User Guide www.focusrite.com Version 1.
TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OVERVIEW Introduction Thank you for purchasing this Third Generation Scarlett 2i2, one of the family of Focusrite professional computer audio interfaces incorporating high quality Focusrite analogue preamps. You now have a simple and compact solution for routing high quality audio to and from your computer and you will also be able to download some exciting new software plug-ins once you’ve registered the product.
Box Contents Along with your Scarlett 2i2 you should find: • • • USB cable, Type ‘A’ to Type ‘C’ Getting Started Information (printed on inside of box lid) Important Safety Information System requirements The easiest way to check that your computer’s operating system (OS) is compatible with the Scarlett 2i2 is to use our online OS Checker at https://customer.focusrite.com/downloads/os.
GETTING STARTED With the Third Generation, Scarlett interfaces introduce a new, faster way of getting up and running, using the Scarlett Quick Start tool. All you need to do is connect your Scarlett 2i2 to your computer. Once connected, you will see that the device is recognised by your PC or Mac and the Quick Start tool will guide you through the process from there. IMPORTANT: The Scarlett 2i2 has a single USB 2.0 Type C port (on the rear panel): connect it to your computer using the USB cable provided.
Double-click on the icon to open the Finder window shown below: Double-click on the “Click Here to Get Started.url” icon. This will redirect you to the Focusrite website, where we recommend that you register your device: Click on “Let’s get you started”, and you’ll be presented with a form which will be partly prefilled for you automatically.
Windows only: On connecting your Scarlett 2i2 to your PC, a Scarlett icon will appear on the desktop: (Note that the drive letter may be something other than F:, depending what other devices you have connected to your PC).
Double-click “Click Here to Get Started”. This will redirect you to the Focusrite website, where we recommend that you register your device: Click on “Let’s get you started”, and you’ll be presented with a form which will be partly prefilled for you automatically. On submitting the form, options will be presented to either go straight to the downloads area to get the software for your Scarlett, or to follow a step-by-step setup guide based on your choices.
All users: Note that a second file - “More Info & FAQs” - is also available during the initial set-up process. This file contains some additional information about the Focusrite Quick Start tool which you may find helpful if you have any issues with the procedure.
Audio Setup in your DAW The Scarlett 2i2 is compatible with any Windows-based DAW that supports ASIO or WDM and any Mac-based DAW that uses Core Audio. After following the Getting Started procedure described above, you can start using the Scarlett 2i2 with the DAW of your choice.
Once the Scarlett 2i2 is set as the preferred Audio Device* in your DAW, Inputs 1 & 2 and Outputs 1 & 2 will appear in your DAW’s Audio I/O preferences. Depending on your DAW, you may need to enable certain inputs or outputs before use. The two examples below show Inputs 1 & 2 and Outputs 1 & 2 enabled in the Ableton Lite Audio Preferences. * Typical names. Terminology may differ slightly between DAWs.
Examples of Usage The Scarlett 2i2 is an excellent choice for several different recording and monitoring applications. Some typical configurations are shown below. Connecting a microphone or instrument RIGHT LEFT This setup illustrates the most typical configuration for recording with DAW software on your Mac or PC. In this case, you might record guitar through Input 1 and vocals through Input 2 into your DAW, while monitoring the playback from the DAW via headphones (or speakers).
The full gain range of the microphone preamplifier is only available to a mic connected via the XLR contacts. If your microphone has an XLR plug on the end of the cable, you can simply plug it in. If it is a “condenser” (or “capacitor”) microphone, you will need to turn on the 48 volt phantom power for it to work. Most modern microphones of other types, e.g.
Monitoring with DIRECT MONITOR set to OFF can be useful when using an FX plug-in to your DAW to create a stereo effect which contributes to the live performance. In this way, you will be able to hear exactly what is being recorded, complete with the FX. However, some latency may result, the amount depending on the DAW’s buffer size and processing power of the computer. Connecting Scarlett 2i2 to loudspeakers The ¼” jack outputs on the rear panel can be used to connect monitoring speakers.
The line outputs are 3-pole (TRS) ¼” (6.35 mm) jack sockets, and are electronically balanced. Typical consumer (Hi-Fi) amplifiers and small powered monitors will have unbalanced inputs, either on phono (RCA) sockets, or via a 3.5 mm 3-pole jack plug intended for direct connection to a computer. In either case, use a suitable connecting cable with jack plugs at one end.
HARDWARE FEATURES Front Panel 3 2 1 4 5 1 4 5 8 6 7 9 10 The Front Panel includes the input connectors for Mic, Line and Instrument signals, as well as the input gain and monitoring controls. 1. Inputs 1 & 2 – “Combo” type input sockets - connect microphones, instruments (e.g., guitar), or line level signals here. Combo sockets accept both XLR and ¼” (6.35 mm) jacks. Microphones will normally be connected using XLR plugs: instruments and line level signals should be connected via ¼” (6.
7. USB LED – illuminates when the unit receives USB bus power and is confirmed by the computer as connected and operating correctly. 8. DIRECT MONITOR – this switch determines how input sources are to be monitored and steps between three Direct Monitoring modes: OFF, MONO and STEREO. When set to OFF, monitoring of input sources is via the DAW; in MONO or STEREO, monitoring is taken directly from the preamp inputs and is therefore free of any possible latency effect.
SPECIFICATIONS Performance Specifications NOTE: All performance figures measured in accordance with the provisions of AES17, as applicable. Clock Source Internal Supported sample rates Microphone Inputs Dynamic Range Frequency Response 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.
Physical and Electrical Characteristics Analogue Inputs Connectors XLR “Combo” type: Mic/Line/Inst (Inputs 1-2) on front panel Mic/Line switching Automatic Line/Instrument switching 2 x front panel switches or via Focusrite Control Phantom power Shared 48 V phantom power switch for inputs 1 & 2 (XLR connections only) AIR function Front panel switch or via Focusrite Control Analogue Outputs Balanced outputs 2 x ¼” TRS jacks on rear panel Stereo headphone output ¼” TRS jack on front panel Main o
TROUBLESHOOTING For all troubleshooting queries, please visit the Focusrite Help Centre at support.focusrite.com/ where you will find articles covering numerous troubleshooting examples. COPYRIGHT AND LEGAL NOTICES Your Scarlett 2i2 has a two-year warranty, valid anywhere in the world, against manufacturing defects. Full Terms and Conditions of the Warranty can be found at https://focusrite.com/warranty.
