How to Set Up the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for Vocals: Auto Gain and Clip Safe

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has two inputs, so you can record with two people too. The 4th gen also has Auto Gain and Clip Safe, two features that make recording vocals a lot easier. Here's how to set it up.

1. Connect it and install the driver

Connect the 2i2 to your computer with USB. On a Mac it works through Core Audio. On Windows, install Focusrite's software and choose Focusrite USB ASIO as the driver in your DAW.

2. Choose your input with Select

The buttons on the front always work for one input at a time. The Select button jumps to the next input. The number of the selected input lights green. If your mic is in input 1, make sure 1 is green before you change anything.

3. 48V on or off?

A condenser mic, like a Rode NT1 or Audio-Technica AT2020, needs 48V. A dynamic mic, like a Shure SM7B or SM58, doesn't. Heads up: according to Focusrite, 48V on the 2i2 goes to both inputs at once.

4. Set the gain with Auto Gain

Press the Auto button. The 2i2 counts down 10 seconds. Rap or sing your loudest part during that time. Then the interface sets the gain for you.

Prefer to do it yourself? Turn the gain knob and watch the ring around it. Green is good, amber means you're close to clipping and red means your signal is clipping.

5. Turn on Clip Safe

The Safe button turns on Clip Safe. If you're about to clip, for example on a loud ad-lib, the 2i2 adjusts your gain automatically. According to Focusrite, Clip Safe works up to 96 kHz.

6. Air: yes or no?

The Air button has three modes: off, Presence, and Presence with Harmonic Drive. Presence makes your voice brighter, Harmonic Drive adds extra harmonics on top. Air ends up in your recording. Not sure? Leave it off and add brightness later in the mix.

7. Direct Monitor

Direct Monitor lets you hear your mic through the interface without delay. Press once for mono and again for stereo. Hearing your voice on one side only? Try the other mode.

If Direct Monitor is on, turn off monitoring in your DAW. Otherwise you'll hear yourself twice.

SM7B on the 2i2?

According to Focusrite, the 4th gen 2i2 gives 69 dB of gain. Shure mentions around 60 dB for the SM7B. So that fits. More in Shure SM7B too quiet?

Got a Solo instead? Read how to set up the Scarlett Solo for vocals. Still deciding between the two? Read Scarlett Solo vs 2i2. Hearing yourself late? Read how to fix latency.

FAQ

What's the difference between Auto Gain and Clip Safe?

Auto Gain sets your gain once while you rap or sing for 10 seconds. Clip Safe keeps watching while you record and adjusts your gain if you're about to clip.

Can I turn on 48V for one input only?

No. According to Focusrite, 48V on the 2i2 goes to both inputs.

Why do I hear myself twice?

Direct Monitor is on and your DAW sends your voice back too. Turn one of them off.

Source: Focusrite's user guide and specifications for the Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen, and Shure on the SM7B.