Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen): Get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen), narrowly. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) wins...
The Ruling
Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 or Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)? Get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen), narrowly.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) wins Mic Inputs — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $149.99, so the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 stays the pick if $90.04 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 | Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Connectivity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Power | 10/10 | 10/10 |
The Split
What each one wins
Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2
Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.
It gives up XLR inputs to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen). It is the cheaper of the two, by $90.04.
Leads on
- Nothing on the spec sheet goes this one’s way.
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 XLR inputs (2, +1). It concedes nothing measurable on the sheet. That costs $90.04 more than the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2.
Leads on
-
XLR Inputs +121
More XLR inputs let you record multiple microphones simultaneously.
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
- Headphone Outputs 1
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- Loopback No
- 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 (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 Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)?
The largest gap is XLR inputs, where the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) leads — 2 against 1. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 1 spec. They match on 11 specs, including connection type, sample rate and bit depth. Two audio interfaces from Mackie and Focusrite, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 or Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)?
Get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen), narrowly. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) wins Mic Inputs — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $149.99, so the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 stays the pick if $90.04 matters more than those specs.
What do the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2 and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd 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 phantom power (Yes), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) worth the extra $90 over the Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2?
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) costs $149.99 against $59.95, a difference of $90. The premium buys XLR inputs (2). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.