Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

I've had this interface for 14 months. I had problems with it immediately, but they weren't bad enough to really make me want to return it, just some small audio glitches that were fixed by unplugging it and plugging it back in. At some point this year, however, I noticed that there was a popping sound whenever I would unplug an input, in this case a good quality guitar cable. Then, I noticed that whenever I would do this, I would sometimes lose the right channel of the headphone/monitor jack. This problem got worse and worse until I would have to plug and unplug a cable until I'd magically get audio back to both channels evenly. That was bad enough, but it gets worse. I use this as my primary communication device over programs like discord and when playing games, ... MoreI've had this interface for 14 months. I had problems with it immediately, but they weren't bad enough to really make me want to return it, just some small audio glitches that were fixed by unplugging it and plugging it back in. At some point this year, however, I noticed that there was a popping sound whenever I would unplug an input, in this case a good quality guitar cable. Then, I noticed that whenever I would do this, I would sometimes lose the right channel of the headphone/monitor jack. This problem got worse and worse until I would have to plug and unplug a cable until I'd magically get audio back to both channels evenly. That was bad enough, but it gets worse. I use this as my primary communication device over programs like discord and when playing games, in addition to my interface for recording audio into a DAW. I had to program a batch file to reset the Windows Audio Service in addition to another service in Windows because I started to have audio glitch problems very, very frequently (at least once per day, usually more like 3-to-5 times.) I tried fixing it by installing newer drivers, but that caused my mic volume to drop by more than 50% in all programs permanently, essentially ruining this interface for half of the time I use it. And still, it gets worse. Today, while watching a video, I hear a loud popping, followed by an incredible amount of static. Loud enough that if my volume were turned up just a bit more, I would have blown out my expensive headphones, or worse, damaged my hearing. Both of my inputs were maxed out with static noise that made this thing completely unusable for about an hour. After some time, the sound subsided, and it went back to its usual half-busted behavior. I wouldn't trust this interface. I know it's at a decent price point, but trust me, it's not worth it. This is hands-down the worst audio interface I've ever used. It's riddled with problems. Save your money and go with something else, anything else. I know there are a lot of 5-star reviews, but it's not worth the risk to your equipment or your hearing.

I would honestly give this 5 stars if it didn't clip as easily as it does. That's the only gripe I have. You can clip this device very, very easily. However, the sound quality is exceptional. The bundled software is nice too. Mind you, at present, the pro tools software is discontinued and you will use ableton. There is a high learning curve to the software but the device is straight forward. The inputs are combi XLR/1/4". You can use headphones or monitors. There appears to be minimal latency. I have no problems suggesting this device to friends.

I replaced my 2nd generation Scarlett 2i2 with the 3rd generation 4i4. I was a bit skeptical of the software application required to set the inputs to line/instrument, but it turned out to be fairly intuitive. The unit comes with a pad and air feature. Pad is self explanatory (gain reduction for loud recordings), the air setting is supposed to model some classic microphone preamp or something to that effect. I'm not totally sure what the difference is, but I've left the Air feature on anyways while recording and I've been pleased with the results, how much of that satisfaction is a result of the Air setting is hard to say since I haven't actually done any objective testing but it certainly doesn't seem to hurt anything by having it on. Initially, when I got the ... MoreI replaced my 2nd generation Scarlett 2i2 with the 3rd generation 4i4. I was a bit skeptical of the software application required to set the inputs to line/instrument, but it turned out to be fairly intuitive. The unit comes with a pad and air feature. Pad is self explanatory (gain reduction for loud recordings), the air setting is supposed to model some classic microphone preamp or something to that effect. I'm not totally sure what the difference is, but I've left the Air feature on anyways while recording and I've been pleased with the results, how much of that satisfaction is a result of the Air setting is hard to say since I haven't actually done any objective testing but it certainly doesn't seem to hurt anything by having it on. Initially, when I got the hardware going on my iMac I experienced significant lag while using Logic at various times, particularly when I was trying to copy logic drum tracks or expand the timeline but also while trying to do basic functions as well. I was concerned that I would have to get more RAM for my Mac which is problematic because the model I have makes it both difficult and expensive to increase RAM. However, after a few repeated uses the issue seems to have subsided, so I don't really know what that was about or whether the change in hardware even had anything to do with it, however it definitely was not an issue while I used my 2i2 so it's something to consider. I mainly upgraded because I wanted to start using midi with my electronic drum kit and that was basically as easy as plug and play (aside from a couple added steps in Logic which didn't have anything to do with the 4i4). However, for some reason the midi tracks seem to cause Logic to experience errors during playback when I close and then reopen a project. Again, can't say that this is a result of the 4i4 but I've been able to resolve the issue by simply quitting Logic entirely before reopening a project which isn't much of an inconvenience at all.