Great video! Looked everywhere on the internets because I wasn't sure if they fixed the clipping issues, but you're the first to give me a straight answer. Definitely gonna save the $80 and go with the 2i2
Hey everyone! I have a quick question. I'm having some trouble with my Scarlett 2i2. You see, everything's working perfectly except for one thing. the headphone jack... it doesn't matter what i listen to, the audio only comes out through the left can of my headphones, which is better than having no audio at all but it's still very very annoying. I've tried to plug and un plug the headphones, turn on and off the scarllet itself, change the headphones, change the wire, and everything but nothing seems to work to make the audio come out thought both left and right on headphones... does anyone have any idea why or how to fix it? i could seriously use the help! Thanks!
Should i get 2i4 1st instead of 2i2 2nd generation? since the 2i4 cost about $40 more here. I will only use it for recording acoustic guitar with a matched stereo pair Mic. And how's 2i2 2nd generation compared to 2i4 2nd generation?
sometimes I plug in the headphone for monitoring, it does not work, I could not hear the sound clearly and it was also delayed. I'm using ATH M50X as my studio monitor and Ableton Live Lite 9 as my DAW.
Hi! Im planning to buy a 2i2 or 2i4. I just want to connect it with my macbook and record some riffs and in the mean time direct monitor it. I use EMG active pickups. What do you think, what would be the better option?
I upgraded from the 1st gen 8i6 to the 2nd gen 6i6 last year. I really haven't noticed a difference with the latency. The lights on the gain knobs are really good. I tend to have my latency turned up anyway to compensate for a weaker cpu...
Hi! I'm buying a 2i2 1st generation (deal not done yet) from a friend, but I'm not sure if it's worth it. Do you think it's a good deal or it would be better to save more money and buy a 2i2 2nd generation? The latency issue is what worries me the most, but would it be a big thing? And thanks for the video!
Does it matter to have an external 12v power supply ? on the 6i6 first gen for example, is it better or worse to have the 12v supply than on a 2i2 second or third gen ? I own both and can't really tell...
Hi friend (s) with problem I can not install my scarrite focusrite studio 2i2 on my pc, I do not know if the system or as USB ports or drives I download that did not come with the installation CD. My 64 bts w7 system, which can not help me, I'm waiting for you !!
My PC sound outputs to a Denon 7.1 Receiver, will the 212 output to my pc sound thru the connected USB or do I have to output to monitors or headphone?
my exprience with focusrite: bad drivers for windows, firmware update from beta drivers burned my rca output, 2gen sound worst on monitors than 1 gen but they record better, also bias pedal , fuzz face pedal, isnt tremedous noise as in the first gen, overall sound better with guitar map modelers.. but very far from expected.. rtolland and rma babyface are far superior
Can I ask you something? To me they seem like nearly the same. So I have the Rode NT1-A microphone and I wanted to get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (1st gen.) for that. My aim is to sing and maybe cover songs. Is it worth for me investing ~30$ more in the 2nd gen or is it smarter to save that money because there is no difference in the outcoming sound quality?
If you only want to record one mic at a time you could even get the Solo model for cheaper. The main reason to get the 2nd gen is for lower latency, which may or may not matter for what you are doing.
I am using nuendo 4..and my computer confg is win 7/64 bit ultimate.8 GB ram .can i get a good result from 2i2 scarlet 1st gen than M-Audio delta 1010lt?
Please help! I bought 2i2 2nd gen, but Windows cant recognize usb driver :( i tried every usb port but same problem, no drivers helped... Sry about my english
Excuse me, for my english, but I want to ask: is that really 2nd Gen card able working with more hard projects than 1st Gen card? I mean - in hard projects (I use Cubase) - my computer resources not using at 100%, but my 2i2 starting cracking and other...is this better on 2nd Gen with work like this?
just curious,when you compared the latency did you have the settings(like the sample rate etc) in your daw the same gor both units? like what i mean is, for ex with my interface i can technically get like as low as 1 or 2 ms of latency but I have to put my samples down to like 128 or lower but my computer cant handle it and clicks and pops so i run it arount 4-512 samples! so with the scarletts is it like you use the same sample rate but the mk2 has lower latenvy on the same sample or buffer size as the mk1? just wonderinghow you compared the latency!
ola amigo(s) tou com problema nao consigo instalar minha focusrite scarlett 2i2 studio no meu pc, nao sei se é o sistema ou as portas USB OU os drives que eu baixo ja que nao veio com o CD de instalaçao.meu sistema é w7 64 bts, quem poder me ajudar eu agradeço,...tou no aguardo!!
Hey there! I am a perplexed 16 year old classical composer eager to start recording. I have finally decided that I need an Audio Interface. I would like to be able to record 2 *xlr* microphones and *midi keyboard (non usb)* at the same time. Of course- as a bigger I don't want to deal with any major latency issues. Now my question is, what do buy? Thanks in advance :)
You'll need to get a 2nd gen 2i4 or up for the MIDI connectors or use a USB to MIDI adapter to plug the keyboard into your computer seperatley with a 2i2. Either way will work.
