Cheap vs Expensive Audio Interfaces | Focusrite Scarlett vs Universal Audio Apollo

Are expensive audio interfaces worth the money? What's the difference between a $170 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and a $1200 Apollo Twin? In this video, you'll learn and hear the difference between budget and pro audio interfaces.
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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2:
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/kjQqxd
- zZounds: geni.us/rNLaRpX
- Thomann: geni.us/thomann-focusrite-2i2
- Amazon: amzn.to/2Y1fkB4
- Guitar Center: guitar-center.pxf.io/6bVxEG
- B&H: bhpho.to/3zV4TAL
- Learn More: audiouniversityonline.com/foc...
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO:
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/vn1a7j
- zZounds: geni.us/0wrcr
- Thomann: geni.us/AIRVfOg
- Amazon: amzn.to/3p40eqg
- Guitar Center: guitar-center.pxf.io/mgoaG1
- B&H: bhpho.to/3d8zBwx
- Learn More: audiouniversityonline.com/ua-...
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00:00 - Introduction
00:25 - Inputs & Outputs
03:10 - Latency
05:27 - Microphone Preamps
06:38 - Included Plugin Bundles
07:03 - Routing Capabilities
07:36 - Meters
08:06 - Analog-to-Digital Converters
08:51 - Build Quality
09:12 - Who Needs An Expensive Audio Interface?
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[@FocusriteTV]

Thanks for featuring Scarlett! To clarify, it is possible to monitor with plugins, without noticeable latency, when working with our USB audio interfaces like Scarlett. Several factors contribute to that, in addition to drivers. Direct monitoring is not the only option. Also, current Scarlett range audio interfaces feature sturdy, metal controls rather than the plastic parts used in the original range and certainly don't feel "cheap". John // Focusrite UK 🇬🇧

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, John! This demonstration was done using the 1st Gen 2i2. I’m glad to hear that these upgrades have been made to the newer generation.

[@bilalnachabeh]

@@AudioUniversity This is a great video but using the 1st gen 2i2 instead of the 3rd gen isn't fair for focusrite.

[@karayuschij]

@@bilalnachabeh On the contrary, I think that it is not fair for the Apollo interface to be compared to an old and cheap Focurite interface when you can hear so little difference of quality for a so big difference of price :D

[@philiptong4978]

what we hear on KZbin is lossy audio that removed the lesser noticeable parts that make up the full spectrum, those abandoned harmonics and frequency ranges contains acoustic clues to emotions, recording space reflections (or the lack of), the more complicated the signal the more obvious this becomes, of course listening environment and equipment is also a limiting factor. It depends on your target (or intended) audience

[@AudioUniversity]

These are good points. Thanks you. I think there is a relatively small difference in sound quality for many listeners. In fact, although the Apollo is much better in many ways, my intention was to empower people on a budget - that they can make great recordings with budget interfaces. In fact, I love the Focusrite 2i2! It’s one of my top recommendations (for people on a budget).

[@turn1p]

The fact that 90% of this video got completely blown out of the water with the new focus rite gen 4 js actually insane. What a time to be alive

[@LuisLeguisamoArt]

Thanks for making this video! Great info on the difference between interfaces. I still have a 2nd Gen 2i2, but haven’t had the need to use amps for guitar. I’ve only used it for vocals, clean guitar and monitoring; does the job so far. But I have considered applying amps, and now I know what to look out for. Thanks again!

[@intersub9td]

Easily the BEST explanation of the differences and advantages. Well done.

[@damelos4039]

Love these videos. Highly informative and easy to watch. The graphics/pics showing routing are excellent. Truly helps you understand what is being discussed. Thanks for making these videos.

[@WavyGang]

This was actually a well put together quality video👍🏾 keep doing ya thing man.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, @WAVY!

[@markdouglas8073]

Yes you young whipper snappers should be glad you didn’t have to learn guitar from record albums and deal with 8-track tapes.

