Back in September last year we told you about the rugged and handy Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 USB interface which, although it wasn’t a huge leap from its predecessor the Scarlett 2i2 – it added two more inputs (who’d have guessed?), it probably consigned the latter to the bottom shelves of music stores. Now Focusrite has found a new role for the Scarlett 2i2 by bundling it into the Focusrite Scarlett Studio package. This is a starter bundle including the Scarlett 2i2 interface, which has its own small collection of good plug-ins, the Scarlett Studio CM-25 condenser microphone with a 3m cable, a pair of Scarlett Studio HP60 reference headphones and a copy of Cubase 6 LE. You also get thrown in the Bass Station soft-synth and Loopmasters sample pack. If you missed our review way back in Issue 85 the Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface is a two-in, two-out USB 2.0 audio box featuring a pair of Focusrite preamps in an anodized, aluminium case, offering 24-bit/96kHz A-D/D-A conversion. The 2i2 is buss-powered only, so Focusrite is promoting the Scarlett Studio bundle as a capable, portable recording solution. Go to www.focusrite.com for more info.

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