Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen Audio Interface

Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen Audio Interface — image 1
Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen Audio Interface — image 2
Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen Audio Interface — image 3
Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen Audio Interface — image 4
Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen Audio Interface — image 5
77%
23%
88%
Preamp Quality
83%
Build Quality
86%
Value for Money
91%
Ease of Setup
79%
RCA Output Utility
82%
Software Bundle
61%
Monitoring Flexibility
87%
Portability
68%
Headphone Output
63%
Input Channel Count
71%
Driver Stability
58%
Connectivity Options
89%
Noise Floor Performance
More

Overview

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen Audio Interface sits in a sweet spot within the Scarlett lineup — more capable than the popular 2i2, but far less demanding than the 6i6. Released in 2016 as a refined second generation, it brought a noticeably lower noise floor and improved preamp circuitry over its predecessor. What really sets this Scarlett interface apart from similar two-input competitors is the inclusion of four RCA outputs, which opens up direct connectivity to DJ mixers without extra gear. It is a solid prosumer unit — well-built, compact, and genuinely useful — but don't mistake it for a professional studio centerpiece.

Features & Benefits

The two onboard mic preamps are where this Focusrite unit earns its keep. Both support 48V phantom power, meaning you can run condenser microphones without any separate power supply — practical and clean. Recording at up to 24-bit/192kHz with over 106 dB of dynamic range, the interface captures audio with enough headroom that most home recordings will never hit a ceiling. The four RCA outputs are a smart inclusion for anyone splitting signal to a DJ mixer. Add bus-powered USB operation — no wall adapter required — and a compact all-metal chassis, and you have a portable studio that travels well. The bundled software, including Pro Tools First and Ableton Live Lite, is worth real money to a newcomer starting from scratch.

Best For

This Scarlett interface makes the most sense for singer-songwriters and podcasters who need two clean inputs running simultaneously — vocals and acoustic guitar, or mic and instrument at once. Bedroom producers and home DJs who want to feed signal into a mixer via RCA will find this Focusrite unit saves them from buying additional adapters or DI boxes. It is also a strong first step for anyone moving up from a basic USB microphone, particularly because the included DAW software means you can start recording on day one without additional spending. Mac and Windows users both get broad compatibility right out of the box.

User Feedback

Across thousands of ratings, the 2i4 second gen holds a 4.5 to 4.6 out of 5 star average — a strong sign that most buyers leave satisfied. The preamp quality draws the most consistent praise, with many owners highlighting remarkably low noise for the price tier. DJ-oriented buyers frequently cite the RCA outputs as the deciding factor over the 2i2. That said, not everything is perfect. This model lacks support for Focusrite Control software, which limits hardware monitoring customization available on other units in the lineup. A subset of users have also flagged driver conflicts on older Windows versions, so checking compatibility before purchasing is genuinely worth your time.

#Audio Interfaces
#Computer Recording
#Studio Recording Equipment
#Musical Instruments

Pros

  • The onboard mic preamps deliver a notably low noise floor that outperforms many interfaces in this price range.
  • 48V phantom power on both inputs means condenser microphones work without any extra gear.
  • Four RCA outputs give the 2i4 second gen a genuine edge over the 2i2 for DJ and mixer setups.
  • Bus-powered over USB — no wall adapter needed, which makes it genuinely portable for location recording.
  • The bundled software package, including Pro Tools First and Ableton Live Lite, adds real value for first-time buyers.
  • Recording at up to 24-bit/192kHz means your audio captures more detail than most home setups will ever demand.
  • The all-metal chassis feels solid and holds up well to regular desk and travel use.
  • Mac and Windows compatibility is broad and setup is straightforward for most users.
  • At well over 4.5 stars across thousands of ratings, buyer satisfaction is consistently high for this class of device.
  • The compact footprint keeps desk space free without sacrificing build integrity.

Cons

  • No MIDI I/O means hardware synthesizers and external controllers cannot connect directly through this unit.
  • Focusrite Control software is not supported, so hardware monitoring customization options are more limited than on newer models.
  • Only two inputs cap the interface hard — tracking more than two sources simultaneously is not possible.
  • Some Windows users on older OS versions have reported driver conflicts that required troubleshooting before the unit worked reliably.
  • No ADAT expansion port rules out adding external preamps or input channels down the line.
  • The headphone output, while functional, is a single output with no independent mix control for performer monitoring.
  • Buyers who later outgrow two inputs will need to replace the unit entirely rather than expand it.
  • No Focusrite iOS Control support limits integration with mobile recording workflows.