[@musicformentalhealth6726]

You dont have to buy a expensive interface to avoid latency I have the scarlett 2i2 and if you set the sample rate to the proper setting and use ASIO and use the proper driver you can run amp sims and some plug in effects in real time as far as tracking, with so little latency I dont even notice. Dont think you need to spend 1000$ to get great low latency sound in real time without direct monitor with a little research. You dont need a ton off plug ins on to track any way.

[@DaveSheremata]

You haven’t tried an Apollo, obviously, =)

[@refugioflores2226]

u can get an apollo x duo for 700 dollars i replaced my 2i2 its way cleaner no latency

[@Mihowill]

Use 64 buffer size, and you'll get low latency

[@roykato86]

You've got a point, however the sound quality will be anyway affected. That though won't keep anyone from producing good music 😁

[@CraftWon]

I said the same thing about my beeper before I bought a cell phone.

[@georgedjmatrix4229]

Thank you much for explaining the differences of these 2 interfaces.

[@eliasknaapinen]

Incredibly concise video. Thank you. Gave me all the needed info and nothing unnecessary.

[@willwilliams7491]

Thanks for posting! I found you can squeeze a lot of performance out of very little. A while back, I was shopping around the Focusrite Clarett budget but ended up with the Roland Studio Capture. It seemed to be a better bang, especially in the input dept. For less money, it has 12 nice pres with 12 switchable combination inputs, 4 line inputs and 2 digital plus 10 outputs and everything is assignable. With DSP and direct monitoring, I couldn't go wrong although the latency is negligible without it. People should also be advised that latency is contingent on your audio buffer size, no matter what unit you may choose. In the meantime, keep posting, we're watching. :)

[@JOELFOBANG]

Great balance between budget friendly interfaces for starters and high end interfaces for the pros. I just subscribed after randomly watching your second video. Great content with no time wasting

[@ewwitsantonio]

You are an incredible communicator!! I already understand lots of this material but I came to listen to your take on it just because I appreciate how you communicate your ideas. It can help me become a better communicator. Great content :)

[@AudioUniversity]

Wow, thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@dAnCinToNy87]

You are legit with straight to the point info my friend! Some tutorials and videos with tips take forever to get to the point with fancy edits with music. You provided all answers with no fancy jazz! 🙏 Just subbed to your channel! Keep the content coming!

[@S2Sturges]

Excellent comparison and explanation of both interfaces. You explained for and against reasons succinctly and without bias, thank you!

[@mrnelsonius5631]

I’ve used a Scarlett 2i2 to track professional recordings while on tour without any issues. On Windows and a decently spec-ed laptop I get less than 6ms of latency while recording. That’s about equivalent to standing 6ft away from your guitar amp! So it’s not noticeable enough to effect my timing while playing. I’ve never needed to use direct monitoring for anything. If you struggle with latency on your setup: lower your buffer settings while tracking, then increase them while mixing (lower buffer settings increase CPU usage), check your DAWs latency compensation options, and find a guide for optimizing your PC for audio recording. It can help tremendously!

[@dbohnenberger]

I have lately been a Zoom H4N as an interface, mainly for convenience. It works really well for recording acoustic guitar, honestly. Latency was horrible and it was tough to track even when using the onboard monitoring, but then I found that I could half the buffer size in the ASIO settings and it is perfectly usable.

[@JennyEverywhere]

I ran into the same issue. I use my H4n for my main system microphone, and I've been running it into Voicemeeter Banana as a virtual mixer. The result is pretty darned good. I use it as the microphone for my amateur radio station, and for for my MIDI stuff. The H4n would let me connect instruments, but I don't have any electric instruments. I'd have to add a microphone to anything I'd want to input. I use a mike and standalone amp for when I want to play some really dirty blues on the harmonica, and I could probably connect the mike to the H4n and run it into Voicemeeter and then to Reaper. I don't have bad enough latency to matter. So far. I use a CME Bud Pro dongle to connect a couple of MIDI controllers to the system. The latency on that device is said to be around 3ms. I can't hear it. BTW, that dongle is amazing. If you want to use BLE MIDI with Windows, that device will save you so many headaches, as BLE MIDI is outright broken on Windows. Add the Bud Pro, or one of CME's other "WIDI" devices, and you get low-latency wireless connectivity that works right out of the box. Worth a look. (No, I don't work for them. They just solved a major frustration of mine, and if anyone else is having the problems I had, I want to give them a solution.)

