The Scarlett 2i2 has been the industry-best compact portable recording interface for a while now.
But recently its maker, Focusrite, has introduced an enhanced version of the 2i2 they’re cleverly calling the 2i4.
It features the same XLR-1/4 inch combo inputs as the 2i2, as well as the same pair of outstanding preamps. But it also adds a Stereo/Mono switch, surge protection, 2 additional outputs, MIDI I/O, 24bit/192kHz A/D resolution and more to the mix.
It makes us wonder if the days of the 2i2 are numbered. Or is there still a market for it based almost solely on its build quality and low price? In this comparison review, we’re going to find out.
Premium Preamps
Last update on 2020-10-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Scarlett 2i2 features a pair of high-quality preamps that allow you to record professional-quality sound wherever your travels take you.
Outstanding Versatility and More
Scarlett 2i4
Last update on 2020-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 2i4 provides everything you get in the 2i2 and adds a half dozen new features that will have audiophiles drooling. It’s also significantly smaller than the 2i2.
Jump ahead to:
Scarlett 2i2 Is All You’ll Ever Need, Isn’t It?
The 2i2 made a lot of friends when it hit the market and for some time was considered the best portable desktop recording interface for the price. It still might be. For the price. But with the 2i4, it’s going to be hard to justify not spending a little more to get the added functions.
What We Were Looking For
Making the argument for the 2i2 didn’t use to be difficult. Any time you paired it up against a competitor it would win the day with its 2 outstanding preamps. Now with the 2i4, you get those exact same preamps, and direct monitoring and more. Plus, a rash of new features that the 2i2 just can’t compete with. So what we want to know is:
- Do the new features on the 2i4 spell the end of the 2i2?
- Are the lower price and lighter weight saving graces for the 2i2?
- Is the MIDI I/O on the 2i4 all it’s cracked up to be?
- Who actually needs a Stereo/Mono switch?
The Specs
First let’s breakdown the technical specs for both USB audio interfaces:
Common Features: 2 Preamps
When comparing the 2i2 with other desktop interfaces a lot is made about how the 2i2’s pair of preamps set it apart from most of the competition. Well, that argument is moot here. Because both of these interfaces share this same outstanding feature.
2i2
What is there to say? If you have your guitar playing hombre over for an impromptu recording session you can plug in both guitars and both mics and have at it.
2i4
The 2 high-quality preamps that always set the 2i2 apart from its competitors now sets both the 2i2 and the 2i4 apart from their competitors.
Common Features: 2 x XLR-1/4″ Inputs
The ability to plug either mics or line devices like guitars or tape players in to same connectors gives both the 2i2 and 2i4 an advantage over interfaces (and there are quite a few) that feature either the XLR only or 1/4 inch only inputs. This does not qualify as a revolutionary feature, but it is certainly nice to have and could wind up saving you a lot of hassle.
2i2
Of course, a larger more powerful audio interface will have plenty of XLR and 1/4 inch inputs. But we’re talking about portable desktop devices here. So whatever such a device can do to make your experience easier is a big plus.
2i4
The fact that the 2i4 offers the same number of XLR-1/4 inch combo inputs as the 2i2 is notable mostly because the 2i4 is considerably smaller than its predecessor.
Winner: Tie
Why? Were these interfaces produced by different companies there might be some quantifiable reason why one might have an advantage over the other. For instance, perhaps the quality of the preamps on one company’s device would be superior to those of the other company. But here, the preamps on the 2i2 are the same as the 2i4 preamps. So are the inputs.
Which one are you leaning towards?
- Two of the best performing mic preamps the Scarlett range has ever seen, now with switchable air Mode to give your recordings a brighter and more open sound. Two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass. Two balanced line inputs, suitable for connecting line-level sources.
- High-performance converters enable you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/ 192kHz.
- Quick start tool to get up and running easier than ever.
- Two natural-sounding Scarlett mic preamps with plenty of even gain
- Two newly-designed instrument inputs, designed for seriously hot hottest pick-ups
- Super-low latency* for using your plug-ins in real time without the need for DSP
Last update on 2020-10-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Unique Features: 2i2
From a performance standpoint, there are no features on the 2i2 that we would take over the 2i4 if we had our choice. The 2i4 is an upgrade of the 2i2 and so all its features are either exactly the same or unique to the 2i4.
Allowing you to get more from your compact desktop interface. The only notable thing that sets the 2i2 apart is its price.
Lower Price
A lot of young creative types don’t have a ton of money to spend on a desktop recording interface. For those budget-minded individuals, the 2i2 is a perfectly acceptable option for an audio interface that’s under $200. Most everything about it is first-rate and the only thing separating it from the 2i4 is that the 2i4 has several new features added on.
Unique Features: 2i4
Direct Monitoring with Option to Blend
A lot of folks love the fact that you can choose either latency-free direct monitoring on your headphones or switch to a blend of direct and standard playback monitoring.
MIDI Input/Outputs
The MIDI I/O enables more robust manipulation of your DAW by way of software instrumentation. This allows the audio creator in you to produce more feature-rich music than would otherwise be possible.
Winner: 2i4
Why? Because it offers everything the 2i2 offers, plus a couple of other features the 2i2 does not. Essentially it’s the difference between a nice car and a nice car with high-performance tires, an 8 cylinder rather than 6 cylinder engine and 4 wheel disc brakes.
Scarlett 2i2 vs 2i4: Pros and Cons
Below we’ll go through the pros and cons of each audio interface:
Pros of Scarlett 2i2
- Latency free direct monitoring
- Can be used with more than one person
- The 2 preamps produce pro sound
- Compatible with all popular DAWs
- Affordable price point
Cons of Scarlett 2i2
- No MIDI I/O
- Suffers in comparison to its new cousin
- Difficult to justify with the 2i4 just 70 bucks more
Pros of Scarlett 2i4
- The MIDI I/O enhances your creative range
- The more compact size makes it even easier to tote around
- The PAD button prevents high-end cutoff and better quality
- Surge protection is always nice to have
- Stereo/Mono switch is a cool, if perhaps superfluous, feature
Cons of Scarlett 2i4
- It’s smaller but heavier than the 2i2
- It costs 50% more
Final Verdict
If you’re a serious creator and you sometimes collaborate with other artists and you can afford to spend an additional $70, there is no reason why you shouldn’t get the 2i4.
Its powerful feature set makes that choice a no-brainer. If, on the other hand, you are working with a fairly tight budget and you want to get the most bang for your $130, you can’t lose with the 2i2.
So it really all comes down to how much you have to spend. If it’s our money, we’re biting the bullet and spending the extra 70 bucks on the 2i4.
