The term 'Ultra-low' is used as audio interface hardware/firmware induces a negligible amount of latency. We'll use the term 'Zero-latency' to avoid confusion. But be warned of phantom power. Just make sure to plug your laptop into an external power source while using these audio interfaces. Further new features are specific to the 2i2 and 4i4. The reworked preamps have an impressive 69dB of gain, which we found ideal for low-output mics such as ribbons. The 2i2 and 4i4 preamps also include optional auto gain and clip safe. Newly designed guitar input to capture crystal clear guitar tone that minimizes the risk of distortion The 2i4 weighs a little over half a pound more and is slightly bulkier. This is the major trade-off that comes with having more features.

Looking only at the cost itself, the 2i2 is a decent amount of money LESS than the 2i4. If the price point is the only factor that concerns you, then you might as well get the 2i2.Both versions of the Scarlet are pretty close in size. But the 2i4 is a bit bigger and heavier because it comes with more hardware. The Saffire 6 USB 1.1 requires a driver on both Mac and Windows systems, but it is no longer supported. Please see this article for more information. But, there are several differences between the two products that may justify your investment. Technical Features Both come with two standard XLR inputs and a 1/4” headphones output. Both the 2i2 and the 2i4 also have two mono channel outputs.

If you do not do this, then you may hear a 'doubling effect' or echo. This is because you hear the direct sound (before it is passed to the computer) and you hear the same audio that has been processed by the computer afterwards. The Scarlett 2i2 and 2i4 are both manufactured by Focusrite, an English company that specialize in producing top-quality audio recording equipment.In the window that opens, you can then select any additional channels that you wish to expose to non-ASIO applications ( in the example below we'll expose Analogue Inputs 3 + 4): Please note that if you're using an application that includes ASIO support (e.g. Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper etc) then all input and output channels will be available to you by default, this article may not be applicable. For further information on using the Ableton software, please view the following tutorial videos: Ableton | Learn Live The 4th gen Scarletts include technical improvements across all interfaces with 120dB dynamic range RedNet A/D converters, a new improved headphone amp, better implementation of knob halo indicators with output metering for the 2i2 and 4i4, and a reworked Air mode. We found both worked well, although the clip safe option works best with properly set initial gain levels, as it has the potential to make big gain changes in real-time.

Focusrite got its start in the 1980’s building consoles for recording studios. Since then, they’ve expanded in the music industry, producing audio interfaces for music producers. If you have registered your Second Generation Scarlett unit and are unsure what to do next, the following steps will get you set up and ready to record!

By default, a Custom Mix is a combination of analogue inputs and DAW 1/2, mixed together. The analogue inputs represent a direct feed from the inputs. To get an idea of how long one millisecond is, it's best to give some real-world examples you might be familiar with*: As every engineer will tell you, the best practice is to connect all your mics with phantom power turned off, then only engage phantom power on mic channels that need it once they are connected.