Hi Marcus, Thank you so much for making this video! It is structured, really clear and I could set up my Scarlett 212 from scratch after my booth move so that I am ready to rock in the morning and understand my equipment much better. (For some reason it hadn't occurred to me to set up both inputs for different job levels, as presets!) I shall be recommending this to anyone who wants to understand interface and gain or who would like just one video to get set up. Thanks again! Emma Brace
Thank you! I'm very glad the video helped, and yes, a few people have asked me for such a video because they are also beginners, so, hopefully this will help more people. Cheers and happy recording!
Hey, Marcus, how are you? I was wondering what audio interface would yo recommend for a home studio using a Shure SM58 microphone? I've been watching your videos for a couple of days. I was thinking about getting the BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC22, however my budget goes up to $100 so I thought I might be able of getting a better interface for that amount but I don't really know which one to get
Hi there. I'm so sorry for my delayed reply, June 2024 was SOOOOO Busy for me at work!! So, oddly enough, I bought the UMC22 a few months ago, but then returned it. It's fine, but the only thing I found "wrong" with it is that WHEN the clip light on the preamp comes on (on the front of the interface), the digital signal into the computer is NOT clipping. So, the hardware clip indicator and the SOFTWARE clip indicator do not match......you'll always clip out the preamp on the UMC22 BEFORE you clip out the digital level in software So.......if you're ONLY watching software meters to see if you're clipping.......it won't be accurate. This is NOT a problem if you always keep an eye on the front of the UMC22 to watch for that red clip indicator on the preamp. If you're just recording and you're going to edit that recording, then there's no problem.....just stay under-clip level everywhere and boost it a bit in post. If you're going to be using the mic live (like Zoom, etc), you *may need to run your audio through OBS and boost the digital level there first, then send that audio over to Zoom/Microsoft Teams, etc. Secondly, if you're going to be transporting your interface a lot, taking it back and forth in a road case, backpack, etc.......I would NOT get Behringer products. Some of the internal components have been known to break-off due to too much "throwing it around," and this has happened to me with at least (1) UM2. So, if you need a road-worthy interface, I'd go with Focurite Scarlet series. But really, other than that, the UMC22 is just fine and just as quiet for the most part as something like the Scarlett 2i2 and the UMC22 would serve you well in a home studio environment. I like the front-facing controls, but, you only get a single "output" volume knob which controls both the headphone output as well as the volume/level of the rear 1/4" outputs. This doesn't really effect me as I don't use the rear outputs on my interfaces most of the time, I run my studio monitors through a different audio output from my computer. If you only need a SINGLE XLR input, I'd probably go for the Focusrite Scarlet Solo, but you'd be stuck with a single output volume knob there as well. That's why I do like the Scarlett 2i2 because you get (2) output knobs, (1) for the headphone jack and (1) for the rear outputs. But, if you're really on a tight budget......the Behringer UMC22 would still serve you very well. I hope that helps. Happy Recording!
@@MarcusHutsell Hey! Thank you so much for answering. I ended up buying the Focusrite Scarlet Solo since I'm using it for singing and I might record some piano once in a while. I haven´t had the chance to try out a lot but for what I've seen it works perfect. I'm really happy with the decision I took even if it meant to spend a lil more, totally worth it. Plus it looks nice next to the set up haha. Thank youu!
Thank you for this useful video. So what if I have a USB mic, would the Scarlet 2i2 play any role in fining the recording? Because then the mac is getting the audio in through software. I have a M-Audio Producer USB mic and I wanted to buy a Scarlet 2i2... maybe it is better to change my mic? I need a good setup for voice over for films.
