Our rating: 9.1/10

The 4th generation Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is one of the best-selling audio interfaces on the market today, delivering great audio quality vs ease of operation for novice and experienced creators.

For over a decade, the Scarlett series has been a meaningful endpoint for musicians, podcasters, and content creators.

Each new series has represented a step forward in optimizing the features of this affordable audio interface.

In this review, we will get into what features the Scarlett 2i2 has in terms of design and build quality, sound performance, software, and overall value.

Would you like to know more about how to choose a podcast interface? Click on the link below and read our guide:

How-To Guide: How to Choose the Best Audio Interface for your Podcast

Design and Build Quality

The iconic design of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is just striking. The body, made from brushed aluminum, stands out in the realm of home studio recording.

The casing is sleek and durable, thus giving it that feel of robustness that is just about right for both the desk and for traveling.

Unlike the glossy black accents on the 3rd Gen model that easily attracted fingerprints, the 4th Gen Scarlett 2i2 introduces matte black plastic components (feeling more premium and practical.)

The unit itself is small, relatively lightweight and highly portable, though it still manages to provide four rubber feet on the bottom to keep it in place on your desk.

Arguably, one of the biggest design leaps of the 4th generation is the independent XLR and 1/4" jack inputs on both the front and rear panels. 

Previous models in the Scarlett series used combo inputs that would allow them to switch from XLR to 1/4".

However, having them now as dedicated XLR and 1/4" on the 4th generation allows users to have greater flexibility in their workflow.

This will make it especially handy for those that want to have microphones constantly plugged into the back and using the front for instruments.

With these additions, let's not forget that a maximum of two inputs can be used at any one given time, even though physically there are four input options.

This could perhaps be a disadvantage for those users who want to record multiple instruments at once.

Ease of Use

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has always been an easy-to-use interface, but now the 4th generation takes it to a whole new level.

One of the most beginner-friendly features is the addition of a feature called Auto Gain, which automatically sets input levels to their optimal setting. 

Setting proper gain levels can be a bit of an undertaking for those fresh into recording. The new Auto Gain feature analyzes the input signal and adjusts levels in only a few seconds.

This keeps your recordings clear of clipping and distortion, which is great for podcasters or musicians with little experience setting gain manually.

Adding even more to that, Clip Safe keeps your recording safe by automatically turning down the input volume in case of a sudden spike in volume.

Just a lifesaver when those vocalists or instrumentalists go louder than expected and immediately save your take from distortion.

The other key feature is Air Mode, emulating the sound character of classic Focusrite pre-amps by adding brightness and clarity to recordings.

Air Mode proves very useful when recording vocals, giving them a professional sheen and polish without needing to apply lots of EQ later on.

Connectivity and Front Panel Features

The front panel has been designed in such a way that the Scarlett 2i2 is extremely user-friendly, with everything you could need easily accessible.

In addition, dual 1/4" TRS inputs on the front panel welcome instrument (and line-level input signals), making it handy for recording guitars, keyboards, and other instruments.

This may not be a feature that interests podcasters, but it's still an advantage worth highlighting.

Each input boasts a rotary gain knob above, surrounded by an eye-catching dynamic LED halo. These halos transition from green to amber to red, thereby visually indicating whether or not your input signal is at an optimal level, or clipping.

There are six buttons on the front panel that serve different functions:

• Select: Switches the unit between the two input channels available.

• 48V: Engages the phantom power required to power condenser microphones.

• Inst: Switches line and instrument level, further expanding possible sources into the input.

• Auto: Engages Auto Gain to allow the unit to set levels automatically.

• Safe: Engages Clip Safe mode to avoid clipping.

• Air: Engages Air Mode to add brightness and clarity to your recordings.

One volume knob set for studio monitors, and a 1/4" headphone jack with its own volume knob is there for monitoring.

The rear panel of the Scarlett 2i2 features two XLR microphone inputs and balanced 1/4" TRS outputs, through which studio monitors can be connected.

It also features a USB-C port for connecting the device to your computer and a second USB-C port for connecting additional power if needed, such as in the case when this interface would be used with low-powered devices like an iPad.

Sound Quality

Indeed, it is not a letdown when it comes to sound quality. One of the most significant improvements is the increase in preamp gain. Where the 3rd Gen provided 56 dB, these 4th Gen preamps can push up to 69 dB of gain.