[@StarOasis26]

Good information I was totally into all kinds of microphone preamp interfaces. Apogee, RME fireface 800, Nuemann km184 avatone tube mic's etc. Then I realized it's how you record the material, gain settings , Mic positioning, balance the instruments. I have a Tascam $350 uh7000. it records low noise, clean audio and I find the plugins to suffice. I usually do a low shelf to cut through the mix, mids compression. and basically get a decent recording that sounds well

[@CDA129]

Thank you for posting. I learned a lot. Great job presenting.

[@emiel333]

Great video, Kyle. I use both an audio interface (Steinberg) and mixer (Soundcraft), depending on what I want to achieve.

[@jamesmccormick875]

I own the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8, first generation and I have never had latency issues with it. I’ve had it for a long time and only had a few issues with it and they were mostly because I forgot to update the software after I updated my OS on my Mac.

[@SHTMusik]

For home recording I use an old M-Audio Fastrack Ultra which was a great value at the time, big features for little money. I also use the Zoom R-24 which is great for acoustic recording because it is completely silent and runs on batteries so it's very portable. You can record 8 tracks (mono) simultaneously and have 24 tracks total. It also has a programmable drum machine and can be used as a controller for any mainstream DAW. It's a Swiss army knife for recording and, more importantly for me, songwriting (SHT Musik) . In fact, I own 3, one is at my rehearsal space, one I use at home and one is a spare. I have damaged several of my preamps on my oldest one through my own stupidity and want to have a backup for when they stop making them.

[@italianbirdvideos6190]

Another well thought out and executed video.

[@ykhemani]

This was very helpful, thank you! I use the Scarlett 2i2 today, and it does the job. I occasionally record spoken word, but 95% of my use is Zoom meetings. Another difference between the user experience between the two is the cable routing. It isn’t helpful that the Scarlett places the input connections at the front. The Universal Audio does this right, in my opinion, placing them at the back.

[@211MakinHits]

I appreciate you making unbiased videos. Regardless of how you present it... the truth will always ruffle the feathers of some. This helped me make my decision to go with the Apollo x.

[@titmusspaultpaul5]

Great video. Informative and to the point. Big thumbs up.... thanks.

[@vishwasmagotra5266]

Really helpful, thanks for making this video!!

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help, Vishwas!

[@showdivine]

Thorough video. Smart Lad. Keep up the good work.

[@securedcertification477]

Brilliant summary glad I found you today subscribing 4sure!!!

[@bluesbasscovers]

Thanks - great overall review on audio interfaces.

[@coquifrog]

Very helpful, practical, and honest review. Thank you.

[@joshchristian8598]

Great vid thank you... very noticeable difference. I just bought a Clarett that was a big upgrade from my scarlett solo... Ty

[@buddyalbert5808]

I held out on going with UAD for a while. When I finally got an Apollo Twin X I was blown away at my work flow with the unison features. I am starting to work more with Luna. So far, I love it.

[@Notellu]

Converters make a huge difference when it comes tonsound quality.

[@DruDilly]

Latency was the biggest reason I got my Apollo Twin. Frustration for an artist to not have real time playback and adjusting buffer size yields inconsistent results.

[@Sinista-Beatz]

Using a simple chain in my Apollo I am able to achieve a crisp and warm authentic tape sounding vocal BEFORE it hits the ProTools then with a polish in LUNA using Authentic NEVE Summing I can get every mix solid punchy warm clean crisp right and balanced every time. The vocals cut through the mix every time it saves a lot of time and resources. Exactly like using outboard equipment but this equipment is all in the box. You even have to manually adjust most of it to get it right.

[@carlroberge7535]

What a great video, man! Keep them coming! Cheers! Very professional!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Carl!

