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Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (1st Gen) USB Audio Interface
Brand | Focusrite |
Compatible Devices | Laptop, Personal Computer |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Number of Channels | 2 |
Item Weight | 2.5 Pounds |
About this item
- Two award winning Focusrite microphone pre-amps
- Dual mic/line instrument inputs on combination XLR/TRS front-panel connectors
- Precision, quality conversion at up to 24-bit, 96kHz sampling
- Better than 105dB dynamic range on record and playback
- Includes an authorization code for Ableton Live Lite, Scarlett Plug-in Suite (RTAS/AU/VST), Red 2 & Red 3 Plug-in Suite (AAX/AU/VST), the Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Novation Bass Station, and 1GB of Loopmasters samples
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This Item Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (1st Gen) USB Audio Interface | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | ||
Price | — | -20% $199.99$199.99 List: $249.99 | $139.99$139.99 | $49.00$49.00 | $69.00$69.00 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 18 | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 18 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 18 |
Customer Ratings | |||||
Sound quality | — | 4.5 | 4.7 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
Volume control | — | 4.4 | 4.6 | 3.8 | 3.8 |
Tech Support | — | 4.2 | 4.3 | 3.4 | 3.4 |
Quality of material | — | 4.8 | — | 3.9 | 3.9 |
For beginners | — | 4.4 | — | 4.1 | 4.1 |
Sold By | — | Amazon.com | AudioDeluxe | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
number of channels | 2 | 2 | — | 2 | 2 |
hardware interface | usb | usb | — | usb | usb |
connectivity tech | USB | Type-C, USB 2.0 | USB, XLN | USB | USB |
model year | 2012 | — | — | 2021 | 2021 |
style | Audio Interface | 4th Gen | — | Interface only | Interface only |
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Product information
Item Weight | 2.5 pounds |
---|---|
Product Dimensions | 11.3 x 4.1 x 7.8 inches |
ASIN | B009B15N0Q |
Item model number | SCARLETT 2i4 USB |
Customer Reviews |
4.2 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #104,906 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #828 in Computer Recording Audio Interfaces |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | September 14, 2012 |
Color Name | Red |
Compatible Devices | Laptop, Personal Computer |
Hardware Interface | USB |
Size | small |
Color Screen | No |
Operating System | Mac |
Warranty & Support
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After owning for 9 years, my thoughts on the Scarlett 2i4
Kevin Chambers
Product Description
Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 Audio Interface
Focusrite's Scarlett 2i4 sounds as beautiful as it looks.View larger
Focusrite's Scarlett 2i4 is a 2 in/4 out USB audio interface featuring two award-winning Focusrite preamps and four high-quality audio outputs. Housed in an anodized aluminum unibody chassis, the Scarlett 2i4 is the perfect audio interface for musicians and digital DJs. Connect Scarlett 2i4 to your Mac or PC and get ready to make music. Since 1985, Focusrite has been a leading manufacturer in the professional audio field. Focusrite mic pres are the choice of leading artists, recording studios and engineers around the world. Those years of audio experience ensure the Scarlett 2i4 sounds as beautiful as it looks. With 4 RCA outputs, a high-level headphone output and pristine audio quality, in a package ready for the road, the Scarlett 2i4 is ideal for today's digital performers and laptop DJs.
View larger
Connect and Monitor Instrument Inputs for Recording
With the very best in digital audio technology and a variety of input and output options, the Scarlett 2i4 will capture and playback your sound with superb quality. The front panel has two combo XLR inputs so you can connect microphones, guitars and line level signals with absolute confidence that your sound is in safe hands. Use the 'Pad' function for loud guitars or microphones, and use the 'Direct Monitor' control for a low-latency mix of input and playback signals. Unique signal halos let you know that you've got a good audio level for recording. Green is good and red means that your audio is too loud, and that you should lower the level control.
High Quality Mic Preamps
Scarlett 2i4 features two high quality award-winning mic preamps. With more than 25 years of experience designing analog equipment, Focusrite produces the best mic preamps in the industry. With Scarlett 2i4, the best of analog and digital are combined to provide a class-leading input stage for your audio.
