Focusrite Podcast Equipment Bundles: Complete Guide 2025

Getting into podcasting can be expensive and research-heavy — which is why many beginners turn to podcast equipment bundles. Some of the best and most popular come from Focusrite, which offers audio interfaces bundled with microphones, headphones, and podcast editing software.

There are two different Focusrite bundles we’re covering here: the Scarlett 2i2 Studio, and the Vocaster Two Studio. Once we highlight a few of their features, we explain how to get started so you can record your first podcast.

Don’t feel either of these bundles is a fit? We discuss some alternatives that may better suit your needs.

Focusrite Podcast Equipment Bundles at a glance

What do you get in each Focusrite podcast bundle? 

We broke down both options so you can see everything at a glance.

Focusrite Podcast Equipment Bundle features

Focusrite’s Scarlett 2i2 Studio and Vocaster Two Studio bundles each include an audio interface, XLR microphone, headphones, and recording software, giving podcasters a complete recording setup out of the box.

As mentioned, we’re looking at Focusrite’s two most popular bundles: the Scarlett 2i2 Studio and the Vocaster Two Studio. 

Let’s start with the newest model in our lineup:

The Scarlett 2i2 Studio podcast equipment bundle

The Scarlett 2i2 is an all-in-one audio interface designed for artists, musicians, and podcasters. It won the 2024 Sound On Sound award for best audio interface, although the actual bundle comes with more than just the interface.

Here are the basics of the Scarlett 2i2:

• 2 XLR inputs
• 2 balanced 1/4 outputs (for studio monitors)
• 1 USB-C port to connect with your recording device
• 1 USB-C port to power the interface
• 1 Kensington lock port (if you’re concerned about theft in a public place)
• 2 1/4 inch line level (or instrument level) inputs
• 2 gain dials with color meters to show gain (+ auto gain to set levels instantly)
• 48v of phantom power
• 1 output dial for your monitors/headphones
• 1/4 headphone output

You also get headphones, one mic, and recording software in your bundle, along with a pop filter (which we’ll cover later on).

Scarlett 2i2 Studio pros

• Phantom power lets you connect condenser microphones whenever necessary.
• Each bundle comes with headphones, software, and a mic so you can begin recording almost immediately.
• With auto gain and clip-safe features, you can take a set-it-and-forget-it approach to recording audio.

Scarlett 2i2 Studio cons

• Since you only have color meters to see your gain, it may be difficult to determine proper levels without hard numbers.
• You cannot control phantom power for separate mic inputs. All connected mics must require additional power (unless you want potential problems).
• There’s no mute button or power button on the Scarlett 2i2, which can be frustrating for live podcasters wanting more control over their audio.

The Vocaster Two Studio podcast equipment bundle

The Vocaster Two is an audio interface for podcasting, which means it can’t mix audio like a dedicated podcast mixer. Each bundle comes with a microphone, headphones, and even editing software so you can plug into your device and start capturing audio ASAP.

Let’s take a look at the interface itself:

• 2 XLR inputs (FYI these are XLR only)
• 2 1/4 headphone inputs
• 1 power button
• 1 Kensington lock port
• 1 USB-C port to connect with a recording device
• 1/8 (or 3.5 mm) input for sending your audio to a camera
• 2 balanced 1/4 outputs for your studio monitors
• 3.5 mm TRRS jack for a hardwired phone connection
• 48 volts of phantom power
• Bluetooth connection (for background music and call-ins)
• Mute buttons, volume controls, and enhance buttons (which turn off the audio processing built into the interface)

We’ll cover the differences between the Vocaster Two and the Scarlett 2i2 later on.

Vocaster Two Studio pros

• The Vocaster Two comes with many quality-of-life features for podcasters (like a mute button for side convos and Enhance buttons for automatic gain).
• You can host call-ins and play background music using Bluetooth or even hardwire your phone using the TRRS jack.
• The software bundle is extremely cost-effective for podcasters without an existing DAW.

Vocaster Two Studio cons

• The software bundle doesn’t last forever. The Acast Influencer plan, for example, only lasts six months. You have to purchase your own once the period expires or downgrade to the free plan.
• Some users feel the Vocaster Bundle is unintuitive and difficult to set up. Since there’s no user manual included in the box, it may be stressful for beginners to troubleshoot issues on their own.
• Although the Vocaster comes with two mic inputs, the bundle only includes one mic. Unless you have a second microphone (or host a one-person show), you may have to pay for additional podcast accessories.

