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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen

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$118.00 to $189.99 Price Tier: Budget

5.0 (44)

1 Critic Review

5 Reviews

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface

$172.00 - $1,824.00

4.5 (6)

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Price

$189.99

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4.7 (15725)

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5.0 (90)

$127.83 11 available New

$89.00 8 available Used

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5.0 (151)

$139.99

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4.8 (2930)

$118.00

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Average Price: $141

Budget/Beginner

$150

$501+

Price Tier

In the Audio Interfaces category, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Price History

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Description

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The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is your gateway to professional sound recording, whether you're crafting a podcast, recording vocals, or capturing the nuanced tones of a guitar. This two-channel USB audio interface combines simplicity and performance in a sleek, portable design, making it a favorite for musicians and producers around the globe. Its third-generation mic preamps with selectable Air mode bring a new level of brightness and openness to your recordings, emulating the legendary Focusrite ISA preamps.

With high-performance 24-bit/192kHz AD-DA converters, the Scarlett 2i2 ensures every detail of your audio is captured with pristine clarity. Plug directly into the high-headroom instrument inputs to record guitars and basses without the worry of distortion. The easy-to-use Gain Halo metering gives visual feedback on your input levels, helping you avoid clipping while ensuring optimal gain staging.

No external power supply is needed thanks to its USB bus-powered design. Just connect it to your Mac or PC, and you're ready to record. Out of the box, it comes with an impressive software suite, including Ableton Live Lite and a three-month subscription to Splice Sounds, setting you up with all the tools you need to start creating immediately.

Key Features:

Two Scarlett mic preamps with switchable Air mode
High-performance 24-bit/192kHz converters
Two high-headroom instrument inputs
USB-C connection, bus-powered
Compatible with PC and Mac
Includes Ableton Live Lite and a three-month Splice Sounds subscription
Comes with Hitmaker Expansion Software Bundle

Product specs

Available since	July 2019
Recording / Playback Channels	2x2
Number of Mic Inputs	2
Number of Line Inputs	2
Instrument Inputs	2
Number of Line Outs	2
Headphone Outs	1
Phantom power	Yes
Number of S/PDIF Connectors	0
Number of ADAT Connectors	0
Numer of AES/EBU Connectors	0
Number of MADI Connectors	0
Ethernet	0
Other Connectors	No
MIDI interface	No
Word Clock	No
Max. sample rate (kHz)	192 kHz
Max. resolution in bit	24 bit
USB Bus-Powered	Yes
Incl. power supply	No
USB Version	2.0
Width in mm	175 mm
Depth in mm	98,8 mm
Height in mm	47,5 mm
Connection Format	USB port Type C
Included in delivery	USB-C to USB-A Cable, Software
Zero latency monitoring	1

FAQs

What are the main connectivity options for the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen?: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen connects via USB-C and features two XLR/line inputs, two line outputs, and one headphone output, making it versatile for various recording setups.
Is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen compatible with major DAWs like Ableton Live and Pro Tools?: Yes, the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is compatible with all major DAWs, including Ableton Live and Pro Tools, ensuring seamless integration into your existing setup.
Does the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen provide phantom power for condenser microphones?: Yes, the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen supplies phantom power, making it suitable for use with condenser microphones that require it.
Can the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen handle high-resolution audio recording?: The Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution, allowing for professional-grade high-resolution audio recording.
What is the AIR function on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen?: The AIR function on the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen enhances high frequencies, providing a brighter and more open sound, similar to classic Focusrite studio consoles.

Videos

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Podcastage

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface Review / Explained

Podcastage

Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen Review and Test

Sanjay C

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen Audio Interface Test german

technik_palast

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) | Is It Right For YOU?

Audio University

5 Things to Know About the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)

GetMojo

Reviews

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PROS

AIR button enhances sound input quality
USB-C connectivity for modern devices
Direct Monitoring allows for real-time playback
Zero or almost zero latency for seamless audio production
Powered directly from the computer, eliminating the need for extra power supplies
Improves sound quality, making instruments blend well in mixes
Effective in eliminating buzz and hum in online meetings
Portable, ideal for outdoor recordings of nature sounds

CONS

Compatibility issues with Windows 11, causing loss of sync
USB-C to USB-C connection problems may require adapters or specific cables

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen.

