Overview

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Generation is a 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface aimed at home-studio creators. It adds Auto Gain, Clip Safe, re-worked Air modes and a refined headphone amp while keeping 24-bit/192 kHz conversion and simple operation [1].

Scientific Validity

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Core conversion figures meet or exceed transparent thresholds across multiple metrics. Line outputs are specified at dynamic range 120 dB and THD+N –109 dB; the ADC is specified at dynamic range 120 dB and THD+N –110 dB [1]. Microphone input EIN is –127 dBu (A-weighted) with THD+N around –100 dB at modest gain, and headphone out shows 112–115 dB dynamic range with THD+N down to –108 dB depending on load [1][2]. Independent measurements are available and broadly align with transparency-class results for an entry interface [9]. Taken together, these data justify a score of 0.8.

Technology Level

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4th-gen brings practical processing (Auto Gain/Clip Safe), updated Air modes and a cleaner headphone amp while retaining conventional 2×2 I/O and USB-C. The improvements are usability-focused rather than breakthroughs in fundamental audio technology.

Cost-Performance

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Cheapest equal-or-better comparator: TOPPING E2x2 (non-OTG) at 159 USD from the official store [6]. It offers 2×2 I/O, 24-bit/192 kHz, 48 V phantom, loopback, and third-party measurements indicating equal-or-higher transparency on key metrics [7][8]. Review target street price: 199 USD at major US retailers [5].
Calculation (USD): 159 USD ÷ 199 USD = 0.798 → score 0.8 after rounding.

Equivalence note: E2x2 provides the same user-facing functions (2×2, phantom power, loopback) and transparent-class THD+N/dynamic-range performance [7][8]. (MOTU M2 is also equal-or-better but not cheaper at ~199.95 USD [4][5].)

Reliability & Support

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Focusrite provides a global three-year warranty on all products and 24/7/365 support coverage, which is solid for the class [1][3]. The Scarlett line has a long market history and wide service coverage.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The design prioritizes preventing ruined takes (Auto Gain/Clip Safe), clear metering (halos) and sensible gain range (69 dB) over flashy hardware changes. That emphasis yields real-world recording benefits for newcomers and streamers [1][2].

Advice

If you want a plug-and-go 2×2 with safety nets (Auto Gain/Clip Safe) and transparent core metrics, 2i2 is easy to recommend. If you optimize strictly for price vs. transparent performance, check TOPPING E2x2 (cheaper with comparable or better measured transparency) [6][8]. If you want loopback plus color screens and are fine at the same price, MOTU M2 remains a popular alternative [4][5].

References

[1] Focusrite, “Scarlett 2i2 4th Generation – Specifications & Features,” https://us.focusrite.com/products/scarlett-2i2 (accessed 2025-08-23).
[2] Focusrite, “Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen User Guide (PDF),” https://fael-downloads-prod.focusrite.com/customer/prod/downloads/scarlett_2i2_4th_gen_user_guide-pdf-en.pdf (accessed 2025-08-23).
[3] Focusrite, “Three-Year Warranty,” https://us.focusrite.com/warranty (accessed 2025-08-23).
[4] MOTU, “M2 – Loopback feature,” https://motu.com/products/m-series/m2 (accessed 2025-08-23).
[5] Sweetwater, “MOTU M2 Price,” https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/M2–motu-m2-2x2-usb-c-audio-interface (accessed 2025-08-23); B&H, https://www.bhphotovideo.com/a/new/1514482/motu_3120_m2_2x2_usb_c_audio.html (accessed 2025-08-23).
[6] TOPPING Official Store, “E2x2 (non-OTG) – Price,” https://www.topping.store/collections/audio-interface (accessed 2025-08-23).
[7] Amazon, “TOPPING E2x2 – Loopback channels,” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBPKRQ6G (accessed 2025-08-23).
[8] Audio Science Review, “Topping E2x2 Audio Interface Review,” https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-e2x2-audio-interface-review.49127/ (accessed 2025-08-23).
[9] Audio Science Review, “Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) Interface Review,” https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/focusrite-scarlett-2i2-4th-gen-interface-review.58790/ (accessed 2025-08-23).

(2025.8.23)