[@musicpharmer]

Great video! The only correction I would mention is that keyboards are usually plugged into a line level input rather than instrument level. Doing so can easily overload an instrument input. i.e try plugging a keyboard into the input on a guitar amp-you better start the volume at “1”

[@cuda426hemi]

Usually neither - into an interface anyway... MIDI or USB is the connect. 🎹

[@anthonyperez5722]

line is instrument

[@KBizzy]

@@cuda426hemiidi or usb is for data only, not sound. Keyboards/synths need to be plugged into line inputs, stereo for the best results. They only need to be connected via midi if you’re using softsynths or plan on recording/playing midi data, which most of us do. But just connecting via midi or usb will result in no sound at all from the actual keyboard.

[@cuda426hemi]

@@KBizzy Hence why my Keystation 61 is called a controller. Analog synth (or piano) guys would need line ins but most of us are happy with software because you are only limited by budget as to quality of sounds and there are a LOT of free samples that analog guys can only dream about - see the Spitfire Abbey Road/BBC orchestra stuff. I like the single USB connect (altho it has MIDI too) Either way you will have mic/line inputs as well as instrument in (and MIDI i/o) on even the cheapest interface - a non issue. Cheers ! 🎸

[@KBizzy]

@@cuda426hemi plenty of people also use hardware and it works the same way with Midi, but you need audio for the sound of the synth. I’d say in this forum that probably more people use hardware than not.

[@poppie327530]

When I first saw this video popup, I initially thought "here's someone else trying to compare apples and oranges, slamming the Apollo....I was wrong. I started out with the 2i2 which I will say worked wonderfully and I still have....as a backup. A good friend who was an engineer said to start putting money aside because eventually, I will want to upgrade. I did some research and eventually purchased the Apollo Quad. Both interfaces are great, but as you pointed out....they are still like night and day in terms of bang for your buck I could tell you did your research and you presented the information in a non-biased manner, still leaving it up to the watcher to make their own decision. I am not a musician, I own a radio station, do voice over work and produce training and gaming videos. I love my Apollo and wish I could have gotten it sooner..... and the best advice I can give anyone from a user standpoint.....if you can't afford an Apollo, get the 2i2 and save up for it, better yet...buy the Apollo and then get a 2i2 as a backup but never get rid of the 2i2. IMHO, WELL DONE presentation. Not promoting any company, but if you want the Apollo now, and can't afford the price.... go to www.sweetwater.com and if qualified, you can purchase it through them on a payment plan. I've done business with them for years with the same honest and highly knowledgeable representative. Thanks for the video...time well spent watching it.

[@dyziko]

Thanks for the video, that was very helpful!

[@sstoklas]

In my opinion, there is a slight difference (in the order of percent units) between the two cards in the quality of sound processing. The Apollo price is increased by the software package with which it is delivered. It includes a package of analog emulation plugins UAD realtime Analog Classic and a package Heritage Edition atc . . .

[@shadowbanned5164]

Pretty happy with the zero latency I get using my trusty old MOX 8 as an audio interface not only that I can use the on board effects in the feed as well.

[@Xechor]

Wish this was the first video I watched. Thank you!

[@istvantoth7431]

Great video buddy. Well done!

[@kiers2320]

Nicely done, appreciated.

[@wearashirt]

there's little difference in spoken word. But once I get a singer recording, the vocal signal of the Apollo will definitely withstand plugins and EQ a lot better and with more substance while still standing out in the mix. GREAT VIDEO.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Ryan!

[@danielho5635]

Thx for the review. I can hear the difference between the two interfaces. It is subtle. The Apollo is fuller and has more headroom. The Scarlet is fine and has a "cooler" sound as opposed to the "warmer" Apollo. I don't know which one is more accurate because I'm not familiar with the Shure 7B mic.

[@philiptong4978]

compared to Apollo, spoken words from the Scarlet has an on/off quality, minor details within each spoken word are missing, it will definitely not matter when played back on a clock radio, computer speaker, oem ear buds or when someone is sleepy, tired or sick but it is noticeable starting with decent monitoring equipment and will be more obvious with better resolving equipment

[@0AndrewBolt0]

Yet another excellent vid. Thanks!

[@BLTtogo]

Much better detail on comparing the differences. You could provide more detail about the other UA plugins that require their interface which is the compelling difference for me to spend the extra cost. Now will look to see if they will come on sale.

