Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface User Manual

Introducció

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is a popular USB audio interface designed for recording, songwriting, streaming, and podcasting. It provides high-fidelity, studio-quality recording capabilities and comes with essential software tools to help you get started.

This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen, along with troubleshooting tips and product specifications.

Imatge: Frontal view of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface, showcasing its two input channels, gain knobs, 48V phantom power button, direct monitor control, and main monitor knob.

Què hi ha a la caixa

• Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen Audio Interface
• Cable USB-C a A

Configuració

Follow these steps to set up your Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen:

1. Connexió a l'ordinador: Use the provided USB-C to A cable to connect your Scarlett 2i2 to a USB port on your Mac or PC. The device is bus-powered, so no external power supply is needed.
2. Instal·lació de programari: Visit the Focusrite website and use the 'Easy Start' tool to download and install the necessary drivers and bundled software. This process will guide you through registration and software activation.
3. Connecteu micròfons/instruments: Plug your microphones into the XLR inputs or instruments (guitars, basses) into the 1/4-inch jack inputs on the front panel.
4. Connect Headphones/Monitors: Connect your headphones to the 1/4-inch headphone jack on the front. For studio monitors, connect them to the balanced line outputs (LEFT and RIGHT) on the rear panel.

Image: A Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen connected to a laptop, with a microphone positioned near an acoustic guitar, demonstrating a typical recording setup.

En funcionament

Understanding the controls and features of your Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen will optimize your recording experience:

• Mic Preamps and Air Mode: The Scarlett 2i2 features two high-performing mic pre-amps. Engage the 'Air' mode button for each input to add a brighter, more open sound, replicating the effect of Focusrite's original ISA mic preamp. This is particularly beneficial for vocals and acoustic instruments.
• Entrades d’instruments: The two high-headroom instrument inputs allow you to directly plug in your guitar or bass. These inputs are designed to prevent clipping or unwanted distortion, ensuring your instruments shine through clearly.
• Gain Halos: Each input features a 'Gain Halo' around the gain knob. This LED indicator changes color to help you set optimal input levels: green for a good signal, amber for approaching clipping, and red for clipping. Adjust the gain knob until the halo remains green during performance peaks.
• Direct Monitor: The 'Direct Monitor' button allows you to hear your input signal directly through your headphones or monitors with zero latency. This is crucial for monitoring your performance without delay while recording.
• Sortida del monitor: The large 'Monitor' knob controls the overall output level to your studio monitors. The smaller headphone knob adjusts the volume for your connected headphones.
• Studio Quality Recording: The Scarlett 2i2 supports recording and mixing at up to 24-bit/192kHz, ensuring your recordings retain high sonic quality.
• Programari inclòs: Your Scarlett 2i2 comes with the Hitmaker Expansion, an extensive suite of studio tools including Antares Auto-Tune Access, Relab LX480 Essentials, Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2, a three-month Splice Sounds Subscription, Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC, and Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite. Ableton Live Lite and Avid Pro Tools Intro+ are also included upon registration.

Image: A collage of various software plugins and digital audio workstations, representing the comprehensive software bundle included with the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen.

Manteniment

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen:

• Neteja: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the unit. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Emmagatzematge: Store the interface in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Manipulació: Manipuleu la unitat amb cura. Eviteu deixar-la caure ni sotmetre-la a impactes forts.
• Gestió de cables: Ensure cables are not excessively bent or strained, especially at connection points, to prevent damage.

Resolució de problemes

If you encounter issues with your Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen, consider the following:

• No Sound/Input Signal:
  • Check all cable connections (USB, microphones, instruments, headphones, monitors).
  • Ensure the Scarlett 2i2 is selected as the input/output device in your computer's sound settings and your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
  • Verify that the gain knobs are turned up and the 'Gain Halos' are indicating a signal.
  • If using a condenser microphone, ensure 48V phantom power is enabled.
• Crackling/Distortion:
  • Adjust the input gain to prevent clipping (ensure 'Gain Halos' remain green).
  • Increase the buffer size in your DAW's audio settings. A larger buffer size reduces CPU strain but increases latency.
  • Ensure your computer's USB power management settings are not putting the USB device to sleep. Disable any power-saving features for USB ports.
  • Try setting the sample rate to 48000 Hz (48kHz) in your audio settings, as some software may prefer this.
• Problemes/accidents del controlador:
  • Ensure you have the latest drivers installed from the official Focusrite weblloc.
  • Restart your computer and the Scarlett 2i2.
  • Try connecting the Scarlett 2i2 to a different USB port on your computer.
• Latència:
  • Use the 'Direct Monitor' feature for zero-latency monitoring of your input signal.
  • Reduce the buffer size in your DAW's audio settings. Note that this may increase CPU usage and potentially lead to crackling if set too low.

For further assistance, refer to the official Focusrite support resources or the comprehensive User Guide PDF available on the product's Amazon page or Focusrite's weblloc.

Especificacions

Imatge: Part posterior view of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen, showing the USB-C port and the two balanced line outputs (LEFT and RIGHT).

Garantia i Suport

Focusrite offers a comprehensive warranty and support for its products:

• Garantia de tres anys: Your Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen comes with a three-year warranty. This covers repairs or replacements due to manufacturing faults, regardless of your location.
• Assistència en línia: For detailed information, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides, visit the official Focusrite help center. You can also find the full User Guide (PDF) for your Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen online.
• Contacte amb l'assistència: If you require further assistance, contact Focusrite customer support through their official weblloc.

For the official User Guide PDF, please refer to the following link: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen User Guide (PDF)