Ratings

The scores below reflect our AI-driven analysis of thousands of verified global reviews for the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen Audio Interface, with spam, bot activity, and incentivized feedback actively filtered out before scoring. Each category is weighted against real usage patterns reported by home studio users, podcasters, bedroom producers, and DJs — not marketing claims. Both the strengths that keep buyers recommending this Scarlett interface and the friction points that generate complaints are transparently represented in every score.

Preamp Quality
88%
Home recording users consistently highlight how quiet the preamps are during actual sessions — recording vocals late at night or capturing a delicate acoustic guitar, the noise floor stays impressively low for this price bracket. Condenser microphone users in particular notice clean, full-bodied signal capture without the hiss that plagues cheaper interfaces.
While the preamps outperform expectations at this tier, seasoned engineers moving down from higher-end gear will notice a ceiling on warmth and character. The preamps are clean and honest rather than colored, which suits most home users but may disappoint those chasing a more analogue feel.
Build Quality
83%
The anodized metal chassis gives this Focusrite unit a noticeably more substantial feel than plastic-bodied competitors. Buyers who travel between home and studio report the unit surviving bag life without rattling knobs or loose jacks, which builds confidence in day-to-day durability.
The chassis, while metal, is compact and low-profile, which means it can slide around on a desk without a non-slip pad. A handful of users have noted that the gain knobs, though functional, feel lighter than the chassis suggests and lack the premium resistance of higher-end units.
Value for Money
86%
When buyers factor in the bundled software — Pro Tools First, Ableton Live Lite, the Red Plug-In Suite, and the Softube bundle — the effective value proposition is genuinely strong. For a first-time home studio builder, getting a capable DAW and professional plugins alongside the hardware removes several hundred dollars of additional startup cost.
As newer Scarlett generations have launched, the 2i4 second gen sits in an increasingly awkward spot where its price sometimes approaches current-gen models that offer better monitoring software support and updated preamp designs. Buyers need to shop carefully to ensure they are getting a fair price relative to what is currently available.
Ease of Setup
91%
Mac users in particular report a near plug-and-play experience — plug it in, open a DAW, and the interface is recognized immediately without any driver friction. Windows users on supported OS versions also describe a clean installation process with Focusrite's driver package, making it accessible for users with no prior audio interface experience.
Windows users running older or less common OS configurations have flagged driver conflicts that required forum research to resolve. The setup process is smooth for the majority, but the subset of users who hit driver issues describe a frustrating initial experience that took hours rather than minutes to sort out.
RCA Output Utility
79%
21%
Among compact USB interfaces in this category, having four dedicated RCA outputs is genuinely uncommon, and buyers who need them treat this as a non-negotiable feature. DJs and producers routing signal into a standalone mixer or a secondary monitoring system find the RCA outs eliminate the need for adapters or additional hardware entirely.
For the majority of buyers who are purely recording artists or podcasters, the RCA outputs add no practical value and simply go unused. The outputs are also unbalanced, which means longer cable runs in a more complex studio setup can introduce interference — a limitation worth knowing before committing.
Software Bundle
82%
18%
The inclusion of Pro Tools First is the headline here — it is a legitimate, industry-standard DAW entry point that gives newcomers a meaningful head start rather than a stripped-down demo. Ableton Live Lite adds a second workflow option, making the bundle genuinely useful across different creative approaches.
Pro Tools First comes with project and track limitations that users will hit as their skills grow, which eventually means paying for an upgrade. The Softube and Red plug-in bundles, while useful, are not the full commercial versions, and some buyers feel the licensing process for activating all included software is more involved than it should be.
Monitoring Flexibility
61%
39%
The direct monitoring knob provides a straightforward way to blend live input with DAW playback, which handles basic zero-latency monitoring needs without requiring any software configuration. For simple recording scenarios — a vocalist tracking over a backing track — this is sufficient and immediate.
The absence of Focusrite Control software support is a real limitation compared to other models in the lineup. Users who want per-channel monitoring mixes, independent headphone blends, or more granular control over the monitoring signal will find the 2i4 second gen too limited, and that missing software cannot be added or patched in later.
Portability
87%
At under two pounds and bus-powered entirely through USB, this Scarlett interface slips into a laptop bag without adding meaningful weight or requiring a separate power cable. Musicians who record in multiple locations — a home office, a rehearsal space, or a friend's setup — report appreciating the genuinely grab-and-go nature of the unit.
The compact size means the unit has no rubber feet substantial enough to prevent it from shifting on smooth desk surfaces during sessions. Buyers using it on a standing desk or an angled surface often need to add an adhesive pad or position it carefully to avoid accidental disconnects from USB movement.
Headphone Output
68%
32%
The dedicated headphone volume knob is a welcome inclusion and allows quick level adjustments without diving into software. For monitoring standard studio headphones during tracking sessions, the output delivers adequate volume and acceptable stereo imaging for basic mixing reference work.
Users with high-impedance headphones — those rated above 150 ohms — frequently report that the headphone output lacks the power to drive them to a satisfying listening level. There is also only one headphone output, which rules out simultaneous monitoring by two people, a limitation that frustrates collaborative home studio setups.
Input Channel Count
63%
37%
Two simultaneous inputs cover the most common home recording scenarios without overcomplicating the interface. Singer-songwriters, podcasters with two guests, and guitarists recording with a separate vocal track all work comfortably within the two-input constraint.
Two inputs is a hard ceiling, and buyers who later want to expand — adding a third microphone, a hardware synth, or a room mic — have no upgrade path on this unit. Several reviews describe users who purchased the 2i4 and then had to replace it entirely within a year when their recording needs grew beyond two channels.
Driver Stability
71%
29%
On supported operating systems — particularly current Mac OS versions and Windows 10 — the driver performance is reliable for most users, with consistent sample rates and no reported dropouts during normal home studio workloads. Long recording sessions are generally stable once the unit is configured correctly.
The driver situation on older Windows builds, particularly Windows 7, has produced a consistent stream of complaints in user reviews. Focusrite has released updates, but users on legacy systems report that finding the right driver version requires patience and forum research that should not be necessary for a consumer product.
Connectivity Options
58%
42%
USB 2.0 is universally compatible and works reliably in USB 3.0 ports through backward compatibility, making this Focusrite unit usable with virtually any modern laptop or desktop without adapters in most cases.
The complete absence of MIDI I/O and ADAT expansion is a meaningful gap for anyone building a more complex home studio. Hardware synthesizers, MIDI controllers needing pass-through, and external preamps via ADAT all require a separate interface or a different model entirely, which limits long-term setup scalability.
Noise Floor Performance
89%
The low noise floor is one of the most frequently praised attributes in user reviews, and it holds up in practice — recording in untreated rooms, the self-noise of the preamps rarely becomes part of the captured audio in any audible way. This makes it a reliable choice for home environments where acoustic treatment is minimal.
At maximum gain settings, some users report a faint but audible hiss, which is expected behavior for any interface at this price tier rather than a defect. Dynamic microphones with very low output — particularly ribbon-style dynamics — may push the gain high enough to bring that noise floor into the recording.

