Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen - USB Audio Interface Review (new AIR mode!!)

[@dk2428]

Julian, your channel is the reference when it comes to detailed audio reviews. Many thanks for doing things differently!

[@ceorandom]

That's so true. Eve me with a bad English always check his reviews

[@julianflammenherz5066]

bin fast eingeschlafen ...

[@moddaudio]

I bought a MOTU M4 after watching reviews from this channel and I found that it had several issues I did not expect. If you use a usb-c to c cable, there is measurable distortion on channel 3. The half-band filters are minimum phase not zero phase. 0.5mS latency in the monitor mix.

[@Purrrelll]

My ears are the reference and my work flow. There are many dynamics that which card suits your needs? So, Julian can only be reference to his ears.

[@omelashomelas]

@@Purrrelll wow deep

[@thatguyreiji1045]

The GOAT returns. Love your reviews, been looking for a new interface since Im getting started with my music journey

[@KCinSD84]

100K! Congrats brotha. Well deserved.

[@edmrussia]

I thought Focusrite wouldn't surprise me with the new Scarlett line, but they did!

[@dwftube]

Great video as usual and extra props for the transparency and honesty around sourcing the product. Amazing technical performance on offer for such little money these days. I'd love to see someone do a comparison between one of these and the rack mount a/d offerings from the likes of Universal/Apogee/Prism.

[@AZisk]

I really appreciate your extremely thorough reviews.

[@reianae.smiley8573]

I wasn't expecting Focusrite to drop the fourth-generation Scarlett line, but now I want the fourth-generation Scarlett Solo!

[@h_e_x_a_g_r_a_m]

“But MOST importantly, a HIGHLY secure Kensington locking point” 😎 made me giggle hahaha

[@EliasUribeDrums]

Finally Focusrite launches a good generation of the Scarlett, I had the 2nd generation years ago, when I tried the 3rd generation, it seemed to me to be more of the same. The automatic gain seemed to be a copy of the Audient EVO to me. I would need to see the stability of the drivers in Windows, something in which Focusrite has always faltered since 2012 with the first generations of Scarlett. Greetings from Mexico City!! And congrats for the 100K subs!!!

[@jackraymond5009]

When I saw this come up, I had a big grin on my face. That is because, having seen that there was a 4th Gen of Scarlett available, the first thing I did was looked for a review by Julian, because he is the man! Imagine my disappointment when I saw that he hadn't posted anything for a few months. So to see this today made me very happy.

[@pseudoyar]

what i highly respect in you is your transparency. the way you mark videos as ads when you receive the product for free and the content quality

[@HADent777]

I saw the new focusrite interface yesterday in the store and immediately went to see what Julian has to say, you are a legend, Julian. The most reliable source on the internet 🔥

[@Zidakuh]

"There's hardly any need for a Cloudhead or a FETlifter" I don't know if that was on purpose, but it made me crack up. Thanks for yet another absolutely excellent review. This is my go-to channel for audio interface information.

[@paulthiebaut]

In my opinion, the question now is how it compares to the legendary Motu m4. Congrats on 100k subs btw, you obviously deserve this after providing us the best audio reviews on KZbin !

[@ObscureTech]

Congrats on 100k!

[@JulianKrause]

Thank you Bark!!!

[@ObscureTech]

@@JulianKrause no thank you..... I was hoping for this video soon, and you delivered as always.

[@LoftyAssertions]

Looks like they took a lot from Audients EVO series, not just the Smartgain and the LED configuration, but even the UI looks similar now. Definitely a good thing!

[@helmanfrow]

Still using my first-generation 18i8 on one of my computers. I think I bought it in 2013. After around a decade I have essentially no issues to report and no plans to upgrade. Perfect is the enemy of good.

[@picksalot1]

Focusrite is wise to listen to you, as your thoughtful, thorough, and insightful videos have established you as the go to KZbin reviewer of Audio Interfaces. Thanks

[@andiarrazakamir8642]

I think, it's not just the audio interface that got an upgrade this year, but the this guy also made improvements in motion 12:53 👍🏻😊👍🏻

[@Crasher_Zoro]

Vielen dank für das video ich habe lange überlegt ob ich es kaufen soll

[@wolfwilkopter2231]

Good to see taht some companies actually listen...the 4th gen seems to be a genuine improvement over the sometimes downgradish 3rd gen (compared to 2nd gen) and the added features should come in handy for some people. Also the oftware seems to be quite well made... I guess Focusrite is back on the competition fields. good for them. 😊 Oh...i just saw the 100k mark. Congratulations, that achievement is well deserved! 🥳

[@utkarsh1874]

4th gen is a downgrade ... what are you talking about those effect buttons are useless for professional recording

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Great review. The only problem is the typical Focusrite layout. I like to have buttons and meters on the top, like the Audient and SSLs.