Lifting this gain allows for the Scarlett 2i2 compatibility with a much wider range of microphones, including very low-output dynamic mics, such as the Shure SM7B, without an external preamp booster.

The AD/DA converters have also been updated, with 24-bit/192kHz resolution and a 120 dB dynamic range, allowing crystal-clear recordings with a minimum of noise; this makes the S2i2 ideal for professional audio.

From recording vocals, instruments, or a podcast audio, the Scarlett 2i2 provides clean, transparent sound with richness and depth that is comparable to much more expensive interfaces.

Next, additional Air Mode presets go on to enhance sonics even further, especially if it's a recording from vocals, which is what podcasters are looking for, or acoustic guitar.

The Air Mode first gives that slight boost to high-frequency and provides brightness, opening up the vocals.

The Second Air Mode is meant to inject presence and harmonic drive into the electric guitars, making them sound fuller and more dynamic.

Software and Compatibility

The Scarlett 2i2 comes bundled with an impressive software package, which includes Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools Artist, plus Focusrite's own Hitmaker Expansion. 

This includes a variety of plugins, from Antares Auto-Tune Access and Softube's Marshall Silver Jubilee amp simulator (things that will arm you with everything you may need to make great recordings and mixes, right out of the box).

The Scarlett 2i2 is also fully Mac- and PC-compatible, extending even to iOS devices such as iPads or iPhones, thanks to the additional power option available via USB-C.

In addition, Focusrite includes Focusrite Control, a companion app, which allows adjusting settings such as sample rate and input gain directly from a computer or mobile device.

Loopback Feature

New to the 4th Generation Scarlett 2i2 is the Loopback feature. This allows the recording of audio directly from your computer's output.

Super useful for podcasters and streamers alike, enabling online interviews or system capture with no additional software or weird routing.

Use Cases

Whether for the experienced engineer or for a newcomer into the recording world, Scarlett 2i2 is an interface ready to handle a broad range of users.

It's perfect for the musician who wants to capture professional-sounding recordings of instruments and for podcasters who wish to record vocals with great low-latency monitoring. The hi-Z inputs onboard ensure that electric guitars and basses record at full frequency.

For podcasters and voice-over artists, the Auto Gain and Clip Safe features make recording much easier, as you can pay more attention to what you're saying rather than technical things. The Loopback feature, which is very important, helps capture online interviews easily; bundled software covers all that may be needed in producing professional-quality records.

Limitations

The Scarlett 2i2 is an excellent interface, but there are a few weaknesses: most noticeably, the MIDI lacks 5-pin inputs and outputs, a feature which alone may make it unsuitable for those that want to connect external MIDI devices without a separate MIDI interface.

Air Mode is a great feature, which works really well to add a bit of warmth and clarity, but after recording, it can't be adjusted. Once recording is done with Air Effect, it becomes part of the audio and greatly reduces flexibility during the mixing process.

Comparison to competitors

To compare the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) with other audio interfaces in its category, let's consider a few notable competitors that cater to home studios, musicians, and podcasters. These are the Universal Audio Volt 276, the Solid State Logic SSL2, and the MOTU M2.

Here is how they compareto the Scarlett 2i2, in terms of features, sound quality, and overall value.

1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)

Price: Less than $200

• Preamps: 2 preamps, with a 69 dB gain range and Air Mode for brightness.

• Inputs/Outputs: 2 XLR inputs, 2 TRS inputs, balanced TRS outputs, 1 headphone output.

• Resolution: 24-bit/192 kHz

• Features: Auto Gain, Clip Safe, Loopback, Air Mode, dynamic gain halos.

• Best for: For musicians, podcasters, and content creators who need clear and clean sound and ease of use.

Pros:

1. Great interface, super easy to navigate for beginners.

2. Very high-quality AD/DA conversion using Air Mode.

3. Auto Gain and Clip Safe are decent for a beginner's sake.

Cons:

1. No MIDI input/output.

2. Limited to 2 simultaneous inputs.

2. Universal Audio Volt 276

Price: Under $299

• Preamps: 2 preamps with vintage mic preamp emulation [much like the Air Mode]

• Inputs/Outputs: 2 combo XLR/TRS inputs, MIDI I/O, balanced line outs, and a headphone output

• Resolution: 24-bit/192 kHz

• Features: Onboard analog compression and vintage mic preamp emulation

• Best for: The musician and podcaster who desires analog warmth and classic mic tones

Pros:

1. It's the vintage mic preamp emulation that adds warmth and character.

2. Onboard analog compressor for vocal and instrumental control.

3. MIDI I/O for external gear.

Cons:

1. Higher cost compared to the Scarlett 2i2.

2. Analog compression not editable in post.

3. Solid State Logic SSL2

Price: Around $229

• Preamps: 2 preamps with SSL's acclaimed 4K Legacy mode to impart added analogue flavor.

