Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Generation)

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Generation) is the best-sounding Scarlett 2i2 yet, a 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface for musicians, producers, podcasters, and streamers. Two 4th Gen mic preamps with 69 dB of clean gain and Air mode, studio-grade converters with 120 dB of dynamic range, and smart features like Auto Gain and Clip Safe make it easy to capture pro-quality recordings at home or on the go.

Highlights

• 2 4th Gen mic preamps with 69 dB of gain and 48V phantom
• Air mode for added presence and harmonic drive
• Converters with 120 dB dynamic range, up to 24-bit/192 kHz
• Auto Gain and Clip Safe for perfect levels
• Hi-Z instrument inputs for guitar and bass
• Dynamic Gain Halos, loopback, and powerful headphone amp

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen: Studio Sound for Everyone

The 4th Gen preamps deliver a clear, detailed sound that stands up next to recordings made on high-end gear, and Air mode adds the bright, open character of Focusrite’s classic ISA console preamps. Converters derived from Focusrite’s flagship RedNet line capture every detail with 120 dB of dynamic range.

Auto Gain and Clip Safe

Press Auto Gain and play or sing for a few seconds, and the 2i2 sets the ideal level automatically. Clip Safe watches your input and reduces gain on the fly if a loud peak threatens to clip, so every take is usable.

Setting Up the Scarlett 2i2

Connect the 2i2 to your Mac or PC with the USB-C cable; it’s bus powered. Run Easy Start, plug in a mic or instrument, and press Auto Gain. Connect studio monitors to the outputs and headphones to the front jack, then open your DAW and start recording.

What to Pair With the Scarlett 2i2

Pair the Scarlett 2i2 with a condenser or dynamic microphone, studio monitors, closed-back headphones, XLR and instrument cables, and a mic stand with a pop filter.

Made for Guitarists

The Hi-Z instrument inputs are tailored for electric guitar and bass, delivering an amp-like feel and plenty of headroom for direct recording and amp-sim plug-ins.

Monitoring Made Easy

Dynamic Gain Halos show input and output levels at a glance, and a custom-designed headphone amplifier with independent level control delivers loud, clear monitoring.

Loopback for Streaming

Loopback routes audio from music apps, browsers, and calls into your DAW or streaming software through virtual inputs, ideal for podcasting, streaming, and sampling.

Scarlett 2i2 vs. Scarlett 4i4

Both share the same 4th Gen preamps and converters. The 2i2 is a compact 2-in/2-out interface, while the 4i4 adds extra line inputs, four outputs, MIDI I/O, and standalone mode.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen FAQ

Does it need a power supply? No. It’s bus powered over USB-C.

Can I plug in a guitar? Yes. Both front inputs accept Hi-Z instruments.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen Specifications at a Glance

• I/O: 2 in / 2 out
• Mic preamps: 2, up to 69 dB gain, Air mode
• Inputs: 2 XLR/1/4-inch combo (mic/line/instrument)
• Outputs: 2 balanced 1/4-inch, 1/4-inch headphone
• Conversion: up to 24-bit/192 kHz, 120 dB dynamic range
• Connection: USB-C, bus powered

Who Buys the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen

• Singer-songwriters and musicians
• Home studio producers
• Podcasters and streamers
• Schools and media labs

Why Buy the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen From Metro Sound & Lighting

Metro Sound & Lighting isn’t a catalog-only retailer. We design, install, and service audio and recording systems in-house, so our team can help you set up your studio and support it after the sale. We offer B2B and integrator pricing for schools, churches, and studios.

Browse more options in our Audio Interfaces category, or see the full specifications on the official Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 product page.