Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) vs Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface
Get the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface. The Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface wins Monitoring, Creator Features and Connectivity. It is the pricier of the two...
The Ruling
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) or Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface? Get the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface.
The Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface wins Monitoring, Creator Features and Connectivity. It is the pricier of the two at $674.99, so the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) stays the pick if $525 matters more than those specs.
Unless…
- You need audio resolution — get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen).
At a Glance
Where each one actually leads
Every axis is scored out of 10 from the catalog specs below. The scores are relative to the products on this page, so a 10 means “best of these”, not “perfect”, and two identical columns mean the catalog genuinely cannot separate them. Axes the catalog holds no figure for on both sides are left off entirely rather than guessed at.
| Category | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) | Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Preamps | 9.4/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 7.5/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 0/10 | 10/10 |
| Connectivity | 2.5/10 | 10/10 |
The Split
What each one wins
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
Popular 2-in/2-out USB audio interface with low-noise preamps and direct monitoring.
On paper the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) takes bus powered (Yes) and sample rate (192kHz, +96kHz). It gives up loopback and ADAT expansion to the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface. It is the cheaper of the two, by $525.00.
Leads on
-
Bus PoweredYesNo
Bus power means the interface runs off USB alone — no wall adapter to carry or find a socket for.
-
Sample Rate +96kHz192kHz96kHz
Higher sample rates capture more audio detail — important for professional recording and mixing.
Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface
Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.
On paper the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface takes loopback (Yes), ADAT expansion (Yes), TRS outputs (8, +6) and headphone outputs (2, +1). It also leads on dynamic range and preamp gain. It gives up bus powered and sample rate to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen). That costs $525.00 more than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen).
Leads on
-
LoopbackYesNo
Loopback routes computer audio back into the stream without a second interface or cable.
-
ADAT ExpansionYesNo
ADAT lets you add eight more inputs later instead of replacing the interface.
-
TRS Outputs +682
More TRS outputs allow routing to studio monitors and outboard gear.
-
Headphone Outputs +121
A second headphone output lets a guest monitor without a splitter.
-
Dynamic Range +10dB121dB111dB
Wider converter dynamic range means less noise between the quietest and loudest parts of a take.
-
Preamp Gain +2dB58dB56dB
More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.
Where they’re identical
These 6 specs are the same on both of them, so none of it is part of the decision.
- Connection Type usb-c, xlr, trs
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Phantom Power Yes
- XLR Inputs 2
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- MIDI I/O None
The Record
19 specs, grouped by area
A group is won by whoever takes more of its rows outright. Specs the catalog cannot rank are shown but never decide a group.
Bottom Line
Who each one is for
The Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface is the pick on the specs the catalog holds, but “better on paper” and “right for you” are different questions. Each case below names what the product is actually good at and who that suits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) and Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface?
The clearest difference is loopback, which the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface has and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 8 specs. They match on 6 specs, including connection type, bit depth and phantom power. Two audio interfaces from Focusrite and Audient, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) or Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface?
Get the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface. The Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface wins Monitoring, Creator Features and Connectivity. It is the pricier of the two at $674.99, so the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) stays the pick if $525 matters more than those specs.
What do the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) and Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface have in common?
Both share 6 specifications in the catalog, including connection type (usb-c, xlr, trs), bit depth (24-bit), phantom power (Yes) and XLR inputs (2), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface worth the extra $525 over the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)?
The Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface costs $674.99 against $149.99, a difference of $525. The premium buys loopback (Yes), ADAT expansion (Yes) and TRS outputs (8). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.