The CM25 MkIII is plug-and-play with no buttons or switches. The latter is great for detailed studio-quality recordings of up to 24-bit/192 kHz but only if you can record in a quiet space.
I could have used a laptop or my PC but they have loud fans and the CM25 MkIII condenser mic is incredibly sensitive.
The ability to record on a powerful device like the iPad Pro is amazing which is able to power the Scarlett 2i2 for hours of recording with no need to be plugged in. Softube Time and Tone Bundle: three of Softube’s world-class reverb, delay and distortion plug-ins, and an easy-to-use mastering tool.įocusrite Red Plug-in Suite: accurately models our classic Red 2 equaliser and Red 3 compressor.įocusrite Plug-in Collective: receive free versions of the most innovative software, as well as benefit from discounts.įor most of my testing, I used my iPad Pro and Garage Band.
XLN Audio Addictive Keys: Access one of four virtual keyboards when you register your first piece of Focusrite or Novation hardware. Three Month Splice Sounds Subscription: Get access to millions of high-quality, royalty-free one-shots, loops, and presets, with new releases daily.įocusrite Scarlette 2i2 with direct monitoring. Ableton Live Lite: industry-leading music-making software.
On the computer side, you need the software to edit, mix and produce the sound and to get you started, Focusrite supply you with lots of software tools including Avid Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack: hundreds of virtual instrument sounds, 500MB of loops, and great-sounding effects. The case is protected by an attractive anodised casing in a scarlet red colour. The Scarlett 2i2 is bus-powered using the USB-C port on the back and when connected to a PC, notebook or even USB-C iPad, the supplied cable will both power the interface and transfer data, so no external power is required.Īround the back of the Scarlett 2i2 is a Kensington locking point as well as the USB-C port and two line outputs for left and right speakers.Īll of the buttons feel positive to push and the knobs are smooth with just the right amount of resistance. The monitoring levels for your speakers and headphones are separate, so it’s simple to record someone else while they listen to their own music with their own headphones.įocusrite Scarlette 2i2 Studio Bundle. There’s also a handy direct monitor button that bypasses your computer volume levels. Using both inputs together is ideal for jam sessions or if you want to play and sing at the same time. You can use two mics or two instruments or a mixture of both. ‘Air’ emulates the technology of the same name from Focusrite’s legendary ISA professional studio preamplifier. Pic: Noel Campion.īoth inputs also have ‘Air’ buttons which Focusrite says will make your guitars and vocals sound instantly brighter and more spacious, giving them a lustrous, studio-grade sheen. Each of the inputs has dials for gain.įocusrite Scarlette 2i2 with 'Air' buttons. Pic: Focusrite.Īt the heart of the Studio bundle is the Scarlett 2i2 3rd gen, which is an audio interface that features two dual-purpose XLR/jack inputs which can be switched between line or instrument levels via buttons on the front panel.
Focusrite Scarlette 2i2 Studio Bundle comes with everything you need to get started.