Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) vs BEACN Studio Audio Interface
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th 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 (4th Gen) or BEACN Studio Audio Interface? Get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen), narrowly.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) wins Audio Resolution — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is also the cheaper of the two, by $49.01.
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) | BEACN Studio Audio Interface |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 6.3/10 |
| Preamps | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Power | 10/10 | 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 sample rate (192kHz, +144kHz). It concedes nothing measurable on the sheet. It is the cheaper of the two, by $49.01.
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.
It gives up sample rate to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen). That costs $49.01 more than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen).
Leads on
- Nothing on the spec sheet goes this one’s way.
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
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Preamp Gain 69dB
- Phantom Power Yes
- XLR Inputs 2
- Headphone Outputs 1
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- Loopback 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 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 (4th Gen) and BEACN Studio Audio Interface?
The largest gap is sample rate, where the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) leads — 192kHz against 48kHz. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 1 spec. They match on 11 specs, including connection type, bit depth and preamp gain. 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 (4th Gen) or BEACN Studio Audio Interface?
Get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen), narrowly. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) wins Audio Resolution — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is also the cheaper of the two, by $49.01.
What do the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) and BEACN Studio Audio Interface have in common?
Both share 11 specifications in the catalog, including connection type (usb-c, xlr, trs), bit depth (24-bit), preamp gain (69dB) and phantom power (Yes), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the BEACN Studio Audio Interface worth the extra $49 over the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)?
The BEACN Studio Audio Interface costs $249.00 against $199.99, a difference of $49. On the catalog's specifications it does not lead the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) anywhere, so the premium buys brand, build or something the catalog does not record. Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.