Hi there. If the USB microphone you have ONLY has a USB connector, then you would not even be able to plug it into something like a Scarlett 2i2. Rhe 2i2 and any interface with XLR inputs can only accept analog sources (most of the time). If the USB microphone you have has an XLR output in addition to a USB output, then it depends. It depends on what brand of microphone it is and how well that USB connection and conversion sounds versus the XLR output into another interface. If your microphone has an XLR output and you run it into another USB audio interface with an XLR input, there’s always the risk of adding more noise because you’re adding another device. You generally also lose any of the USB functionality and buttons that may be on the mic if you use the XLR output only. However, I found that with the Fifine K688 microphones (it has both USB and XLR outputs) that it sounded cleaner with less system noise (less hiss) when I used the XLR output of that mic and ran it into a Scarlett 2i2. But that is just one example, whereas a lot of the time the USB direct microphones will sound cleanest by just using the USB cable that came with the mic. If you have a USB mic, even if it has an XLR output, I would not go spending more money on another interface if you’re on a tight budget. I would just use your USB mic as a USB mic.
Hello, I use CM25 MkIII condenser microphone that comes with the Scarlett 2i2 3d gen and i have to set the gain knob to similar level as you did with the Shure SM58. Until today it wasn't like that I would set the knob at a lot lower level with that same microphone to have the results I have now with that condenser at max or almost max, I wonder if this is because i downloaded and updated the 2i2 driver. Does this sound normal?
Hi there. That's really odd, and no it doesn't sound normal. If you have any other mic preamp/interface you can plug the mic into and test to make sure the microphone itself isn't the issue, that's where I would start with troubleshooting. The CM25, being a condenser mic, sounds like it was working properly and well for you at your previous gain settings, and the only change you made was a driver update. So I'm assuming you're on Windows, not Apple/Mac. If the mic works fine on other preamps/interfaces, then yes, I'd say it's a driver issue if you're on Windows. Unfortunately/fortunately, I'm *almost strictly on Mac with my personal computers so I can't test. And, when I do use Scarlett 2i2 Gen3's (we have a bunch of them where I work and use them daily), I don't think we ever installed drivers, we just use pre-installed Windows Driver. I would reach out to Focusrite or see if you can find the previous driver file to download on their website.
@@MarcusHutsell thanks for your reply I tried with the older driver i found it in my downloads after searching for a while. Unfortunately the same result. I would do the troubleshooting process if i had other pieces of gear to try out but I don't. I also e-mailed Focusrite and Thomann. From Thomann they asked me to ship it there so they check it out cause it's within the 3 year Warranty. That sadly could take a month or two.
@@TheTsili1 Hi there. 2-channel USB Audio (like the Scarlett) should work on any USB port, it doesn't *need faster speeds because 2 channels of audio can travel over an older USB 2.0 Cable/port. But having and connecting to a FASTER port should not make a difference, it's just a "wider highway," for devices that need more data throughput. For example, all Macbook Pro's have "USB-C" Ports, but they are, in actuality, Thunderbolt 4 ports, which means they can support 10Gbps overall data bandwidth. So, there's no problem typically with plugging into a FASTER port. *SOME port on some computers *MAY NOT PROVIDED enough power/voltage for the interface though, so, you might try a different port and see if you get different results. I connect my Scarlet to any USB port, and I even run it through USB hubs before it gets to my Mac, and I use Scarlett's on Razerblade laptops at work often, I've never had any gain-input issues like you're describing.
@@MarcusHutsell well I will find out soon I sent it to the dealer to check it. So I can't test it now. But I had a gain issue with the mic of a web camera I had plugged in USB 3.0 until now. I tried it in USB 2.0 today and the issue was resolved. Actually a second one didn't show gain issues but it had a dual mic function while plugged in USB 3.0 the PC was recognizing it as a solo mic web camera. Also was recognized in a USB 2.0 port and plugged there functioned properly. Generally this troubleshooting quest gave me the impression the computer simply doesn't recognize so well some devices in USB 3.0 and although they function they don't do as they should. So if the technician of the customer service tells me it works fine I will feel like a dummy. I guess that's life we learn every day. That's why I asked about the type of the USB port. I will let you know about the outcome. I'll subscribe too. Thank you for taking the time to respond.
