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Focusrite AMS-SCARLETT-2I2 Studio 3rd Gen Recording Bundle
Focusrite AMS-SCARLETT-2I2 Studio 3rd Gen Recording Bundle
Focusrite AMS-SCARLETT-2I2 Studio 3rd Gen Recording Bundle
Focusrite AMS-SCARLETT-2I2 Studio 3rd Gen Recording Bundle
Focusrite AMS-SCARLETT-2I2 Studio 3rd Gen Recording Bundle
Focusrite AMS-SCARLETT-2I2 Studio 3rd Gen Recording Bundle
Focusrite

Focusrite AMS-SCARLETT-2I2 Studio 3rd Gen Recording Bundle

★★★★★4.6 (50408 reviews)
condenser

The complete studio tracking bundle that puts Air-mode mic preamps, 24-bit/192kHz converters, a condenser mic, and closed-back cans in one box — ready to record the moment you plug in.

$289.99*$329.99Save 12%
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 19, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen bundle is engineered for songwriters, podcasters, and home studio producers who need a complete tracking rig in one package — no sourcing individual components, no compatibility guesswork. The interface's Air-mode preamps bring a transformer-coupled warmth and high-frequency presence inspired by the ISA console preamp lineage, giving vocals and acoustic sources a studio sheen that raw digital converters tend to strip out. At 24-bit/192kHz, the converters resolve enough transient detail that recordings hold integrity through heavy mix processing — you're not fighting an inherently soft or smeared capture when you reach for compression or saturation later in the chain.

Build quality on the 2i2 is solid for the segment — an all-metal chassis, firm-feeling gain knobs with satisfying detents, and a front panel layout that keeps gain, direct monitor, and phantom controls where your hands expect them during a live session. The USB bus power design eliminates a power brick from your desk and keeps the rig truly portable for location recording or studio sessions away from home. The CM25 MkIII condenser responds predictably across a wide frequency range without over-hyped proximity peaks, and the HP60 MkIII headphones seal well enough for tracking bleed control, even if they're not your final reference cans. Together, the bundle represents a cohesive signal chain — mic to interface to ears — that's genuinely ready to capture a professional-quality performance the same day it arrives.

Key Features

Sound better than ever with Air on 2i2’s two mic pres

Record and play back in studio quality – 24-bit/192 kHz converters

Make records in minutes with the Easy Start tool

Super low latency, class-leading drivers

Two hi-Z instrument input to preserve your guitar tone

Powerful, low noise speaker and headphone outputs, with independent level controls

USB powered for recording anywhere

Capture every detail with included CM25 MkIII condenser microphone and hear every detail with included HP60 MkIII closed back headphones

Specifications

Interface Type
USB Audio Interface
Inputs
2 (XLR/TRS combo)
Sample Rate
24-bit / 192kHz
Preamp Feature
Air Mode (ISA-inspired presence)
Phantom Power
48V (both inputs simultaneously)
Hi-Z Inputs
2 (instrument level)
Headphone Output
Yes, independent level control
Monitor Output
Yes, independent level control
Power
USB bus powered
Included Microphone
CM25 MkIII Condenser
Included Headphones
HP60 MkIII Closed-Back
Connectivity
USB

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio (3rd Gen) Bundle — Editorial Review & Independent Findings

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen (AMS-SCARLETT-2I2-STU-3G) is Focusrite's all-in-one entry-tier home-recording kit, built around the 3rd-generation Scarlett 2i2 USB-C audio interface with a CM25 MkIII condenser microphone, HP60 MkIII closed-back headphones, an XLR cable, and a USB-C cable in the box. Per Focusrite's official Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen product page, the bundle is positioned as the lowest-friction path from zero recording gear to a complete tracking setup capable of recording a vocalist + guitarist simultaneously. The findings below aggregate independent coverage from authoritative pro-audio and music-instrument publications.

Sound on Sound — The Pro-Audio Authority's Take

Sound on Sound's review of the 3rd-generation USB-C Scarlett range documents the measurable improvements over the previous generation. The publication's tested findings: the 3rd-gen Scarlett preamps deliver 56 dB of gain (a 6 dB increase over the 2nd gen's 50 dB) and 111 dB analog-input dynamic range (up from the 2nd gen's 109 dB), with reduced total harmonic distortion across all analog I/O. Sound on Sound also documents the new Air mode: a switchable high-frequency boost that emulates the classic transformer-based ISA mic preamps Focusrite is best known for in pro studios. Sound on Sound's framing is direct — the Scarlett range offers excellent value for money with improved audio specifications and the Air option on all mic preamps.

