How To Turn Off Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (Plus Other Top Tips)

Since there is no power button on your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, simply turning off your computer or unplugging the USB cable will turn off the device. You’ll know whether the Focusrite Scarlett is on or off by the green power indicator light next to the volume knob.

In this info-packed article, not only will you learn how to turn off your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, but also lots of other helpful tips to get the most out of your interface.

Keep on reading to find out more!

How To Turn On Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

Plug your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 into a USB port, and it will turn on. 

The green light next to the volume knob indicates it’s switched on.

Once it is plugged in, it will open up with a pop-up, at least on the PC, indicating that this is your computer’s sound device.

Can You Leave The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 On?

You can leave your Focusrite 2i2 audio interface on. 

If you turn your computer off, it will automatically turn off the Focusrite. 

But leaving your device on with your computer is fine. There is no evidence of any of the components wearing out.

Can I Just Unplug Focusrite?

You can indeed. However, you may find that certain programs using it have no audio, as they used the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 as the USB audio interface. 

This either requires you to change the audio settings in the application, change it in the device manager, or within system preference. 

But it won’t damage the device, nor the computer.

Should I Unplug My Audio Interface When Not In Use?

I leave mine in all the time. But I also use it for listening to movies through my speakers. So even when I am not recording, it’s always in use. 

There is no need to unplug it when you’re not using it unless you want to use the headphone port or speakers on your computer and a particular application is defaulting to the interface. 

But even then, this is rare.

How To Use A Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

First, Google Focusrite “Scarlett 2i2 driver” and click on the Focusrite website that appears. 

Then choose which generation of the audio interface you have. 

Depending on the generation and whether you’re on a PC or Mac, you may not need to download anything.

If you are using the 3rd generation of this USB device, you will also need to download Focusrite Control. 

Once that’s done, you can use your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 as your audio device.

The next step is getting it to work with your DAW of choice, whether Pro Tools, Ableton Live, etc. 

Find the audio settings in either settings or preferences. 

A quick Google will show your specific audio settings in your DAW. 

You want to choose the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 as the audio device.

The great part about the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is that it comes with bundled software, so if you don’t have a DAW yet, you can use it!

Your audio software may set up the inputs and outputs automatically. Still, if not, you can also adjust these in the same audio settings. 

On any track you want to record into, you can choose the input, usually on the track head. 

For example, on Ableton, it is a drop-down menu.

You can adjust the gain level of the mic preamp in the inputs and the volume of the outputs with the knobs on the front of the device. 

These are very clearly labeled. 

Your microphone may require phantom power, for example, a condenser microphone. 

For this, a button labeled 48v will supply the phantom power.

You can click the direct monitor button to hear what is going into the audio input before it goes into your software. 

This is great if you’re recording electric guitar through a modeling or profiling amp, like a Kemper. There is no need for your DAW to do more work than necessary. 

This also helps with reducing latency.

You should click the instrument button on the audio device if you’re recording an instrument directly into the audio interface. This will adjust the input gain and impedance to match the level and impedance coming from the pickup on your instrument.

What Is Your Experience with Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, And What Are Its Advantages and Shortcomings?

I love the Focusrite 2i2. You can do so much with two inputs, and in my opinion, it’s the best two input and two output devices for this price. 

It is perfect for recording because it’s so small. You can take it anywhere. I’ve recorded drums with it, and I’ve recorded guitar and vocals with it. 

I am always happy with the results. I also enjoy the gain meter ring on the gain knob for the inputs, as it shows when you’re clipping.

The only shortcoming I found with it was for a live setup. Having only two outputs (left and right) meant I had two backing tracks, one with the click and one without. 

I would then pan them left and right, so I only heard the one with the click. However, my backing tracks are now mono rather than stereo. 

A much better option for this would have been the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 isn’t much more expensive, but it does allow you to have two separate stereo outputs. Of course, it’s not essential, and while just recording or mixing, I doubt you’d use that extra output. 

But for the gig, I found it frustrating that my stereo backing tracks were now mono after spending ages to make them sound wider.

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