I use the Rode Podmic and 2i2, still my volume output is low. If I use the cloudlifter and phantom need a lot less gain but if I want clean audio without noise I put it low gain and still the volume output remains low.
Looks like the 2i2 is a very good preamp. both of my Podmic and ATR2100x outputs low even turning the gains to the max. Is there any solution for the volume out of the box without using the cloudlifter?
Hi there. I posted an answer a bit earlier, but I was in a rush, so I deleted that and wanted to post again and I wanted to clarify a couple of things. When you say your “output” is low…..are you talking about: 1. The volume/level at the ANALOG outputs on the 2i2? The 1/4” outputs on the rear? 2. Or are you talking about the level you see/get INTO your computer when using the 2i2 to record directly into Adobe Audition, etc? 3. Are you on Windows or Mac? 1. If you’re on Windows…..read the BOTTOM of this post….. 4. In addition.....if you’re talking about the level in your software via 2i2>USB…..what software are you using? I’m assuming you’re talking about the level into the computer via USB…..but, if you are talking about the analog outputs on the back….then…..the equipment is doing what you’re telling it to do: Low gain on preamp = corresponding low level on the analog outputs. And I’m making some assumptions of your usage or your preamp here…and forgive me if you know this, but I’m going to rant about gain structure for a second: If you are thinking that "using less gain on my 2i2 preamp and keeping my preamp 'low'" will give me less noise," that is incorrect, and this is a terrible audio myth that has gone on far too long. If Someone is telling you to that keeping preamps low will get you less noise.....they're just, plain- wrong, especially with modern equipment…….you need to use your preamp as much as possible without ever clipping…..gain that sucker up for the mic you have plugged into it, and you generally don’t need the cloud lifter when using the 2i2. I'll give you a link to Julian Krause's video as well: th-cam.com/video/beXVfl1TSD0/w-d-xo.html Cheap Preamps: SOME, and I stress SOME.....low quality preamps *can increase your noise if you ride them REALLY high, like all the way at the top-end of the preamp. But we're talking pretty low quality equipment. The Scarlett 2i2 is a really good, really low-noise device, as is most modern audio equipment. As someone that’s been doing audio for 25 years, I’ve almost never experienced any preamp adding noise…at least not to a detrimental amount. *Most noise always comes from either the mic itself or from gaining too low at the beginning, then having to boost later (like in post/editing)…….when we gain too low and don’t use our preamps, which is our main signal that we want (our voice)…..our main signal gets embedded with any noise of the preamp and all of the other components as it moves along down the path to our computer, etc…..picking up any other system noise along the way. Then we we most often need to boost the END-product (again, the video edit, etc), and we boost the noise along WITH our main signal. AT 11:23 in this video, I start going through gaining my mic…..follow this procedure with your PodMIc. With every single microphone, your preamp (yes, even the 2i2) is your MOST important gain stage point. Do not "ride it low" arbitrarily. You need to use your 2i2 preamp and watch the visual meters on the preamp. This is Audio 101 gain structure. Watch your meters for proper level.....and leave headroom so you don't clip. The way you are describing things, your equipment is going exactly what you're telling it to do. You're gaining "low" (without the cloudlifter).....therefore the output is low.....this is how the equipment works. Take the cloudlifter out of the equation for a minute, plug the podmic direclty into the 2i2's preamp, and gain up using the 2i2's meters and NOTHING else first......make sure you're hitting green all the time, occasionally Orange if you get loud.......and never hit RED, or, of course, you've clipped. Using a Cloudlifter won’t make any difference in the level into the computer after the 2i2’s analog to digital conversion. Always work forward through your equipment. Don't set any knob arbitrarily......work forward and PUSH your signal through your equipment. If all of that still yields a low signal in the computer…….something else may be wrong, but the 2i2 has a very good Analog-to-Digital-Converter (ADC) and gives a very good conversion-level into the computer, which should just about match the preamp-clip-level indicator on the 2i2 itself. Luckily, on Mac, there is no digital input level you can adjust…..AKA, going into “System Preferences” on