Comparisons

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The Tascam US-2x2HR and Zoom AMS-24 are mentioned as alternatives with potentially better value and simplicity compared to the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen.
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The UMC 204HD offers better outputs compared to the Solo, which some suggest will prevent the need for an additional interface as needs grow.
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Audient ID4 is perceived as more durable with its metal build, providing a potentially better long-term investment than the Scarlett.
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MOTU M2 is recommended for superior I/O and a front panel display, despite being pricier than the Scarlett.
Source

Use cases and applications

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The Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is suitable for condenser mics, like the TZ Stellar X2 and Diety Smic2S, particularly for video calls and recording design work discussions.
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Having two inputs on the 2i2 is beneficial for recording vocals and guitar simultaneously, a limitation in the Solo.
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Features and functionality

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The Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen offers balanced outputs which can help reduce interference noise, providing a cleaner signal when connected to an external amp.
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0 0

The Scarlett Solo 4th Gen has an independent headphone output with its own level control, a feature not present in earlier Solo versions.
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The ability to record stereo signals is seen as crucial for future-proofing, as it allows sampling from common stereo sources like phones or synthesizers.
Source

Value and pricing

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At $109, the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is considered a steal, especially given its typical price of around $450 CAD when new.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

An external DAC like the Scarlett 2i2 can provide extra gain over a computer's motherboard output, potentially improving perceived audio quality.
Source

Build quality

0 0

Dust accumulation in the volume knob can cause crackling over time, requiring careful cleaning to avoid damage.
Source

User experience

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Some owners notice crackling sounds without touching the volume, especially during low-frequency playback like kick drums.
Source

Setup and maintenance

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Tutorials are available online for cleaning the volume knob, but the process is risky and might lead to damage.
Source

Critic Reviews

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) Review | PCMag

pcmag.com

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 44 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

rackattack

395

almost 2 years ago

decent stereo recorder with intuitive functionality

I used to record dawless with a microphone and a mixer, hesitant to go involve an interface, but I'd say the upgrade to this device was worth with distinctly less noise and an ability to have a headphone option. The unit is pretty intuitive to operate and works out of the box on linux. While really good, I would say the sound is not as clear as could be, but it might be the rest of my setup that is not optimal since the headphone sound often is better than the actual recording. I used ardour and audacity. sturdy - mine dropped and seems to have no issues. all in all a medium budget device, very intuitive, good features, but not to much, and of course and most importantly stereo recording. I have no comparison experience.

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Rock Art rock

zachary_kilduff

424

over 1 year ago

I AM IN AWH!

Wow this is one piece of kit! The value and quality of the sleek metal finish is mwah! Very good interface, Focusrite are a very good brand. USB-C!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Omg we need more of it!

Preferred Settings + Usage:

One minor perfection that could be made is a double headphone input instead of one, im sure there are adapters out there that could just double the output, but an AUX port wouldn't hurt.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Rapper

Genres:

Rock Pop Hip Hop

koliber

over 4 years ago

Low latency, great converters, perfect functionality!

One of the positive points is that it has zero or almost zero latency, that is, between the sounds of the computer and the input sounds, no delay is perceived, which in theory could be there because the former must be converted to analog. Powered directly from the computer, so no additional power supplies and the sound is remarkable.

Roles:

Music Producer DJ

Genres:

Electronic Electronica Ambient

stixmations

1033

over 5 years ago

Really amazing.

I've been using a 3.5MM male to female mic jack for recording my guitars and bass. And I now realize that is a bad choice, it makes the guitar sound low quality and doesn't blend in the mix well, it stands out the most. BUT when I got the 2i2, it blended the bass, and guitar in very well. Really REALLY happy I got this.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop

ravedya_aufa_amarang...

over 6 years ago

Major Upgrade from The 2nd Generation

You know what it is, this is the best low end soundcard. I tried the NI Komplete Audio but it aint as dynamic as this soundcard. Scarlett has wider amount of gains I guess. The air feature is nice tho, it slightly gave more gains into the input.