Focusrite Scarlett 2i2From real comments

Verdict distilled from 34 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment41%
PROS 41%
CONS 59%

Rank based on 34 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a simple, low-latency interface for podcasting, streaming or home recording
  • You're a beginner who values an easy setup and Focusrite's software/gain features
  • You want a resellable, expandable first interface that stays useful as a field unit

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need reliable simultaneous dual-channel use without extra USB power support
  • You care a lot about clean, uncolored headphone monitoring
  • You want physical power/mute switches or per-channel 48V control

What users complain about

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You are here
31Mid
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Easy setup and beginner-friendly guidesLow latency performanceUseful new gain and monitoring featuresHeadphone output coloration and issuesWindows driver and stability quirksGimmicky Auto/Safe/Air features for some users
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Easy setup and beginner-friendly guides
Low latency performance
Useful new gain and monitoring features
Headphone output coloration and issues
Windows driver and stability quirks
Gimmicky Auto/Safe/Air features for some users

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Setup and everyday usability get strong praise from beginners and experienced users alike. Multiple commenters called specific review/setup guides for the 2i2 the best they'd found, even better than Focusrite's own tutorial. Users successfully set up vocal recording, DJ streaming, and multi-instrument recording with it. It works out of the box on Mac and Linux with no driver issues, and on Windows buffer can be lowered to 128 samsamples with no noticeable delay, though some describe fiddly default settings and driver quirks.

Power delivery is a real limitation for demanding setups. Several users needed a powered USB hub or the separate 5V power adaptor to avoid audio interface dropouts or failure to mount other USB devices, especially in live/multi-device rigs. One user reported both input channels distorting simultaneously, attributed by them to insufficient USB current draw with no fix from Focusrite support. This makes bus power alone feel marginal for heavier setups.

The headphone output and some interface design choices draw consistent criticism. Multiple commenters flagged the headphone output as remixing or coloring the low end, one reporting buzz through a splitter with certain headphones, and another noting it isn't well suited to 32-ohm headphones. Newer Auto/Safe/Air features got mixed reviews, called gimmicky by DAW users doing EQ post-recording, while a lack of a power button and single-switch 48V phantom power (both channels together) were called outdated after four generations.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?