Oh okay! Thanks! So 2i4 doesn't have any major latency issues? What would you recommend of the two options- considering the issue of latency and that I am still quite inexperienced and slowly figuring out certain concepts of acoustics. I have been saving from my last concerts, and can afford either (so price is not exactly the issue)... Thanks, Lydia
Thanks for the great review! I would be very grateful if you can tell me if the gain knob on both behaves the same. What I mean is that I have a Scarlett and a Saffire. I have to turn the knob up way more on the saffire to get the same gain than on the scarlett. If I´m recording something soft, then I get the preamp noise, etc. I recently tried the Clarett and was disappointed to find out it was the same as the Saffire.
The gain knob is mostly the same as the first gen. They said they evened it out more on the 2nd gen but I basically still use the same levels as before. It does require the knob being turned up about 90% of the way when recording with an SM57.
Thanks for responding. So just to be clear. About how much do you have to turn up the gain on the old one when using the sm57 in that same scenario? 90% on new one vs?
I have a question bro, and sory for my english im a spanish speaker. So how you monitore in the 2d generation? if you can not blend the input and playback.
I want to record vocals and electric guitar on FL Studio through the interface (Scarlett Solo). Is 9 ms latency big enough to cause me problems. I'm asking this because 1st gen is available at a cheaper rate. Thanks in advance. :)
Anything below 10ms is usually fine for most people. I really like using the 7.8ms setting on the 2ng gen. But if you're talking 1st gen 9ms is probably at the highest setting and it will be a big CPU hit, although the 2nd gen drivers will work with it too. If you have hot or active pickups you definitely want the 2nd gen instead.
Good video. I have the first gen 2i4 and like it a lot. I can't imagine better sound. I don't notice any latency issues. One thing I never got was why there is not a separate 48V switch for each input. If it does not effect a mic that doesn't use phantom power then why isn't it just on all the time for both inputs with no switch? One thing I hear Americans say all the time is using the expression "go ahead" when it can always be left out with no change to the meaning. Why do you say it? If you say "I will now go ahead and turn it on", it's the same as saying "I will now turn it on" I am NOT american. It's not to be disrespectful. I really don't understand it. I know it's just a way to talk but it doesn't add anything to the meaning and is confusing for anyone learning the language especially when only Americans use it. But of course the real confusing thing is how the British speak, by not pronouncing er at the end of a word.
So I just read your comparison between the 2i2 2nd gen and 1st gen audio interfaces. I'm not exactly planning to use hot pickups with the guitar, mainly the mic, and maybe another mic going with it, or a guitar. You think I'd better just stick with the 1st gen and save myself some money? I'm not planning to do studio recording, and usually use direct monitoring anyways....
I'm looking at the 2i2 studio bundle (1st gen) for 150, the 2i2 studio 2nd gen for 250, and then the 2i2 solo studio 2nd gen for 200, and due to time constraints and place, that's the only place I can buy from.
I have the 1st gen 2i2 and you can't even run a guitar with passive pickups straight in without clipping. Ended up getting a DI box. Didn't notice this issue right away because I normally run a line out of the Mesa Mark V 25 via the cab clone which uses xlr cable. If recording with a mic there are no clipping issues.
Yes, it's true ;) I actually just double- checked that. I'm using the same input level for my Burstbucker loaded LP and for the 81/85 loaded one. No clipping on either.
Those pickups must not very hot then, or the battery is about dead. I can't even go above 9 o'clock on the 2nd gen with SD blackouts and it has 8db of added headroom.
Hello thanks for the review, i have some questions. How do I plug it to studio monitors? I want to get one and use it as usb sound card, i just want high quality sound coming out of the speakers. I want to get the 2on2.
junter2003 No reason to, they have the same preamp and the same circuitry inside, only difference is adding parallels for more inputs and outputs which doesn't change the sound quality.
junter2003 It sounds the same. Put the same CPU and motherboard into different cases, with different ports on the cases and the CPU performs the same as another case with less front panel ports. The circuitry is made of the same materials, so it will sound the same and I've used the 8i8 and the solo and I can't tell the difference, I just have one for more mobile use and the other for recording a bunch of things at once, essentially a live performance without audience type stuff. The preamp is identical in all of this lineup from the solo to the highest model, only differences is adding midi and more ins and outs.
bro what is the diferent to balance and unbalance output?? iam think to buy it with krk rokit5 speakers.i will able to play like a real amp coz at my sound card sound really crap
You weren't kidding about the latency! I just tested a 2nd gen 2i2 on a windows 7 laptop and got 1.3ms. This was 192khz & 16 buffer size but I still get 1.5ms even with 64 buffer size so I will stick with that just to be on the safe side.
