Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen - USB Audio Interface Review (Air Mode, Clip Safe and Auto Gain)

In this video I we are having a look at the 4th generation Scarlett 2i2 from Focusrite and compare it to the previous generation.
Sweetwater US | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen: sweetwater.sjv.io/eKJOzr *
Thomann EU | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen: www.thomann.de/de/focusrite_s... *
Amazon US | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen: amzn.to/3Fk5dgm *
Support the channel on Patreon: / juliankrause **
Follow me on Twitter: / thejuliankrause
00:00 Intro
00:32 Hardware Overview
03:21 Internals
04:04 Mic Input Performance
05:08 Mic Preamp Performance
07:20 Air Mode Audio Samples
08:30 Line Input Performance
09:11 Main Output Performance
09:57 HP Output Performance
10:53 Controversial Change
13:15 Software Overview
15:01 Direct Monitoring Latency
15:15 Round Trip Latency
15:40 Verdict
* Affiliate links from which I receive a commission for sales. This doesn't generate any additional cost for you. As an Amazon and Thomann Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
** Patreon is a platform where you can choose to support the channel by purchasing a monthly subscription.

[@m1nnefr3d]

Finally the one and only authoritative review of this device. Thanks, Julian 🤘

[@ronmaison8690]

Thanks so much Julian much appreciated your videos.thanks for bringing it up mate.

[@InaktiverUser]

wieder mal ein sehr ausführliches und gut verständliches review👍Julian Krause steht für Qualität! ♥und glückwunsch zu den 100k abos 🥳

[@fortayseven]

Thank you for your videos. The detail you go in was monumentally useful for deciding what best fit my use case. I knew my requirements but was struggling to find the information I needed and your videos had everything.

[@kovoliver]

Thanks for this very accurate and comprehensive summary! It really helped a lot. Hats off!

[@Blewis-Diarrheo]

I'd love to see how these modern interfaces stack up against some of the older stuff that's out there. We tend to accept new products at face value, but realistically things like low latency were worked out a really long time ago, 20 years ago with RME's Hammerfall and even in the late 2000s with DICE II Firewire interfaces from Focusrite, Presonus, etc. How are manufacturers pushing the envelope these days, particularly in the budget space that JK likes to feature most often?

[@thomaswidter]

Thank you for another great video. I still appreciate the irony around the Kensington "locking point." It is indeed a very high security connection, and I feel that it really makes the world a better and much safer place.

[@AndrewMcMillenium]

Geil! You are the best in interface review world man! Thanks!

[@Barncore]

Awesome review. Love the scientific detail

[@ivanshafiq2915]

can U compare/consider Rodecaster DUO or Rode Streamer X to be used as an audio interface in a an Audio Studio Specially considering the Pre-amps performance Thankyou

[@ShawnPark]

Great review Julian. What mic do you use to record your videos?

[@platterjockey]

It's about time someone showed us some specs. I get tired of just hearing how great something sounds, or about some feature. Give me the technical data.

[@_Hecctor_]

Great Stuff! Would you personaly pick the 2i2 4th or the Motu m2?

[@ElvenArse]

Currently have a Motu M2 but would like an interface with the mic inputs on the back. This one looked so promising up until the ever disappointing headphone output. Bummer.

[@dk2428]

SSL2(+) or even the 12 ...it keeps surprising me, even compared with interfaces 3x the cost.

[@therealfuzzen]

Danke fürs Video!❤ Ich bin gespannt😮

[@caseylavender]

I AM EARLY TO A JULIAN KRAUSE VIDEO! WOOOOOOOOOO!

[@stevem47]

Hi Julian, You're my source for all insights regarding interfaces. When you have time, can you review the Solo Gen 4?

[@ricgl84]

Hey Julian, thanks for the content. I have a suggestion, would you be willing to test mixer/interface like the Tascam 12 or others?

[@sq7507]

Yesss please do Julian!

[@KeithCopeland778]

Thank you for another very thorough and comprehensive review!!! I'll stick with my 3rd Gen 2i2.

