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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record

£89.995£179.99Clearance
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PCIE ports are usually found in professional audio boxes because it offers additional processing power and fast data transfer.

Focusrite has done a great job with the new 3rd generation interfaces. While first glances may give the impression that they are just a prettier version of their former selves, the real magic lies under the hood. This is evident in many of the upgrades listed above. Monitor output connects to your speakers so you can be assisted with critical listening. Most producers use XLR cables for outputting sound to the monitors but some prefer TRS cables. There's a wide range of cables and connectors to choose from.

Eight inputs and ten outputs; eight 3rd Generation mic pres, two Hi-Z instrument inputs, and ten balanced outputs plus ADAT input and output for up to eight more channels each way. The ADAT ports let you expand the total number of inputs and outputs by 16 (20 x in, 24 x out, hence 44) but part of us wishes there was more onboard analogue I/O. Still, at least there’s the provision for sizable expansion.

Finally, there's an interface output that uses interface cables to take digital signals to your computer. The cables are commonly USB or firewire, but newer options like ethernet cables are available. Thunderbolt cables are used for Mac computers. USB and firewire provide fast speeds so you can choose between the two according to your computer input availability. Likewise, there are adapters to switch between the two options. Digital Signal Processing software or DSP, is included on audio interfaces that have 8 outputs or more. This software helps you to edit and create mixes within your monitoring outputs. For instance, if you're recording with your team and you guitarist asks you to turn up the pitch on his headphones, you can easily do so within the software without affecting the original sound you are recording. We think the one-dial solution is beautifully implemented and overall the design makes both the EVO 4 and 8 clever, compact desktop solutions that sound great. These are great value too, the simplest and cleverest solutions to compact audio interfaces we’ve come across. Most interfaces are class-compliant, so will work out of the box –just plug them in and start using them straight away. Some come with extra software you will need to access some of their more detailed functions and routing. Many, especially mobile interfaces, are bus-powered so you don't have to plug a mains power supply into them.

Investing a lot of money into any type of gear can be a tough decision. Don’t worry! We got you covered. Audient is gradually upgrading its original generation iD units, and the latest one is the iD24, which replaces the iD22. iD24 is a 10-in/14-out interface with two of Audient’s highly-respected 8024 Class-A mic preamps. It also has a front-mounted JFET-based instrument input, which when plugged up replaces mic input 1. Your recordings will shine with professional clarity with its 24-bit/192kHz converters. At the same time , Air mode (also present in the Clarett USB range but works slightly differently) emulates the famous boost in the mid-high frequency range — adding unique high-end detail, which was a renowned characteristic of Focusrite’s original ISA mic preamp at the famous AIR Studios. In our experience, Focusrite’s Scarlett USB interfaces have traditionally combined excellent sonics and audio flexibility at affordable price points, and the third-generation units keep up the good work.

The anodized aluminum unibody chassis ensures that your audio interface can deal with the harsh environment. Scarlett 2i2 is very light and portable making it easy to carry and transport. You don’t need to add an additional power supply as it is equipped with bus power. If you are just starting with music production, we recommend shopping around for a bundle that helps you save some serious cash. Final Thoughts Bundled software includes Presonus Studio One Artist and Studio Magic Software Suite, Ableton Live Lite, so you'll have plenty to get you up and running no matter what your audio interface needs. Clarett+ has improved independent A-D and D-A converters, slightly better noise figures throughout, and improved dynamic range. The mic inputs are silky smooth and have plenty of headroom, and the outputs are crystal clear and suitably noise-free. If you want to add some life to your input, the Air option does just that. Also excellent are the two JFET instrument inputs, substantially better than a regular instrument input.

An audio interface takes the signals from your instruments or microphones and digitizes them before sending them to your computer. You can relate it to an external sound card that is equipped with extra features. Audio quality is where ID44 MkII really shines; everything else is icing on the cake, but that icing is layered deep and tastes exceptionally sweet. What’s more important for you in your situation, are the specs of your computer. The Scarletts are super-low latency, so if you do find you are having dropouts, audio pops, etc — it’s more than likely going to be an issue to do with the overall computer specs. Writing with loads of channels of CPU-intensive orchestra libraries and VSTs will take its toll on your computer’s resources, regardless of how low latency the audio interface is.

Audient has also managed to improve the iD44’s Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC) THD+N figure by an impressive 9dB to a class-leading 112 dB. The Digital to Analogue Converters (DACs) are similarly pristine, with imperceptible noise and 126dB of dynamic range. The four mic pres are exactly the same as you’ll find in Audient’s pro-level consoles. Eight inputs and four outputs; four 3rd Generation mic pres, two Hi-Z instrument inputs, four fixed line inputs, and four balanced outputs plus ADAT input for up to eight more channels. The Element 46 Thunderbolt Audio Interface by Apogee is specially designed for Mac as they have a Thunderbolt interface port. With elite hardware features and stunning software advancements, this audio interface delivers the ultimate recording experience.The front face of the Apollo Twin X features a huge knob that can be used for volume control of monitors, headphones, and input gain, as well as some handy buttons for phantom power, muting, and various other features. We found it to be an incredibly fleshed-out and powerful recording experience using one of these and combined with the portable size, it’s the perfect interface for taking to and from recording sessions, with the connectivity to grow with you should you choose to invest further in the UA ecosystem. Focusrite has done a great job with the new 3rd generation interfaces. While first glances may give the impression that they are just a prettier version of their former selves, the real magic lies under the hood. This is evident in many of the upgrades: Thunderbolt connectors are usually found in the audio boxes/interfaces designed for Mac as they have an input thunderbolt port. They offer way faster data transferring speeds compared to both USB and Firewire. PCIE USB and Firewire provide 800 MB/s and all the way up to 1.25 GB/s. If you have loads of work then you either a USB and Firewire will do. Both connections are easily available on the computer. If you're part of a team of up to 20-25 people, you might consider Thunderbolt, it delivers the lightning fast speed of 5 GB/s. However, the ports are mostly found on Macs. PCIE option is more complicated as it requires you to install a special sound card which isn’t common for home or professional studio use. In most cases, USB or Firewire will do the job, but if you want some extra speed then you might consider a thunderbolt port. As you can see from the table above, there are some noticeable improvements in the 3rd Gen. All specs considered, the inputs and outputs benefit from a wider dynamic range, gain ranges, and higher input and output levels. What Else Is New In The 3rd Gen?

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