The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface has been the industry’s best compact portable recording interface for quite some time.
However, Focusrite has just released an improved version of the 2i2, dubbed the 2i4.
It has the same XLR-1/4-inch combo inputs and a pair of excellent preamps as the 2i2.
And it also includes a Stereo/Mono switch, surge protection, two additional outputs, MIDI I/O, and A/D resolution of 24bit/192kHz, among other features.
It makes us wonder if the 2i2’s time has come to an end?
Is there still a market for it based almost entirely on its low pricing and high build quality?
We’ll discover out in this review of comparisons.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Vs. 2i4.
Buy 2i2 if all you need is a budget audio interface; you are not looking for any complicated RE, or you don’t need a MIDI in/out.
Buy 2i4 if all you want is more control on the audio recordings; you require a MIDI in/out, or you want extra care against any audio clippings.
Technical features & Build Quality:
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and 2i4 are the same in their specialized angles.
- They’re both a USB sound interface, so they’re versatile and fueled through a tablet employing a USB cable.
- Just make beyond any doubt to plug your portable workstation into an outside control source while utilizing these good interfacing.
- Due to the ghost fueling, these Scarlett sound interfacing running on a tablet battery alone might not be sufficient to control them up.
- Moreover, buying Focusrite Scarlett models grants you the same bundle of plug-ins and software.
- The Red 2i2 and 2i4 come with an anodized aluminum external case. This fabric is both lightweight and strong.
- The front controls and handles are too tall, made of both aluminum and solid plastic.
- The materials utilized within the 2nd and 3rd era Scarlett are very great for the cost.
Quick common features and I/O of 2i2 & 2i4:
- The A/D resolution – 24 bit/192 kHz, Mic preamps – 2.
- Analog inputs – 2 x XLR 1/4″, Digital outputs – USB
- Power supply – USB, Phantom power – Yes.
- PC support – Yes, Mac support – Yes.
- Warranty – 2 years.
- The main distinction between the two-sound interfacing is the number of sound inputs/outputs (I/O).
- Both come standard with two XLR inputs and a 1/4″ earphone yield.
- Both the 2i2 and the 2i4 moreover have two mono channel outputs.
- The 2i4 goes past, although, and includes 4-channel stereo yield and MIDI in/out.
- The 4-channel yield is useful since it lets you tune in through earphones.
- And this includes gives you the capacity to monitor diverse sounds coming out of the speakers.
- The MIDI in/out makes the sound interface congruous with old consoles and synthesizers.
- This highlight is essential for a few recording specialists and producers.
- The bigger number and more impressive assortment of inputs/outputs the 2i4 have made it the superior choice of the two.
Standout features and Price:
Whereas these two interfacings have exceptionally comparable highlights, the 2i4 includes a couple of things that the 2i2 LACKS.
These are recorded below:
- Extra yields – The 4-channel yield gives you much more control when recording sound.
- The MIDI in/out empowers you to connect gadgets that utilize MIDI to your sound interface.
- And this will permit you to utilize a more prominent range of instruments and deliver a more extensive assortment of songs.
- Pad button – The cushion button may highlight one of a kind to the 2i4.
- Utilizing the cushion button permits the sound interface to diminish the pickup of exceptionally loud sounds.
- This highlight makes a difference in anticipating sound clipping.
- Looking as it were at the fetched itself, the 2i2 may be a conventional sum of cash LESS than the 2i4.
- If the cost point is the as it figured concerns you, at that point, you might as well get the 2i2.
- But this choice does not consider the additional highlights you get with the 2i4.
- You get a MIDI in/out, the cushion button, and a 4-channel yield, none of which the 2i2 has.
- If these things matter to you, at that point, the 2i4 is the one to induce despite the cost increment.
- In case not, at that point, the 2i2 is the way to go.
Some other questions,
Related Questions and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1.) Does the Scarlett 2i4 offer any preamp?
Answer: Yes, it comes with two mic preamps whose recent update is also on the roof.
On the flip side, the preamps also come with a Neutrik Combo connector which assists in many things.
Q2.) What is the one crucial difference between the Focusrite solo and 2i2?
Answer: Major difference is that solo has only one preamp, as the name suggests, and 2i2 has two of these.