[@pchan_deluxe]

This video is so good and easy to understand, thank you :)

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@iainmcaleese5468]

This is very clear and understandable for an older guy like me. I’m setting up a home podcasting studio using a scarlet 4i4..very useful information. Thank you 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@michelthibodeau8550]

Very useful video for me ! Thanks !

[@lupit1]

Anyone looking at improving noise floor but keeping price down should seriously give audient’s interfaces a try. I used a focusrite scarlett 2i2 second gen for years but man that thing was just NOISY! I switched to an evo 4 and jesus that thing is so much quieter, it sounds better, it’s cheaper, it even has significantly less latency, all around just so much better for live applications, as well as recording. Definitely give them a look

[@gaborkiss1425]

I have Audient iD4 MKII next to the Apollo Twin X and I can say it perhaps even bests it in playback quality. (The preamps on the Apollo are better, though.)

[@SM57]

Great video and channel! Thank you👍👍👍

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, G.F.!

[@pauldiffenderfer]

wow, great report Sir! your presention is dense, clear and thorough, thanks

[@tronwars7130]

One extra benefit to Apollo is you get the LUNA DAW, and that has the console built in. Other interfaces have their software and then you also need a DAW. Apollo integrates everything into one, but if you do want to use a 3rd party DAW you can simply use the Apollo Console like explained above then into your DAW. Another benefit, if you can afford it go with Apollo because you will spend far less time trying to edit to get things sounding right, it's clean input alone means you will have less hassle. But, as said, it comes to what you can afford.

Great video, thanks!

[@michaelpyron433]

Awesome video, I am new to all of this, and I am also totally blind. I was trying to decide whether I need a mixer, or just an interface. Any help would be very much appreciated. I plan to record at least three or four instruments. I also would like to know, if the fighters would move on the screen as you move them. I would also like to know, if this is not too much information, what is better to you, ProTools, or, logic pro? Again any help would be very much appreciated. Have a Lotta questions about accessibility for myself. Thanks much.

[@beyondmywildestdreams6942]

I always appreciate it when pro musicians make video like this one,thanks a lot!

[@MEDINAHSHRINER]

Great stuff I want to hire this guy!

[@slickonthebeat22]

I have both. I Use the Scarlett for my beat making on my PC laptop, and I use the apollo when I’m recording vocals on my MacBook. I have use for both of them 🔥

[@ThomasECahill]

Very well explained, bravo.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Thomas!

[@CR-sj7xd]

You only need a good computer, gain structure knowledge, and be a good artist. Than you get 99% of a pro sound you want.

[@disectormusic]

tame impala 🎉

[@solemashi]

but what about my talkback mic?

[@yona9798]

Most audio-interfaces don’t aim to have a specific sound-characteristic like a lot of designated preamps do. Rather, manufacturers try to make them sound as clean and un-coloured as possible. This is the case for both the Focusrite and UAD interfaces. Modern budget Focusrite interfaces do a mich better job at this than older ones, as do other interfaces from other brands. (Personal recommendations would include the Motu M2 and M4 the entire Audient range. While it is true that pure audio quality might be measurably higher on the UAD interfaces, truth is, nowadays it isn’t as huge as it used to be. IMO there are much more important factors than the interface, beginning producers should focus on. Namely acoustic treatment, microphones, their sources themselves and the players as well as the engineers level of skill. A professional producer will be able to create a professional recording with a Scarlett 2i2 in a treated room using just a reasonably priced condenser mic, while a beginner will most likely not be able to create anything near to that using top of the line gear in an untreated room. If you can you should invest in your studio in this order: Experience -> Instruments -> a *good*, ideally expandeable audio interface (Audient id14 mk2 for instance), headphones and a mic that makes sense for your instrument -> Room -> Monitoring -> Microphones(for specific tasks) -> Preamps -> improvements/other gear that sparks your interest Hope this will help anyone :D

[@AudioUniversity]

Yona, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this. I agree! There are other things to invest in that will make a MUCH bigger difference! Plus, those things (microphones, acoustic treatment, monitoring) tend to remain relevant much longer, making them a longer term investment as well.