Hi, thanks for great review, very helpful. I am new to music recording and I have a question about connecting a digital keyboard to audio interface. I own Yamaha DGX-660, with only single jack stereo output. I would like to record audio by playing MIDI from MacBook through DGX-660. As I understand, to record in real-time mode I need keyboard's stereo output to get back to MacBook. If I get Scarlett 2i2 (2nd gen), then how should I go about connecting my keyboard to it? I assume that I need a cable with one stereo jack 6,3" and two mono jacks 6,3" for it. Does it make sense? Will then audio interface send stereo signal to MacBook (to be saved as WAV for example)? Thanks for any help, guys! :)
Sorry I don't really follow your question. If you want to use if for MIDI then you would just plug it into you computer via USB like a regular MIDI controller. If you want to record the built-in sounds then you'd use the line out.
+Masters-of-Music Ok, let me ask differently. I already have the keyboard connected to MacBook via USB and it works fine as a MIDI controller :) But if I'd like to record built-in keyboard sounds I need to connect keyboard's "PHONES/OUTPUT" (the only output it has, currently used for headphones) to audio interface, right? So, will it work if I plug 1/4" stereo jack into "PHONES/OUTPUT" of the keyboard and two 1/4" mono jacks into 2i2 inputs? I already found such a cable, just want to make sure it's a good idea. Thanks!
Sounds logical but I can't confirm because I've only worked with stuff that has left and right outs or mono instead of a single out for recording stereo.
thanks for the vid. i've been told by focusrite that the pres are slightly better in the 2nd gen, but mostly just cosmetic improvements and lower latency.
Agreed. How about using Line switch and a screamer pedal to control the signal volume? I've noticed half way up the volume knob on the pedal does the trick. What do you think?
No. You can with the 2i4 but if you have a USB MIDI, there is no point so just plug it straight into the computer. Most MIDI Keyboards these days are USB.
Well, it depends. Some keyboards like the Yamaha p115 can output midi and audio. If you want to outoput audio, you can use this interface. If you want to output midi, you can connect directly to the computer.
Great video! I was wondering if the scarlet works with FL studio? And also I will be playing an instrument so I was wondering if I should I get the 2I2, or the scarlet solo bundle? But most importantly I want to get the best USB interface for FL studio… What are your thoughts and suggestions!?? Thank you for your time and keep up the great work.
Just bought a used scarlet studio 2i2. I'm new at recording & Ive been using Audacity. Here's the thing, I feel like quality is not what it needs to be. When I record, there's humming & my voice doesn't sound pure/crisp. It doesn't sound like a PRO song. More like Im recording on my USB mic Or even a cell phone. So question is, What could be my problem? Im thinking its 1, or a combination of these 2 things: 1.Im not setting up my interface correctly. In terms of the gain switch, its sort of confusing. I have to turn it all the way up for the light to come on & for me to hear myself. & by the time I hear myself, I'm already in the RED. It seems like this is resulting in poor recording quality. 2.Room just freaking sucks for recording. I'm in a room that has wood floors & windows. No sound proofing. However, Ive been recording in the closet (door open) & it doesn't make a difference. Floor in closet is wood 2. Not dumb. I realize this is affecting my quality, but How much? Could those things really make the artists' voice sound THIS bad? Hoping I did not buy bad mic. How do you recommend setting up interface? Is it normal that I have to turn the gain switch up all the way up to hear myself? Trying to record songs. Any suggestions to better sound quality?
How do you expect to get help without more details? What mic do you have? Do you have a separate preamp? I'm gonna take a few guesses. You have a condenser mic; these capture even the tiniest sounds, so an untreated room is horrendous for a condenser. However, you say you need to up the gain to the max, then maybe you have a dynamic mic. These are better on untreated rooms, because they ignore a lot of noise that condensers do not. However, dynamic mics need a lot of clean gain. The preamps in all these low end interfaces are crap in terms of gain. For example, our Focusrite has like 45dB gain. A dynamic mic like my SM7B requires 59dB of clean gain, so an external preamp like a Cloudlifter is needed. Raising the gain knob past 75% generally creates noise.
Hey, I really liked your content. I sing and I'm a newbie into recording and all, have just bought a guitar and thinking about having a home studio by next year. As far as audio interface is concerned, I've heard that Focusrite 2i4 is much better than 2i2 (both 1st gen). But as now after watching this video, I thing the clipping problem in 2i2 has been resolved. So right now, I'm confused whether to buy 2i2 2nd gen or 2i4 2nd gen. P.S.- I'm on a tight budget but I won't mind spending lil' extra for 2i4 2nd gen if it's really worth it.. Thanks :)
Not much reason to get the 2i4 unless you need MIDI connectors and those you can connect directly to a computer anyway so they aren't required on an interface.
what bugged me on my Scarlett 2i2 1st gen was, that the instrument inputs are mono, and there is no way to get them to stereo. if you want to record an external synth for example, that is complete and utter shite. I definitely recommend the 2i4 as it has stereo input channels.