Focusrite Podcast Equipment Bundle hardware

Focusrite podcast equipment bundles include a USB audio interface, condenser or broadcast microphone, closed-back headphones, and editing software, backed by a three-year warranty and free direct shipping.

All Focusrite bundles come with the same basic tools: headphones, editing software, the interface, and a microphone. They also come with Focusrite’s three-year warranty, a four-day delivery promise, and free shipping to any location if purchased directly from the manufacturer. 

This is what you get with the Scarlett 2i2 Studio:

• The interface itself (Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen)
• USB A-C cables
• The CM25 MkIII condenser mic (with additional pop filter)
• A 3m XLR cable
• SH-450 headphones
• Software bundles (Ableton Live Lite, Hitmaker Expansions, and three months of Pro Tools Artist)

And this is what you get with the Vocaster Two Studio:

• Your audio mixer (the Vocaster Two)
• A DM14v broadcast microphone
• HP60v closed-back headphones
• An XLR to XLR microphone cable
• A USB-C to USB-A cable
• Software bundles (Vocaster Hub, Hindenburg LITE, and six months of the Acast Influencer plan) 

The Vocaster Two bundle vs the Scarlett 2i2 bundle

The Vocaster Two bundle suits podcast and voice recording, its dynamic mic handles noisy spaces well. The Scarlett 2i2 bundle targets live and instrument recording, pairing a condenser mic with a more general-purpose interface.

Focusrite’s podcast equipment bundles look similar on the surface, but upon examination, you’ll see several key differences.

For one thing, you’re getting different types of headphones, microphones, and editing software.

However, the interfaces themselves are also extremely different.

Here’s how they compare at a glance:

If you focus primarily on recording the human voice, you may want to go with the Vocaster Two. The dynamic mic can handle lower sensitivity and noisy recording spaces (such as if multiple people are recording in the same space).

However, you may be more interested in the Scarlett 2i2 if you’re recording live sound. Just keep in mind the condenser mic is more sensitive than a dynamic mic, which means it may pick up undesirable sound unless you have a soundproof recording space. If you’re also shooting video, the Vocaster Two’s camera output makes it a natural fit — see our podcast camera guide for what pairs well with it.

How to use Focusrite Podcast Equipment Bundles

Plug your Focusrite interface into your computer and the Easy Start tool launches automatically, walking you through device registration, software download, and setup in minutes.

If you want to customize your audio settings (or simply check your math), here is a basic setup guide for both podcast bundles:

• Plug your interface into your computer (or other recording device).
• Let Easy Start run and answer the questions provided.
• Connect your microphone(s) and headphones. Set dials to zero.
• Adjust your preamps to the desired level.
• Open your recording software (prompted by Easy Start).
• Click record or begin your podcast Livestream.
• You are now ready to publish and promote your podcast.

Are you more of a visual learner? Here’s how to set up the Scarlett 2i2 bundle:

And here’s a guide to setting up the Vocaster Two Studio bundle (provided you’re using a Mac):

Alternatives to Focusrite Podcast Equipment Bundles

Three strong alternatives to Focusrite podcast bundles are Maono (13 mixer-based options), the budget-friendly Squarock Commander M-1, and the premium RØDE RØDECaster Pro 2 with the PodMic 2-Person Podcast Kit.

Focusrite’s bundles won’t suit every setup.

Maono Podcast Bundles

There are 13 different bundles you can get from Maono, including the Maonocaster E2 and Maonocaster Lite. Each comes with the basics you need to get started: microphones, headphones, stands, and even pop filters.

Just keep in mind these are audio mixers, which means they’re somewhat different from audio interfaces. Unlike the Vocaster or Scarlett bundles, however, Maono units come with sound pads and EQ knobs.

You can learn more about Maonocaster’s bundles in our comprehensive guide.

Squarock Podcast Bundle

While Focusrite offers premium podcasting bundles like the Scarlett 2i2 Studio and the Vocaster Two Studio, the Squarock Commander M-1 emerges as an appealing alternative for podcasters working within a tighter budget. This bundle is designed with livestreamers and mobile podcasters in mind, offering a mix of portability and ease of use:

• Livestream-enabled mixer for dynamic broadcasting
• Comprehensive set of microphone accessories for high-quality audio capture
• Affordable at just $189.99, making it accessible for podcasting beginners

You can learn more in our guide to the Squarock Podcast Bundle.

