Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) vs Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface
Get the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface. The Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface wins Preamps, Monitoring, Creator Features and Connectivity. It is the pricier...
The Ruling
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) or Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface? Get the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface.
The Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface wins Preamps, Monitoring, Creator Features and Connectivity. It is the pricier of the two at $674.99, so the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) stays the pick if $450 matters more than those specs.
Unless…
- You need audio resolution — get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th 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 (4th Gen) | Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Preamps | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 7.5/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Connectivity | 2.5/10 | 10/10 |
The Split
What each one wins
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 bus powered (Yes), sample rate (192kHz, +96kHz) and preamp gain (69dB, +11dB). It gives up ADAT expansion and TRS outputs to the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface. It is the cheaper of the two, by $450.00.
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.
-
Preamp Gain +11dB69dB58dB
More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.
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 ADAT expansion (Yes), TRS outputs (8, +6), headphone outputs (2, +1) and dynamic range (121dB, +1dB). It gives up bus powered and sample rate to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen). That costs $450.00 more than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen).
Leads on
-
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 +1dB121dB120dB
Wider converter dynamic range means less noise between the quietest and loudest parts of a take.
Where they’re identical
These 7 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
- Loopback 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 (4th Gen) and Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface?
The clearest difference is ADAT expansion, which the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface has and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 7 specs. They match on 7 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 (4th Gen) or Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface?
Get the Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface. The Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface wins Preamps, Monitoring, Creator Features and Connectivity. It is the pricier of the two at $674.99, so the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) stays the pick if $450 matters more than those specs.
What do the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) and Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface have in common?
Both share 7 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 $450 over the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)?
The Audient EVO 16 Audio Interface costs $674.99 against $224.99, a difference of $450. The premium buys ADAT expansion (Yes), TRS outputs (8) and headphone outputs (2). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.