Suitable for:

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen Audio Interface is a strong match for home studio beginners and intermediate creators who need two clean, simultaneous inputs without paying for features they will never use. Singer-songwriters recording vocals and guitar together, podcasters running two microphones, and content creators who want a reliable plug-and-play setup will all find it covers their bases comfortably. The inclusion of bundled DAW software means someone starting from zero can be up and recording on the same day it arrives, without spending another dollar on software. It also appeals to a specific but real segment of home DJs and bedroom producers who want to route audio directly into a mixer via RCA outputs — a capability most compact interfaces at this price tier simply do not offer. If your workflow lives within two inputs and you value a low noise floor over a long list of connectivity options, this Scarlett interface is genuinely hard to fault.

Not suitable for:

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen Audio Interface will frustrate buyers who need more than two simultaneous inputs, MIDI connectivity, or ADAT expansion — none of those are on offer here. Producers who track full bands, record multiple instruments at once, or need to integrate hardware synthesizers and drum machines via MIDI should look at larger interfaces in the Scarlett lineup or competing units with broader I/O. This Focusrite unit also lacks support for the Focusrite Control companion software, which means the hardware monitoring customization available on newer or higher-tier models is off the table — a genuine gap for users who rely on zero-latency monitoring setups. Windows users running older operating systems should verify driver compatibility before purchasing, as a measurable number of real-world users have hit friction there. And while the build quality is respectable, anyone expecting professional studio-grade construction or analogue warmth at this price point needs to calibrate their expectations accordingly.