[@violin-schwerin]

Love the motu UltraliteAVB , because you can use it without closed drivers, and its easy expandability. Great conversion and preamps as well

[@yona9798]

@@violin-schwerin yup, if I ever need to upgrade I’m eying an ultralite mk5, but the avb options are enticing as well. I’m gonna do the proper research once it gets to it xD

[@TheHonestTruth]

SPOT ON

[@EuropaMan]

Great overall review on audio interfaces. I had a Focusrite interface but was extremely disappointed with it's performance and sold it. I had nothing but problems with it. I'm using a Roland Octa-Capture and it has worked flawlessly ever since. Nice to see you are using Reaper. Keep up the good work.

[@AudioUniversity]

I've had good experiences with the Focusrite 2i2 (especially at the price point). Can you share what improvements you've experienced with the Roland Octa-Capture vs the Focusrite you were using? That might be helpful for others trying to decide. Thanks for the comment!

[@oliviersadoulet337]

@@AudioUniversity The octa is a master class in linearity wich is why its used by many to calibrate systems. Smaart 8 even included the gain control for it in the software :D The rest is nothing extraordinary but still very well made and stable.

[@josephelsberry6318]

Bravo on this video. Incredibly informative and thorough. I learned so much from you. Keep making great content like this. You also have a great speaking voice

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Joseph!

[@Kdotllaz]

Very much needed !

[@johnpborden]

Nice video. In my opinion, the gap in audio quality between interfaces is becoming less and less of a concern, meaning even some of the lower priced units can sometimes sound better than the high end units. I've got a UAD Apollo setup but I'm extremely impressed by the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd gen I have and sometimes question the outlay of cash I spent on the Apollo system. Not that its bad by any stretch of the imagination, but I just don't think that it's worth it's cost when there are other excellent sounding interfaces on the market for less money. In closing, good informative video and to all who are considering an interface, careful of going down the plug-in rabbit hole!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, John!

[@remydupon9965]

very informative! thanks

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help, Remy! Thanks for watching!

[@minstinct280]

Brilliant video as always dude! Do you (or any viewers here) know if it's possible to bypass the preamps on a budget interface (like my Steinberg UR22C, which has 2 combo inputs), so that I can exploit the mic preamp emulator plugins in my DAW? Might be an idea for a video because I know lots of musicians who have the same question. Cheers dude!

[@AudioUniversity]

In order to properly quantize the analog mic signal into digital, it needs to be preamplified to line level. So, if the preamp emulator is just a plug-in, it won’t be the primary preamp. In the case of the Apollo plug-in emulation, it’s not just a software emulator. The properties of the analog preamp on the interface are altered to model different plugins.

[@IBQ1]

The best interface explanations I've seen thus far.

[@leeroyfree6029]

you a whole g for this video🙏🏼🙏🏼🔥

[@HarmonicMolecues]

I would add to record percussion, mic preamps with good headroom are a must, something lacking on budget interfaces.

[@samharris6046]

In my opinion the Scarlett pres sound great. Very clear, transparent... albeit a touch bright. They’re really not that far behind my Apollo in their sound quality though. Just goes to show, the preamp ain’t the problem!

[@pedrosilvaproductions]

It never is. Usually you buy a preamp to add color, or a certain vibe. The pres on cheaper interfaces are made to be clean and transparent and not add anything. The difference in an expensive preamp comes to that color it adds

[@Skrenja]

The Apollo preamps are good but aren't anything special. However, the headphone amp in the Apollo is MILES better. Like, the Scarlett doesn't even come close.

[@leonardosojli9623]

This channel is gold for those who want to start, improve, or perfection their knowledge in sound and mixing audio. Thank you for your awesome work that is really appreciated. Blessings and Peace

[@s.dawson7068]

Just started with the Scarlett Im going to give that a try for my first home studio. Then if I feel I need to upgrade after a year or two I’ll go with the Apollo interface and Neumann 103 mic

[@djprocuttanyc]

do it and trust me and after that get some plug in from ua you will hear the difference i did i got both apollo and 103 forget it ... game changer

[@ICUFatCatDaddy]

Best explanation I've heard.

