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Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 review

Features 10/10

This Scarlett is a well equipped USB interface with 2 line/inst/mic inputs, 4 outputs, headphone out that can be set to play channels 1-2 or 3-4 (useful for DJs), MIDI I/O, analog direct monitor with mono/stereo operation modes. It's USB powered. Input level indicators are well thought out. There are circles around the input gain knobs that flash green for good and red for too hot signal levels.

Features:

• Zero Latency Direct Monitor wih mono/stereo switch
• 2 Mic/Line/Inst combo inputs with PAD switches
• 4 outputs
• Phantom Power
• Headphones out
• MIDI I/O
• USB powered

Sound quality 9/10

The preamps are exceptionally good for an interface in this price range.

Round trip latency

The interface is well suited for recording vocals, amps and effects processors because of the real zero latency direct monitor.

If you'd like to play through guitar amp simulating plug-ins, the lowest measured round trip latency is 10.5ms (44.1 kHz, lowest ASIO buffer size setting of 1ms, Windows 8, driver version 2.5.1). It's just below 12ms so it's not a great result but it's low enough for working with headphones.

Ease of use 10/10

This interface is super easy to use, there are no sophisticated software control panels, only ASIO buffer size window. Everything else is on the front panel of the interface.

Price 8/10

The price seems fair compared to the 2i2. The 2i4 has MIDI I/O, additional outputs and a direct monitor mixer knob that smaller Scarletts don't have.

Advantages

Features

Sound quality

Ease of use

Real zero latency direct monitor

Drawbacks

ASIO latency should be lower

Product page on www.focusrite.com

Related articles:

• How to choose an audio interface for recording guitars
• Audio interface round trip latency database
• The lowest round trip latency audio interface for PC