This section covers some common use cases for the Scarlett 2i2. Often your use case is a variant of these and how you use your Scarlett 2i2 probably reuses some principles.
The following diagram shows how to connect a range of inputs and outputs to the Scarlett 2i2.
To connect external processors, synthesisers, or keyboards, see Connecting Line-Level Devices.
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Connect instruments such as guitars, bass, electro-acoustic guitars and other instruments with pickups to Input 1 or 2 the 6.35mm jack input on the front panel. When you connect an instrument use a 6.35mm to 6.35mm TS mono jack cable and set the input to 'instrument' using the Inst button.
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Connect your headphones (e.g. the Scarlett SH-450 headphones) via a 6.35mm jack to the headphone output. You must use a 6.35mm TRS jack connector to connect your headphones. If your headphone jack connector is smaller you need a headphone jack adaptor.
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Connect the Scarlett to your computer using a USB cable.
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Connect monitor speakers (also called Monitors) to Outputs R and L (right and left). Use 6.35mm balanced TRS jack cables to connect monitors. If your monitors have different connections please see the monitor's user guide.
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Connect a microphone (e.g. the CM25 MkIII) to Input 1 or 2 using an XLR to XLR cable. You must connect a microphone via an XLR cable, other microphones may not work, or you may have problems. Enable 48V if your microphone needs it.
Tip
The Scarlett 2i2 has XLR inputs at the back for microphones and 6.35mm (1/4") jack inputs on the front for instruments or line-level devices.
Using the front panel jack input(s) disables the XLR mic input. If you're not getting sound from your XLR input(s), ensure nothing is connected to the front panel jack inputs.
The following diagram shows how to connect a line-level device to the line input on the Scarlett 2i2.
Connect line-level devices such as synthesisers, keyboards or mic preamps to either input using a 6.35mm jack input on the front panel.
When you connect a line-level device use a 6.35mm to 6.35mm TRS jack cable but note each 6.35mm input is a mono input. Turn off Inst when you connect line-level devices to the Scarlett 2i2.
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This shows a stereo synthesiser connected using two 6.35mm TRS jack cables going from the synthesiser's left and right outputs to the Scarlett 2i2's inputs 1 and 2.
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This shows two mono sources connected to each input on the Scarlett 2i2. Input 1 has a microphone preamp connected, the microphone preamp boosts the signal level to line level, if your microphone preamp has an XLR (M) output you still need to go into the Scarlett using a 6.35mm TRS jack, for example using an XLR (F) to 6.35mm TRS jack cable. Input 2 has a mono synthesiser connected using a 6.35mm TRS jack cable.
The loopback feature on your Scarlett 2i2 allows you to send the sound produced by your computer and route it back into your Scarlett for recording or streaming, without using physical cables. This can be particularly useful in various scenarios, such as sampling, podcasting, live-streaming, or recording screen tutorials:
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Sampling: You can record sounds back into your software to use as samples in your music.
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Podcasting: You can use loopback to record online interviews or discussions, where you want to capture both your voice and the voices of remote participants.
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Live Streaming: It's useful for streaming content with accompanying audio from your computer, such as gameplay, presentations, or tutorials.
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Screen Recording: When creating video tutorials or screencasts, loopback allows you to include the sound produced by your computer along with your narration.
To use Loopback, with your Scarlett:
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Open your DAW or recording software.
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Create a new recording channel in your DAW and either mute, or set the output to 'none' for this channel. It's important to do this so you don't cause a feedback loop.
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Set your recording input of the muted channel to the Loopback channels of your Scarlett 2i2, channels 3-4.
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Start recording.
The channels in your recording software receive the output of your Scarlett. You can use other channels in your recording software to record anything connected to the inputs on your Scarlett alongside the Loopback feed. Alternatively, if your recording software only has one input, or a stereo input, you can record your Direct Monitor Mix as the Loopback input. See Record your Direct Monitor Mix using Loopback.
Important
When you're using Loopback, mute the channels in your recording software so you don't cause a feedback loop.
Your Direct Monitor Mix is a combination of your Scarlett's inputs and the software playback channels. You can set this mix in Focusrite Control 2. To record this mix via your Loopback channels:
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Open Focusrite Control 2.
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Click the
ellipses in the top right corner.
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Click Preferences
.
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Tick 'Send Direct Monitor mix to Loopback'.
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Close the Preferences window.
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Set up your Direct Monitor Mix in the Focusrite Control 2's Direct tab.
Now, when you record the Loopback input you'll be recording the Direct Monitor mix, which can be a combination of the hardware inputs and software playback.
The Scarlett 2i2 has a standalone mode; this mode allows your interface to pass audio when it's not connected to a computer. This can be useful for:
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Increasing the number of preamps on another interface or mixer that only has line-level inputs left.
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To use your studio setup without having your computer turned on or plugged in, for example, to use your guitar through your speakers, or any electronic music equipment connected.
To setup Standalone mode:
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Connect your Scarlett's power socket to mains power.
This can be a USB wall plug, similar to what you may use to charge your phone.
You can use either the USB or the 5V DC connection to use your Scarlett in standalone mode.
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Connect your inputs and outputs to your interface as usual (see Examples of Use).
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Turn on Direct Monitor to make sure the input signals are being sent to the outputs (headphones and line).
If you're using one, or two, mono sources make sure Direct is set to mono
, or if you're using a stereo source, make sure Direct is set to stereo
(see Direct Monitor Button).