I have a 1st gen 2i2 and I record my keyboards in stereo with it every day. When I create a new audio track in GarageBand, I select the 2i2 as the audio input, then I can choose Input 1 or Input 2 for mono tracks, or Input 1+2 which records the two inputs as a single track in stereo. I've also recorded both inputs simultaneously as separate L-R tracks which gives me more control over panning and processing after the fact.
Here's a screenshot from GarageBand i.imgur.com/QjJTq2N.png Sorry, I don't have much experience outside GB, but I'm guessing the process is similar in other apps and is setup when creating a new track.
Thanks for the review. Do you think the 2nd generation "solo" or "2i2" will be good enough for bass with active pickup, or that I should go with the "2i4" with the "pad" button ? 10x !
Please don't buy 2i2 2nd gen, I am facing a big issue of driver. while installing it is saying "Digitally signed Driver Required" in windows 7. I contacted focusrite for support but till now there is no reply. Totally waste of money.. I am going to purchase audio mixer that is fine... Very bad experience...
That's s common issue if your Windows computer isn't up-to-date. They list a fix on the downloads page: us.focusrite.com/downloads?product=Scarlett+2i2 As for their support, they are excruciatingly slow from my experience, at least for email. It can take over a week to get a response.
1st review on the 2nd gen, thank you for the vid. I'm going to get the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 - Second Generation for my musiz set up. Check my youtube page out and thank you again.
These are different models, so their features are different itself, even more with one being 1st gen and other 2nd gen. It's a weird comparinson, if the purpose is to compare the generations...
I’ve got a 1st gen focusrite 2i2 and i play a ltd with active humbuckers and ive never had a problem with clipping at all
Which 1 is the best... 2i2 or 2i4
Great video! Looked everywhere on the internets because I wasn't sure if they fixed the clipping issues, but you're the first to give me a straight answer. Definitely gonna save the $80 and go with the 2i2
Glad I could help!
I bought it!
Focusrite Scarlett 2nd Gen 2i2 or Steinberg UR22 MK2 ??Scarlett work normal,driver?
I own the scarlett solo 2nd gen and the ur22. If youre not tracking 2 instruments at the same time, definitely get the scarlett solo, its far better.
Hey everyone! I have a quick question. I'm having some trouble with my Scarlett 2i2.
You see, everything's working perfectly except for one thing. the headphone jack... it doesn't matter what i listen to, the audio only comes out through the left can of my headphones, which is better than having no audio at all but it's still very very annoying.
I've tried to plug and un plug the headphones, turn on and off the scarllet itself, change the headphones, change the wire, and everything but nothing seems to work to make the audio come out thought both left and right on headphones... does anyone have any idea why or how to fix it? i could seriously use the help!
Thanks!
Aronu Official you're probably using mono jack to mini-jack adapter. If you have 1 stripe on the adapter then it's mono, 2 means stereo.
Should i get 2i4 1st instead of 2i2 2nd generation? since the 2i4 cost about $40 more here. I will only use it for recording acoustic guitar with a matched stereo pair Mic.
And how's 2i2 2nd generation compared to 2i4 2nd generation?
Can u use both of these at the same time to record?
sometimes I plug in the headphone for monitoring, it does not work, I could not hear the sound clearly and it was also delayed. I'm using ATH M50X as my studio monitor and Ableton Live Lite 9 as my DAW.
Hi!
Im planning to buy a 2i2 or 2i4.
I just want to connect it with my macbook and record some riffs and in the mean time direct monitor it. I use EMG active pickups.
What do you think, what would be the better option?
So we don't get drivers if we bought used without a bundle code?
I upgraded from the 1st gen 8i6 to the 2nd gen 6i6 last year. I really haven't noticed a difference with the latency. The lights on the gain knobs are really good. I tend to have my latency turned up anyway to compensate for a weaker cpu...
Hi! I'm buying a 2i2 1st generation (deal not done yet) from a friend, but I'm not sure if it's worth it. Do you think it's a good deal or it would be better to save more money and buy a 2i2 2nd generation? The latency issue is what worries me the most, but would it be a big thing? And thanks for the video!
trt to find q
a used 2i4. 2i2 2nd gen will do but i love the 2i4
+Blackreapxr try to find a* sorry I'm on mobile lol
Does it matter to have an external 12v power supply ? on the 6i6 first gen for example, is it better or worse to have the 12v supply than on a 2i2 second or third gen ? I own both and can't really tell...
Thanks for a nice review and comparison!
Hi friend (s) with problem I can not install my scarrite focusrite studio 2i2 on my pc, I do not know if the system or as USB ports or drives I download that did not come with the installation CD. My 64 bts w7 system, which can not help me, I'm waiting for you !!
areildo souza same problem :( usb device not recognized
My PC sound outputs to a Denon 7.1 Receiver, will the 212 output to my pc sound thru the connected USB or do I have to output to monitors or headphone?
