Focusrite Scarlett 2i4

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$79.00 to $299.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (267)

2 Critic Reviews

32 Reviews

Newer option

Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen

$97.00 - $299.99

4.5 (74)

Find out who is using Focusrite Scarlett 2i4

3 community setups

49 wishlisted

498 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated May 29, 2026.

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4.0 (16)

$219.99

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4.6 (1270)

$299.99 Used

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5.0 (8)

$79.00 2 available Used

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Average Price: $200

Standard/Professional

$150

$501+

Price Tier

In the Audio Interfaces category, Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Focusrite Scarlett 2i4". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Elevate your home studio with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4, a powerhouse in a compact form. Designed for musicians who demand flexibility and quality, this 2-in, 4-out USB audio interface seamlessly integrates with both Mac and PC. Whether you're recording vocals, guitars, or MIDI instruments, the Scarlett 2i4 delivers pristine sound with its 24-bit, 192kHz audio resolution and super-low latency. Featuring two natural-sounding Scarlett mic preamps and redesigned instrument inputs, it handles everything from delicate vocals to hot electric guitar pickups with ease.

The Scarlett 2i4 doesn't just stop at performance; it brings style and durability to the table with its sleek red metal chassis and robust controls. Perfect for on-the-go recording sessions, it's lightweight yet sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of travel. With a suite of included software like Pro Tools | First and Ableton Live Lite, plus exclusive plug-ins from the Focusrite Plug-In Collective, you have everything you need to start crafting professional-quality tracks right out of the box.

Key Features:

Two natural-sounding Scarlett mic preamps
24-bit, 192kHz audio resolution
Super-low latency for real-time monitoring
Compact and portable design
Includes Pro Tools | First, Ableton Live Lite, and additional software
MIDI I/O and four analog outputs
Free XLN Addictive Keys license with purchase
2-year manufacturer's warranty

Product specs

Brand	Focusrite
Model	Scarlett 2i4 USB 2.0 Audio Interface
Finish	Red / Black
Year	2013 - 2016
Made In	United Kingdom
Categories	Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth	24-bit
Bus-Powered	Yes
Compatibility	Windows, macOS
Computer Connectivity	USB
Electronics	Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format	Desktop Standalone
Number of Analog Inputs	2
Number of Analog Outputs	4
Number of Channels	6
Number of Digital Inputs	0
Number of Digital Outputs	0
Number of Headphone Outputs	1
Number of MIDI Inputs	1
Number of MIDI Outputs	1
Number of Mic Preamps	2
Sample Rate	192 khz
Simultaneous I/O	2 x 4

FAQs

What are the main connectivity options for the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4?: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 offers USB connectivity for computers, two analog inputs, four analog outputs, and MIDI input/output capabilities. It is compatible with both Windows and macOS systems.
Does the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 require an external power supply?: No, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 is bus-powered, meaning it draws power directly from the USB connection to your computer, eliminating the need for an external power supply.
Is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 suitable for recording vocals and instruments simultaneously?: Yes, the Scarlett 2i4 features two mic preamps and two analog inputs, allowing you to record vocals and instruments simultaneously with high-quality 24-bit/192 kHz audio resolution.
Does the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 support MIDI devices?: Yes, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 includes MIDI input and output ports, allowing you to connect and integrate MIDI devices such as keyboards and controllers into your recording setup.
What is the sample rate capability of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4?: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 supports a sample rate of up to 192 kHz, providing professional-grade audio quality for recording and playback.

Videos

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Focusrite

Focusrite // Scarlett 2i4 1st Gen - Audio Interface Tutorial

Focusrite

Focusrite // Scarlett 2i2 1st Gen - Audio Interface Tutorial

Focusrite

Focusrite // Scarlett 2i4 1st Gen - Audio Interface Promo

Focusrite

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface Review / Explained

Podcastage

Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 Audio Interface Video Review

Basic Studio Dave

Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 Audio Interface

Gear4music Guitars

FLEXIBLE & QUALITY INTERFACE | FocusRite Scarlett 2i4 USB Audio Interface Review

EposVox

Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 Audio Interface

GetintheMix

Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 Audio Interface Overview - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

FOCUSRITE Scarlett 2i4

session

Reviews

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PROS

Clear preamps with lots of headroom, won't outgrow quickly
MIDI capability without needing external power
Portable with bus-powered convenience
Includes useful software bundle and plug-ins
Versatile XLR inputs also accept 1/4" jacks
Solid build quality and compact design
Effective at minimizing background noise for clear recordings
Offers good value for beginners and home studios
Multiple outputs for flexible monitoring and connection options
Supports high-quality recording at 96k

CONS

Sound quality not as high without a DAC
Volume indicators not sensitive enough at lower levels
Software installation can be challenging, Pro Tools incompatible with Windows 10
Some users desire more advanced features for professional use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite Scarlett 2i4.

