The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface 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 and the same pair of outstanding preamps. But it also adds a Stereo/Mono switch, surge protection, two 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
Scarlett 2i2
- 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.
- Easy start tool to get up and running easier than ever
The Focusrite 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
- Two natural-sounding Scarlett mic preamps with plenty of even gain; two instrument inputs. Two 1/4-inch balanced jack outputs to connect professional studio monitors; one headphones output with gain control; MIDI I/O
- Compatible with Windows 7 and higher, and Mac OS X 10.10 and higher. Frequency response - 20 Hz - 20 kHz ± 0.1dB. Supported Sample Rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz. Focusrite now offers a 3-Year Warranty on this and all other Focusrite produc
The Focusrite 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.
Scarlett 2i2 Is All You’ll Ever Need, Isn’t It?
Table of Contents
The 2i2 Scarlett interface 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 complicated. Any time you paired it up against a competitor, it would win the day with its two outstanding preamps. Now with the 2i4, you get those same preamps, and direct monitoring, and more. Plus, a rash of new features that the 2i2 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 two high-quality preamps that always set the 2i2 apart from its competitors set 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 more extensive, 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 2i4 offers the same number of XLR-1/4 inch combo inputs as the 2i2 is primarily notable because the 2i4 is considerably smaller than its predecessor.
Winner: Tie
Why? 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 focusrite scarlett interface are you leaning towards?
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 the same or unique to the 2i4.
It was allowing you to get more from your compact desktop interface. The only notable thing that sets the 2i2 apart is its price.
Lower Price
Many 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. Almost 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
Many folks love the fact that you can choose either latency-free direct monitoring on your headphones or switch to a blend of natural 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 an excellent car with high-performance tires, an eight-cyle, rather than a six-cylinder engine, and four-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 robust 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 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.
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