Two-in, Four-out USB-powered interface featuring two Focusrite mic preamps
Focusrite has launched Scarlett 2i4, the latest in the company’s series of high-quality USB 2.0 bus-powered interfaces designed for Mac and PC. Scarlett 2i4 is packaged in an elegant, rugged unibody aluminium chassis and features a pair of Focusrite’s award-winning mic pres with mic, line and high-impedance instrument inputs. It has precision converters — with up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution — and delivers a real-world dynamic range in excess of 105dB on record and playback.
Key Features
- Two award-winning Focusrite preamps Focusrite’s mic/line/instrument preamps ensure pristine quality
- Dual TRS/XLR front-panel inputs Easy connection for both TRS and XLR with combi-jack connectors
- Precision, superb-quality conversion Full 24-bit/96kHz resolution
- Superb dynamic range Over 105dB dynamic range on both recording and playback: the best sound in its class
- Halo indicators for optimum input levels LED rings around the input knobs give simple go/no-go indication: green is good; red is too hot
- No power supply required Scarlett 2i4 is totally bus-powered, evenwhen using phantom power
Scarlett 2i4 shares several features with the existing 2i2 model, with the addition of two more outputs and enhanced zero-latency monitoring — making it possible for an engineer to create separate monitor and artist mixes, or a DJ to cue up mixes while sending the main mix to a house mixer. The pristine recording quality and phantom-power capability of Scarlett 2i4 make it ideal for recording instrument-and-vocal or stereo pairs. Inputs include a switched 10dB pad, enabling the interface to handle virtually any input level with distortion-free quality.
Instant access and convenience are important aspects of the Scarlett 2i4, from the front-panel headphone socket and universal connectors for XLR and jack inputs to the unique “halo” indicators around the input controls, which light up green when the level is good and red if it gets too hot. Similarly, the monitoring controls feature a single large knob for monitor level plus a simple blend control mixing the input signal with the DAW output – with the ability to monitor either pair of outputs. The input monitor can be switched to mono if desired, for example to hear an instrument or vocal in the centre of the monitor mix. Scarlett 2i4 is entirely USB bus-powered, so does not require a power supply even when using phantom power (accessed with an illuminated button), allowing the unit to be run from a laptop in the field with ease. The interface also includes MIDI in and out, making it easy to connect a digital piano to your music software or send and receive MIDI from a sound module.
Overall, Scarlett 2i4 is a powerful, versatile and effective addition to the Scarlett range of USB 2.0 interfaces, combining an elegant, rugged exterior with superb audio quality, thanks to its Focusrite preamps and class-leading digital audio conversion.
Availability: Worldwide from October 2012
Pricing Information: MSRP $249.99 / $199.99 at dealers