High Quality Outputs
With a dynamic range of over 105dB (real world performance), your music will sound amazing going out of Scarlett 2i4's professional digital to analog conversion, and into your DJ mixer, main speakers or headphones. On the back panel are Midi In and Midi Out ports providing connectivity to your synth modules and digital pianos.
Rugged Metal Unibody Case and Truly Portable Interface
The anodized aluminum unibody chassis ensures that your Scarlett 2i4 can withstand life on the road, and looks great in your setup. Scarlett 2i4 is very light and compact making it easy to fit in a laptop bag. It's also bus powered, meaning that you don't need an additional power supply. Simply plug in to your computer and hit record. The anodized aluminum unibody chassis ensures that your Scarlett 2i4 can withstand the harsh environment of the road. It also makes Scarlett 2i4 the most beautiful interface around.
Included DAW and Effects Software
Inside the box you'll find an authorization code for Ableton Live Lite (available via online download), as well as Focusrite's Scarlett plug-in suite and the Red 2 & Red 3 PlugIn Suite (AAX/AU/VST) upon registration of interface. Compatible with all major DAWs, Scarlett plug-in suite provides EQ, Compression, Gate and Reverb-essential tools for polishing your mix.
View largerWhich Scarlett Interface Is Right for You?
The Focusrite Scarlett series comes in a range of interface configurations. Use the chart to the left to compare models and find the right Scarlett for your recording needs.
Top Brand: Focusrite
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, sound quality, performance, ease of use, and value of the audio midi interface. They mention that the inputs and outputs are both solid, and the monitoring system works well. They also appreciate the plug-n-play functionality and the ease of setup and use. Overall, customers recommend the product for its high quality and great value.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the audio midi interface. They mention that it is well-built, has nice clean gain, and the inputs and outputs are both solid. The metal construction does not feel cheap, and it is a high-quality piece of equipment. The inputs are balanced 1/4 TRS and unbalanced RCA on the back, and they are both polarized. The software looks a bit more polished than expected, and there have been no issues with it.
"...hesitate to recommend this interface to anyone looking for a small, durable, good sounding bus-powered unit that works natively in OSX." Read more
"...The 2i4 has met or exceeded all my needs as a DJ: it's sturdy, loud, and reliable...." Read more
"A really great piece of recording equipments. I got it at an amazing price of $138 thanks to Amazon...." Read more
"...and being powered purely off a USB line from the PC - it feels pretty solidly made...." Read more
Customers like the sound quality of the audio midi interface. They mention that it sounds great, it's a solid audio interface for both at home and on the road, and that it has perfect audio. They also say that there is no hissing and that the 4 audio outputs are good for a studio monitor.
"...a better interface in terms of stability, durability, features and sound quality. Are there units with better preamps and A/D converters out there?..." Read more
"...The lows come out punchy (not muddy) and the highs don't sound tinny, and that's really all I care about as far as my mixing is concerned...." Read more
"...The sound quality is excellent as you would expect. One final little thing about the finish on the case...." Read more
"...it to play and record bass guitar into GarageBand and it sounded great it GarageBand...." Read more
Customers like the performance of the audio midi interface. They say it works perfectly well, is a great performing do-all piece of equipment, the monitoring system works well, and the interface works great after they use their own USB cable. It works natively in OSX and records and plays back music very well.
"...for a small, durable, good sounding bus-powered unit that works natively in OSX." Read more
"...The Focusrite worked well with my old recording software (Cakewalk Homestudio 2004) as well as the latest version of Audition from Adobe (CS6)...." Read more
"...But overall definitely not a big issue.All knobs and controls work perfectly. Nothing flimsy at all...." Read more
"...The Focusrite "Scarlett 2i4" is simple and effective...." Read more
Customers find the audio midi interface easy to use. They mention that it's plug-n-play for MacBookPro, works great with Pro Tools 11, and has a great interface. Some love the sound and the ease of use.