[@martinconnolly3776]

I use a 1st gen Scarlett 2i2 as an A to D converter, taking line-level audio from a DJ mixer. I use RCA to XLR cables and didn't realise that the Scarlett would then take this in at Mic level until I read the manual. But, it still works superbly. At minimum gain, I still get about 10dB headroom before clipping, and the 2k rather than 10k input impedance doesn't cause any problems either. It seems you just cannot go wrong with a 2i2.

[@DeanRavenMusic]

My Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is spot on even when running my buffer at 64 and using a load of plugins recording live. It also helps having 16GB Ram and a i5 processor too i guess

[@2jazzen]

Great video!

[@audiofaktory]

Damn. I’m usually harsh on these kinda reviews but you nailed it brotha

[@vasileiospgr]

One of the best videos i've ever seen

[@boutstaxx]

Pro Tip you can use a Stereo Breakout Cable - 1/4 inch TRS Female to Left and Right 1/4 inch TS Male to add a second headphone output if not using for studio monitors or if wanting to add a home theater sub you can use dual 1/4 ts to dual rca cables

[@isettech]

Don't forget that many mixing consoles have excellent interface abilities. Some old analog boards have USB stereo to a host or record directly to a thumb drive. For those who need many channels for post production editing, mixing, and mastering, don't overlook some of the affordable digital consoles. As example the X32 series can send all 32 inputs to a DAW or recorder to produce the full 32 track recording for playback, editing, etc. Some field recorders make excellent interfaces, such as the common Zoom H6, able to switch from field recorder with 6 inputs to an interface. Some of these field recorders are less expensive than some of the interfaces. Look at the spec sheet for the Zoom H6 for example and compare it to the interface you are considering.

[@glaszn]

Very good video .. as a totally random guy who have little or none experience in audio, I can say that you are the king.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Petrescu!

[@calvinlamhofai]

I like your style, straight forward and easy to understand…..I m from Hong Kong and I have watched many videos about audio technology…..you are great….👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@AudioUniversity]

Thank you!

[@jeffloy4638]

Looking forward to grabbing an Apollo soon. Where it comes to budget interfaces, I’m glad you mentioned MOTU M-Series here. Unbeatable for the money, and the build quality/metering put comparable Scarletts to shame.

[@PotatoflakeJake]

Thanks again bud for helping with a great video. I've got a QUESTION. I want to be able to record myself live looping at least 5 instruments in the same song. I've been looking at the ZOOM LIVE TRACK L8.i understand that it can be an interface too but will the interface part be watered down because it's part of a bigger system. I ask because I want to use the l8 for music videos and live loop recording but ALSO as a high quality interface. Is something like the scarlet going to produce crisper sound than the interface built in to the l8? ( quality is very important to me. I do lots of dreamy acoustic stuff.) One last thing.. Does the l8 have dsp so I can record with real-time effects?

[@AudioUniversity]

I haven’t tried the Livetrack L8, but it seems like a great value. I don’t expect a huge difference between the two in terms of sound quality.

[@generichuman_]

I went from recording with a focusrite 2i2 and an AT2020, to an apollo twin and a Neuman tlm 103. Huge huge huge difference in quality. Well worth the money. The UA preamp models are very impressive as well. Having worked with a hardware v76 I can say the plugin is very close.

[@apostolicway2604]

Hello, I currently use a 2i2 3rd gen. How did the Apollo improve the quality? Sometimes I’ll use my analog gear (pre, compressor) into the 2i2 and sometimes I go direct into the 2i2.

[@joshmcdzz6925]

@@apostolicway2604 I believe your setup will be better than using an expensive audio interface only.. You've got dedicated analog equipment doing the stuff rather than the all in one very good interface with software

[@mixedbyrxlph]

Awesome video bro ! There is a slight difference in low end between the two but In the Apollo your really just paying for the DSP and plugins, also there’s more ground noise on the Focusrite then the apollo due to lt being solo bus powered. Apollo ls great but you can get the same quality buying the arrow lf you don’t want the plugins and others features

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, @Rxlph! I haven’t tried the Arrow yet. Looks awesome!

