A preamp is a single piece of recording equipment designed to amplify low level signals, while an audio interface is what sends the recordings to a computer, effectively translating real music into digital music.

Does the Scarlett 2i2 have a preamp?

Is The Focusrite Scarlett A Preamp? The Focusrite Scarlett is a preamp that is high in gain and low in noise. They are currently on their 3rd generation and Focusrite have been making preamps for 30 years.

Can I use a preamp with an interface?

You plug your microphone (using an XLR cable) into the external preamp's mic input. Then using a balanced 1/4 inch cable (called a TRS cable) you run the output of that preamp into an available line input on your interface.