RØDE Podcast Bundle

RØDE sells several types of podcast bundles, although by far the most popular is the RØDECaster Pro 2. The PodMic 2-Person Podcast Kit comes with everything you need to host a guest on your show, including:

• 2 PSA1+ Desk-mounted boom arms
• 2 PodMic cardioid dynamic microphones
• 2 NTH-100 Headphones
• 2 XLR cables 

Just keep in mind this is going to cost you — the price is 5x higher than Focusrite’s bundles.

You can get the full scoop on the RØDE Podcast Bundle here.

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The Bottom Line on Focusrite Podcast Equipment Bundles

Podcast bundles like the Vocaster Two or Scarlett 2i2 are some of the easiest ways to get into podcasting. However, there’s no shortcut for podcast launching, video recording, or show auditing. For these, you may need a team of professionals.

The Podcast Consultant offers several solutions for podcast production in many capacities. We’ve helped hundreds of shows get off the ground and refine their approach so they can serve and grow their audiences.

If you’re interested in learning more about our work, you can book a discovery call today. We’ll chat about your show, learn more about your objectives, and determine which service(s) are right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio and the Vocaster Two Studio bundles?

The Scarlett 2i2 Studio comes with a condenser microphone, music production software like Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools Artist, and is suited for recording instruments as well as voice. The Vocaster Two Studio is built specifically for podcasting, with a dynamic broadcast microphone, podcast-focused software, and extra connectivity features like Bluetooth and a phone input that the Scarlett 2i2 lacks.

Are Focusrite podcast equipment bundles good for beginners?

Yes, both bundles include everything you need to start recording right out of the box, including a microphone, headphones, cables, and software. The built-in Easy Start tool walks you through setup automatically, so you don’t need much technical knowledge to get going.

Do both Focusrite bundles support two microphones?

Both the Scarlett 2i2 and the Vocaster Two have two XLR inputs, so you can physically connect two microphones. However, each bundle only includes one microphone in the box, so you’ll need to buy a second mic separately if you’re hosting a two-person show.

What software is included with Focusrite podcast bundles?

The Scarlett 2i2 Studio includes Ableton Live Lite, three months of Pro Tools Artist, and Hitmaker Expansions, tools geared toward music production as well as podcasting. The Vocaster Two Studio includes Vocaster Hub, Hindenburg LITE, and a six-month Acast Influencer plan, which are more focused on podcast recording, editing, and distribution.

Which Focusrite bundle is better for recording in a noisy environment?

The Vocaster Two Studio is the stronger choice for noisy spaces because it includes a dynamic microphone, which is less sensitive and better at rejecting background noise than a condenser mic. The Scarlett 2i2 Studio’s condenser microphone picks up more ambient sound, so it works best in a quiet or treated recording space.

Do Focusrite podcast bundles come with a warranty?

Yes, both the Scarlett 2i2 Studio and the Vocaster Two Studio include a three-year warranty when purchased directly from Focusrite. Focusrite also offers free shipping and a four-day delivery promise on direct purchases.

Can I use a Focusrite bundle to record video content or livestream?

The Vocaster Two Studio is the better fit for video creators because it includes a 3.5mm camera output, letting you send clean audio directly to your camera. Both interfaces can support livestreaming, but the Vocaster Two also adds Bluetooth connectivity for call-ins and background music, which is handy for live shows.

What are the best alternatives to Focusrite podcast equipment bundles?

If you want more hands-on controls like sound pads and EQ knobs, Maono’s podcast bundles are worth considering since they include audio mixers with those controls built in. For podcasters on a tighter budget, the Squarock Commander M-1 bundle comes in well under the Focusrite price point, while RØDE’s PodMic kit is a premium option for two-person shows.

Is there a mute button on the Focusrite interfaces included in the bundles?

The Vocaster Two has a dedicated mute button, which is useful when you need to step away during a recording session without stopping the show. The Scarlett 2i2 does not include a mute button, which can be a drawback for live podcasters who need quick control over their audio.