When it’s time to take your solo music recording to the next level, Focusrite’s 4th-generation Scarlett 2i2 is a 2-in/2-out audio interface that’s ready to capture every nuance of your performance.

Inside it are a pair of studio-grade, ultra-low-noise mic preamps with a 69dB gain range — and 120dB dynamic range on the output side — meaning you can record your vocals and an instrument (guitar, keys, drums, whatever) with radio-ready clarity. You also have access to some powerful features:

• Auto Gain: Automatically sets your gain levels at whatever’s ideal for the music you’re recording.
• Clip Safe: Checks those gain levels up to 96,000 times a second (!) and automatically tweaks them if you’re in danger of clipping, ensuring you never lose a great take.
• Air Mode: This is actually two modes in one — “Presence” mode, which boosts your signal’s high-end for more intimate vocal/instrumental recordings, and “Harmonic Drive” mode, which boosts mid-range harmonics to add a bit more punch to specific inputs.

The 4th-gen 2i2 also supports loopback recording, meaning it can capture audio from within your computer and virtually “record” it into your recording software on a separate channel alongside your mics and/or instruments. In short, there’s quite a lot of power in this little red box.

As of July 23rd, 2024, the Scarlett 2i2 is on sale for $170 on Amazon (down from $250) so snap up this deal quick!