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The Scarlett 2i2’s balanced 1/4″ TRS outputs work with essentially any powered studio monitor — the real decision is budget and room size, since a bigger monitor isn’t automatically better for a small home studio. These are the monitors most commonly recommended for exactly this interface pairing.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yamaha HS5 | $180–$220 (each) | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | KRK Rokit 5 G4 | $150–$180 (each) | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | PreSonus Eris E5 | $100–$150 (each) | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | JBL 305P MkII | $150–$180 (each) | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | ADAM Audio T5V | $220–$260 (each) | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Yamaha HS5
The most frequently recommended monitor for the Scarlett 2i2 specifically — a flat, accurate reference sound that translates well to other systems.
- 5-inch cone woofer
- Flat, accurate frequency response
- Room control and high trim EQ switches
- Industry-standard flat response makes mixes translate well elsewhere
- Frequently bundled/paired with the Scarlett 2i2 in starter packages
- Compact enough for most home studio desks
- Flat response can sound “boring” compared to consumer speakers until you’re used to mixing on it
- Limited low-end extension — a subwoofer helps for bass-heavy genres
KRK Rokit 5 G4
A punchy, popular budget monitor with a more forward low end than the Yamaha HS5, appealing to hip-hop and electronic producers.
- 5-inch woofer
- DSP-driven room correction
- Multiple EQ adjustment presets
- More exciting, bass-forward sound out of the box than the flat HS5
- Built-in DSP room correction helps in imperfect rooms
- Iconic yellow cone, huge installed user base
- Boosted low end can mask mix problems if you’re not careful
- Slightly less accurate reference than the Yamaha HS5
PreSonus Eris E5
A budget-friendly monitor with genuinely good accuracy for the price, a common recommendation for Scarlett 2i2 starter setups.
- 5.25-inch woofer
- Acoustic tuning controls (low/high shelf, midrange)
- Balanced XLR/TRS inputs matching the 2i2’s outputs
- Excellent value — accurate sound well below premium monitor pricing
- Tuning controls help adapt to different room acoustics
- Very common, well-supported starter monitor
- Build quality feels less premium than Yamaha or KRK
- Bass response is decent but not exceptional at this price
JBL 305P MkII
JBL’s waveguide-based imaging technology gives a wider, more consistent sweet spot than typical budget monitors at a similar price.
- 5-inch woofer with JBL Image Control Waveguide
- Wide, consistent stereo imaging
- Balanced inputs
- Wider sweet spot means less critical head positioning than typical monitors
- Good value for the imaging technology included
- Clean, accurate sound signature
- Slightly boxier cabinet design than some competitors
- Bass extension is modest without a subwoofer
ADAM Audio T5V
A step up in high-frequency detail thanks to ADAM’s ribbon-inspired tweeter technology, popular among producers who want extra clarity in the top end.
- 5-inch woofer with ADAM’s U-ART tweeter
- Extended high-frequency detail
- Balanced inputs
- Noticeably crisper high-end detail than most monitors in this price range
- ADAM’s tweeter tech trickles down from their premium monitor lines
- Good all-around accuracy
- Slightly pricier than the Eris E5 or Rokit G4
- Extra high-end detail can be fatiguing for very long mixing sessions until you adjust
Buying tips
- Use balanced 1/4″ TRS cables from the Scarlett 2i2’s outputs to your monitors — unbalanced cables can introduce noise, especially over longer cable runs.
- A flatter-sounding monitor (Yamaha HS5, PreSonus Eris E5) is generally better for mixing accuracy, even if it sounds less exciting than a bass-boosted monitor like the KRK Rokit at first listen.
- Monitor placement matters as much as the monitor itself — position them at ear height in an equilateral triangle with your listening position for accurate stereo imaging.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.