User Manual

3
OVERVIEW
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Second Generation Scarlett 2i4, one of the family of Focusrite
professional audio interfaces incorporating high quality Focusrite analogue pre-amplifiers. You now
have a simple and compact solution for routing high quality audio to and from your computer.
In developing the Second Generation series of Scarlett interfaces, we have enhanced both the
performance and feature set including support for sample rates up to 192 kHz, improved mic preamp
performance with low noise and plenty of gain, and upgraded instrument inputs with additional
headroom for recording the loudest guitar parts without clipping. They are class compliant on Mac,
which means they are plug-and-play, so no need to install a driver if you a Mac user. You will also be
able to download some exciting new software plug-ins once you’ve registered the product.
This User Guide provides a detailed explanation of the hardware to help you achieve a thorough
understanding of the product’s operational features. We recommend that both users who are new
to computer-based recording, as well as more experienced users, take the time to read through the
user guide so that you are fully aware of all the possibilities that the Scarlett 2i4 and accompanying
software has to offer. If the main User Guide sections do not provide the information you need, be sure
to consult https://support.focusrite.com/, which contains a comprehensive collection of common
technical support queries.
Features
The Scarlett 2i4 hardware interface provides the means for connecting microphones, musical
instruments or line level audio signals to a computer running Mac OS or Windows. The signals at the
physical inputs can be routed to your audio recording software / digital audio workstation (referred
to throughout this user guide as the “DAW”) at up to 24-bit, 192 kHz resolution; similarly, the DAW’s
monitor or recorded output will appear at the unit’s physical outputs.
Audio sources – mics, instruments, etc. - connected to the physical inputs can be recorded in the DAW
and then routed from your DAW to the physical outputs. The 2i4 is equipped with four audio output
channels, which can be connected to an amplifier and speakers, powered monitors, headphones,
DJ or other type of analogue mixer, or any other analogue audio equipment that you wish to use.
Although all inputs and outputs on the Scarlett 2i4 are routed directly to and from your DAW for
recording and playback, you can configure the routing within your DAW in order to meet your needs.
A Direct Monitoring feature lets you hear what you are playing without the effects of computer latency.
The 2i4 also acts as a convenient MIDI interface between your computer and other MIDI equipment.
For DJs, the four analogue outputs make it possible to have a stereo master output and a headphone
cue channel when mixing internally on a laptop; alternatively you have two separate stereo outputs
at your disposal for connection to an analogue DJ mixer.