M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)

M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) compared — specs, features, and which one to buy for your setup. See the full breakdown on CreatorConfig.

M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C
M-Audio
M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C
$199
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
Focusrite
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
$199.99

The Ruling

M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C 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 M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C stays the pick if $0.99 matters more than those specs.

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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.

CategoryM-Audio M-Track 2x2M-CFocusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
Audio Resolution10/1010/10
Preamps8.3/1010/10
Mic Inputs10/1010/10
Monitoring10/1010/10
Creator Features5/1010/10
Connectivity10/1010/10

The Split

What each one wins

M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C

Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.

It gives up loopback and preamp gain to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen). The two are priced the same, so price does not decide it.

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, +14dB) and dynamic range (120dB, +16dB). It concedes nothing measurable on the sheet. The two are priced the same, so price does not decide it.

Leads on

  • Loopback
    Yes
    No

    Loopback routes computer audio back into the stream without a second interface or cable.

  • Preamp Gain +14dB
    69dB
    55dB

    More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.

  • Dynamic Range +16dB
    120dB
    104dB

    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
  • Max Sample Rate 192kHz
  • Phantom Power Yes
  • XLR Inputs 2
  • Headphone Outputs 1
  • Direct Monitoring Yes
  • ADAT Expansion No
  • Bus Powered Yes
  • TRS Outputs 2

The Record

19 specs, grouped by area

Full specification comparison of M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen), grouped by area.
Specification
M-Audio
M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C
Focusrite
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
Audio ResolutionEven
Sample Rate192kHz192kHz
Max Sample Rate192kHz192kHz
Bit Depth24-bit24-bit
PreampsFocusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
Preamp Gain55dB✓ 69dB
Dynamic Range104dB✓ 120dB
Mic InputsEven
XLR Inputs22
MonitoringEven
Headphone Outputs11
Direct MonitoringYesYes
Creator FeaturesFocusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
LoopbackNo✓ Yes
ADAT ExpansionNoNo
MIDI I/OIn/OutNone
Bundled Softwareno dataHitmaker Expansion, Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, Cubase LE
ConnectivityEven
TRS Outputs22
Connection Typeusb-c, xlr, trsusb-c, xlr, trs
PowerEven
Bus PoweredYesYes
Phantom PowerYesYes
BuildNot enough data
Dimensionsno data180 x 117 x 47.5 mm
Weightno data0.595 kg
CompatibilityNot enough data
Operating Systemwindows, macosno data

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.

The alternative
Budget Pick

At $199.00, the M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C is the most affordable option in this comparison. It trades raw specs for a simpler, more focused experience. Covers the essentials without stretching your budget.

  • × Weaker dynamic range (104dB vs 120dB)
  • × Weaker preamp gain (55dB vs 69dB)
  • × Weaker loopback (No vs Yes)

Also worth knowing

  • ✓ Budget is your top priority — $0.99 less than the priciest option
  • ✓ You have MIDI gear to plug in without a separate adapter

Look elsewhere if

  • × You need the best dynamic range available
  • × You need the best preamp gain available

Best for budget-conscious creators.

Our pick
Best ValuePremium Pick

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) is the priciest at $199.99, but leads on specs where it counts. It leads in dynamic range (120dB) and preamp gain (69dB). Offers the most spec advantages per dollar in this comparison.

  • + Better dynamic range (120dB vs 104dB)
  • + Better preamp gain (69dB vs 55dB)
  • + Better loopback (Yes vs No)

Also worth knowing

  • ✓ You want the stronger dynamic range (120dB)
  • ✓ You want the stronger preamp gain (69dB)
  • ✓ You want to capture computer audio without a second interface

Best for value-focused buyers, professionals who want the best.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)?

The clearest difference is loopback, which the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) has and the M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 3 specs. They match on 11 specs, including connection type, sample rate and bit depth. Two audio interfaces from M-Audio and Focusrite, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.

Which is better for streaming, M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C 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 M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C stays the pick if $0.99 matters more than those specs.

What do the M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) 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 max sample rate (192kHz), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.

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