The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 of the second generation is an USB 2.0 audio interface with 2 In- and 4 Outputs. Both Inputs can be used as mic-, line- or instrument-Inputs via XLR or 6.35mm Jack. Either Input provide the excellent Scarlett mic preamps and a switchable +48V phantompower which makes the scarlett audio interfaces excellent to use with studio condenser microphones. Among the 4 Outputs are one headphone-, a speaker L/R and 2 L/R Line Outputs. The Scarlett 2i4 mkII offers a great audio recording quality for every application whether home-, studio- or on the way recording.
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This is my first USB audiointerface. I have firewire Focusrite Saffire 14 pro and PCI ESI Juli@.
And the winner by unanimous design is ..... Scarlett 2i4 !!!!!! :-)
Ok, seriously - it's my love from the first sight and first sound!
Clean sound, stable drivers, perfect view - what to say else for understanding that it is "must have" device!
It works out every cent you spent. What are you waiting else?
Strongly recommended!!!!
Flaky USB connection and a clicking/buzz every few minutes along with perceptible delay in the audio.
The brand new replacement unit fixed these issues, but I have to say I'm still not happy with it. If used purely with Ableton Live 10 everything works okay, but if I try to route things around so that I can record ASIO from Ableton Live into Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) the audio is not clean, or there is slight echo and/or crackle. (BTW. I used Voicemeeter as a virtual audio mixer.)
Not wanting to be without an audio interface while I was waiting for the unit to be replaced, I bought the MUCH cheaper and better specced Behringer UMC 404 (£88), and it pretty much works perfectly - aside from a tiny latency if I route it thru Voicemeeter. But it's acceptable for recording ASIO in OBS.
My cheap old TASCAM US/122 thing was also fine.
I'm not necessarily blaming Focusrite for the issues I'm having - it may just be a compatibility issue with my PC, Windows 10, Ableton Live 10 and perhaps the other connected MIDI devices - but I have to say I'm surprised and disappointed since it cost £150 and now seems a waste.
Ironically, I'd already seen good reviews for the Behringer before originally buying the Focusrite, but I think I was swayed by the latter devices popularity and good reputation.
I guess it will remain as a backup device but I wouldn't recommend it.
Compact, cool design, let you know where there a signal from the guitar or not on the channel by blinking like, and saves space on the table :)