a Mac, there is no “input slider” that you can adjust when using the Scarlett 2i2. IF YOU’RE ON MICROSOFT WINDOWS…….be sure to check the following: Windows Menu > Settings > Sound > Scroll down to “Advanced” > Click on “More Sound Settings,” and this should bring up a window which shows your audio devices. Click on the “Recording” tab, then select the Scarlett 2i2. Once the 2i2 is selected, click on “Properties.” That should bring up another window, then click on the “Levels” tab…..and THERE, on “Levels”, you *should have a SLIDER. I only have Windows as a Virtual Machine on my Mac, but even within my Virtual Machine, I also have this slider on the 2i2……and moving that slider UP or DOWN……DOES affect the final level that gets sent out to the rest of the computer and your software. So……check there. Then, still use your preamp as it’s designed, don’t ride it low. Then…….check that Windows Sound Settings Level slider…….that MIGHT be your culprit!! And let me know :)
I've tried Windows and Mac. My preamps turned to the maximum. Monitor sound very good but the outputs very low for the both mics. If I talk very close to the mics the output goes better but still low. The system volume is 100
All right. Some follow up questions: 1. How far away, or how close is your mic to you? You say “when I talk close up” it’s better. What’s your typical mic distance? 2. “Output is low,." Are you referring to the level you get in your computer or software? 3. Are you using the supplied cable that came with the interface? Or a 3rd party cable?
another excellent explanation and demonstration! You’re a very effective teacher and I will be mining value from your other content 👍🏼
Thank you! I'm glad the video helped :)
I have been trying to figure out the features on this for years, thank you!!
I'm glad my video helped, happy Recording, and you're welcome :)
Hi Marcus,
Thank you so much for making this video! It is structured, really clear and I could set up my Scarlett 212 from scratch after my booth move so that I am ready to rock in the morning and understand my equipment much better. (For some reason it hadn't occurred to me to set up both inputs for different job levels, as presets!)
I shall be recommending this to anyone who wants to understand interface and gain or who would like just one video to get set up.
Thanks again! Emma Brace
Great video! Really helpful for beginners
Thank you! I'm very glad the video helped, and yes, a few people have asked me for such a video because they are also beginners, so, hopefully this will help more people. Cheers and happy recording!
Very well done!
Thank you very much!
Perfect explanation for starters! Thank you so much!
Hi there, I'm glad it was helpful! Cheers!
Thank you for this!
You’re welcome! Glad it helped.
Hey, Marcus, how are you? I was wondering what audio interface would yo recommend for a home studio using a Shure SM58 microphone? I've been watching your videos for a couple of days. I was thinking about getting the BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC22, however my budget goes up to $100 so I thought I might be able of getting a better interface for that amount but I don't really know which one to get
Hi there. I'm so sorry for my delayed reply, June 2024 was SOOOOO Busy for me at work!!
So, oddly enough, I bought the UMC22 a few months ago, but then returned it. It's fine, but the only thing I found "wrong" with it is that WHEN the clip light on the preamp comes on (on the front of the interface), the digital signal into the computer is NOT clipping. So, the hardware clip indicator and the SOFTWARE clip indicator do not match......you'll always clip out the preamp on the UMC22 BEFORE you clip out the digital level in software
So.......if you're ONLY watching software meters to see if you're clipping.......it won't be accurate.
This is NOT a problem if you always keep an eye on the front of the UMC22 to watch for that red clip indicator on the preamp.
If you're just recording and you're going to edit that recording, then there's no problem.....just stay under-clip level everywhere and boost it a bit in post.
If you're going to be using the mic live (like Zoom, etc), you *may need to run your audio through OBS and boost the digital level there first, then send that audio over to Zoom/Microsoft Teams, etc.
Secondly, if you're going to be transporting your interface a lot, taking it back and forth in a road case, backpack, etc.......I would NOT get Behringer products. Some of the internal components have been known to break-off due to too much "throwing it around," and this has happened to me with at least (1) UM2. So, if you need a road-worthy interface, I'd go with Focurite Scarlet series.