"...could not find a better interface in terms of stability, durability, features and sound quality...." Read more
"...The process was pretty painless and only took a couple of minutes...." Read more
"...record in Garageband because it's just so darned quick and easy to get an idea into it that I've just come to prefer it...." Read more
"The product is relatively intuitive and easy to hook up. It played well with my Sonar X3 software in Windows 8.1...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the audio midi interface. They say it's an excellent buy and an amazing interface for the price.
"...No real complaints - it's a good price for what you get, but it would be cool to see something like the Scarlett Solo with a MIDI IO option on it..." Read more
"...If you do not need monitor routing then this device is still amazing for the price." Read more
"...For my needs this was money very well spent. b." Read more
"...Also, it came at a good price with the AT headphones which are incredible for the price...." Read more
Customers like the audio midi interface's latency. They mention that it has zero audible latency, it's quick, and easy to use. The 96kHz sample rate is great for recording, as long as your DAW support that. The device is well built and has nice clean gain for microphones. The clarity through the 2i4 is stunning, with a good set of headphones.
"...Solid USB device drivers (I'm using a windows 7 machine): good latency, no audio stutters, and no dropouts. Enough said.Cons:..." Read more
"...the default latency for the device through DAW settings, had terrific low latency on a decent PC (Win 7 Pro 64 bit, i7 processor, lotso RAM)...." Read more
"...The "Scarlett 2i4" is similar to Garageband in the respect it's quick and easy. It installed on my Mac Pro without a hitch...." Read more
"...But absolutely no hissing - very clean.Extremely low latency. I have the 2i4 running recording at 1 ms of latency...." Read more
Customers are impressed with the appearance of the audio midi interface. They mention that the build quality is great, the scarlet color is eye-catching, and the sound is clean. They also appreciate the well-constructed with a nice cool aluminum finish. Overall, customers are happy with the product's appearance.
"...This is an attractive unit that seems to be pretty durable in general and very durable at this price point...." Read more
"...One final little thing about the finish on the case. It's a beautiful red, brushed aluminum (I think it's anodized)...." Read more
"...The build quality is great, the scarlet color is eye-catching, and the sound is clean." Read more
"...The housing is made of brushed aluminum and looks very nice on the desk. The knobs feel solid and have just enough resistance for my taste...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the drivers of the audio midi interface. Some mention that it just plug and play, while others say that the Windows 8 drivers are very buggy and the latency is disgusting.
"...Unfortunately, its Windows 8 drivers are very buggy...." Read more
"...Drivers and additional software are really simple to find and download, although the Lite version of Ableton 8 is quite limited and you can't do..." Read more
"Major driver issues on Windows 8...." Read more
"...Its great on a Mac because its just plug and play, no drivers to install or anything. And it comes with some great plug ins" Read more
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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I would not hesitate to recommend this interface to anyone looking for a small, durable, good sounding bus-powered unit that works natively in OSX.
Having successfully played out with the 2i4 for four separate 5 hour-ish gigs, I'd like to share my thoughts on this product from the perspective of an in-the-club performer (rather than an in-the-studio producer or an on-the-stage musician).
Pros:
1) The physical build quality on this thing is excellent. It feels good in the hands, sure, but the real test for me has been its performance on the road: on its second time out, I accidentally dropped it from about four feet off the ground. It survived that fall (with just a small ding on the metal casing) and proceeded to rock the house for the next several hours without a single hiccup. Oh, and it survived having half a beer spilled on it, too - though I wouldn't expect this kind of luck a second time.
2) This thing outputs plenty loud for almost any club environment you are likely to find yourself in. Also, I know some folks on here think the headphone output (the 1/4" jack in the front of the unit) isn't loud enough. Those folks are either noise junkies, have headphones with terrible isolation, or are suffering from some kind of hearing loss. Trust me: the headphone volumes are more than adequate for monitoring even in a loud club environment.
3) Not that my usual clientele (i.e. drunk dancers) really care or notice, but to my ear the sound quality seems pretty good. The lows come out punchy (not muddy) and the highs don't sound tinny, and that's really all I care about as far as my mixing is concerned.
4) Solid USB device drivers (I'm using a windows 7 machine): good latency, no audio stutters, and no dropouts. Enough said.
