Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (2nd Gen) USB audio interface

General

When Focusrite first released their Scarlett series, it had an impact that no one could have predicted. It was, simply put, a wild success. Everyone suddenly had the possibility to create professional studio-quality recordings previously only dreamed of, from their bedroom, thanks to a compact, user-friendly interface. Now, with the release of the second generation, the Scarlett interface is better than ever before. It has improved microphone preamps that deliver even higher gain with even less noise. This upgrade is equipped with an improved, solid-metal gain knob with smoother action which integrates perfectly with the interface's industrial design.

All of the connectors you need

Just like its predecessor, the second generation of Scarlett interfaces also offer two combined instrument/XLR inputs. There are also four analogue outputs available for connecting your monitors, along with a MIDI input and output. Furthermore, you'll find that it's easy to connect the 2i4 to your hifi system, thanks to the four RCA outputs. However, as the newly designed instrument inputs now offer unsurpassed audio quality within this segment, you'd do better to use the inputs for high-output instruments, like electric guitars with humbuckers.

A new generation: an improvement in every respect

Another aspect that's undergone some detailed thought is the lowered latency. Latency is that infamous delay you get when you record instruments in real time, which gets even worse when you add software plugins to the mix or record at high quality. With the new generation of 2i4 interfaces, you won't have to deal with this any more. Now you can monitor the parts being played directly, and can record in up to 192 kHz. Finally, we should mention the new analogue protection circuitry, which works to ensure that the analogue circuit is fully protected from power surges and cuts. In short: the 2i4 is now better than ever, in every way!

Tips or comments about this product

• Please note: to use this interface with Windows, you need to install a driver. This is not necessary for use with Mac OSX, as the Scarlett 2i4 is class compliant with Mac.
• This interface is compatible with Windows versions 7 upwards and OS X Yosemite or above.