What the Air Mode Actually Does

Per Focusrite's official Air mode explainer, Air mode is a switchable preamp coloration designed to emulate the high-frequency response of Focusrite's ISA range (a transformer-based mic preamp design used in many commercial recording studios). Practical effect: on sources with a softer top end (warm dynamic mics, ribbon mics, some acoustic guitars), Air mode adds presence and air without needing a separate EQ. On sources that are already bright (most condenser mics on bright vocalists, electric guitar DI tones), Air mode may push too much — leaving it off is the right choice. The flexibility of having both options available per channel is a meaningful step up from older entry-tier interfaces that don't offer ISA-style coloration at all.

The Bundle Components in Context

  • Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) Interface. Two combo XLR/TRS inputs, two TRS line outputs, USB-C bus power, 24-bit/192 kHz converters per Focusrite's official specifications page. Stand-alone, this interface remains the most-shipped USB-C audio interface in its class
  • CM25 MkIII Condenser Microphone. Large-diaphragm cardioid condenser, included as the kit's vocal/instrument capture microphone. Powered via the 2i2's 48 V phantom. Per the Focusrite Studio bundle product page, the CM25 MkIII is voiced for clarity in vocals and acoustic guitar capture — typical of entry-tier large-diaphragm condensers
  • HP60 MkIII Closed-Back Headphones. Closed-back design for tracking (avoids bleed from headphone signal into the recording microphone). Guitar World's review characterizes the HP60 as "decent reference cans" — appropriate for tracking and headphone-mix duties but not the publication's first choice for critical mixing. For mixing work, most users step up to a dedicated mixing headphone (Sony MDR-7506, Beyerdynamic DT 770) or studio monitors
  • Cables included. One XLR cable for the microphone and one USB-C-to-USB-A cable for the interface. The XLR cable is consumer-tier (functional, not pro-grade) and is the most likely item users upgrade first

Workflow Strengths

  • Single-purchase complete tracking setup. Per the Studio bundle product page, everything needed to record a vocalist + guitarist (instrument input on channel 2) ships in one box. This eliminates the analysis-paralysis problem of selecting compatible interface/mic/headphone components individually
  • Class-compliant USB-C — no driver install on macOS, single Focusrite Control driver on Windows. Plug-and-play setup on a Mac; minimal-friction setup on Windows. The interface is widely compatible with Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, FL Studio, GarageBand, Reaper, and every other major DAW
  • Bundled software. Focusrite typically includes Pro Tools | First (or Pro Tools Artist trial), Ableton Live Lite, and various plugins as included downloads. Newcomers to recording can start tracking immediately without a separate software purchase
  • USB bus power — no separate wall-wart. The 2i2 draws all its power from the USB-C connection, which simplifies portable / laptop-based recording workflows

Honest Cons from Independent Coverage

  • The HP60 MkIII headphones are tracking-grade, not mixing-grade. Per Guitar World's review, the HP60 cans deliver a fairly balanced but somewhat closed-back soundscape — fine for tracking and headphone-mix monitoring, less suitable for critical mixing decisions. Users planning to mix on headphones should step up to a dedicated mixing pair
  • CM25 MkIII is voiced for clarity, not character. The included condenser is a competent neutral-bright capture mic but doesn't have the character of pricier condensers (AKG C214, Audio-Technica AT4040, Rode NT1) or large-diaphragm broadcast dynamics (Shure SM7B). For vocal performances where mic character matters, the included CM25 is a starting point, not the destination
  • Two inputs cap simultaneous recording at 2 tracks. For solo recording (vocal + acoustic, vocal + DI bass, two-mic acoustic guitar) the 2-input limit is fine. For drum kits, band tracking, or podcast setups with 3+ hosts, the Scarlett 4i4 or 8i6 in the same family is the correct step-up
  • Air mode can be too much on bright sources. Per Sound on Sound's coverage, Air mode's high-frequency boost "simply anticipates what you'd have done at the mix anyway, but you do need to be careful with sources or mics that already have a lot of top end." Operator judgement required on a per-source basis
  • USB-C cable supplied is C-to-A. Modern laptops with USB-C only (recent MacBook Air / Pro, ThinkPad X1 Carbon) need a USB-C-to-USB-C cable or adapter, not supplied in the box

Where the Scarlett 2i2 Studio Bundle Specifically Fits

  • Singer-songwriters tracking vocals + acoustic guitar from a home setup — exactly the workflow the kit is designed for
  • Podcasters and YouTube creators moving from a USB microphone to a proper XLR + interface workflow — the bundle covers the upgrade path completely in one purchase
  • First-time home-recording producers who don't yet know which microphone / headphones they prefer and want a complete starter kit at a fixed price
  • Students at music schools and colleges who need a portable tracking setup for assignment recording — bus-powered USB-C is laptop-friendly
  • Streamers and Twitch creators wanting broadcast-quality voice via XLR condenser instead of a USB headset; the 2i2's two channels handle mic + guitar DI for music streamers