[@jasonscoggins01]

Thank you Julian

[@ezzel-bendary8762]

Hey Julian, Thank you for the video as i would like to ask you what is the best portable sound card that you recommend as i am a voice over artist so i am going to use it just for voice over work. Thank you

[@vewilli]

If I had to buy an Audio interface I‘d watch your test reports about interfaces in any case! 👍🏻💪🏻

[@GalaxiaDeFavio]

I thought you said in your interface video comparison that the focusrite scarlett 3rd gen was bad with lower impedance headphones and the sweet spot has 80 ohms but now you say that the 3rd gen was good with lower impedance headphones ?? .-.

[@benlaug75]

Thanks for the review. Too bad that, as I use 48Ω headphones, my return window is closed. Just a question, could you review the AXE I/O from IK Multimedia? I would be very intersting in having your feedback on it. It is marketed as an audio interface for guitarists, but is a fully capable interface! Unfortunately, I've never read a serious and objective review of this card.

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke!

[@teren9059]

Hi Julian, great videos. What do you recommend between iD4 MKII, Solid State Logic SSL 2, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen.)? I have Shure SRH1540 headphones (46 ohms). I have Windows 11. Thank you.

[@wurlitsyzer9810]

hi, thanks for your great detailed reviews. how would you compare the scarlett 2i1 4th gen to the clarett 2 pre mk1 ? greets Karl

[@niliev]

Great review, thank you! The round trip latency seems to be higher on the 4th gen compared to the 3rd gen. In your review of the 2i2 3rd gen the RTL was 3.5 ms at 48Khz@16 samples. It seems that at the same settings 2i2 4th gen has RTL of 5.1ms. The 3rd gen has a setting "Safe Mode" in the "Latency information" section of the Device Settings and it is adding 1ms when enabled. Is there a similar setting in the 4th gen and when you measured the 3rd gen was this setting on or off? I have Solo gen3 and 8i6 gen3 and I am thinking about getting the 2i2 4gen, but the higher latency is something I don't like as I am using these interfaces with my guitar and every ms matters.

[@meistudiony]

Hey thanks! Great video on the unit. Im doing research on mic pre coloration. I'm trying to find something incredibly "sterile" and i think the focusrite is probably the least common denominator for a lot of things. Going to need to pick one of these up.

[@iCkEdMeL]

Curious if you think the 4th gen is better than SSL2 ? Thanks

[@iCkEdMeL]

Ooo I think watching your video answers the question for me

[@UrsaJeager]

in love with the term "fetclouder"

[@kingvinh10]

Great video! Would love a review on the Apollo Solo and Twin since they are so popular.

[@max7622a]

hey man you did good job i hop you doing good man have a good day

[@collegestatistics]

KZbinrs & Podcasters would love a SYSTEM AUDIO BUTTON. I never use air mode. That's what EQ's and saturators are for. So you could get rid of this button. And a Direct Monitoring gain knob would rock! Most of us don't want to deal with any latency. We're happy with hearing exactly what we put in during our overdubs because we do most things in post anyway.

[@alpine750]

at 6:52, you have the Rode AI-1 at the bottom of "maximum gain of mic input chart", is this before or after the 1.3.1 firmware update where they increased the gain of the microphone input? I had to check here since this is your latest video.

[@moguizpatton7582]

I would like to know if theres any chip processor wich works better than others in terms of DAC or ADC, because the improvements of chips are uncomprensioble for most of us, can you do a review of those dear Julian?

[@989fred]

Thanx! Got the 2i2 today and i am happy about how much you get in this days compare to 10 years ago. The soundcard sounds good.

[@frankenjstein9371]

Trying to fix what's not broken always ends up being a mistake.

[@hepphepps8356]

Oh, it was broken allright.

[@Turbo_TechnoLogic]

This is what 21th century is all about

[@olivermirez6667]

This device is so much better than 3rd Gen. What are you talking about?

