Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) vs Universal Audio Volt 2
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) vs Universal Audio Volt 2 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 Universal Audio Volt 2? Evenly matched — take the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen).
Nothing on the chart above separates them: on every axis the catalog can score, the two land close enough that calling a winner would be reading noise. With the specs level, $39.01 is the real difference, and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) is the cheaper side of it.
At a Glance
How closely these two line up
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) | Universal Audio Volt 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Preamps | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 10/10 | 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 preamp gain (56dB, +1dB). It gives up dynamic range to the Universal Audio Volt 2. It is the cheaper of the two, by $39.01.
Leads on
-
Preamp Gain +1dB56dB55dB
More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.
Universal Audio Volt 2
2-in/2-out USB audio interface with high-quality preamps and analog-inspired tone shaping.
On paper the Universal Audio Volt 2 takes dynamic range (112dB, +1dB). It gives up preamp gain to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen). That costs $39.01 more than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen).
Leads on
-
Dynamic Range +1dB112dB111dB
Wider converter dynamic range means less noise between the quietest and loudest parts of a take.
Where they’re identical
These 11 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
- Phantom Power Yes
- XLR Inputs 2
- Headphone Outputs 1
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- Loopback No
- ADAT Expansion No
- 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 (3rd 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 Universal Audio Volt 2?
The largest gap is preamp gain, where the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) leads — 56dB against 55dB. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 2 specs. They match on 11 specs, including connection type, sample rate and bit depth. Two audio interfaces from Focusrite and Universal Audio, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) or Universal Audio Volt 2?
Evenly matched — take the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen). Nothing on the chart above separates them: on every axis the catalog can score, the two land close enough that calling a winner would be reading noise. With the specs level, $39.01 is the real difference, and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) is the cheaper side of it.
What do the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) and Universal Audio Volt 2 have in common?
Both share 11 specifications in the catalog, including connection type (usb-c, xlr, trs), sample rate (192kHz), bit depth (24-bit) and phantom power (Yes), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the Universal Audio Volt 2 worth the extra $39 over the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)?
The Universal Audio Volt 2 costs $189.00 against $149.99, a difference of $39. The premium buys dynamic range (112dB). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.