Features and functionality

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The 2i4 offers unique features that newer models adopted later, making it a solid choice despite its age.
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The 2i4 reportedly has a feature to reduce clipping during high distortion, which some users find beneficial for specific recording situations.
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The Scarlett 2i4 offers a loopback feature that owners find useful for re-recording computer-generated sounds without rerouting cables.
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Comparisons

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The Scarlett 2i4 is compared to MOTU, UAD, Audient, with some users suggesting these may offer better options at a similar price.
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Users transitioning from Scarlett 2i4 to RME interfaces report significantly clearer audio, describing it as lifting a "thick wool blanket" off their monitors.
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The MOTU M4 is suggested as a superior choice for low latency and conversion specs, with a useful loopback feature appealing to those who stream or record.
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Audient interfaces have reportedly improved their driver stability, making them a viable alternative for those considering an upgrade from the Scarlett 2i4.
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Mods and upgrades

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Adding a Camden EC1 preamp can significantly improve recording quality and reduce noise floor on the Scarlett 2i4.
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User experience

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Owners of the 2nd gen 2i4 report long-term reliability and solid performance, with some preferring it over newer Scarlett models.
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Owners highlight stability and long-term reliability with Focusrite products, expressing satisfaction with both hardware and customer support.
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An owner reported flawless performance with the Scarlett 2i4 on other computers, highlighting potential system-specific compatibility problems rather than a hardware fault.
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Software and compatibility

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It’s noted that driver optimization is crucial for latency improvement rather than just upgrading the interface; software like LatencyMon can help identify system bottlenecks.
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Some users experience crackling noises when using the Scarlett 2i4 with newer PCs, particularly when connected to a VPN, indicating potential driver or compatibility issues.
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Rolling back to an older driver version has resolved audio issues for some users facing problems with the latest Focusrite driver on specific systems.
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Using a Lenovo ThinkStation P350 with an Intel i9-11900T CPU, users encountered audio problems, suggesting specific hardware or software conflicts with the Scarlett 2i4.
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Setup and maintenance

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Adjusting Windows power settings and prioritizing applications in Task Manager did not resolve audio issues, indicating these are not effective solutions for all users.
Source

Critic Reviews

Focusrite: Scarlett 2i4 USB interface (2nd generation) | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (2nd Gen) wows with its affordability and versatility, offering a clean, professional sound that's impressive for its price. Featuring two analog inputs/outputs, Scarlett mic preamps, and a suite of software, it caters well to solo recording artists. Its simple interface with intuitive controls and seamless low-latency performance make it a breeze to use. While it may not rival high-end $7,000 setups, this USB-powered interface delivers excellent value for home studios. A standout choice for those needing straightforward, quality recording without the digital fuss.

positive

Full Review

Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 Review | OSIRIS GUITAR

osirisguitar.com

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 shines with its high-quality preamps and robust build, making it a strong contender for home studios. The interface offers essential features like padding and phantom power, ensuring clean audio input even with high-output instruments. However, the lack of an on/off switch can be inconvenient. While it may struggle with older computers at the lowest buffer settings, it excels in latency performance on newer systems. Overall, a solid choice for those prioritizing sound quality and functionality.

positive

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 32 Reviews and 267 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

perceptronic

172

over 3 years ago

Nice device for beginners

Great sound card for beginners. It does not have a DAC and therefore the sound is not as good as we would like.

Roles:

Music Producer Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Drum and bass Experimental

From Gear Setup

ibizzet

213

over 8 years ago

My portable interface.

I bring the 2i4 anywhere as part of my portable studio. Since it's the largest Scarlett that doesn't require an external power source, you can bring it anywhere and power it with your laptop.

Has an amazing sounding DAC and a powerful headphone amp, and two Scarlett preamps that can run almost any mic with tons of headroom.

Would recommend to anyone looking for a rugged interface with fantastic preamps, latency, and headphone amp.

Roles:

Music Producer DJ Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Dubstep Trip hop

taylor_itkin

360

almost 8 years ago

Incredible for the money

Incredible value for the money. Payed only about $200 for my first audiobox, being this. It's already, in just a few days, inspired so much music and helped me to record so many things. The preamps are ridiculously good and you can record in 96k. I love this thing.

edr_studios

about 11 years ago

Does what it's supposed to & comes with nice and easy reverb

great for budget would be nice if volume indicators kicked in at lower signal levels too& gave more gradual indication of where the signal level is at rather than simple on off.. last minute warning.. then too loud

qetsyqetsy

104

over 9 years ago

Does The Job

Lightweight, rca (balanced and unbalanced) and line outputs. One headphone output that you can switch between mixes 1/2 and 3/4. The PAD button is useful for noisy situations. Ideal for guitarists, djs and performers who need a very portable solution for playing live.

dylansalesss

almost 7 years ago

Amazing piece of starting gear for vocals

I always use this when recording vocals. Gets rid of all nasty interference in the background of your mic and sounds crisp and clear.

raucusbacchus

1288

over 9 years ago

Saight

Honestly, I don't know WTF I'm doing when it comes to recording, but I do know that given all the software that comes with this button laden box, the installs are insane. Be warned, Pro Tools is incompatible with Windows 10. Save yourself some time & anguish. Otherwise, the 2i4 works. ~m

musicnerdhead

584

over 7 years ago

A Beast

For Vocal Recording For My Mix, I'm Currently Using The Scarlett Focusrite 2i4. I Do Love The Addictive VST Bundle That Came With It

lewis_campbell

165

about 10 years ago

Great piece of gear for the piece and size

This is a really good interface for a start up home studio. Also, I didn't realise until a couple of months after I bought it, that the it's XLR inputs are also 1/4" jack plugs. Useful to know !