Where Buyers Should Look Elsewhere

  • Band tracking / drum kits / 3+ simultaneous microphone inputs — step up to Scarlett 4i4 (Studio bundle version available) or 8i6 in the same 3rd Gen family
  • Critical mix-on-headphones workflows — pair the 2i2 with dedicated mixing headphones (Sony MDR-7506, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 ohm) rather than the bundled HP60
  • Vocalists wanting a character-driven condenser — substitute or supplement the CM25 with a Rode NT1, AKG C214, or Audio-Technica AT4040 for more pronounced vocal character
  • Broadcast podcasters wanting the iconic Shure SM7B — the SM7B's low output level pairs better with interfaces offering Cloudlifter-style additional gain (or with the Scarlett 2i2's Air mode + max gain, though the 2i2 is on the lower-output edge of SM7B compatibility)

Sources & Citations

  1. Focusrite, "Scarlett 2i2 Studio (3rd Gen) Recording Bundle product page," us.focusrite.com (accessed 2026-05-17)
  2. Focusrite, "Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) product page," us.focusrite.com (accessed 2026-05-17)
  3. Focusrite, "Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen — Official Specifications," userguides.focusrite.com (accessed 2026-05-17)
  4. Focusrite Support, "What is ‘Air’ on my interface?," support.focusrite.com (accessed 2026-05-17)
  5. Sound on Sound, "Focusrite Scarlett USB-C (3rd Generation) review," soundonsound.com (accessed 2026-05-17)
  6. Guitar World, "Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen review," guitarworld.com (accessed 2026-05-17)

Last verified: 2026-05-17

Now that you've seen the details — ready to take a closer look?

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Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Air mode adds a tangible presence and air to condenser recordings without requiring outboard EQ — the difference is audible on vocals and acoustic instruments immediately.
  • 24-bit/192kHz converters capture transients with resolution that holds up under multiple mix passes and sample-rate conversion without audible degradation.
  • The included CM25 MkIII condenser delivers a clean, neutral capture that works for vocals, acoustic guitar, and room mics — the bundle replaces several separate purchases.
  • Hi-Z instrument inputs preserve guitar pickup character with high input impedance, avoiding the toneless, compressed sound of plugging a passive guitar into a line-level input.
  • USB bus power means the entire signal chain — interface, mic (via phantom), headphones — runs from a single cable, making location recording and laptop sessions genuinely portable.

👎 Cons

  • At high gain with quiet sources, the 2i2's preamp noise floor becomes audible — it's adequate but not class-leading for professional ribbon mic or broadcast-level critical tracking.
  • Only two inputs means you cannot track drums, a full band, or any multi-mic session without a second interface or an external mixer feeding a line input.
  • The HP60 MkIII headphones included in the bundle are serviceable for tracking but lean toward a consumer tonality — long-session critical listening or mix referencing will reveal their limitations compared to purpose-built studio cans.
  • No hardware pad switch or high-pass filter on the preamp means you're managing gain structure entirely in software or by adjusting the input gain knob, which can feel imprecise on loud sources.
  • The single 48V phantom power switch covers both inputs simultaneously — you cannot apply phantom to one input independently, which matters if you're running a condenser alongside a phantom-sensitive ribbon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Air mode applies a high-frequency presence boost modeled on the transformer-coupled character of Focusrite's classic ISA preamp. Engage it when tracking acoustic guitar, vocals, or any source that benefits from added shimmer and openness in the 3–10kHz range. It's not corrective EQ — it's a tonal flavor that adds perceived clarity without touching your gain structure.
The preamps deliver up to 56dB of gain. That's sufficient for most large-diaphragm condensers and moderately sensitive dynamics like the SM7B in a treated room. For passive ribbons or very low-output dynamics in noisier environments, you may find yourself within a few dB of the noise floor at maximum gain — an inline preamp like a Cloudlifter can address that headroom deficit.
Yes, the CM25 MkIII is a condenser microphone that requires 48V phantom power. Press the 48V button on the front panel of the 2i2 — it applies phantom to both XLR inputs simultaneously. Confirm the LED is lit before placing the mic in front of a source. Dynamic mics plugged into the other channel won't be harmed by phantom when the switch is engaged.
With the Focusrite ASIO driver on Windows (or Core Audio on macOS) and a buffer size of 64 samples at 44.1kHz, round-trip latency lands around 4–6ms — transparent enough for most tracking sessions. For zero-latency confidence monitoring, use the front-panel direct monitor switch to blend dry input signal with your DAW playback without waiting on your buffer.
The 2i2 has two independent inputs — each switchable between XLR (mic, with phantom available) and TS/TRS (line or hi-Z instrument). You can record two mono sources simultaneously: mic + guitar, two DI instruments, or mic + line-level synth. It does not record a true stereo source on a single input; for that you'd need a 4i4 or larger interface.

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