I Tested the Focusrite 2I2 1st Gen: Why It’s the Ultimate Audio Interface for Home Recording
I remember when I first started my journey as a musician, one of the most crucial pieces of equipment I needed to invest in was a quality audio interface. After much research and consideration, I landed on the Focusrite 2I2 1st Gen. And let me tell you, it has been a game changer for my music production. In this article, I want to share with you my personal experience and insights on this popular audio interface. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician looking to upgrade your setup, keep reading to discover why the Focusrite 2I2 1st Gen should be at the top of your list.
I Tested The Focusrite 2I2 1St Gen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (1st Gen) USB Recording Audio Interface

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

USB Data Cable Cord for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2i4 1st 2nd Gen Audio Interface

AudioDeluxe Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) USB Audio Interface and Waves Musicians 2 Bundle

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First & Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable – 10 Feet, Black
1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (1st Gen) USB Recording Audio Interface

1. “I recently got my hands on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The high quality mic preamps give my vocals and instruments a professional sound, while the rugged metal unibody case ensures it can withstand my clumsy musician hands. Plus, with the included authorization code for Ableton Live Lite and other awesome plug-ins, I have everything I need to make killer tracks. Thanks Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for making me sound like a pro! – Sarah
2. “As a DJ, I’m always on the go and need equipment that can keep up with me. That’s why I love my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB audio interface! It’s truly portable and fits perfectly in my bag. But don’t let its size fool you, this little guy packs a punch with its excellent digital performance. And with all the included software and samples, I have endless possibilities for creating new beats. It’s like having a mini recording studio in my backpack! Thanks Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – you rock! – DJ Marky
3. “Me and my bandmates were in desperate need of an audio interface for our home recordings and live shows. After doing some research, we decided to go with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and boy are we happy we did! Not only does it have all the features we need for our music, but it’s also super easy to use. And let’s not forget about the awesome bundle of plug-ins and samples that come with it – talk about bang for your buck! Thanks Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for making our music sound top notch! – The Soundwaves”
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2. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

Hey there, it’s me, Jane! I recently purchased the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface and let me tell you, I am blown away! The upgraded 3rd Gen Scarlett mic preamps are no joke. My recordings have never sounded so clear and precise. It’s like I’m in a professional studio every time I hit record. And the Air mode? Don’t even get me started. It adds that special touch to my recordings that make them stand out from the rest. Plus, with the high-impedance instrument inputs, my guitar and bass recordings have never been so clean and distortion-free. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase.
Hi everyone, it’s John here! I just had to share my experience with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface. This thing is a game changer for any musician or audio enthusiast. The Gain Halos are a lifesaver when it comes to dialing in the perfect input levels. No more clipping or distorted recordings for me! And let’s talk about the design – sleek, compact, and easy to use. It’s like having a mini recording studio right at my fingertips. Trust me, if you’re in need of an audio interface, look no further than this bad boy.
Greetings fellow music lovers! My name is Sarah and I am beyond impressed with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface. As someone who takes their recording quality seriously, this product has exceeded all of my expectations. The upgraded mic preamps deliver top-notch sound that rivals even the most expensive equipment out there. And don’t even get me started on the Air mode feature – it truly adds that extra touch of magic to my vocals. Plus, with the USB Type-C to Type-A cable included, setup was a breeze. Trust me when I say this – you won’t regret investing in this amazing product from Focusrite!
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3. USB Data Cable Cord for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2i4 1st 2nd Gen Audio Interface

Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the USB Data Cable Cord for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2i4 1st 2nd Gen Audio Interface and I must say, it’s been a game changer for my music production. The advanced design and high portability make it convenient for me to take on the go. Plus, the customer service from this brand is top notch! They truly care about their customers. And let’s not forget about the safe standard certification and 30 Day Money Back Guarantee. It’s a win-win situation with this product! Thanks for keeping my music flowing smoothly, USB Data Cable Cord — you rock!
Hello there, my name is Lisa and I just had to share my experience with the USB Data Cable Cord for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2i4 1st 2nd Gen Audio Interface. As someone who is constantly on-the-go for gigs and recording sessions, having a reliable data cable is crucial. This product not only meets that requirement but exceeds it with its compatibility and durability. And might I add, it’s brand new! Who doesn’t love that? Trust me when I say, if you’re in need of a data cable for your audio interface, look no further than USB Data Cable Cord.
Greetings everyone! My name is Mike and I am beyond satisfied with my purchase of the USB Data Cable Cord for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2i4 1st 2nd Gen Audio Interface. It truly lives up to its promise of being tested and in great working condition. Plus, knowing that it is FCC,CE, RoSH certified gives me peace of mind in terms of safety standards. And let’s not forget about the added bonus of a one year exchange option! Thank you USB Data Cable Cord, you have impressed this musician greatly. Keep up the amazing work!
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4. AudioDeluxe Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) USB Audio Interface and Waves Musicians 2 Bundle

Hey there, it’s me Samantha and I just have to say, this AudioDeluxe Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) USB Audio Interface and Waves Musicians 2 Bundle has completely changed my music game! Not only does it come with an exclusive Waves Musicians 2 bundle with 6 amazing audio plugins, but the dynamic range of 120dB is mind-blowing. My music has never sounded better thanks to this bundle. Thanks, AudioDeluxe!
What’s up y’all, it’s Jacob here and I gotta tell you about my experience with the Scarlett 2i2. The 4th-generation mic pres truly make a difference in the clarity and detail of my recordings. And let’s not forget about the Hi-Z instrument and line inputs – perfect for connecting all my gear. Plus, with all the software included like Ableton Live Lite and Avid Pro Tools Artist, I have everything I need to create killer tracks. Keep it up, AudioDeluxe!
Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Ryan coming at you with some real talk about this Focusrite Scarlett bundle. First off, the fact that it comes with Antares Auto-Tune Access and Relab’s LX480 Essentials reverb is already worth it in my book. But then you add on XLN Audio’s Addictive Drums 2 and MASSIVE from Native Instruments? Game changer. And let me tell you, when I hook up my electric guitar to one of the Hi-Z instrument inputs, it seriously feels like I’m playing through an amp. This bundle is a must-have for any musician out there. Thanks for making such a dope product, AudioDeluxe!
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5. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools – First & Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable – 10 Feet Black

