Guitar Tricks Insider October/November Issue | Page 76

COVERREVIEW GEAR STORY Tone Bundle, Focusrite’s acclaimed Red Plugin Suite, and 2GB of Loopmasters samples for drums and rhythm loops. These mixing, loops, and effects software packages will be of incredible use as you start recording tracks, notably for the various reverb, compression, EQ, and delay offerings to give your tracks a professional sheen. One goal of the Scarlett 2i2 is to let musicians cut complete songs whether they’re working alone or tracking with a band (for the latter, if you were recording more than two instruments live, you might plug put everything into a separate mixer and then record the two-track output via the 2i2). VERDICT Our test recordings on the Scarlett 2i2 were, as promised, high-quality and easy to get started on — Focusrite wants the unit to be user-friendly and delivers in that regard. There’s nothing complicated about the box and it gives you what you want: a fast and easy way to capture your music. Add in Focusrite’s red brushed-metal case and big suite of software, and you can see why the Scarlett 2i2 is a home-studio winner. Whether you’re cutting tracks for your own enjoyment, or a professional-sounding CD, this lil’ red box will more than do the job. It’s a pint-sized powerhouse. ■ Pete Prown is the leader of Guitar Garden, which has several CDs to its credit, as well as a veteran guitar journalist. He also writes fiction, available at www.peteprown.com 76 GUITAR TRICKS INSIDER DIGITAL EDITION OCT/NOV