[@21jajego1]

​​@@olivermirez6667so much? Only dynamic range is "much" better. Autogain, clip saver is not must have in audio interface. And finally they change realy bad Focusrite control and made it exclusive for 4th gen showing love to 3rd gen community which wrote a lot of messege what they should change in this "software". This is why I never again buy Focushit

[@ontheloose457]

What is wrong with this? Seems like the best in it's price range according to specs, better than audient id44 and ssl?

[@darkpowerxo]

Can you do the same level of testing you do for these audio interfaces but with the Samsung s23 ultra? I wanna see a motu m2 vs s23 ultra mic comparision. Specially using the dolby recoding app I get some amazing stuff.

[@seanwebb605]

I want the inputs on the sides.

[@GalaxiaDeFavio]

What would be the best audio interface and headphone combo for mixing, recording?

[@john_enx]

Hi, I need a bit of help to decide, I will use the interface with studio speakers (JBL LSR 305 + sub) to listen to music and for electric guitar with amp sim (NAM or something like bias) I am among 2i2 4th gen, Audient iD14 MKII or iD4 MKII, So I only care about the quality of guitar input and audio outputs, which characteristics should I focus on? Line input performance, main output performance and round trip latency right? Thanks in advance!

[@portalkeeper978]

What happens if you connect an unbalanced output (specifically a 3 pole connector such as trs with a different signal on the left and right channel) into a balanced input? How do audio interfaces handle such cases? Thanks

[@coltonarendt]

i was hoping to find the solo review gen 4 but havent seen it yet. since i could save some money since i dont need more than one input for the setup

[@Akarkoush]

I'm connecting the Sm7DB and the SE Electronics V7 for a podcast... Would turning on the 48V of Phantom Power hurt the SE electronics mic? I need it to have a lower noise flower for my sm7db by activating the +18DB on the mic

[@banderalali4078]

quick question, for Voice over and live stream would the Connect 6 be the best option?

[@Timmyaguilar]

Solo Review Please!

[@szymonwozny]

Hi Julian, very informative review as always, thanks! Could you please disclose which headphones have been measured in the "controversial change subchapter"? :)

[@JulianKrause]

For the measurement at 11:30 I used: Red: Sennheiser PC38X Green: No-name 32 Ohm Headphone Blue: Sony MDR-V700

[@GL-Red]

@@JulianKrauseany audio interface recommendations for the pc38x?

[@Thejan8or]

Seen the 4i4 and now the 2i2, great job on both. I'm still pretty sold on the MOTU. Question though, Is there no difference in quality between the MOTU M2 and M4? Just curious because only the M2 was ever reviewed by you.

[@reinulf656]

There were some measurements on audiosciencereview. The M4 was slightly better, but I don't remember what it was about... You can find it online

[@Blueguitar007]

Can you stell us what headphones you used and which ones were "heavily impacted"? Thx

[@PileOfEmptyTapes]

How can headphone output noise level at minimum gain be _lower_ than at 1 Vrms nominal? The 2i2 gen4 is the second interface to do that. If this is real, that could be a sign of power supply noise being coupled into the volume pot ground return, which can happen with shared power/ground returns (especially if voltage rail impedance is low and there is a substantial amount of decoupling capacitance - you basically get a voltage divider consisting of rail Z + decoupling C / return R). Thankfully it's all at a very low level. Note how the headphone amp on the 2i2 gen4 is a traditional job with an analog volume pot while the 4i4 out clearly is digitally controlled. What's up with the headphone out 50 Hz distortion? It doesn't really seem to be load-dependent, so is there an internal stage with smallish ceramic coupling caps or something? It's clear that if you want the cleanest line-in for measurements, you'll want the 4i4 instead (much like MOTU M2 vs. M4). The 2i2 is clearly built to a price. The Solo should be even more so.

[@cankozan1609]

How about Scarlett Solo 4th gen? Is it having the same specs ?

[@ralmslb]

11:16 what do the color lines mean? What is those headphones impedance ?

[@user-ll9ld8ew1l]

What was the impedance of the headphones you used in your test?

