Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 4th Gen User Manual page 12

Input Metering
When you're not moving the input gain control the input metering uses the entire Gain Halo. As
the incoming signal gets louder (for example with a higher input gain setting) the Gain Halo lights
from green through to amber before the entire Gain Halo flashes red to show you the input has
clipped.
This diagram shows the meters at different levels to show the input signal level:
1. No input signal
2. -42 dBFS
3. -36 dBFS
4. -24 dBFS
5. -18 dBFS
6. -12 dBFS
7. -6 dBFS
8. 0 dBFS, clipping - turn down the input gain to avoid distortion and clipping.
Tip
If your signal clips the clip indicator at the top of the meter lights red. If this happens,
select that channel and reduce the gain.
Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen Studio Pack User Guide
Software Metering
In the same way as the input meters on your Scarlett 2i2's front panel, you can see the incoming
signal on the meters in Focusrite Control 2 to set the correct preamp gain.
As the signal gets louder the meter in Focusrite Control 2 lights from green to amber (pre-clip).
The indicator above the meter shows you the peak level (in -dBFS), the highest level on this track
since you started monitoring the input. When you hover over the Peak level Meter you can click to
Reset the value.
Tip
When you're recording, it's a good idea to aim for a -12dBFS peak level. This ensures you
have enough headroom when you've recorded all your tracks.
Waiting for an input signal.
12
The input signal has reached -18dB.