[@bassyey]

Really depends on your setup. I like it in front because I bury this with other device, kinda like a pseudo rack style. I don't want to display a mere interface on my desk.

[@ronnyskaar3737]

@@bassyey Yes. It is no big problem. I have the Clarett 8pre in a rack. Allways a solution...

[@noiseconnector]

It depends - when you have meters as halo you got higher resolution. Also you can put Scarletts higher on your desk and still have access to everything.

[@oskenso]

I'm so excited for the new loopback feature and improved headphone output quality. I think this will be my next interface

[@bielzenef]

you know he had to do it 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@uzefulvideos3440]

The air mode presence makes a lot of sense actually, it counteracts the downwards-tilted frequency response you get even in the reference environment due to room reflections from the downwards-tilted off-axis speaker frequency response.

[@artun42]

Just bought this yesterday, I’m shocked with how powerful this thing is

[@lennykravitz212]

Every your video is a great pleasure to watch!! Thank you, Julian!!!

[@EdThorne]

Congratulations on hitting 100k, Julian! Very much deserved!

[@JulianKrause]

Thank you Ed! :)

[@dare2liv_nlove]

SMASHED THE LIKE BUTTON even before watching!! Was excitedly waiting for this, haha. 😂 (Edit: Now anxiously waiting for the 2i2 & Solo reviews, haha.)

[@CarstenGoeke]

Super Kanal. Danke für Deine Reviews und herzlichen Glückwunsch zu 100k. Verdient. Liebe Grüße. Carsten ✌🏼

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Good to hear your review of this 'new' interface. Your opinions and perspectives are the yardstick by which I choose to purchase my equipment. Thank you as always for your time, effort, and comprehensive info in your great reviews.

[@davefiano4172]

Like to see a user guide to using MIDI with the interface. Ok there is probably many out there, but by THIS GUY👍🏻

[@FrancisOsborne-s9u]

Excellent review Julian and you helped me figure out where direct monitoring had disappeared to. Neither the manual nor Focusrite support were able to enlighten me. Many thanks

[@Decenium]

oh excellent, was thinking og getting the 2i2, love that you are doing this review

[@framebuyframe2493]

Excellent video covering this new audio interface. I plan to use it with a SM7B so was glad to see you had that same setup.

[@Andy-Kach]

Great video. It would be interesting to see NEUMANN MT 48 on your tests.

[@JensHove]

Impressive update. If they'd only add a digital out, so you could send it to your preferred dac(/amp) for top notch low latency monitoring. It already has the adc done. Can't be that expensive to add an output. Great review as always.

[@searchiemusic]

if you are at the level where you need an external dac for a 4 channel interface you probably have bigger issues, and should probably just be investing in a better interface

[@JTCPingas]

Thanks for the review. Good to see Focusrite made objective improvements to their interfaces. According to the Focusrite website, the Solo and 2i2 list a 50 ohm output impedance in the headphone output section vs 11 ohms on the 4i4.

[@thanqol]

Hi Julian, great to see you back with another review. I wish you would include a mention in all software-controlled device reviews, that the device will only work on platforms which the producer decides to support. So every time you switch to a new Windows/iOS version, there is a chance that your device is no longer compatible.

[@OpenGL4ever]

That's why I pay attention to functionality under Linux and open source drivers and software from the start. This means I am neither dependent on MacOS nor Windows and can still use the device in 20 years.

[@thanqol]

@@OpenGL4ever Yet this dramatically reduces the number of audio devices available to you. There is no way to access the settings on this device from any non-supported OS, such as Linux or an older Windows.

[@OpenGL4ever]

@@thanqol Then that's just how it is. It's the manufacturer's problem if I don't buy their product because they don't have Linux drivers for their product. The Focusrite Scarlett series Gen 3 devices do btw. have Linux support written by the Linux community, not Focusrite. And the GUI application is even better than the windows and MacOS X one. For Gen 4 support it will take a while.

[@thanqol]

@@OpenGL4ever Yes, but this just underlines why I would like to see audio device reviewers like @JulianKrause, who is the best in the business, give some attention to software-based control implementation, so that the manufacturers would actually/hopefully pay more attention to it. Julian actually complains about the poor UI design of the Focusrite control app in one of the Gen 3 device reviews. It would be much better if Focusrite would make the relatively small effort to develop a simple API for the controls of their devices, which would make them future proof compatibility-wise.

[@scarvello]

Just purchased one can’t wait for it to get here 🔥

[@LeBeautiful]

my man Julian is back with a detailed review. FTW!!!

[@hulioonyoumusic]

We need a review for people who use Analog Synthesizers & Fm. It will be much interesting if you would make a dedicated section in your videos for people who use inputs for Drum Machines, Synths etc. Thank you! You are the best!

