Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 VS iRig Pro I/O: Which One is Best for Recording Guitar?
If you are a guitarist who wants to record your music at home or on the go, you might be wondering which audio interface is the best for your needs. There are many options available, but two of the most popular ones are the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and the iRig Pro I/O. Both of these devices allow you to connect your guitar and microphone to your computer, tablet, or smartphone and record high-quality audio.
But how do they compare in terms of features, performance, and price? In this article, we will review both of these audio interfaces and help you decide which one is better for recording guitar.
A Quick Look
If you want the best sound quality possible and don’t mind a slightly larger and heavier device, you may want to choose the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. It has a higher resolution, balanced outputs, and LED halo indicators that make it easy to set the optimal input level. It also comes with a generous software bundle that includes Pro Tools First, Ableton Live Lite, and many plugins and virtual instruments.
If you want more versatility and portability and don’t mind a slightly lower resolution and unbalanced output, you may want to choose the iRig Pro I/O. It has MIDI input and output, a headphone output with preamp and level control, and a switch for selecting between instrument or line level input. It also comes with a comprehensive software bundle that includes AmpliTube 4 Deluxe, SampleTank 4 SE, T-RackS 5 SE, and many other apps and plugins.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
- A metal chassis that is sturdy and durable.
- Two independent gain knobs with LED halo indicators that show the input level and clipping status.
- Two balanced TRS outputs that can connect to studio monitors or speakers.
- USB-C connection that can deliver up to 192 kHz/24-bit resolution.
- Transparent stereo recordings for XLR mics and quarter-inch inputs.
iRig Pro I/O
- A combo XLR/1/4 inch input for microphone or instrument.
- MIDI input and output for connecting keyboards, controllers, or other MIDI devices.
- 1/8 inch headphone output with preamp and level control.
- Switch for selecting between instrument or line level input.
- Phantom power switch for condenser microphones.
- Powered by two AA batteries, an external power supply, or the connected device.
Common Features
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and the iRig Pro I/O are both compact and portable audio interfaces that offer two inputs and two outputs. They both have:
- XLR/TRS combo jacks that can accept either a microphone or an instrument cable.
- Phantom power for condenser microphones and direct monitoring for latency-free playback.
- USB connections that can work with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices.
- They both come with software bundles that include digital audio workstations (DAWs), plugins, effects, and virtual instruments.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Detailed Features
- High-resolution audio: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 can deliver up to 192 kHz/24-bit resolution, which is higher than most audio interfaces in its price range. This means that it can capture more information from your analog signal and produce more accurate digital audio. This can result in better sound quality, especially if you are recording acoustic instruments or vocals.
- Balanced outputs: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has two balanced TRS outputs that can connect to studio monitors or speakers. Balanced outputs can reduce noise and interference from external sources, such as power cables or other devices. This can result in cleaner and clearer sound reproduction, especially if you are using long cables or working in noisy environments.
- LED halo indicators: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has two independent gain knobs with LED halo indicators that show the input level and clipping status. The LED halos change color from green to red depending on how loud your signal is. This can help you adjust your gain settings easily and avoid distortion or clipping.
iRig Pro I/O Detailed Features
- MIDI input and output: The iRig Pro I/O has MIDI input and output for connecting keyboards, controllers, or other MIDI devices. This can expand your creative possibilities by allowing you to use MIDI instruments or software synths with your guitar recordings.
- Headphone output: The iRig Pro I/O has a 1/8 inch headphone output with preamp and level control. This can let you monitor your recording with any compatible device in real-time. You can also adjust the volume of your headphones independently from the main output.
- Switch for selecting between instrument or line level input: Provides a switch for selecting between instrument or line level input. This can allow you to use different types of sources with your audio interface, such as guitars, keyboards, mixers, or other audio devices. You can also adjust the input impedance to match your instrument for optimal sound quality.
Which One Has Better Sound Quality?
Both the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and the iRig Pro I/O are excellent audio interfaces for recording guitar. They both have low-noise preamps that can capture the nuances of your playing with clarity and detail. They both have high-resolution converters that can deliver crisp and clean digital audio. They both have low-latency drivers that can ensure smooth and stable performance.
However, if you want the best sound quality possible, you may prefer the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 over the iRig Pro I/O. This is because it has a higher sample rate (192 kHz vs 96 kHz) and bit depth (24-bit vs 16-bit) than the iRig Pro I/O, which means it can record more details from your analog signal and produce more accurate digital audio.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 also has balanced outputs that can reduce noise and interference from external sources, such as power cables or other devices. This can result in cleaner and clearer sound reproduction, especially if you are using long cables or working in noisy environments.
Price Comparison
Both the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and the iRig Pro are affordable audio interfaces for recording guitar. They both offer great value for money and can fit most budgets. However, the exact price of these audio interfaces may vary depending on where you buy them and when you buy them.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 costs around $160, while the iRig Pro costs around $200. However, these prices may change over time, so it is always advisable to check the latest prices before making a purchase.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Pros
- High-resolution audio (192 kHz/24-bit) for studio-quality sound.
- Balanced outputs for hum-free monitoring, mixing and mastering.
- Sturdy metal chassis.
- LED halo indicators for easy input level setting and feedback.
- Transparent stereo recordings for XLR mics and quarter-inch inputs.
- Low-latency monitoring.
- Good quality preamps and recordings.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Cons
- No MIDI input/output for connecting and controlling external MIDI gear.
- No way to precisely match gain levels for dual inputs.
- Lightweight body can be easily pulled by cables.
- The drivers you download from the public Focusrite website are not great.
iRig Pro I/O – Pros
- More versatile with 24-bit/96kHz audio and MIDI in/out.
- Has phantom power for condenser microphones.
- Can run on batteries or external power for mobile recording.
- Can be used for microphones and MIDI devices.
- Bus-powered with computers.
- Has alternative line inputs on RCA phono and mini-jack.
- Has balanced XLR outputs.
iRig Pro I/O – Cons
- More expensive and complex to use than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
- Does not come with a power supply, requires a separate purchase of the iRig PSU 3A.
- Has some compatibility issues with some iOS and Android devices, requires specific cables or adapters.
- Uses a 7-pin ‘Host’ connection rather than regular data ports.
- MIDI in and out on smaller-than-mini-jack sockets.
Bundled Software
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 comes with Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools First, Focusrite Red Plug-in Suite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, and more.
iRig Pro I/O
The iRig Pro comes with a software bundle that includes AmpliTube 4 Deluxe and SampleTank 4 SE, , T-RackS 5 SE, Miroslav Philharmonik 2 CE, Syntronik Free, and more.
- AmpliTube 4 Deluxe is a guitar amp and effects modeling software that offers over 140 models of amps, cabinets, pedals, rack effects, and more.
- SampleTank 4 SE is a sound workstation software that offers over 30 GB of sounds, including instruments, loops, patterns, and more. These software can help you create and record music with your guitar and audio interface.
What is an Audio Interface and Why Do You Need One?
An audio interface is a device that converts analog signals from your guitar and microphone into digital signals that your computer, tablet, or smartphone can process. It also converts digital signals from your computer, tablet, or smartphone into analog signals that you can hear through headphones or speakers.
An audio interface is essential for recording guitar because it allows you to capture the sound of your instrument with clarity and accuracy. It also lets you monitor your recording with zero latency, meaning that there is no delay between what you play and what you hear.
Without an audio interface, you would have to rely on the built-in sound card of your computer, tablet, or smartphone, which is usually not designed for recording music and can result in poor sound quality, noise, and latency.
What Would You Choose?
