Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 is a great audio interface to help improve your podcast efforts

I’ve completed many podcasts through the years. I’ve additionally recorded audiobooks and voiceovers of all kinds. Back in my early days, I used to be in a position to get by utilizing a USB mic (corresponding to my favourite Blue Yeti). Eventually, I spotted it was time for an improve on my mic entrance, and I turned to the CAD E100S. For that mic, nevertheless, I had to add an exterior audio interface, so I might make use of the XLR connector utilized by the mic.

Also: How to take away background noise in Audacity for better-sounding podcasts

I’ve tried a variety of completely different gadgets, however one all the time stood out as not solely the simplest to use however essentially the most dependable. In truth, I’ve had a few gadgets exit on me. This not too long ago occurred with my trusty Tascam US-4×4. Out of nowhere, I had output however no enter. I went to report a voiceover and my working system refused to detect my mic. 

At first, I believed it was Audacity (the software program I exploit to report voiceovers, audiobooks, and podcasts. Eventually, nevertheless, I spotted it was the audio interface. Fortunately, I nonetheless had my trusty Focusrite Scarlet 2i2. In a couple of minutes, I had the gadgets switched out and was again in enterprise.

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Buy the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2

The Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 is a gem of an audio interface.

At the time time, I used to be reminded why I purchased the Focusrite within the first place. Not solely is it so simple as it will get (and is robotically detected by Linux — which suggests it should not have any drawback with MacOS or Windows), nevertheless it’s constructed like a tank and affords every little thing you want for a single mic enter (it appears prefer it has enter for 2 mics however these are left and proper channels).

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If, like me, you are all the time trying to improve your manufacturing values, you will have to look into the Focusrite. It’s comparatively cheap and may be arrange in about a minute.

The specs

Of course, you need to view the specs. Here they’re:

• Input may be switched from line to instrument
• Individual channel acquire management
• Low noise-balanced output
• Resolution – 24-bit/192kHz
• Number of preamps – 2
• Phantom energy 48V
• Instrument/mic inputs – 2
• Three-year guarantee
• Dimensions – 7.68 x 2.09 x 1.32 inches
• Weight – 1.1 kilos
• The third era of the 2i2 contains a new Air swap which provides further readability to your acoustic devices
• Connectivity – USB Type-C (for the third gen) and USB Type-A for 1st and 2nd gen

The efficiency

I’ve all the time loved the efficiency delivered by the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2. Is it good? No. Case in level, my Tascam US 4×4 has a decrease noise flooring than the Scarlet and affords 4 inputs for both mic or instrument. However, the Tascam does require a separate energy supply, whereas the Focusrite attracts energy instantly from the USB connection to your laptop. Besides, any extraneous noise may be eliminated in publish, so with a bit of additional work, it is a wash. 

Even higher, the Focusrite takes up much less desk house than the Tascam. And as a result of it would not require a separate energy supply, it is a a lot better choice for recording on the go. For me, that makes the Scarlet 2i2 rather more versatile than the Tascam. On prime of that, the Focusrite is not practically as finicky because the Tascam (or simply about every other exterior sound gadget I’ve used). The Scarlet 2i2 simply works each single time.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

So, when you’re trying to up your podcast recreation, and you don’t need to break your price range, the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 ought to undoubtedly be on your radar. It’s a strong piece of expertise that ought to serve you for years (because it has for me). Besides, if you’d like to migrate to a pro-level XLR mic state of affairs, you should have to begin utilizing an exterior sound interface.

In the top, when you’re trying to energy a single dual-channel, XLR mic, you can not go flawed with the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.