But really, other than that, the UMC22 is just fine and just as quiet for the most part as something like the Scarlett 2i2 and the UMC22 would serve you well in a home studio environment. I like the front-facing controls, but, you only get a single "output" volume knob which controls both the headphone output as well as the volume/level of the rear 1/4" outputs. This doesn't really effect me as I don't use the rear outputs on my interfaces most of the time, I run my studio monitors through a different audio output from my computer.
If you only need a SINGLE XLR input, I'd probably go for the Focusrite Scarlet Solo, but you'd be stuck with a single output volume knob there as well. That's why I do like the Scarlett 2i2 because you get (2) output knobs, (1) for the headphone jack and (1) for the rear outputs. But, if you're really on a tight budget......the Behringer UMC22 would still serve you very well.
I hope that helps. Happy Recording!
@@MarcusHutsell Hey! Thank you so much for answering. I ended up buying the Focusrite Scarlet Solo since I'm using it for singing and I might record some piano once in a while. I haven´t had the chance to try out a lot but for what I've seen it works perfect. I'm really happy with the decision I took even if it meant to spend a lil more, totally worth it. Plus it looks nice next to the set up haha. Thank youu!
Thank you for this useful video. So what if I have a USB mic, would the Scarlet 2i2 play any role in fining the recording? Because then the mac is getting the audio in through software. I have a M-Audio Producer USB mic and I wanted to buy a Scarlet 2i2... maybe it is better to change my mic? I need a good setup for voice over for films.
Hi there. If the USB microphone you have ONLY has a USB connector, then you would not even be able to plug it into something like a Scarlett 2i2. Rhe 2i2 and any interface with XLR inputs can only accept analog sources (most of the time).
If the USB microphone you have has an XLR output in addition to a USB output, then it depends.
It depends on what brand of microphone it is and how well that USB connection and conversion sounds versus the XLR output into another interface.
If your microphone has an XLR output and you run it into another USB audio interface with an XLR input, there’s always the risk of adding more noise because you’re adding another device. You generally also lose any of the USB functionality and buttons that may be on the mic if you use the XLR output only.
However, I found that with the Fifine K688 microphones (it has both USB and XLR outputs) that it sounded cleaner with less system noise (less hiss) when I used the XLR output of that mic and ran it into a Scarlett 2i2.
But that is just one example, whereas a lot of the time the USB direct microphones will sound cleanest by just using the USB cable that came with the mic.
If you have a USB mic, even if it has an XLR output, I would not go spending more money on another interface if you’re on a tight budget. I would just use your USB mic as a USB mic.
Hello, I use CM25 MkIII condenser microphone that comes with the Scarlett 2i2 3d gen and i have to set the gain knob to similar level as you did with the Shure SM58. Until today it wasn't like that I would set the knob at a lot lower level with that same microphone to have the results I have now with that condenser at max or almost max, I wonder if this is because i downloaded and updated the 2i2 driver. Does this sound normal?
Hi there. That's really odd, and no it doesn't sound normal.
If you have any other mic preamp/interface you can plug the mic into and test to make sure the microphone itself isn't the issue, that's where I would start with troubleshooting. The CM25, being a condenser mic, sounds like it was working properly and well for you at your previous gain settings, and the only change you made was a driver update. So I'm assuming you're on Windows, not Apple/Mac.
If the mic works fine on other preamps/interfaces, then yes, I'd say it's a driver issue if you're on Windows. Unfortunately/fortunately, I'm *almost strictly on Mac with my personal computers so I can't test. And, when I do use Scarlett 2i2 Gen3's (we have a bunch of them where I work and use them daily), I don't think we ever installed drivers, we just use pre-installed Windows Driver.
I would reach out to Focusrite or see if you can find the previous driver file to download on their website.