Cons:
1) The large 'Monitor' dial on the front of the unit controls the output volume for lines 1/2 *ONLY IF* lines 1/2 are outputted via the balanced TRS (1/4") connectors on the back. If the the RCA connectors are used, the dial will do diddly squat. This is a limitation that is not well noted in the product description. (UPDATE: This is no longer an issue with the latest device drivers!)
2) The unit is a bit bulky/heavy for a traveling soundcard, but this is really just a personal quibble (I already have tons of kit to lug around). Heck - some might even think the larger size makes it look more "pro."
Overall:
The 2i4 has met or exceeded all my needs as a DJ: it's sturdy, loud, and reliable. I can't speak to its value as a production tool (where the sound quality is the deciding factor), but as a performance tool I can't think of a better USB-based option on the market at this price point. Seriously, forget about those Native Instrument cards (s***ty drivers), and forget about those Numark cards (muddy dynamics) - just get the 2i4 and get on with the show.
It is MIDI capable but I did not try out that feature since I only use it for multi-track audio recording. The sound quality is excellent as you would expect. One final little thing about the finish on the case. It's a beautiful red, brushed aluminum (I think it's anodized). If you touch the finish, expect your fingerprints to be permanently visible. For some reason, fingerprints make a dark splotch that can't be removed (at least I wasn't able to wipe them off). It's no real big deal because my prints are only visible at certain angles to the light.
Top reviews from other countries
Plusieurs raisons à cela:
- Comme la 2i2, la 2i4 est doté de deux préamplis micros réputés pour leur qualité (des amis musiciens ont réalisé des albums entièrement avec ces interfaces), caractérisés par une sonorité limpide et non colorée, ainsi que par un rapport signal/bruit absolument exemplaire. J'ai possédé une (excellente) Duet d'Appogee pendant un temps, mais comme je veux pouvoir travailler aussi bien sur Mac, que sur PC, j'ai aujourd'hui une grosse faiblesse pour Focusrite.
- Comme la 2i2, la 2i4 possède des entrées hybrides XLR/Jacks, avec alimentation fantôme +48v commutable, réglables en mode Ligne ou Instrument. Mais, la 2i4 possède en plus des atténuateurs ("pads") de -10db qui permettent - entre autre - de brancher directement en entrée des guitares équipées de micros à haut rendement comme les Les Paul, par exemple. Avec 2i2, on est obligé de recourir à un boîtier DI...
- Comme la 2i2, la 2i4 offre un dispositif "Direct Monitor" qui permet d'ajouter une piste dans un DAW (overdub) sans aucun problème de latence. Le principe est simple: on entend le son de ce qu'on enregistre au casque AVANT qu'il ne soit traité par l'ordinateur et le logiciel, tout en entendant les pistes déjà enregistrées. Mais, l'originalité de la 2i4, c'est de proposer un bouton qui permet de mixer ensemble le signal à l'entrée et celui à la sortie de l'interface. On peut ainsi équilibrer très facilement, d'un seul geste, le niveau sonore entre l'instrument que l'on est en train d'enregistrer et les pistes jouées par le logiciel. Un système beaucoup plus commode que celui de la 2i2.
- A la différence de 2i2, en plus d'une sortie sur jacks ("balanced" ou symétriques comme on dit - en employant un câble stéréo on peut bénéficier d'une meilleure protection électro-magnétique du signal), la 2i4 offre aussi deux sorties supplémentaires au format RCA, ce qui peut être très utile pour un DJ qui a besoin d'une pré-écoute pour se caler ou un petit studio disposant d'un vrai système d'écoute multicasques.
- Enfin - tatata! - la 2i4 possède une entrée et une sortie MIDI, très utiles pour connecter un clavier maître à un PC ou bien déclencher un expandeur depuis l'ordi. On notera toutefois qu'il n'y a pas de prise "midi through". Dommage, mais ce n'est pas bien grave.
Pour couronner le tout, on signalera que la 2i4 est livrée avec des codes permettant de télécharger tout un package de logiciels et de plugins (Ableton Live 8 LE, 4 plugins VST Scarlet, 4 plugins Softube extrêmement sympa, un synthétiseur de basse Bassstation, des échantillons en tous genres, etc.).