[@b47d16]

audient is also really good and ssl

[@toribarron5700]

This is an important distinction to make. Apollo’s DSP and plugins work LIVE. It isn’t just letting you run more plugins in your DAW, it is a way to get a produced sound live, without latency or a ton of hardware. And there are a TON of times when this comes in handy professionally.

[@electriceelca2979]

噢、哈喽哈我的手机屏幕太多人为不了自己这件宝贝

[@rogerfurer2273]

Thanks for this video. I'm rather old school and back when the number of tracks was limited by your tape machine, we would concentrate on getting as much of the desired sound onto the tape in the first place. I don't like guitar modelers to start with. I like real amps with mics. The same with vocal EQ and compression. If I get a good sound recorded as the first step, I have less decisions to make at mixdown.

[@AudioUniversity]

True! The endless tweaking after the fact is a blessing and a curse! Good point, Roger.

[@willwilliams7491]

Agreed! To me, guitar modeling is something you can do with a high end equalizer. It's all about tonality. As they say, "ain't nothing like the real thing baby!" I'm also a proponent for printing the best performance possible. It's hard to make poop shine. Mixing is as unique as a performer's signature.

[@mikebottiaux5850]

Does this Apollo Twin work well with a Mac Book Air? Great video.

[@Trancelistic]

I work only with a DAW with MIDI keyboards, just as a hobby. But I know about latencies and so on. For me the cheap but good soundcard is the ESI Maya44 ex. (My DAW's are at 1 ms at 96Khz.) (Before I had E-MU cards, wich I loved back then, but sadly no driver works anymore on current OS's.) But I'm still a noob. Also, I had monitor speakers but for some reason I like my old Natural AMP with normal 4x4 way speakers more. But thats just me. At least a big no no to soundbars or surround sets lol. (for me)

[@MetalDetailer]

I’m about to upgrade my Gen 1 2i2 to the 3rd gen 4i4. My Gen 1 has lasted over 10 years and still going.

[@danielvolgan]

Thanks for the explanation. Would I be able to use the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for a chain of voice effects in a live presentation (low latency)? For DAW I use Reaper.

[@AlexAlbinoofficial]

Great video! Hey man, which guitar is that? The fourth from right to left. The white pearl one.

[@AudioUniversity]

It’s an Italiana guitar - I forgot the model though. It’s got a Bigsby-style tremolo which is cool, but I’m actually going to sell it soon or trade it for a bass.

[@teashea1]

Another very fine video ----

[@Mixail747]

For the most basic audio interfaces with one Speaker and one Headphone output, would I be able to assign those to different sources in an audio software or they share the same channel? In other words, can I use HP out as a monitor (e.g. for mixing), and SP out as main output?

[@AudioUniversity]

With the 2i2 in this video, I don’t believe that’s possible. However my understanding is that the 4i4 and higher allow that.

[@theforestapp]

yeah im able to monitor with effects scarlett 2i2 over usb, i think the main reason im considering upgrading is for higher audio quality - im still new, but i just wanna research and make sure im not limited by equipment

[@ganglalo]

I just opened up my studio for booking at my current office space where I usually just make beats. I've experienced latency with my scarlett 2i2 3rd gen and some static/vnyl noise coming out on vocals. I am still on a budget as I am currently spending $ on bills and other products. Im not really focusing on sessions with bands where I need so many input connections. The Mic I'm currently using is a Warm wa87. Is there a Audio Interface you recommend to use for now to upgrade from my Scarlett 2i2 3rd gen if the Apollo Twin is out the picture?

[@LeJohnOfficial]

I currently have the focusrite solo and I'm planning to buy the apollo twin mostly bc of the plugins that comes with it. Also another reason is that the apollo looks more premium than the focusrite lol

[@AudioUniversity]

Nice! Let me know how you like the Apollo Twin when you upgrade!

[@CABohol]

Nice comparison.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, @CA. Bohol!

[@jordanhernandez8590]

Great video