@@MarcusHutsell thanks for your reply I tried with the older driver i found it in my downloads after searching for a while. Unfortunately the same result. I would do the troubleshooting process if i had other pieces of gear to try out but I don't. I also e-mailed Focusrite and Thomann. From Thomann they asked me to ship it there so they check it out cause it's within the 3 year Warranty. That sadly could take a month or two.
@@MarcusHutsell could this be caused because I connected the Scarlett to a USB 3.0 port? Do you know if it works with all ports?
@@TheTsili1 Hi there. 2-channel USB Audio (like the Scarlett) should work on any USB port, it doesn't *need faster speeds because 2 channels of audio can travel over an older USB 2.0 Cable/port. But having and connecting to a FASTER port should not make a difference, it's just a "wider highway," for devices that need more data throughput. For example, all Macbook Pro's have "USB-C" Ports, but they are, in actuality, Thunderbolt 4 ports, which means they can support 10Gbps overall data bandwidth. So, there's no problem typically with plugging into a FASTER port. *SOME port on some computers *MAY NOT PROVIDED enough power/voltage for the interface though, so, you might try a different port and see if you get different results.
I connect my Scarlet to any USB port, and I even run it through USB hubs before it gets to my Mac, and I use Scarlett's on Razerblade laptops at work often, I've never had any gain-input issues like you're describing.
@@MarcusHutsell well I will find out soon I sent it to the dealer to check it. So I can't test it now. But I had a gain issue with the mic of a web camera I had plugged in USB 3.0 until now. I tried it in USB 2.0 today and the issue was resolved. Actually a second one didn't show gain issues but it had a dual mic function while plugged in USB 3.0 the PC was recognizing it as a solo mic web camera. Also was recognized in a USB 2.0 port and plugged there functioned properly. Generally this troubleshooting quest gave me the impression the computer simply doesn't recognize so well some devices in USB 3.0 and although they function they don't do as they should. So if the technician of the customer service tells me it works fine I will feel like a dummy. I guess that's life we learn every day. That's why I asked about the type of the USB port. I will let you know about the outcome. I'll subscribe too. Thank you for taking the time to respond.
But what if I wanna use two Microphones. I tried but didn't work for me.
Can you elaborate on what exactly you were TRYING to do and what “didn’t work” for you?
@@MarcusHutsell I have two Microphones I want both of them to record
What audio software are you using to record with?
I use the Rode Podmic and 2i2, still my volume output is low. If I use the cloudlifter and phantom need a lot less gain but if I want clean audio without noise I put it low gain and still the volume output remains low.
Looks like the 2i2 is a very good preamp. both of my Podmic and ATR2100x outputs low even turning the gains to the max. Is there any solution for the volume out of the box without using the cloudlifter?
Hi there.
I posted an answer a bit earlier, but I was in a rush, so I deleted that and wanted to post again and I wanted to clarify a couple of things.
When you say your “output” is low…..are you talking about:
1. The volume/level at the ANALOG outputs on the 2i2? The 1/4” outputs on the rear?
2. Or are you talking about the level you see/get INTO your computer when using the 2i2 to record directly into Adobe Audition, etc?
3. Are you on Windows or Mac?
1. If you’re on Windows…..read the BOTTOM of this post…..
4. In addition.....if you’re talking about the level in your software via 2i2>USB…..what software are you using?
I’m assuming you’re talking about the level into the computer via USB…..but, if you are talking about the analog outputs on the back….then…..the equipment is doing what you’re telling it to do: Low gain on preamp = corresponding low level on the analog outputs.
And I’m making some assumptions of your usage or your preamp here…and forgive me if you know this, but I’m going to rant about gain structure for a second:
If you are thinking that "using less gain on my 2i2 preamp and keeping my preamp 'low'" will give me less noise," that is incorrect, and this is a terrible audio myth that has gone on far too long. If Someone is telling you to that keeping preamps low will get you less noise.....they're just, plain- wrong, especially with modern equipment…….you need to use your preamp as much as possible without ever clipping…..gain that sucker up for the mic you have plugged into it, and you generally don’t need the cloud lifter when using the 2i2.
