Mac. Playback is extremely glitchy as well. Any suggestions here?

      2. The class compliant app is no longer available for download from Focusrite I don’t think??? Having major issues monitoring with the 2i2 on Mac. Playback is extremely glitchy as well. Any suggestions here?

        I should note, playback issue is present when trying to play through 2i2 to connected headphones/monitors. When track is played through the Mac built-in speakers, there is no issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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