Hitmaker Expansion Plugins:
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Anniversary Edition has all the internal workings of the standard fourth-gen 2i2: Outwardly, though, to celebrate the company's 40th anniversary, it's finished in the dark blue of their legendary ISA range of products. The 2i2 is a USB-C audio interface for Mac and PC with two Scarlett microphone preamps, which offer superior sound quality and a re-engineered Air mode – this activates the internal Presence or Harmonic Drive functions. Microphones can be connected to the two XLR input sockets located on the rear of the device, which deliver 48V of phantom power. Alternatively, the front of the 2i2 offers two balanced line inputs for connecting line-level audio devices, such as synthesizers: Electric guitars and basses can also be connected directly to the inputs, with an Inst switch to adjust the impedance accordingly. Finally there's a headphone out and two balanced outputs that'll most often be used for monitoring purposes. All this means that, whatever its colour, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Generation is a superb audio interface at an extremely attractive price.
This special edition was created to celebrate the fact that 40 years have passed since the groundbreaking first creations of Rupert Neve, which were followed by decades making devices that deliver studio quality results, even in more affordable interfaces. All this history and expertise has gone into the fourth generation of Scarlett interfaces. The Air Mode added in the third generation has been effectively updated – it still adds brightness and clarity to a signal's high frequencies in a way that's intended to emulate Focusrite's classic ISA studio consoles, of which only ten were made. In the Focusrite Control 2 app, users can choose whether the Air button activates Presence, which adds a targeted dose of high frequencies for vocals and acoustic guitars, or Harmonic Drive, which boosts mid-range harmonics for more punch: This makes it ideal not just for electric guitars, among other instruments, but also for giving vocals more body.
As a desktop interface with compact dimensions, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is particularly suitable for home and bedroom studios. Powered by USB, the device is lightweight, despite its robust construction, and thus very portable. The two flexibly configurable inputs and the two outputs (for use with active monitors, for example) are enough for some very creative and effective musicmaking setups. The newly revised Gain Halos – customisable coloured LED rings around the input dials – make it even easier to keep both inputs at the right levels. Unlike some of the larger models in the Scarlett series, the 2i2 isn't equipped with a MIDI input and output; however, as many keyboards available today already come with a built-in USB interface allowing direct connection to a computer, this shouldn't pose too much of a problem.
Founded in 1985 by Rupert Neve, Focusrite quickly made a name for itself with high-quality analogue consoles. Today, the company markets audio interfaces, mic preamps, consoles, analogue EQs, and channel strips as well as hardware and software for digital audio processing. The company is based in High Wycombe, England, and has won numerous industry awards. In addition to the Focusrite Pro line, the company also has subsidiaries that include Adam Audio, Novation, and iOS app creator Ampify Music.
For aspiring producers who want to put this special edition to work right away, Focusrite has also included an Easy Start tool and put together a comprehensive software package comprising Ableton Live Lite, a three-month subscription to Pro Tools Intro+, and the Hitmaker Expansion bundle, which includes guitar sounds from the Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555, pitch adjustment options for vocals from Antares Auto-Tune, reverb effects from Relab LX480 Essentials, and the "Addictive Drums 2: Studio Rock" virtual drumming instrument from XLN Audio. The Studio Grand Piano from XLN Audio Addictive Keys is also accessible and the Focusrite Red Plug-in Suite provides an entire channel strip complete with EQ, de-esser, compressor, limiter, gate, and expander. And the icing on the cake: The package also comes with a two-month subscription to Landr Studio mastering tools, allowing those final touches to be added to any project.