Is Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 the best budget interface currently?

[bpprox22]

I'm in the market for a USB interface and have heard amazing things about the 2i4. A few weeks ago I read through an old thread and the majority of members complained about having issues with it and recommended steering clear of it.

I am curious , is this is the actual consensus?

Feature-wise, the 2i4 has everything I need for bedroom recording.

What do you guys think?

 

[OmegaSlayer]

I have the Solo Second Gen and it works great even with a very crappy spec'ed PC like mine.
Slow CPU and only 4 GB of RAM.

The 2i4 and 2i2 had some clipping issues that have been solved with the new Gen, so you should be fine with the NEW 2i4.

 

[dax21]

As someone who also just ordered a 2nd gen Scarlett Solo, I did fairly extensive reading in the last few days on the entire line and went through most more common forums and reviews. Basically 2nd gen line has fixed clipping isues with high z input with additional 8db headroom, smaller RTL latency, fixed drivers and what I found mostly overlooked - increased headphone output power. There's also new protective power surge circuits in the inputs/outputs that protect your monitors and inputs in case of unintended 48v phantom power.

2i4 is the bigger unit obviously with more nooks and crannies but the core preamps and DAC is the same, meaning that all the 2nd gen changes apply to it too. I only intend to record bass/guitars and vocals separately so two inputs is all I need.

 

[bpprox22]

So essentially, the 2nd gen is good to go. Thanks for the info.

Are there any other interfaces that compare to the Scarlett line as far as price and features go?

 

[jerm]

Correction, it was only the older 2i2 that had input clipping issues, not the old 2i4.

 

[Mathemagician]

Can confirm have old 2i4 and due to the pad feature have no issues with clipping. Would still buy the new one now if I were in the market, there were enough upgrades to make it worth the few $ one might save by buying gen 1.

 

[Metropolis]

I have clipping issues with Scarlett 2i4 when using Overloud TH2 and TH3. But it's just their compatibility, and with those products you just have to use interface with more tweakable or "better" pre-amps.

But their drivers... do they really work better in Windows 10 with 2nd generation devices?

 

[RobPhoboS]

I'm sticking with Audient, looks like they have better bits and bobs inside, and will drive headphones properly upto 600ohm's too.

 

[ComaPrison]

Make your old .... better...

https://www.facebook.com/TSECollective/posts/1195565800464973

 

[ComaPrison]

Tip: For users of the older 2i2 with clipping issues. Buy a good DI box with built in pad. Not only will you be able to reduce the input signal and eliminate clipping, but you will be able to split your output. This will allow you to send one signal to your monitoring (amp, etc.) and one clean signal to your DAW for future processing.

 

[Anant Naag]

2i4 (old gen) user here.
The new solo is better value for money then the old 2i4, it has better gain headroom as welll

 

[ComaPrison]

Make your old .... better...

https://www.facebook.com/TSECollective/posts/1195565800464973

I have tested this installation on GEN 1 Hardware and discovered an issue in which the GEN2 drivers did not install. I will create a thread discussing my experience and how to resolve the issue here... http://tsecollective.boards.net/thr...nstallation-gen1-hardware?page=1&scrollTo=111

 

[Paul Gilbert]

Currently using 1st gen, 2i4 gets my

Haven't had any problems with it for what.. 2-3 years!

 

[Rachmaninoff]

I own a 2i2, which I believe to be the 1st gen. I have no complains, but in cold mornings it's a PITA to turn on... I have to plug/unplug/plug the USB until it comes alive.

 

[karnivorus]

1st gen 6i6 user for 3 years, solid interface and drivers.

Just recently got the scarlett solo gen 2 and I must admit I like it better to record instruments direct. No need for an input pad, I peak at about -6db with Emg 81 and other high output pickups. Focusrite listens to their customers it seems.

 

[takotakumi]

I had the 1st 2i2 then "upgraded" to the 2i4 and then sold it and ended up with the Roland Quad Capture.MUCH MUCH better and cheaper

 

[bpprox22]

I am committing to the 2nd gen 2i4. I'm confident it will do everything I need and cause minimal issues. Thanks guys!

 

[Elric]

My first gen 2i4 has been solid as my signal coming in is buffered and I can control the level easily so I never even knew about the 'clipping issues'. I imagine the new ones are even better. So, they're a great choice. IMHO.

 

[NinjaRaf]

I like the character of the Mackie Blackjack Onyx preamps a bit better. In terms of quality, its on the same level of the Scarlett. Its also $100.

 

[JDizzle]

Not sure what generation my 2i4 is but I probably would have gone for the Roland if it had the features of the 2i4. That said, I'm by no means unhappy with my 2i4. I just hear better things about the Roland.