Head-to-head · Best Audio Interfaces

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen vs Universal Audio Apollo X GEN 2

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about beginners seeking user-friendly features — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Audio Interfaces

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen

4.6

5 sources$224.99as of Jul 31

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen refreshes the design with better build quality and adds Auto Gain plus updated gain halos. Audio Science Review dug into the DAC and found real problems, including distortion that decreases as internal volume rises in a way it shouldn't. ADC input saturation at 1.7 volts and a subpar headphone output narrow its appeal further. Beginners who want an entry-level interface with friendly features will get along with it, but professionals can do better elsewhere.

Strengths

— Includes Auto Gain feature for beginner-friendly automatic gain adjustment
— Features updated Dynamic Gain Halos that visually indicate input levels
— Provides dedicated XLR inputs on the back panel for condenser microphones

Watch-outs

— DAC distortion performance is below expected standards according to Audio Science Review
— ADC input saturation occurs at 1.7 volts, limiting dynamic range

$224.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Audio Interfaces

Universal Audio Apollo X GEN 2

4.5

3 sourcesall derived$1,199as of Jul 31

The Universal Audio Apollo X Gen 2 is a substantial refresh of the Apollo line, keeping Thunderbolt connectivity while improving dynamic range and lowering THD. Reviewers pointed to the industry-leading Unison preamps, the pristine conversion quality, and real-time UAD processing, with Sonarworks SoundID correction now integrated for monitoring accuracy. The premium price and the missing Thunderbolt cable were both noted as drawbacks. Professional musicians and producers who want studio-grade performance on a desk are who it's for.

Strengths

— Industry-leading Unison preamps with analog emulation
— Pristine AD/DA conversion with wide dynamic range
— Real-time UAD plugin processing for zero-latency tracking

Watch-outs

— Premium price point
— No Thunderbolt cable included in the box

$1,199 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen

Unlike the Focusrite Vocaster Two, which is tailored for podcasters, the Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen focuses on beginner-friendly features like Auto Gain and visual gain halos, making it more approachable for newcomers. However, it falls short compared to the Universal Audio Volt Series in terms of analog preamp quality and UREI 1176 compression models, and it's also outperformed by the Audient iD4 MkII in technical specs like noise floor and dynamic range.

Universal Audio Apollo X GEN 2

The Universal Audio Apollo X Gen 2 excels in industry-leading Unison preamps and real-time UAD processing, features not available in the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen or Audient iD4 MkII. While it's more expensive than the Behringer UMC22, it provides pristine AD/DA conversion and professional-grade performance that the budget option cannot match, and unlike the Focusrite Vocaster Two, it's built for professional studios rather than podcasting.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen	Universal Audio Apollo X GEN 2
Inputs	2 XLR, 2 instrument inputs	4x XLR-1/4" Combo
Outputs	2 balanced TRS outputs	2x Balanced 1/4" TRS
Connectivity	USB-C	Thunderbolt 3
Sample Rate	up to 24-bit / 192kHz operation	—
Bit Depth	24-bit	24-bit
Preamps	69dB of gain	4x Unison-enabled
Power	External 5V DC USB-C	—
Headphone Jack	1/4" jack	—

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