[@eyadsultan4899]

So recently I noticed that there was a significant amount of noise on the Hi z input of my audio interface . It is significant enough to cause some harsh frequencies when you run a di through amp sims. It would be nice if you compared some di tracks recorded with each interface you have because although Neural Dsp plugins come with a noise gate this simply removes the noise when you're not hitting the strings . The impedance is different on every interface and it would be cool to hear some feedback from guitarists on how the interface hi z responds compared to playing with a real amp .

[@diazzsama]

1. Check your grounding installation. Harsh noise, especially amplifed when using guitar sim usually indicating lack of ground installation. 2. Hi-z input on modern interfaces are decent enough for direct guitar input. (Older entry level scarlett interfaces are sucks in this area btw). If you are still not happy, you could just buy inexpensive buffer pedal, if you don't want to buy a DI box.

[@eyadsultan4899]

@@diazzsama it's an older presonus itwo interface, and the grounding is nonexistent due to being in a third world country and running on a solar inverter /lithium battery. I have tried using the buffer on an old boss distortion pedal and it didn't seem to solve the noise issue.

[@freundchenrecords]

Hey Julian, I want to connect Neumann KDH-30 Headphones to this soundcard. Do you think the output for this headphones is loud enough and the sound is not inked since the Neumann are 120 Ohm headphones? Thanks in advance for your answer.

[@lolilollolilol7773]

they will be impacted noticeably

[@SDPickups]

Well, I just bought a second Gen3, and after watching this, I'll stick the the two Gen3's I have.

[@PoorBoyMinorKey]

I know nothing about audio interfaces. I would want to record with my pedals. Is this something you can connect them to for recording? If not, what would I need?

[@innabit5961]

why is individual phantom a concern? If you have a mic that doesn't require phantom, it's just ignored, there is no downside. Or am I missing something?

[@antonykuo3809]

Do you suggest turning off safe mode?

[@jj53368]

what is the word for the headphones characteristic? high impeance? mp’s?

[@Andrew-ice]

Which is better LEWITT CONNECT 6 or Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen for condenser microphone and vocals singing?

[@HumanOptimization]

What did you mean by the sm7b for noise performance comment?

[@3082frank]

Not sure why they dont provide a usb c to usb c cable.

[@LondonSteveLee]

I see you've taken to using the Steinberg UR22C as the worst case pre-amp noise examples again - not the much noisier Apogee, did someone have a quiet word with you?

[@2010MajorTom]

Supposedly 48v will not damage a dynamic mic so is it really necessary to have 2 switches for the inputs?

[@Drumming_Monkey]

Thanks for the review and the no nonsense approach of your videos. This is perhaps a noob question. I'm a drummer first and guitarist second, but after spontaneously recording some shouts for a song at my friend's studio, I was hooked on the idea of trying out more of this vocal stuff. Thanks to Cyberweek happening, Thomann right now offers the 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen set with a CM25 MkIII condenser mic (and headphones) for about € 184 and the same set with the 4th Gen for € 290. Would my modest home recording justify spending $100 more for the 4th Gen, or would buying the 3rd Gen set be still quite sufficient? May be obvious but I also don't know if that Mic is any good as well. Thanks in advance. (hätte ja auch auf Deutsch fragen können, aber dann antworten vielleicht mehr Leute. :D )

[@Anouyz]

Its almost always worth it to invest more money in equipment if its something your serious about.

[@Drumming_Monkey]

​@@Anouyz Well, I'm serious, but also on a budget. I want to get better at screaming/singing and record some stuff at home. I can't afford the high end stuff and don't have the space for a lot of equipment. But honestly I went with the 3rd gen set and it's pretty good. I'm also very happy with the microphone, it's good enough for my needs. I invested the 100 dollars I saved in sound absorbers and a microphone screen, which makes it sound pretty decent. Can always upgrade to a better microphone in the future :)

[@ArdaKaraduman]

Sooo is this now better than the last clarett ? which came 2 years ago ? Or should I wait for a new clarett ?

[@joshyepyepzo8356]

Are you able to Test if you can play backing tracks from your 'Samsung Phone' VIA the USB C port, I do this on my Solo Gen 3 and it works perfectly out through my monitors, I just dont want to buy this product and realize that Focusrite have changed something.