Q3.) Is the Scarlett 2i2 class compliant?
Answer: All Scarlett range of audio devices are class-compliant only. Class compliance means that one can use it with iOS or other audio drivers.
Q4.) Is my Scarlett compatible with Mac?
Answer: The Scarlett Solo, 2i2, and 2i4, and the Saffire six USB variant are all compatible and able to plug & play instantly.
Q5.) Why is my control of Focusrite not working?
Answer: If an error comes, No Hardware Connected, double-check the USB cable proper insertion and the driver’s installation.
Q6.) How can one bypass the Focusrite preamp?
Answer: One of the sure-shot ways to achieve this is by using the line level of inputs on your audio interface and not the combo inputs.
Q7.) Can we call Focusrite Scarlett a preamp?
Answer: Well, for instance, the Scarlett solo uses an audio interface with a preamp, and that automatically amplifies the signal of a microphone.
Q8.) Does the Scarlett Solo offer any Phantom power?
Answer: Yes, it provides a forty-eight-volt phantom power and a front panel air switch, the first timer in any Scarlett product.
Q9.) Is audio interface a real requirement for me?
Answer: Yes, and you need it even if you only make those beats and electronic music.
And this is because we need quality audio for professional jobs, so we need this.
Q10.) How to quickly pair the Scarlett 2i2?
Answer: The Scarlett 2i2 comes with a USB 2.0 port on its rear and lets the software install itself.
Then connect to the computer easily.
Q11.) Can you use your Scarlett 2i2 with an Ipad?
Answer: Yes, use it with a USB-C of your iPad easily for many hours in the new Bus-powered mode.
Use a USB-C hub for home studios.
Q12.) Can my Focus rite work with Catalina?
Answer: Yes, you can use your Scarlett 4i4 with Mac OS Catalina and that too without any software by simply plugging into the system.
Q13.) Why is my audio interface not working properly?
Answer: First, make sure that all the necessary software or drivers installation happens.
And make sure that the cable connects well with a good interface.
You can also try a new cable because a faulty cable is the most common issue.
Q14.) Can I use a Preamp with an integrated amp?
Answer: Yes, but first connect both on their main inputs to bypass the integrated amp’s preamp because it is in-built.
Q15.) What is the INST button on the audio interface?
Answer: INSTRUMENT mode from PORT mode jumping.
And this means if you plug the guitar into the given interface, press the INST button.
It will most likely increase the gain and put the port into Hi-Z or high impedance mode.
Q16.) Does the Scarlett 2i4 come with phantom power?
Answer: Yes, the phantom power ability of a Scarlett 2i4 makes it ideal for recording certain instruments and pairing them easily.
Q17.) Why do we need a mic preamp?
Answer: A mic preamp is more of a necessity because it changes the sound to a whole another level.
It will bring the best possible sound quality.
Q18.) Do I need to invest in a separate preamp if I buy an audio interface?
Answer: Well, no! The preamp comes already pre-built for most interfaces.
You can buy one to take the whole game to another level.
Final Verdict:
The Scarlett 2i2 and 2i4 are made by Focusrite, an English company specializing in creating sound recording equipment.
Focusrite got it began within the 1980’s building supports for recording studios.
Since then, they extended within the music industry, creating sound interfacing for music makers and recording artists.
The Scarlett 2i2 is the junior adaptation of the 2i4. They are the same interface in looks and usefulness.
BUT — the last mentioned has more highlights that can offer engineers more conceivable outcomes whereas recording.
The Scarlett 2i2 and 2i4 are the same in a part of ways. They offer the same sound recording quality, amplifier bolster, and convenience.
If you’re a genuine maker artist, and you can come up with the time to collaborate with other artisans, and you’ll be able to afford to spend an extra $70, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get the 2i4.
Its robust highlight set makes that choice a no-brainer. If, otherwise, you’re working with a reasonably tight budget.
And you need to induce the initial blast for your $130, and you can’t lose with the 2i2.
So, it all comes down to how much you’ve got to spend.
On the off chance that it’s our cash, we’re gnawing the bullet and investing the additional 70 bucks on the 2i4.
Thanks For Reading!