Recording With A Microphone - Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio User Manual

Note the Scarlett 2i2 has no "Mic/line" switch – the Focusrite preamplifier stage is automatically
configured for a microphone when you plug an XLR into the input, and for a line or instrument when
you connect a jack plug. Press the INST button (illuminates red) if you are connecting a musical
instrument (a guitar in the example) via an ordinary 2-pole (TS) guitar jack. When INST mode is not
selected, you can connect a line level source such as a keyboard, synthesiser or the balanced output
of an external audio mixer via a 3-pole (TRS) jack. Note the Combo connector accepts both TRS and
TS types of jack plug.

Recording with a microphone

The Scarlett Studio CM25 MkIII microphone supplied with Scarlett Studio is a studio quality condenser
mic which is ideal for recording vocals and most acoustic instruments. Connect the CM25 MkIII to
one of the Scarlett 2i2's two front panel inputs with the cable supplied.
Condenser microphones (also sometimes referred to as "capacitor" microphones) require a source
of DC power to operate. This is almost always supplied by "phantom" powering from the mic pre-
amp to which the mic is connected (early and special-purpose condenser mics might have a separate
power supply). For the CM25 MkIII (or any other condenser mic) to work with the Scarlett 2i2, press
the 48V button on the front panel (see front panel diagram on
that you follow the following sequence:
• Turn the input gain [2] to minimum
• Connect the microphone
• Press the 48V button
• Increase the input gain to the required level
Other types of microphone (including the common dynamic type) do not require phantom
power, and may suffer damage if phantom power is applied. Some cheaper condenser
microphones are able to operate from a lower phantom power voltage – typically 15 V. You
should check the mic spec to see if it is safe to operate it from 48 V; if not, obtain a suitable external
phantom power supply.
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