Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) 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 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)? Get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen).
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) wins Preamps and Creator Features. It is the pricier of the two at $199.99, so the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) stays the pick if $50 matters more than those specs.
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) | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Preamps | 8.7/10 | 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.
It gives up loopback and preamp gain to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen). It is the cheaper of the two, by $50.00.
Leads on
- Nothing on the spec sheet goes this one’s way.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
Two-channel USB-C audio interface with studio-grade preamps for recording, streaming, and vocals.
On paper the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) takes loopback (Yes), preamp gain (69dB, +13dB) and dynamic range (120dB, +9dB). It concedes nothing measurable on the sheet. That costs $50.00 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 +13dB69dB56dB
More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.
-
Dynamic Range +9dB120dB111dB
Wider converter dynamic range means less noise between the quietest and loudest parts of a take.
Where they’re identical
These 12 specs are the same on both of them, so none of it is part of the decision.
- Connection Type usb-c, xlr, trs
- Sample Rate 192kHz
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Max Sample Rate 192kHz
- 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 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) 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 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)?
The clearest difference is loopback, which the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) 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 12 specs, including connection type, sample rate and bit depth. Two audio interfaces from Focusrite, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) or Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)?
Get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen). The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) wins Preamps and Creator Features. It is the pricier of the two at $199.99, so the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) stays the pick if $50 matters more than those specs.
What do the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) have in common?
Both share 12 specifications in the catalog, including connection type (usb-c, xlr, trs), sample rate (192kHz), bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (192kHz), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) worth the extra $50 over the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)?
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) costs $199.99 against $149.99, a difference of $50. The premium buys loopback (Yes), preamp gain (69dB) and dynamic range (120dB). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.