• Inputs/Outputs: 2 XLR/TRS combo input, balanced outputs, and headphone out.

• Resolution: 24-bit/192 kHz

• Features: 4K Legacy mode imbues the audio with analog character; high-performance AD/DA conversion.

• Best for: The musically inclined and producer who want that "SSL sound" in an affordable unit.

Pros

1. SSL 4K Legacy mode-a legendary repute for adding vintage-style warmth.

2. High-quality AD/DA converters.

Cons

1. No MIDI I/O.

2. Much more expensive, even as this product contains fewer features like auto-gain or clip-safe.

4.MOTU M2

Price: Around $169

• Preamps: 2 preamps with ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology for ultra-clear sound. Inputs/Outputs: 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs, MIDI I/O, balanced outputs, and a headphone out. Resolution: 24-bit/192 kHz Features: ESS Sabre32 DAC, real-time metering, MIDI I/O.

• Best for: For musicians who aim at a high quality of sound but save some money on the purchase.

Pros: 

1. ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC for Premium Sound Quality.

2. Real-time metering.

3. MIDI I/O.

Cons: 

• No effects/preamp emulations on-board like Air Mode or Analog Compression.

• Interface design is more technical for beginners.

Pro & Cons data table

Overall Comparison

Sound Quality: Equipped with the ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, MOTU M2 leads the way, upholding crystal clear, quality sound that not many more expensive interfaces can boast. However, both Scarlett 2i2 and Universal Audio Volt 276 also show up pretty closely, considering the origin of Scarlett's AD/DA converters from Focusrite's RedNet system and classic mic preamp emulations of Universal Audio.

Features: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is one of the most complete tools in this price segment, as it includes Auto Gain, Clip Safe, and Loopback, which make recording much easier. Listeners who would like to have onboard effects and options for preamp emulation should look toward the Universal Audio Volt 276 or SSL2, as both boast analog-style features but at a higher price bracket.

Value for Money: Scarlett 2i2 represents the best value in class for creators who need ease of use, a rich feature set, with solid sound quality, all under $200. The MOTU M2 is a good alternative if you put a premium on sound quality over features like preamp emulation or built-in compression.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, 4th Generation, is an overall good balance of sound quality, ease of use, and affordability.

For those just starting to record or seeking a no-nonsense solution with professional-level audio, the value offered by the Scarlett 2i2 is unbeatable.

For listeners that can invest a bit more for either analog-style warmth or top-tier sound quality, the options from Universal Audio Volt 276 and MOTU M2, respectively, are excellent alternatives.

What Do Users Think? - Reviews and Feedback

The Scarlett 2i2 has obtained fantastic reviews from nearly 800 users from a major online selling platform, and from many others.

Customers find the audio MIDI interface straightforward to set up and seamlessly integrate with their DAW. They appreciate its user-friendly controls and budget-friendly pricing.

Many commend the device for its design and build quality, though some users have encountered issues with reliability and connectivity.

Feedback on sound quality and functionality is mixed, with opinions varying between users, but overall, the Scarlett 2i2 receives high ratings due to its excellent sound quality, ease of use, and affordability.

User’s rating: 9/10

Still unsure how to choose the best headphones or mics for your podcast? If so, read our guides:

How to choose the best podcast headphones (2024)

How to Choose the Best Microphone for your Podcast

Final Verdict

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Generation is a nearly faultless audio interface for musicians, podcasters, and home studio enthusiasts.

Its combination of high-quality sound, ease of use, and advanced features like Auto Gain and Clip Safe make it an ideal choice for both beginners and pros.

Adding to the already fairly great flexibility are Air Mode and Loopback, while new, improved preamps and AD/DA converters mean sound quality that's well beyond its price point.

For less than $200, the Scarlett 2i2 is a real value; it features and performs way beyond the norm for devices of this price.

For anyone entering the business or looking to upgrade an existing setup, the Scarlett 2i2 is trustworthy and solid for any home studio.

Author’s Note

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