Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) vs Audient EVO 4
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) vs Audient EVO 4: Get the Audient EVO 4, narrowly. The Audient EVO 4 wins Preamps and Creator Features, but only just, and...
The Ruling
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) or Audient EVO 4? Get the Audient EVO 4, narrowly.
The Audient EVO 4 wins Preamps and Creator Features — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $179.99, so the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) stays the pick if $30 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 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Preamps | 8.3/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Connectivity | 10/10 | 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 sample rate (192kHz, +96kHz). It gives up loopback and preamp gain to the Audient EVO 4. It is the cheaper of the two, by $30.00.
Leads on
-
Sample Rate +96kHz192kHz96kHz
Higher sample rates capture more audio detail — important for professional recording and mixing.
Audient EVO 4
Compact 2-in/2-out USB-C interface with Smartgain and clean preamps for creators and podcasters.
On paper the Audient EVO 4 takes loopback (Yes), preamp gain (58dB, +2dB) and dynamic range (113dB, +2dB). It gives up sample rate to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen). That costs $30.00 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.
-
Preamp Gain +2dB58dB56dB
More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.
-
Dynamic Range +2dB113dB111dB
Wider converter dynamic range means less noise between the quietest and loudest parts of a take.
Where they’re identical
These 10 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
- Headphone Outputs 1
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- ADAT Expansion No
- MIDI I/O None
- Bus Powered Yes
- TRS Outputs 2
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 4 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 4?
The clearest difference is loopback, which the Audient EVO 4 has and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 4 specs. They match on 10 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 4?
Get the Audient EVO 4, narrowly. The Audient EVO 4 wins Preamps and Creator Features — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $179.99, so the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) stays the pick if $30 matters more than those specs.
What do the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) and Audient EVO 4 have in common?
Both share 10 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 4 worth the extra $30 over the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)?
The Audient EVO 4 costs $179.99 against $149.99, a difference of $30. The premium buys loopback (Yes), preamp gain (58dB) and dynamic range (113dB). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.