[@damnfractal]

line inputs are flat, the distortion graph was there also, what else do you need that's specific to synths, drum machines or whatever else?

[@hulioonyoumusic]

@damnfractal the graphs always show flat. Audio Interfaces converters have different colors. Some have D.I inputs also. It would not be bad to mention some samples from synthesizers or guitars. Not everyone has priority on the mic. But yes, as for these price ranges, most people use these for streaming. But we can see the competition between audio interfaces is doing a great job, bettering the converters, so yeah.. why not

[@WattSounds]

Thank you, I've really struggled to get my head around audio and what to look out for, your videos have / are helping loads!

[@quiksilver78]

Yes! Every time I want to see a review of an audio interface, I come to hear Julian’s opinion . Thanks for the video. Why do they always skip out on the Mix knob like the UMC204HD I’m a bit bummed out about that 😢

[@Yosoypascal]

"Let's focus on focus rite, right? Alright" ahaha loved it Great review!

[@dyarau5315]

Tooooiiing !!! jajaja

[@PodcastMeister]

FetLifter & CloudHead… 😂 love it! Thank you for the review, you are the undisputed benchmark here. Thank God you‘re not into podcast recorders, that‘d be the end of my channel 🫣😂 (Just kidding, I actually would love to see your takes on the Rødecasters/ Podtraks/ Mixcasts/ Gigcasters of this world, especially when it comes to how they stack up in your wonder-charts). Huge congrats on the 100k subs, well deserved!

[@Wicks_Music]

Great video Julian. Thankyou. I purchased a 4i4 4th gen after struggling with my budget m audio duo, really the difference is staggering.

[@reinulf656]

Yessss here we go! Danke!

[@Jylhis]

was waiting for this 🙏

[@jobairahmed2517]

Congratulations on your 100k Subs !

[@JulianKrause]

Thanks man :)

[@AudioGuy1990]

Julia Krause you continue to put out great content for us audio nerds. Keep it coming!!

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Great breakdown Julian and congrats on hitting 100k subscribers!

[@JulianKrause]

Thank you so much!

[@shawnandrewusic]

Hi Julian! Your interface reviews are awesome! Thank you for sharing!

[@KiloMegaGigaTerra94]

Awesome job, awesome hair and awesome dude! As always, your content is very vauable.

[@christopherkouri2317]

Spectacular review as always. Thank you for all your efforts. Bravo sir!

[@EspeciallyCrunchy]

Every company making audio interfaces needs to consult you first!

[@wwlittlejOfficial]

Congrats for 100k, Julian!

[@headsman2023]

I find out the 4th gen is out and I was hoping for your video Thanks

[@RealKingOfCricket]

Congrats on 100K subs. I am listing you since you had below 10K subs.

[@infiniterift]

I was waiting for this review.

[@vio4jesus]

Yes, your reviews are the BEST!!! I wish there were better 'pedalboard' mounted audio interfaces for those of us who use iPads as fx pedals or processors - in live performances. These (reviews of audio interfaces) are tailored to home recording, not live performances. We need BETTER interfaces for guitars /basses using iPads for live performances.

[@jobairahmed2517]

Big fan man ! maybe i watch your videos from the beginning of your channel !

[@christopherkiyui8071]

Upon seeing 4 input, I was hoping I could record my drums with 4 mics but the other 4 inputs are line inputs. Thanks for the wonderful review.

[@torugonza]

Hola Julian. Más allá de la calidad de tus micrófonos y preams que pruebas, tu eres uno de los pocos youtubers, que transcribes esa calidad del canal de audio, al producto final, el video que estamos viendo. Me gustaría saber como haces. Gracias. Sigo tus videos.

[@sunwalker2438]

Gratuliere zu 100k

[@amfimoll9428]

A very good informative review. Thanks a lot!

[@Vaakoh1]

I just stumbled on your channel - thank you - great reviews!!

[@tporter23]

Another great video Julian. Love the dad jokes in this one.

[@stevem47]

Hello Julian, I'm eager to see your review of the 4th gen Solo, when you have time!

[@danielbekteshi8584]

Would love to see the Neumann MT48 next! :)

[@ryanburchett8455]

Best reviews on the internet. No competition.

[@allvano]

Thank you for the review. Just ordered a Gen 4 (also because of Linux support).

[@JairajSinghPatil]

Julian can we please have a chart or resource for latency results too? Would be very useful

[@skorpers]

4i4 4th gen is unfortunately noticeably louder than some of the others in the test. But the steinberg always makes the other interfaces feel better!