[@kitchenspider]

Am i OCD or is there a woofiness on his voice at around 500-600 hz? Not specific to the featured interface, but on the entire vid?

[@FatNorthernBigot]

"Eye candy" or not, those meters are much nicer than, say, three green LEDs with a yellow and red one. 👍

[@Hugmir]

Where did the jolly outro music gooo

[@DavidHdezES]

Please, recommend me a good interface for 2 input, thank you.

[@YeoJourney]

replacing my clarett 2pre Thunderbolt to this scarlett 2i2 4th is stupid Idea only for vocal?

[@AnalogCabin]

We’d love to see an evo 16 review. So curious how it sounds compared to the iD line. Thanks!

[@Blewis-Diarrheo]

Basically very close to the EVO8. The reason that the card is so competitively priced is that they were able to utilize the same components, circuit designs, tooling across 3 units. If I was on a budget, this would be a very serious contender. I'm an RME guy, but I have owned a couple of EVO8s (I still have one). I"ve owned 100+ interfaces in the past 20 years. Julian is a man of my own heart, testing out all of these. A real man of integrity (especially now that he's got the hang of blinking on camera)

[@ajiraditya]

HI Julian, If we use an external preamp, does the dynamic range follow the external preamp?

[@samnicholson5051]

The dynamic range will always be limited by the ADC.

[@72organaro]

Buongiorno io uso hauptwerk della Milan Digital audio, software che simula organi da chiesa precaricati in rame suono per suono. Quando suono la tastiera midi collegata alla scheda audio usb il computer invia i suoni caricati alla scheda audio e poi ai monitor. Quale scheda con 4 output bilanciati ha minor latenza rispetto all uso che ne faccio? Premetto che la workstation in mio possesso è i5 13600k 64 GB RAM SSD M2. Grazie mille, spero tu possa aiutarmi

[@L3gzYT]

Any plans still to review the 4th gen Scarlett Solo? Curious on the headphone output impedance on that one.

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, Solo review is coming soon. Sadly the headphone impedance is the same as the 2i2...

[@axonathan]

The 4i4 gen 4 can control the XLR phantom power per channel

[@Andrew-ice]

how about Maono AME2 and Maono PS22 preamp Noise?

[@SalComuna]

I have an AKG K240 MKII (55 ohm). Would the frecuency response affect my listening experience?

[@n0xt]

You mean output impedance? In this case, yes, because impedance curve of the K240 MK2 55Ohm peaks to 170Ohm at ~110Hz you will get a bump at this frequency of around 3,5dB.

[@ruthlessrich4674]

Would u say it better then volt 2

[@tvs4ugt]

Is the DT 770 PRO (80 OHM) safe to use with this ?

[@thomasadams6860]

Can you do Topping E1x2 OTG?

[@JuanSanchez-go6zm]

REVIEW MOOER STEP 2, PLS!!

[@miltonbraggs3800]

I was going to buy the 2i2 but with the headphones that I use ath m40x (32 ohms) glad I didn't! As always thanks for your excellent and precise review

[@klee2006-hm9lb]

well what does it practically mean if the output impedance is 50 ohms instead of less than an ohm in the 3rd gen? 32 ohm headphones will be so quiet? then why do they give 32 ohm headphones in thier studio version of the 4th gen?

[@waterbottle2963]

Julian! Would you be reviewing the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen? I want to wait for your review on it before I buy one. I'm concerned about the headphone impedance if it's high since I only have an ATH M50

[@Alex-bl8uh]

He will, but said in a comment already the solo has the same problem regarding headphone output

[@waterbottle2963]

​@@Alex-bl8uh Thanks! That's what I thought too. I believe they have it on their website the headphone impedance, which is the same as the 4th gen 2i2. So I end up getting the 3rd gen solo. It's pretty amazing so far

[@Alex-bl8uh]

@waterbottle2963 glad you found an option that worked for you. I am happy with my 2i2 since I have 250 ohm headphones 🎧 ✅️

[@Blueguitar007]

I just checked Sweetwater and the most expensive reference headphones $3k were 32 ohms. The others were too with some down to 24 ohms.

