Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) vs BEACN Studio Audio Interface
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) vs BEACN Studio Audio Interface compared — specs, features, and which one to buy for your setup. See the full breakdown on CreatorConfig.
The Ruling
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) or BEACN Studio Audio Interface? Get the BEACN Studio Audio Interface, narrowly.
The BEACN Studio Audio Interface wins Preamps and Creator Features — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $249, so the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) stays the pick if $99.01 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) | BEACN Studio Audio Interface |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 6.3/10 |
| Preamps | 8.1/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Power | 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, +144kHz). It gives up loopback and preamp gain to the BEACN Studio Audio Interface. It is the cheaper of the two, by $99.01.
Leads on
-
Sample Rate +144kHz192kHz48kHz
Higher sample rates capture more audio detail — important for professional recording and mixing.
BEACN Studio Audio Interface
Streaming-focused audio interface with creator routing, clean preamps, and low-latency monitoring.
On paper the BEACN Studio Audio Interface takes loopback (Yes) and preamp gain (69dB, +13dB). It gives up sample rate to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen). That costs $99.01 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 +13dB69dB56dB
More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.
Where they’re identical
These 9 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
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 BEACN Studio 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 BEACN Studio Audio Interface?
The clearest difference is loopback, which the BEACN Studio Audio Interface has and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 3 specs. They match on 9 specs, including connection type, bit depth and phantom power. Two audio interfaces from Focusrite and BEACN, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) or BEACN Studio Audio Interface?
Get the BEACN Studio Audio Interface, narrowly. The BEACN Studio Audio Interface wins Preamps and Creator Features — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $249, so the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) stays the pick if $99.01 matters more than those specs.
What do the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) and BEACN Studio Audio Interface have in common?
Both share 9 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 BEACN Studio Audio Interface worth the extra $99 over the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)?
The BEACN Studio Audio Interface costs $249.00 against $149.99, a difference of $99. The premium buys loopback (Yes) and preamp gain (69dB). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.