Specifications

  • Connection Type: The interface connects to a computer via USB 2.0 and is fully bus-powered, requiring no external power adapter.
  • Audio Inputs: Two combination XLR/TRS jack inputs accept both microphones and line-level instruments on the front panel.
  • Audio Outputs: Four RCA phono outputs on the rear panel allow direct connection to DJ mixers or other line-level equipment.
  • Mic Preamps: Two Scarlett-designed microphone preamps deliver low-noise amplification with ample gain headroom for a wide range of microphones.
  • Phantom Power: 48V phantom power is switchable and available on both microphone inputs, enabling use of condenser microphones.
  • Input Pads: Switchable input pads are available on both channels to prevent clipping when recording high-output sources.
  • Sample Rate: Maximum sample rate is 24-bit at 192kHz, supporting high-resolution audio capture well beyond standard CD quality.
  • Dynamic Range: The unit delivers over 106 dB of dynamic range, providing clean headroom between the noise floor and peak signal level.
  • Headphone Output: One dedicated headphone output with its own volume control is located on the front panel.
  • MIDI I/O: No MIDI input or output is included on this model.
  • ADAT I/O: No ADAT optical connectivity is available on this unit.
  • Dimensions: The chassis measures 1.85 x 8.27 x 5.43 inches, making it compact enough to sit flat on a standard desk without occupying significant space.
  • Weight: The unit weighs 1.87 pounds, light enough for regular transport in a bag alongside a laptop.
  • Build Material: The outer chassis is constructed from red anodized metal, providing durability over plastic alternatives common at this price tier.
  • OS Compatibility: The interface is compatible with Mac OS X 10.1 and above, and Windows 7, 8.1, and 10.
  • Included DAWs: Pro Tools First and Ableton Live Lite are included in the box as full, activatable software licenses.
  • Included Plugins: The bundle includes the Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite and the Softube Time and Tone Bundle for mixing and processing.
  • Hardware Interface: The unit communicates with the host computer over USB 2.0, compatible with USB 3.0 ports via backward compatibility.

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FAQ

On Mac, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen Audio Interface is class-compliant and will work without installing drivers, though installing the companion software unlocks additional functionality. On Windows, you will need to install the Focusrite drivers, which are available from the Focusrite website. Most users report a straightforward install, but it is worth double-checking compatibility if you are running an older version of Windows.

Yes, both inputs support 48V phantom power, which is exactly what most condenser microphones require. Just enable the phantom power switch before plugging in, and your condenser mic will receive the voltage it needs to operate. Dynamic microphones work fine too and are unaffected by phantom power being switched on.

The main reason is the four RCA outputs on the rear. If you want to feed audio into a DJ mixer or a separate monitoring system without adapters, this Scarlett interface gives you that directly, whereas the 2i2 does not. If RCA outputs are irrelevant to your setup, the 2i2 covers the same recording fundamentals at a slightly lower cost.

Not directly out of the box. The 2i4 second gen connects via USB 2.0 and is designed for Mac and Windows computers. Connecting it to an iPad would require a compatible USB adapter, and even then, functionality may be limited depending on your iOS version and the app you are using.

You get Pro Tools First, Ableton Live Lite, the Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite, and the Softube Time and Tone Bundle — all activated via download codes. Pro Tools First is a genuinely capable entry-level DAW, and Ableton Live Lite is widely used for both recording and beat production. For someone starting from scratch, this bundle means you do not need to spend anything extra on software to start making music on day one.

Yes. The TRS inputs on this Focusrite unit accept instrument-level signals, so you can plug a guitar or bass directly into the front panel using a standard quarter-inch jack cable. You will want to use an amp simulator plugin in your DAW to shape the tone, since the interface itself does not add any amp coloring.

The unit has a direct monitoring knob that blends your input signal with the DAW playback, which achieves a form of low-latency monitoring without relying on software processing. However, this model does not support Focusrite Control software, so you cannot adjust the monitoring mix independently per channel the way you can on higher-tier Scarlett models.

The second-generation Scarlett lineup has been succeeded by third and fourth-generation models, but the 2i4 2nd Gen is listed as not discontinued by the manufacturer. Focusrite still supports it with drivers and firmware. That said, if you are buying new today, it is worth comparing it against the current generation to see whether the updated preamps or added features justify any price difference.

USB 3.0 ports are backward compatible with USB 2.0 devices, so the interface will work in a USB 3.0 port without any issues. For USB-C ports, you will need a USB-A to USB-C adapter or a hub, which most users find works reliably.

The headphone output has its own dedicated volume knob and drives most standard headphones to a comfortable listening level without distortion. It is adequate for casual monitoring, though users with very high-impedance studio headphones may find the output less powerful than a dedicated headphone amplifier would provide.