I'll give you a link to Julian Krause's video as well: th-cam.com/video/beXVfl1TSD0/w-d-xo.html
Cheap Preamps: SOME, and I stress SOME.....low quality preamps *can increase your noise if you ride them REALLY high, like all the way at the top-end of the preamp. But we're talking pretty low quality equipment.
The Scarlett 2i2 is a really good, really low-noise device, as is most modern audio equipment. As someone that’s been doing audio for 25 years, I’ve almost never experienced any preamp adding noise…at least not to a detrimental amount. *Most noise always comes from either the mic itself or from gaining too low at the beginning, then having to boost later (like in post/editing)…….when we gain too low and don’t use our preamps, which is our main signal that we want (our voice)…..our main signal gets embedded with any noise of the preamp and all of the other components as it moves along down the path to our computer, etc…..picking up any other system noise along the way. Then we we most often need to boost the END-product (again, the video edit, etc), and we boost the noise along WITH our main signal.
AT 11:23 in this video, I start going through gaining my mic…..follow this procedure with your PodMIc.
With every single microphone, your preamp (yes, even the 2i2) is your MOST important gain stage point. Do not "ride it low" arbitrarily. You need to use your 2i2 preamp and watch the visual meters on the preamp. This is Audio 101 gain structure. Watch your meters for proper level.....and leave headroom so you don't clip.
The way you are describing things, your equipment is going exactly what you're telling it to do. You're gaining "low" (without the cloudlifter).....therefore the output is low.....this is how the equipment works.
Take the cloudlifter out of the equation for a minute, plug the podmic direclty into the 2i2's preamp, and gain up using the 2i2's meters and NOTHING else first......make sure you're hitting green all the time, occasionally Orange if you get loud.......and never hit RED, or, of course, you've clipped. Using a Cloudlifter won’t make any difference in the level into the computer after the 2i2’s analog to digital conversion.
Always work forward through your equipment. Don't set any knob arbitrarily......work forward and PUSH your signal through your equipment.
If all of that still yields a low signal in the computer…….something else may be wrong, but the 2i2 has a very good Analog-to-Digital-Converter (ADC) and gives a very good conversion-level into the computer, which should just about match the preamp-clip-level indicator on the 2i2 itself.
Luckily, on Mac, there is no digital input level you can adjust…..AKA, going into “System Preferences” on a Mac, there is no “input slider” that you can adjust when using the Scarlett 2i2.
IF YOU’RE ON MICROSOFT WINDOWS…….be sure to check the following: Windows Menu > Settings > Sound > Scroll down to “Advanced” > Click on “More Sound Settings,” and this should bring up a window which shows your audio devices.
Click on the “Recording” tab, then select the Scarlett 2i2.
Once the 2i2 is selected, click on “Properties.” That should bring up another window, then click on the “Levels” tab…..and THERE, on “Levels”, you *should have a SLIDER. I only have Windows as a Virtual Machine on my Mac, but even within my Virtual Machine, I also have this slider on the 2i2……and moving that slider UP or DOWN……DOES affect the final level that gets sent out to the rest of the computer and your software. So……check there.
Then, still use your preamp as it’s designed, don’t ride it low. Then…….check that Windows Sound Settings Level slider…….that MIGHT be your culprit!!
And let me know :)
FYI, I think the default level in Windows Sound settings for the 2i2 is 50.
I've tried Windows and Mac. My preamps turned to the maximum. Monitor sound very good but the outputs very low for the both mics. If I talk very close to the mics the output goes better but still low. The system volume is 100
All right. Some follow up questions:
1. How far away, or how close is your mic to you? You say “when I talk close up” it’s better. What’s your typical mic distance?
2. “Output is low,." Are you referring to the level you get in your computer or software?
3. Are you using the supplied cable that came with the interface? Or a 3rd party cable?