Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface

Best for

Solo musicians, vocal-and-instrument recording, home studios, streaming and content creation needing two high-gain microphone preamps, two front instrument/line inputs, loopback and 24-bit/192 kHz USB recording.

Who should skip

Skip it if you need more than two physical analogue input channels, more than two line outputs, multiple independent headphone mixes, MIDI, ADAT, S/PDIF, Thunderbolt, rackmount format, or an included microphone/headphone bundle.

Watchouts

This is the standalone standard-red 4th Gen unit, not the Scarlett 2i2 Studio bundle or Anniversary Edition. The 4×2 simultaneous-I/O figure includes two virtual loopback inputs; it does not mean four physical input sockets. No MIDI, ADAT or S/PDIF I/O is published.

Likely add-ons

• compatible computer and recording software
• microphone, instrument or line-source cables appropriate to the inputs
• headphones or powered monitors with compatible cables
• USB-C-to-USB-C data cable if the computer has no USB-A port
• 48 V-compatible condenser microphone when phantom power is used

Verify before buying

• Are two physical analogue inputs and two line outputs enough?
• Does the computer use USB-A or require a separate USB-C-to-USB-C data cable?
• Are current Focusrite Control 2 and driver requirements supported?
• Will 48 V phantom power be used only with compatible microphones and connections?
• Are loopback, Auto Gain, Clip Safe and Air modes required?