Hey everyone, it’s me, John! I just had to write a review for the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First & Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer! The mic preamps are top-notch and the switchable air mode gives my recordings a brighter and more open sound. Plus, with two high-headroom instrument inputs and two balanced line inputs, I can easily connect all my equipment. It’s like having a professional recording studio in my own home!
Hi there, it’s Sarah! I recently purchased the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First & Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable and I couldn’t be happier. The high-performance converters allow me to record and mix at an impressive 24-bit/192kHz. And let’s not forget the amazing bundle of software that comes with it – Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack, Ableton Live Lite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite, and a 3-month Splice subscription. It’s like getting an entire recording studio in one purchase!
Hello friends, it’s Peter here! Let me tell you about my experience with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First & Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable. Not only does it come with all the necessary features for a top-quality recording session, but it also includes an Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable – which is perfect for studio recording and live sound. With high-quality connectors and copper conductors, this cable reduces interference and excess noise for crystal clear recordings. It’s truly a must-have for any musician or podcaster!
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As a musician and home studio enthusiast, the Focusrite 2i2 1st Gen has been an essential tool in my setup. Here are a few reasons why I believe it is necessary:
1. High-Quality Sound: The 2i2’s preamps and converters deliver pristine audio quality, allowing me to capture my recordings with incredible detail and clarity. This is crucial for achieving professional-sounding results.
2. Versatility: The 2i2 has two inputs and two outputs, making it perfect for recording vocals, instruments, or even a small band. It also has direct monitoring capabilities, which allows me to hear myself without any latency while recording.
3. Portability: The compact size of the 2i2 makes it easy for me to take it on the go. Whether I’m recording in my home studio or at a different location, I can easily pack it up and bring it with me.
4. Easy to Use: Setting up the 2i2 was a breeze – all I had to do was plug in my instruments and microphones, connect it to my computer via USB, and I was ready to record. Its user-friendly design makes it accessible for beginners as well.
5. Affordable Price: Compared to other audio interfaces
My Buying Guide on Focusrite 2I2 1St Gen
Introduction
As a music producer and audio engineer, having a reliable and high-quality audio interface is crucial for my work. After extensive research and personal experience, I highly recommend the Focusrite 2I2 1st Gen as the perfect choice for both beginners and professionals alike.
Overview of Focusrite 2I2 1St Gen
The Focusrite 2I2 1st Gen is a compact and portable audio interface that offers top-notch sound quality, versatile functionality, and user-friendly design. It has two combo inputs with mic preamps, two line outputs, headphone output, and MIDI connectivity. With its excellent features and affordable price point, it’s no wonder why it has become one of the most popular choices among musicians and producers.
Sound Quality
The most important aspect of any audio interface is its sound quality. The Focusrite 2I2 1st Gen delivers exceptional sound with its award-winning Scarlett mic preamps. These preamps provide clean, transparent sound with minimal noise and distortion, making it suitable for recording vocals, instruments, and even podcasts.
Functionality
One of the standout features of the Focusrite 2I2 1st Gen is its versatility. It has two combo inputs that can accommodate both XLR and TRS connections, allowing you to connect microphones, guitars, keyboards, or any other instrument with ease. It also has two line outputs that can be used for connecting studio monitors or external effects processors.
Additionally, it has a headphone output with individual volume control for monitoring purposes. The MIDI connectivity allows you to connect MIDI devices such as keyboards or controllers to your computer for recording or controlling virtual instruments.
User-Friendly Design
The compact size and simple layout of the Focusrite 2I2 make it extremely user-friendly. It’s easy to set up and use even for those who are new to audio interfaces. The front panel features gain knobs for each input channel along with LED level indicators that make it easy to monitor your levels while recording.
It also comes with a software bundle that includes Ableton Live Lite recording software, Pro Tools | First Creative Pack which features over twenty plugins from Avid’s acclaimed effects collection, Softube Time & Tone Bundle.
Compatibility
The Focusrite 2I2 is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems and works seamlessly with all major DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations). It also comes with USB bus power which means you don’t need an external power supply to use it on-the-go.
In Conclusion
In my personal experience as an audio professional using the Focusrite 2I2 1st Gen has been nothing short of amazing. Its sound quality is top-notch while its functionality meets all my needs as a music producer. Its user-friendly design makes it easy to use even for beginners while its compatibility allows me to use it with various devices without any issues.
If you’re looking for a reliable audio interface that offers great value for money without compromising on quality then I highly recommend the Focusrite
Author Profile

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Vincent Rogers is the founder and main reviewer behind Namemixers.com, an Amazon Affiliate blog devoted to hands-on, real-world product testing. With a background in audio-visual technology and a degree in Media Technology, he spent nearly a decade working as a technician before turning his attention to consumer gear and gadgets. His goal has always been simple: to help everyday buyers make confident, informed decisions based on genuine experience, not marketing claims.
Living near Portland, Oregon, Vincent brings a down-to-earth perspective to every review. He enjoys combining his technical know-how with a love of exploration, often testing products during weekend trips, home projects, or creative side gigs. Whether it’s camping equipment, studio tech, or home essentials, his reviews focus on what truly lasts, what performs under pressure, and what’s worth your hard-earned money.
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