Head-to-head · Best Audio Interfaces

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen vs Universal Audio Volt Series

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 4.4). 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 #4 in Best Audio Interfaces

Universal Audio Volt Series

4.4

5 sources3 derived$199as of Jul 31

The Universal Audio Volt 476P sits at the top of the Volt series, with four analog preamp inputs and two headphone outputs against the Volt 476's two inputs and one headphone output. Reviewers praised its studio-grade tracking, helped by selectable UREI 1176-derived compression models and vintage tube preamp emulation. It runs bus-powered in limited configurations, and the software bundle includes Ableton Live Lite and Celemony Melodyne. Some setups will need a dedicated power supply, and reviewers found the smooth plastic knobs ergonomically suboptimal. Bedroom producers and beginning recordists who want a full-featured 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA interface with the I/O for multi-mic tracking sessions are the target.

Strengths

— Four analog preamp inputs with UREI 1176-derived compression model presets
— Vintage toggle emulates characteristics of the Universal Audio tube 610 console preamplifier
— Supports bus-powered operation via USB-C cable in limited configurations

Watch-outs

— Requires dedicated power supply in some setups due to higher power draw
— Smooth plastic knobs may be ergonomically suboptimal for some users

$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 Volt Series

The Universal Audio Volt Series stands out with its UREI 1176-derived compression models and vintage tube preamp emulation, features not found in the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen or the Audient iD4 MkII. While it's more expensive than the Behringer UMC22, it offers studio-grade tracking capabilities that the budget option lacks, and unlike the Focusrite Vocaster Two, it's designed for multi-mic tracking rather than podcasting.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen	Universal Audio Volt Series
Inputs	2 XLR, 2 instrument inputs	4
Outputs	2 balanced TRS outputs	2
Connectivity	USB-C	—
Sample Rate	up to 24-bit / 192kHz operation	24-bit/192 kHz
Bit Depth	24-bit	24-bit
Preamps	69dB of gain	—
Power	External 5V DC USB-C	Bus-powered via USB-C in limited configurations
Headphone Jack	1/4" jack	1/4" jack

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