If using both ins at the same time, does it output on only one channel to the mac, so that they can't be individually tweeked? Tnx.
my exprience with focusrite: bad drivers for windows, firmware update from beta drivers burned my rca output, 2gen sound worst on monitors than 1 gen but they record better, also bias pedal , fuzz face pedal, isnt tremedous noise as in the first gen, overall sound better with guitar map modelers.. but very far from expected.. rtolland and rma babyface are far superior
Can I ask you something?
To me they seem like nearly the same.
So I have the Rode NT1-A microphone and I wanted to get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (1st gen.) for that. My aim is to sing and maybe cover songs. Is it worth for me investing ~30$ more in the 2nd gen or is it smarter to save that money because there is no difference in the outcoming sound quality?
If you only want to record one mic at a time you could even get the Solo model for cheaper. The main reason to get the 2nd gen is for lower latency, which may or may not matter for what you are doing.
ok thank you
i think i will get the scarlett Solo 2nd gen now because its the same price as the scarlett 2i2 1st gen =)
How u fixed the clipping problem with the 1st generation one?
Thanks for the video i was about to buy the 1st gen
I am using nuendo 4..and my computer confg is win 7/64 bit ultimate.8 GB ram .can i get a good result from 2i2 scarlet 1st gen
than M-Audio delta 1010lt?
Please help! I bought 2i2 2nd gen, but Windows cant recognize usb driver :( i tried every usb port but same problem, no drivers helped... Sry about my english
latency is for the direct monitor right?
Excuse me, for my english, but I want to ask: is that really 2nd Gen card able working with more hard projects than 1st Gen card? I mean - in hard projects (I use Cubase) - my computer resources not using at 100%, but my 2i2 starting cracking and other...is this better on 2nd Gen with work like this?
Impossible to answer. Depends on a number of variables. The only way to really know with your system is to try it.
just curious,when you compared the latency did you have the settings(like the sample rate etc) in your daw the same gor both units? like what i mean is, for ex with my interface i can technically get like as low as 1 or 2 ms of latency but I have to put my samples down to like 128 or lower but my computer cant handle it and clicks and pops so i run it arount 4-512 samples! so with the scarletts is it like you use the same sample rate but the mk2 has lower latenvy on the same sample or buffer size as the mk1? just wonderinghow you compared the latency!
Check out the latency comparison review for the explanation. masters-of-music.com/focusrite-scarlett-2i2-2nd-gen-vs-2i4-1st-gen-latency-comparison/
Can I Know what is better between solo gen 1 or solo gen 2 ( for singing) ?
ola amigo(s) tou com problema nao consigo instalar minha focusrite scarlett 2i2 studio no meu pc, nao sei se é o sistema ou as portas USB OU os drives que eu baixo ja que nao veio com o CD de instalaçao.meu sistema é w7 64 bts, quem poder me ajudar eu agradeço,...tou no aguardo!!
Hey there! I am a perplexed 16 year old classical composer eager to start recording. I have finally decided that I need an Audio Interface. I would like to be able to record 2 *xlr* microphones and *midi keyboard (non usb)* at the same time. Of course- as a bigger I don't want to deal with any major latency issues. Now my question is, what do buy? Thanks in advance :)
You'll need to get a 2nd gen 2i4 or up for the MIDI connectors or use a USB to MIDI adapter to plug the keyboard into your computer seperatley with a 2i2. Either way will work.
Oh okay! Thanks! So 2i4 doesn't have any major latency issues? What would you recommend of the two options- considering the issue of latency and that I am still quite inexperienced and slowly figuring out certain concepts of acoustics. I have been saving from my last concerts, and can afford either (so price is not exactly the issue)... Thanks, Lydia
The 2nd gen Scarletts have the lowest latency in their price range so it shouldn't be an issue as long as your computer has a decent CPU.
Thanks for the great review! I would be very grateful if you can tell me if the gain knob on both behaves the same. What I mean is that I have a Scarlett and a Saffire. I have to turn the knob up way more on the saffire to get the same gain than on the scarlett. If I´m recording something soft, then I get the preamp noise, etc. I recently tried the Clarett and was disappointed to find out it was the same as the Saffire.
The gain knob is mostly the same as the first gen. They said they evened it out more on the 2nd gen but I basically still use the same levels as before. It does require the knob being turned up about 90% of the way when recording with an SM57.
Thanks for responding. So just to be clear. About how much do you have to turn up the gain on the old one when using the sm57 in that same scenario? 90% on new one vs?
Yeah, they're both basically at the same spot with the indicator line horizontal.
I have a question bro, and sory for my english im a spanish speaker. So how you monitore in the 2d generation? if you can not blend the input and playback.
I want to record vocals and electric guitar on FL Studio through the interface (Scarlett Solo). Is 9 ms latency big enough to cause me problems. I'm asking this because 1st gen is available at a cheaper rate. Thanks in advance. :)
Anything below 10ms is usually fine for most people. I really like using the 7.8ms setting on the 2ng gen. But if you're talking 1st gen 9ms is probably at the highest setting and it will be a big CPU hit, although the 2nd gen drivers will work with it too. If you have hot or active pickups you definitely want the 2nd gen instead.
