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.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 mkII overview:
24Bit/192kHz
2 XLR/6,35mm Jack mic-/line-/instrument-Input
2 Scarlett microphone-preamps
switchable phantompower
6,35mm Jack headphone-Output
6,35mm Jack L/R monitor-Output
2 Line Outputs (L/R)
MIDI I/O
Latencyfree monitoring
USB-buspowered
Delivery includes:
Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite
Softube „Time & Tone“-bundle
Pro Tools First, Ableton Live Lite
2 GB Loopmasters Sounds and Samples
Novation Bass Station VST- and AU-Plug-in-Synthesizer
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.
Price/Performance
Craftsmanship
Sound quality
Operation
Equipment
0 from 0 found this review helpful
You have already rated this review.
Was this review helpful?
You have already reported this review.
Report this review
Delete this review
Are you sure you really want to delete this review ?