[@mattd2001]

Another great video, thank you for putting in all the work! As of now the Motu M4 is cheaper to get than the Scarlett 4th gen 4i4. I would typically use this sort of interface when traveling and to be able to use both of my reference cans, one pair at 32 ohms and the other around 70 ohms, without bringing a dedicated headphone preamp will keep me using Motu interfacees. The 4th gen 4i4 might drive the 32 ohms without trouble, but I would always be wondering and that will inevitably mess with my workflow. An thanks Julian for cutting through the bs and presenting the raw data, I have learned a lot about the inner workings of interfaces from you.

[@SardiniaProudAction]

NICE" welcome back!

[@gianpierolupoli7734]

It seems a great audio interface, but it's much more expensive than the others in the same price category. I think I will buy the UAD Volt 2. This video really helped me to choose the interface!!! Thanks

[@tjnathan]

Wake up babe, new Julian video

[@mikeazmos]

Thanks for detailed review, Julian ! Headphone output is still weak point of all scarletts, sad. 😞 But loopback feature improved and overall mixer is pretty good ! Finally you can switch between monitors and phones through mixer preset, instead of rotation of handles

[@Lamarro]

Honestly 11 Ohm on low impedance headphones for mixing is quite a big difference in the Lowend ... at least when critical mixing. I know its not just about the Output Impedance but i was suprised how crazy different my old SSL2 sounded compared to the apogee Boom.

[@johnsch8634]

I like the fancy buttons and the meters around the knobs...

[@JulienMARY]

When I want to know, what q device has in the belly, that channel comes first. No joke here. It is has serious as it can be.

[@Jawh.]

been had this when it dropped its awesome!!

[@NexuJin]

Watching this video on the Scarlett 4i4 3rd gen.

[@castawaymusic144]

Opened a ticket with Focusrite to confirm that the HP output are now separate from output 3&4. This was an issue in Gen3, you could either use output 3&4 or HPs but not both. Glad to see that is a thing of the past.

[@kerryewen3624]

Excellent review, thank you

[@pazuso]

2 headphone outputs + direct monitoring DSP is VERY useful if you don't like too much video editing (plug 1 headphone out to your camera mic input). This is why I still use my super beat up UR44 over my "better sounding" Motu M2 (which has a loopback feature though, but still..).

[@TheSilent006]

Hey julian, great review as always. While i am glad to see the gen 4 has improved i am sad to see that it retains the high output impedance headphone out. Also on my setup I could pretty clearly hear the noise with the SM7B

[@QR_Code]

congrats on 100k

[@theworkshopstudio2069]

Don't be disappointed by the 'limited features' of input 3/4... the feature is a clean channel, with no preamp to colour any other preamps you want to use on the way in. Any preamp on earth can only pick up a percentage of the information available in a source... compared to full reality, there is always a loss. Using 2 preamps in line will reduce that information further as it's filtered through the limitations of each pre. A bigger sounding preamp will sound as small as the native preamps if you send it through the front jacks, but through the back jacks, you keep all the fidelity, and perceived size of the outboard gear.

[@mr.fingers]

not gonna lie, watching all your reviews just to see how the new devices compare to my Motu M2.

[@carlosserrano3985]

I'll stick with my Motu M4, took a 4th generation to get on the same level of the M4 but finally they made it, they even at the same price range.

[@edclevel402]

Finally, the 'reference' review!

[@charlessmyth]

As it relates to this and other interfaces: Use an impedance matching transformer from Sowter or Lindahl, for example, and the interface will need less gain to be applied, by as much as 6db. This will make it as hot as a Shure SM58. It will also apply the proper load to the microphone and will improve its tone. The SM7B was designed at a time when mixers had input transformers, with between 4 and 10 of a step up ratio before the microphone pre-amp.

[@furiobisotti8150]

As usual, a very detailed and competent set of measures. I agree on one matter: I desperately need two potentiometers to drive output couples. I play keyboards live using virtual instruments. That way I could drive outputs to mixer (theater) and my personal monitors in a flexible way. This feature is absent on nearly all audio boards. I would pay a lot for that.

[@seppous]

U r a gift to us all. Ty

[@JPPBOX]

Another great review! Julian: When comparing this unit to the Motu M2 on your Headphone Output Chart, the Motu M2 has a yellow score for Output Power into 16 Ohm while the 4i4 4th gen has a yellow score for Output Impendence @ 1khz, which you say in the review can slightly impact low impendence headphones. For low impedance headphones (PC38X 28 ohms), which of these two metrics would be most impactful - would you go for the Motu M2 or the new Scarlett specifically based on low impedance headphone performance? The numbers are super close on these two units! Thanks!

[@ajiraditya]

And we listend to you too Julian.

[@dvespa]

Are you planning on doing a video on the Neumann MT 48? (This vid was awesome as always!)

[@someone7565]

please review MOTU M2/M4 new revision, it have completly new PCB design and new components

[@carlosserrano3985]

I don't think haven't change in performance.