[@Rukia_uchiha]

So can’t use my audio technical m50x ?

[@FishyWishyClan]

This is almost the only audio interface I can use bc I need the xlr on the back

[@Slipsch]

Waiting for you to review the Black Lion Audio Revolution 6x6.

[@JulianKrause]

Haha, I saw their release as well. Not sure if I'm going to review it.

[@Slipsch]

@@JulianKrause Hope they really lower their noise floor. They really use good components, just hope that they become better at designing the circuitry.

[@prsmoid_offical]

Whats the name of that monitor?

[@juanmar910]

I am to buy a new interface, i want it only for record vocals so low latency and good preamps, low noise on inputs, i come from a focusrite solo 3th gen, and its bad (noise on preamp, cranks on low buffer, etc) which i should buy? a new solo 4th gen, a id14 mkii or apollo solo?? ssl2 i just returned cause the drivers are poor and its trash, even the solo is better. ty

[@OurgasmComrade]

It's not an elegant fix, but having a small profile headphone amp with high input impedance and low output impedance connected to the HP output of the interface will fix the frequency response issue if the external amp is well designed and the gain of both amp and interface are dialed in to limit noise and clipping

[@peluchetv7494]

Thx

[@LMacNeill]

I still marvel at the quality of even the cheap audio electronics these days. Back when I was actively involved in music -- the '80s and '90s -- you were doing VERY well to get a piece of audio equipment to output a noise floor below -75dB. And today, the WORST interface in your list is -93.5dB. And the *vast* majority of them are better than -100dB, with several better than -110dB. Beyond belief!!!

[@Giesga_Official]

Hi Julian, I've a Beyerdinamic 900 pro x (48 OHMS). Do you think I could have problems using my headphones with this Scarlett?

[@nickglover]

Yes. Beyers are probably the ones he used to show the big bass boost, they really suffer when the output impedance is high.

[@n0xt]

You will have a ~3dB bump centered at around 50Hz, so there will be a noticeable bass boost.

[@Giesga_Official]

Thanks for the advice guys, I think I'll buy a Moto M2

[@uhu4677]

Will you also test the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen? I'd like to know, if this one has that high impedance as well. For me it's an absolute NoGo.

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, yes I'm currently testing it. Spoiler: it has the same headphone output impedance...

[@uhu4677]

@@JulianKrause Thx a lot for your hard work! Bummer. 😥 I'd still also be interested to know more about the loopback-functionality. Is it possible to loop-back the output of an ASIO-powered VST-Host into a virtual input? I am searching for an interface with such functionality for a while now to apply effects to my mic for live-streaming. (I think it might be possible with the bigger Scarlett interfaces, but not sure.) Currently I use an extra software called "Synchronous Audio Router" for this. It works very well, but it's discontinued. So it's only a matter of time until it won't work anymore. Somehow this (imo obvious) usecase seems to be overlooked by all audiointerface manufacturers. Or routing with virtual in/outputs in general.

[@louiewgroenewald]

I recently bought the 2i2 4th gen. Regards to the headphone jack... I have a splitter in it to spilt same signal to two separate headphones. One seems fine but the other one have a buzz noise when I increase headphone volume dial of interface to about 3'o clock. I tested the cables and everything. It seems to be the headphones themselves, having the buzz. It is cheap headphones as students of mine use it that is very young. The other one is a more expensive type. Can it then be the headphones as I heard you mentioned some info regards headphones.

[@louiewgroenewald]

I just read on a website that the headphones having the buzz has the following impedance...Impedance 32Ω±15%. Do you therefore think that os why. As my other headphones coming from the same jack, being split out together with the problem one, does not have a buzz.

[@louiewgroenewald]

Otherwise it sounds great. I upgraded from solo 3rd gen.😊

[@mitkothemacedonian]

Output should be measured with a 10kΩ load, that is the standard in most of the proaudio equipment.