Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, here in the third-gen edition, is a high-quality compact USB audio interface for Mac and PC: The 2i2 is equipped with two high-grade Scarlett microphone preamps with switchable 48V phantom power, as well as Focusrite's now-famous Air Mode. The 2i2 features two combined XLR/jack inputs for connecting microphones, as well as synthesizers or other line-level audio sources, and two balanced outputs for monitoring. Electric guitars and basses can also be plugged in directly, as the input impedance of the front sockets can be set to Hi-Z. Of course, an audio interface provides a connection between whichever external devices are in use and a computer: The computer in turn requires special software in order to process the incoming signals. Happily, Focusrite offers a selection of software producers can use to get started, including the digital audio workstations (DAWs) Ableton Live Lite and ProTools Intro+, and a three-month subscription to Splice Sounds. Focusrite's Hitmaker Expansion software bundle is also included.

The newly designed Gain Halos (the colour-changing LED rings around the gain controls on the front panel) are intended to make it easier to check and adjust gain settings, so that budding producers can start recording immediately after buying the interface. To make things simpler still, Focusrite has included a Quick Start Tool and put together an impressive and comprehensive package of free software, some in the box and some available for download, which includes Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, Focusrite Red Plugin Suite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, a three-month subscription to Splice Sounds, and up to four selected instruments from the XLN Audio Addictive Keys range.

The Hitmaker Expansion contains software tools for further enhancing music and audio productions: Guitar sounds with Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555, tuning options for vocals with Antares Auto-Tune, reverb effects with Relab's LX480 Essentials, the XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2: Studio Rock kit, and the XLN Audio Addictive Keys Studio Grand Piano. Additionally, an EQ and compressor are offered with the Focusrite Red Plug-in Suite, a full channel strip offering an EQ, de-esser, compressor, limiter, gate, and expander with Bx_console Focusrite SC, and finally, two months with the Landr Studio mastering tools with five free masters to add the finishing touches to any project. The Hitmaker Expansion is both a fully-fledged interface and a selection of tools, so producers have all the software they need to get started.