Member Reviews: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2 In/2 Out USB Recording Audio Interface

I was looking for a USB soundcard/DAC that would allow me to control my monitors and headphones separately, and furthermore, one that offered balanced outputs (the monitors are a decent distance away from me, and are extremely sensitive to interference). The Scarlett 2i2 offers two inputs via XLR/TRS inputs, and two outputs (1/4" Headphone/Stereo on the front and balanced TRS on the back). For the inputs, you can choose Line-In or Instrument, which presumably allows for switching between line level and Hi-Z . There is also 48V phantom power switch that you can enable for microphones. Lastly, there is a "Direct Monitoring" switch which routes the inputs directly to the outputs, to...