Got it! Going for the second gen, thanks a lot :)
Thanks for the heads up!
do we need external device to connect CM25 mic with pc??
Good video. I have the first gen 2i4 and like it a lot. I can't imagine better sound. I don't notice any latency issues.
One thing I never got was why there is not a separate 48V switch for each input. If it does not effect a mic that doesn't use phantom power then why isn't it just on all the time for both inputs with no switch?
One thing I hear Americans say all the time is using the expression "go ahead" when it can always be left out with no change to the meaning. Why do you say it?
If you say "I will now go ahead and turn it on",
it's the same as saying "I will now turn it on"
I am NOT american. It's not to be disrespectful. I really don't understand it. I know it's just a way to talk but it doesn't add anything to the meaning and is confusing for anyone learning the language especially when only Americans use it. But of course the real confusing thing is how the British speak, by not pronouncing er at the end of a word.
ok perry pelican
when you say for example 256 samples, you mean the buffer size as set on the cubase?
Yeah it's the same thing. Ableton Live refers to the buffer size as samples so that's just what I'm used to seeing.
ok
how many monitors can i connect to the gen 2i2?
Headphone volume improved? 1st gen was pretty low.
So I just read your comparison between the 2i2 2nd gen and 1st gen audio interfaces. I'm not exactly planning to use hot pickups with the guitar, mainly the mic, and maybe another mic going with it, or a guitar. You think I'd better just stick with the 1st gen and save myself some money? I'm not planning to do studio recording, and usually use direct monitoring anyways....
The price difference is so small that you're better off just getting the 2nd gen unless you can get the 1st gen for super cheap.
I'm looking at the 2i2 studio bundle (1st gen) for 150, the 2i2 studio 2nd gen for 250, and then the 2i2 solo studio 2nd gen for 200, and due to time constraints and place, that's the only place I can buy from.
I have the 1st gen 2i2 and you can't even run a guitar with passive pickups straight in without clipping. Ended up getting a DI box. Didn't notice this issue right away because I normally run a line out of the Mesa Mark V 25 via the cab clone which uses xlr cable. If recording with a mic there are no clipping issues.
I'm using a 1st gen Solo with active pickups - 81/85. I never had any clipping issues. My instrument input knob is set at about 10-11 o'clock...
Sorry but that's just not possible unless you have it set to line instead of instrument.
Yes, it's true ;) I actually just double- checked that. I'm using the same input level for my Burstbucker loaded LP and for the 81/85 loaded one. No clipping on either.
Those pickups must not very hot then, or the battery is about dead. I can't even go above 9 o'clock on the 2nd gen with SD blackouts and it has 8db of added headroom.
Slow learner here... Had a Tascam US122 and a Digidesign MBox 2 prior... The pain... The pain...
Thanks for the video. Do the Gen 2 interfaces have proper dedicated drivers for windows now? at least a control panel? (mixer would be a bonus)
Hello thanks for the review, i have some questions. How do I plug it to studio monitors? I want to get one and use it as usb sound card, i just want high quality sound coming out of the speakers. I want to get the 2on2.
With the 2i2 you use TRS cables. I use these ones that are shown in the video and they work well: amzn.to/2bO8hXR
Please, a sound test, is there any difference in sound?
junter2003 No reason to, they have the same preamp and the same circuitry inside, only difference is adding parallels for more inputs and outputs which doesn't change the sound quality.
But another woods. Put those circuits into the stick of a broom and won't sound the same.
junter2003 It sounds the same. Put the same CPU and motherboard into different cases, with different ports on the cases and the CPU performs the same as another case with less front panel ports. The circuitry is made of the same materials, so it will sound the same and I've used the 8i8 and the solo and I can't tell the difference, I just have one for more mobile use and the other for recording a bunch of things at once, essentially a live performance without audience type stuff. The preamp is identical in all of this lineup from the solo to the highest model, only differences is adding midi and more ins and outs.
he sad few times. no.
bro what is the diferent to balance and unbalance output??
iam think to buy it with krk rokit5 speakers.i will able to play like a real amp coz at my sound card sound really crap
Balanced is better. Just get some TRS cables and you'll be good to go!
in terms of latency ... Focusrite Scarlett 1nd Gen 2i2 ( 1nd gen ) or Focusrite Scarlett 2nd Gen SOLO (2nd Gen )?
hey man don't u feel the line/instruments switches a bit wobbly?
Let's say somebody new to recording is offered both a 1st gen 2i4 and a 2nd gen 2i2 for the same price. Which would you say is better for them?
The 2nd gen unless MIDI connectors are more important to you than lower latency.
You weren't kidding about the latency! I just tested a 2nd gen 2i2 on a windows 7 laptop and got 1.3ms. This was 192khz & 16 buffer size but I still get 1.5ms even with 64 buffer size so I will stick with that just to be on the safe side.
