User Guide www.focusrite.com Version 1.
TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OVERVIEW Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Third Generation Scarlett 2i2 Studio, part of the range of Focusrite professional audio interfaces incorporating high quality Focusrite analogue pre-amplifiers. You now have a simple, compact and complete solution for recording with a microphone or directly from instruments, by routing high quality audio to and from your computer.
Box Contents You should find that your Scarlett 2i2 Studio comprises: • • • • • • • Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen.
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: Awaiting Screenshot The online form 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.
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: Awaiting Screenshot The online form 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).
Note the Scarlett 2i2 has no “Mic/line” switch – the Focusrite preamplifier stage is automatically configured for a microphone when you plug an XLR into the input, and for a line or instrument when you connect a jack plug. Press the INST button (illuminates red) if you are connecting a musical instrument (a guitar in the example) via an ordinary 2-pole (TS) guitar jack.
Microphone Dos and Don’ts A guide to microphone technique is beyond the scope of this User Guide (though many excellent books and online video tutorials on the subject are available), but if you are new to recording with a studio quality microphone, you need to observe a few golden rules. DO use a mic stand. The CM25 MkIII has an industry-standard 5/8” threaded insert which allows it to be mounted on most mic stands.
Using Direct Monitoring You will frequently hear the term “latency” used in connection with digital audio systems. In the case of the simple DAW recording application described above, latency will be the time it takes for your input signals to pass through your computer and audio software. Latency can be a problem for a performer who wishes to record while monitoring their input signals. The Scarlett 2i2 is fitted with a “Direct Monitoring” option, which overcomes this problem.
Connecting Scarlett 2i2 to loudspeakers The ¼” jack outputs on the rear panel can be used to connect monitoring speakers. Self-powered monitors incorporate internal amplifiers with a volume control, and may be connected directly. Passive loudspeakers will require a separate stereo amplifier; in this case, the outputs should be connected to the amplifier’s inputs. RIGHT LEFT Connecting active speakers RIGHT LEFT Connecting passive speakers The line outputs are 3-pole (TRS) ¼” (6.
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.
THD+N Output impedance <0.
Scarlett CM25 MkIII Microphone Specifications Capsule Element Electret Condenser Diameter 20 mm Polar Pattern Unidirectional (cardioid) Performance and Electrical characteristics Sensitivity -36 dB ±2 dB (0 dB = 1 V/Pa at 1 kHz) Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz Impedance 200 ohms ±30% (at 1 kHz) Recommended Load Impedance >10 kohms Equivalent Noise Level 16 dBA (A-weighted IEC651) S/N Ratio 74 dB Power Requirement 48 V phantom supply Current 3 mA Performance and Electrical characteri
TROUBLESHOOTING For all troubleshooting queries, please visit the Focusrite Answerbase 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.
