Owner's Manual

3
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.
In developing the Third Generation series of Scarlett interfaces, we have made further improvements
to both performance and features. Audio specifications have been upgraded throughout the unit to
give you greater dynamic range and even lower noise and distortion; additionally, the mic preamp now
accepts higher input levels. An important enhancement is the inclusion of Focusrite’s AIR function.
Individually selectable on each channel, AIR subtly modifies the preamp’s frequency response to
model the sonic characteristics of our classic transformer-based ISA microphone preamps. When
recording with good quality microphones, you will notice an enhanced clarity and definition in the
important mid to high frequency range, just where it is most needed for vocals and many acoustic
instruments. We have also enhanced the Direct Monitor feature found on previous Scarletts: now
you can monitor as you record in either mono or stereo, with zero latency. Third Generation Scarlett
interfaces are now class compliant on macOS: this means they are plug-and-play, so no need to
install a driver if you are a Mac user.
This User Guide provides a detailed explanation of the components to help you achieve a thorough
understanding of the product’s operational features. We recommend that both users that 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 Studio components 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 answers to common technical support queries.
Features
The Scarlett 2i2 Studio comprises a Scarlett 2i2 audio interface, a Scarlett Studio CM25 MkIII studio
quality condenser microphone, a pair of Scarlett Studio HP60 MkIII reference quality headphones
and all the necessary software to get you started as quickly as possible.
The Scarlett 2i2 hardware interface is the key component in the Scarlett 2i2 Studio; this provides the
means of connecting the CM25 MkIII (or other) microphone, musical instruments or line level audio
signals to a computer running macOS or Windows. The signals applied at the 2i2’s physical inputs
can be routed to your recording software at up to 24-bit, 192 kHz resolution via a USB connection.
Similarly, the recording software’s monitor or recorded output will appear at the 2i2’s physical
outputs. (Note - audio recording software is frequently referred to as a “Digital Audio Workstation”,
or “DAW”, and the term “DAW” is used throughout this user guide.)
The physical outputs can be connected to an amplifier and speakers, powered monitors, headphones,
analogue mixer or any other analogue audio equipment that you wish to use.