Masters-of-Music why did you buy the newer 2i2 over the newer2i4?
Because having MIDI on an audio interface makes no sense when all my MIDI devices connect to a computer directly.
So whats Best if i would use it with a Blue Yeti Pro to make youtube and skype? The 2i2 Gen 2 or 2i4 Gen 1.
I don't think it would matter which. They'll probably sound exactly the same.
+Masters-of-Music Ok, Then ill Stick with the 2i4 ;) thanks for the fast answer! Thumbs up!
Hi, thanks for great review, very helpful. I am new to music recording and I have a question about connecting a digital keyboard to audio interface. I own Yamaha DGX-660, with only single jack stereo output. I would like to record audio by playing MIDI from MacBook through DGX-660. As I understand, to record in real-time mode I need keyboard's stereo output to get back to MacBook. If I get Scarlett 2i2 (2nd gen), then how should I go about connecting my keyboard to it? I assume that I need a cable with one stereo jack 6,3" and two mono jacks 6,3" for it. Does it make sense? Will then audio interface send stereo signal to MacBook (to be saved as WAV for example)? Thanks for any help, guys! :)
Sorry I don't really follow your question. If you want to use if for MIDI then you would just plug it into you computer via USB like a regular MIDI controller. If you want to record the built-in sounds then you'd use the line out.
+Masters-of-Music Ok, let me ask differently. I already have the keyboard connected to MacBook via USB and it works fine as a MIDI controller :) But if I'd like to record built-in keyboard sounds I need to connect keyboard's "PHONES/OUTPUT" (the only output it has, currently used for headphones) to audio interface, right? So, will it work if I plug 1/4" stereo jack into "PHONES/OUTPUT" of the keyboard and two 1/4" mono jacks into 2i2 inputs? I already found such a cable, just want to make sure it's a good idea. Thanks!
Sounds logical but I can't confirm because I've only worked with stuff that has left and right outs or mono instead of a single out for recording stereo.
How about the mic? Are the quality sound the same? Can i buy the 2nd gen studio bundle and worries?
Both have the exact same mic preamps, if that's what you mean, so yeah the sound quality it the same.
thanks for the vid. i've been told by focusrite that the pres are slightly better in the 2nd gen, but mostly just cosmetic improvements and lower latency.
Weston Guidero pres?
with your active pickups you could just use the Line option of your preamp (not Instrument) and that's it. No clipping.
That'll work to avoid clipping on the 1st gen but it doesn't sound as good or as clear as using the instrument input.
Agreed. How about using Line switch and a screamer pedal to control the signal volume? I've noticed half way up the volume knob on the pedal does the trick. What do you think?
I don't know. Never tried it. I only use software pedals these days.
how to starat condenser mic it is not connecting for me ,,??
Did you press the 48V button?
Great review, thank you!
I have a question, that such recording microphone? It is good?
Thanks in advance!
I have the 2i4 and I mic it up to record acoustic guitar. it works very well
you can set up monitor mix and headphone channel with the new software, I do believe.
Unfortunately Focusrite's control software is only available on the 6i6 and higher up models.
can you connect a midi keyboard into the 2i2?
No. You can with the 2i4 but if you have a USB MIDI, there is no point so just plug it straight into the computer. Most MIDI Keyboards these days are USB.
Well, it depends. Some keyboards like the Yamaha p115 can output midi and audio. If you want to outoput audio, you can use this interface. If you want to output midi, you can connect directly to the computer.
Is the second gen 2i4 good for recording metal? Like insane guitars and stuff.
yes
Great video! I was wondering if the scarlet works with FL studio? And also I will be playing an instrument so I was wondering if I should I get the 2I2, or the scarlet solo bundle? But most importantly I want to get the best USB interface for FL studio… What are your thoughts and suggestions!?? Thank you for your time and keep up the great work.
It does. Been using a gen 1 for 6 years now.
will the Latency stay the same overtime, cause my 1st gen latency started to differ so much i couldn't record on it.
Sounds like a technical issue. That's certainly not normal on any computer.
Why do you need more than 2 outputs?
Mostly for connecting a mixer, or some extra speakers.
thanks a lot
Which will be better 2i4 1st gen or 2i2 2nd gen?? Plz. suggest me I m confused.
bntdgp 2i4 is better
paradoxiCk why?
Does it's work both with iMac yosemith ??????????????????????????????????
Focurite's compaitiblity checker: global.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-18i20/scarlett-2nd-gen-os-compatibility-checker
Are they USB 3.0 finally?
No, still 2.0.
What audio interface works the best with amp sims？
If money is no object, RME. If you're poor 2nd gen Scarletts.
Just bought a used scarlet studio 2i2.
I'm new at recording & Ive been using Audacity. Here's the thing, I feel like quality is not what it needs to be. When I record, there's humming & my voice doesn't sound pure/crisp. It doesn't sound like a PRO song. More like Im recording on my USB mic Or even a cell phone.
