It's a 2-input and 2-output USB 2.0 audio interface with two Focusrite mic/instrument preamps, high-quality 24-bit/96kHz digital converters and a monitor path that has a no latency function. Other "candy" that is easy on the eyes are the futuristic-looking LED-halo signal indicators that surround the two input gain controls--they are level meters that glow green with nominal levels and then red on clipping peaks. In operation, they look like something out of the movie Bladerunner.

Powered by any USB 2.0 computer connection, the Scarlett 2i2 works with any DAW software including Pro Tools 9 and is well made and ready for the road and will fit in your backpack right along with your lap top computer. The two Focusrite mic pre-amps have +48-volt phantom power on/off for condenser mics that need it, Combi jacks that accept both mic XLR or 1/4-inch instrument plugs, a 1/4-inch headphone jack, and a pair of quarter-inch TRS jack outputs for feeding powered studio monitors or any other external audio device.

A "cherry on top" is the included Focusrite Scarlett plug-in suite of four plugs--EQ, Compressor, Gate, and Reverb, and a copy of Ableton Live Lite.