Anyone of you has one of those cards? Did you try to play some softsynth or sampled instrument (like piano for example) with a noticeable latency (both the instrument solo and with some backing tracks in the daw).
Same for audio recording. Did you try audio recording in a daw and how about latency? With some light daw effect plugin on it? (like amplitube for guitar for example)

 

Check buffer size...
...read manual !

 

I have a 2i2, had it about 12/18 months. I love it.

They just updated the drivers, for like the third time since I had it. Though I had no issues anyway - but it shows they are working at it - a good sign.

I use a midi keyboard and record guitar through 2i2 - at 24/96 with 7ms according to 2i2 ASIO driver in FLStudio. Works fine for me. I scarcely notice it, and I certainly don't get audio dropouts - which I hate. Can probs run it a bit lower.

Maybe doesn't answer your question. ;)

Anyway, I love my 2i2. I think it's excellent for £120.

 

Thank you GString! 7ms seems pretty good for an USB device and audio recording. Shouldn't be noticeable by the average player.

 

I don't notice the latency. Certainly isn't a problem to me. Speaking as something of a noob hobbyist, 2i2 has delighted me. I wasn't sure it would do what I wanted as well as I hoped it would - but I took the plunge and I can honestly say I'm entirely satisfied. More than. I only get issues when some plugin is a mad resource-hog, and/or when I really push it with loads and loads of FX. But normally I simply don't run out oooomph. Not that my stuff is very complicated.....but surely any interface can be overloaded eventually, if you really try. :D

Have you checked the 2i4?
http://uk.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-2i4

One thing that's worth noting, with 2i2 it only runs audio in 16 bit in Windows - unless one is using Focusrite ASIO (or ASIO for all) ie in DAWs, for example. Bit annoying, because whilst everything works, games and music are played at 16 bit. However, I found an ASIO plugin for Winamp, which uses ASIO4ALL, and that lets me play 24/96 in Winamp. I also have an ASUS PCI soundcard installed (if i really want 24 bit sound in games, which I usually don't) and Win7 handles the presence of both audio devices very well - though sometimes apps get confused initially as to which device they should be using. No major problems tho (in fact, I never use the ASUS card now, as the 2i2 does everything (even if games are in 16 bit )

Also, never had any resampling issues with playing music - all formats are handled and conversion is seamless and invisible (in my experience).

And no, I'm not on commission from Focusrite!! :D Just a very happy customer. YMMV

 

Hi,
I have the 8i6 and it's the best card in its price range
The sound quality is on par with anything much pricey, and the latency is really low (even on my old dual core e4500..... I can scratch without feeling/noticing any latency !!!!) --> by the way I use Deckadance for scratching, with a midi mixer (USB), a real turntable with timecode vinyl (2 inputs of the 8i6) and 2 outputs one the 8i6 (the focusrite can still handle it very well with basically no latency).

No compatibility issue with Ableton (my main daw), Fl studio, Reaper and studio One. Focusrite know how to make drivers (no compatibility issue with Windows 7, no dropout, and not a single crash since I use it)

And the sound quality is so clear (very clean output and very good preamps)

I will never change it, and I tried alot of Soundcards (or maybe only for a RME USB/Firewire (but I REALLY DON'T FEEL THE NEED to do so now lol). I will skip the all plastic M-audio cards... the focusrite 8i6 is metal and far more stable.

THe only Drawback is that it always need to be powered with an adaptator to work... (NI 6 usb card is a good choice if you want a bus Powered unit)

Good luck, you know alot aout the 2i2 and the 8i6 now lol

 

Thank you all for your replies. Yes I'm looking forward for the upcoming 2i4 mostly for the midi ins onboard. Too bad there is no spdif out btw!
I think that for 199$, if the latency is acceptable as you say, is really a good buy. It has wonderful preamps, it has phantom power onboard, midi and everything else. Again too bad it's missing a digital out.