So question is, What could be my problem? Im thinking its 1, or a combination of these 2 things:
1.Im not setting up my interface correctly. In terms of the gain switch, its sort of confusing. I have to turn it all the way up for the light to come on & for me to hear myself. & by the time I hear myself, I'm already in the RED. It seems like this is resulting in poor recording quality.
2.Room just freaking sucks for recording. I'm in a room that has wood floors & windows. No sound proofing. However, Ive been recording in the closet (door open) & it doesn't make a difference. Floor in closet is wood 2. Not dumb. I realize this is affecting my quality, but How much? Could those things really make the artists' voice sound THIS bad?
Hoping I did not buy bad mic.
How do you recommend setting up interface? Is it normal that I have to turn the gain switch up all the way up to hear myself? Trying to record songs.
Any suggestions to better sound quality?
How do you expect to get help without more details? What mic do you have? Do you have a separate preamp? I'm gonna take a few guesses. You have a condenser mic; these capture even the tiniest sounds, so an untreated room is horrendous for a condenser. However, you say you need to up the gain to the max, then maybe you have a dynamic mic. These are better on untreated rooms, because they ignore a lot of noise that condensers do not. However, dynamic mics need a lot of clean gain. The preamps in all these low end interfaces are crap in terms of gain. For example, our Focusrite has like 45dB gain. A dynamic mic like my SM7B requires 59dB of clean gain, so an external preamp like a Cloudlifter is needed. Raising the gain knob past 75% generally creates noise.
Great review. thanks
how to middi a m audio. middi keyboard sir
Hey, I really liked your content. I sing and I'm a newbie into recording and all, have just bought a guitar and thinking about having a home studio by next year. As far as audio interface is concerned, I've heard that Focusrite 2i4 is much better than 2i2 (both 1st gen). But as now after watching this video, I thing the clipping problem in 2i2 has been resolved. So right now, I'm confused whether to buy 2i2 2nd gen or 2i4 2nd gen.
P.S.- I'm on a tight budget but I won't mind spending lil' extra for 2i4 2nd gen if it's really worth it.. Thanks :)
Not much reason to get the 2i4 unless you need MIDI connectors and those you can connect directly to a computer anyway so they aren't required on an interface.
I’ve never had a problem with the drivers either i run 2i2 through a iMac so that might be the difference ,
That's weird, I have a 2i2 but the writing on top of mine is black.
That means it's a first gen.
Ah, okay. Thanks! Otherwise, my 2i2 isn't noticeably different than the second gen. :p
they are noticiable just inside
What makes me laugh is the quality of the audio in the video xD
That's weird, the scarlet solo 2nd gen has RCA outs, but the 2i2 doesn't?
why should you prefer more unbalanced over balanced?
Cual es mejor?
what bugged me on my Scarlett 2i2 1st gen was, that the instrument inputs are mono, and there is no way to get them to stereo. if you want to record an external synth for example, that is complete and utter shite. I definitely recommend the 2i4 as it has stereo input channels.
I have a 1st gen 2i2 and I record my keyboards in stereo with it every day. When I create a new audio track in GarageBand, I select the 2i2 as the audio input, then I can choose Input 1 or Input 2 for mono tracks, or Input 1+2 which records the two inputs as a single track in stereo. I've also recorded both inputs simultaneously as separate L-R tracks which gives me more control over panning and processing after the fact.
BTW, the new 2i4 has the same input setup as the old 2i2, just the two combo inputs on the front. Recording in stereo is done in exactly the same way.
Here's a screenshot from GarageBand i.imgur.com/QjJTq2N.png
Sorry, I don't have much experience outside GB, but I'm guessing the process is similar in other apps and is setup when creating a new track.
Thanks for the review.
Do you think the 2nd generation "solo" or "2i2" will be good enough for bass with active pickup,
or that I should go with the "2i4" with the "pad" button ?
10x !
The 2nd gen will work fine with active pickups, no need for the PAD button anymore.
Thanks for your help !
Спасибо за обзор
From Africa am use 2i4
Are outputs of the 2i2 balanced? Anyone?
Please don't buy 2i2 2nd gen, I am facing a big issue of driver. while installing it is saying "Digitally signed Driver Required" in windows 7. I contacted focusrite for support but till now there is no reply. Totally waste of money.. I am going to purchase audio mixer that is fine... Very bad experience...
That's s common issue if your Windows computer isn't up-to-date. They list a fix on the downloads page: us.focusrite.com/downloads?product=Scarlett+2i2
As for their support, they are excruciatingly slow from my experience, at least for email. It can take over a week to get a response.
1st review on the 2nd gen, thank you for the vid. I'm going to get the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 - Second Generation for my musiz set up. Check my youtube page out and thank you again.
These are different models, so their features are different itself, even more with one being 1st gen and other 2nd gen. It's a weird comparinson, if the purpose is to compare the generations...
not really weird at all. they are identical spare a few minor features.
very bad presentation skills ...could explain it far bettter.....thumbs down...
Great review thanks