Et on ne soulignera jamais assez qu'il est quand même génial de pouvoir bénéficier d'une carte son externe aussi raffinée et performante, sans avoir besoin d'une alimentation externe! La connexion USB suffit en effet à fournir le courant nécessaire au fonctionnement de la bête. Et sur Mac, on n'a même pas besoin de pilotes. On branche, et ça marche!
Pour être honnête, il faut quand même noter que le fait que la carte soit seulement alimentée par sa connexion USB peut parfois poser quelques problèmes de gain pour l'écoute au casque en cours d'enregistrement. Mais, ce défaut est négligeable, eut égard aux qualités exceptionnelles de ce petit appareil.
Bref, voici une interface son/midi, très compacte, plutôt robuste avec son boîtier en métal et son châssis en plastique de bonne qualité, qui peut permettre de réaliser des enregistrements nomades avec un portable, tout en bénéficiant d'une qualité sonore digne d'un vrai petit studio.
Si vous hésitez entre une 2i2 et une 2i4, franchement, les options de la grande sœur justifient vraiment de payer 40 euros de plus.
C'est une petite boîte géniale.
Ursprünglich gab es ein paar Probleme, welche sich aber nach der Installation des Beta-Treibers [...] nicht mehr äußerten:
- System: Windows 8.1 64bit
- Problem 1: Nach dem Start aus dem Ruhemodus war die Sampling Rate aus dem Tritt. Ließ sich nur durch Ein- und Ausstecken der USB Steckers beheben
- Problem 2: Nach der Beendigung einer Wiedergabe (z.B. Youtube Video zu ende, STOP bei Spotify, ...) haben sich alle USB Hubs im PC zurückgesetzt. Alle Verbundenen Geräte haben für 5-10 Sekunden die Verbindung verloren.
Ob die Soundkarte nach einer gewissen Benutzungsdauer ebenfalls den Geist aufgibt, wird sich noch zeigen.
// Update 23.04.2015:
Das oben genannte "Problem 2" besteht weiterhin. Mit dem neuen Treiber tritt das Problem zwar nicht mehr bei jedem Programmwechsel auf, trotzdem hängt sich die Karte aber fast jedes mal auf nachdem ein Audio-Stream zur Karte beendet wurde. Eine sorgenlose Nutzung ist daher leider nicht möglich.
Die zwei Sterne gibt es, weil ich mit dem Klang, dem Funktionsumfang und den Anschlussmöglichkeiten ganz zufrieden bin. Lediglich ein wenig schade ist, dass es keinen XLR Ausgang gibt.
// Update 31.05.2015
Trotz des professionellen und sehr zuvorkommenden Supports von Flipware, habe ich keine Lösung für besagte Probleme finden können.
// Update 08.02.2016
Inzwischen wurde das Windows 8 durch ein Windows 10 ersetzt und besagte Probleme bestehen weiterhin.
Aktuell ist es sogar so schlimm, dass sich die Soundkarte einfach mitten im Betrieb verabschiedet.
// Update 30.12.2016
Inzwischen bin ich echt verärgert darüber, dass ich die 180 € für die Soundkarte ausgegeben habe.
Der Händler Flipware nimmt die nicht zurück (Zitat: "Sie müssten also ein kompatibles Notebook kaufen[...]". Da besitzt man endlich mal was vernünftiges (HP Elitebook 745) und dann soll man sich direkt was neues kaufen..) und bei Ebay verkauft bringt auch nichts mehr, da es inzwischen eine "Gen 2" Version gibt.
Hätte ich damals bloß auf Behringer gesetzt. Klingt zwar kacke, dafür kommt aber zumindest etwas aus den Ausgängen raus.
// Update 20.07.2018
Jetzt wieder 5 Sterne: An der Hardware habe ich seit meinem letzten Update nichts geändert. Lediglich die (automatisch von Windows 10 installierten) Treiber dürfen inzwischen andere sein.
Jedenfalls habe ich bereits seit mindestens Sommer 2017 keines der ursprünglich genannten Probleme mehr.
Alles super! Zufriedener Kunde. ;-)