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Focusrite Scarlett USB audio interface (Solo $150.84, 2i2 $211.50, 4i4 $285.28) + Delivery ($0 with Prime) @ Amazon UK via AU

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Have been following the price of this decently rated USB interface for recording (e.g. guitar, XLR microphone). These are the 3rd gen versions. Considered second-rate in sound quality to the excellent Audient series (id4, id14). However, worth a mention at this price point. Comparing with local stock the 2i2 is $329 at jb hifi. I know the Solo was listed at the $159 pricepoint and received a few +s. Some decent price drops on these according to the 3 camels.
I'm gonna let someone more qualified than myself to comment on the price value compared to the competitors!

Edit: 2i2 $211.50 Sold out

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.

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  • +3

    Also you get Abelton Live Lite with it via d/l

    • And you get regular free plugins via the Focusrite Plugin Collective.
      My Saffire Pro 24 DSP is still going strong, it's outlasted FireWire!

      • I've also got the 24 dsp. Every Windows feature update seems to break it. Great interface though.

        • Windows Update tends to break most audio interfaces IMO

          • @moonpen: I sold my Audient ID4 because it never properly worked with Win 10. Massive lag and stutters. Not sure what I would buy these days.

    • +2

      And make sure you claim the Addictive Keys voucher that comes bundled with Focusrite interfaces. I've tried the Studio Grand and the Modern Upright - both excellent sampled pianos.

      https://focusrite.com/en/focusrite-and-addictive-keys

      • Yeah I use the Studio Grand pretty often, great options over the mics used and position from the sampled grand piano. Amazing for a bonus freebie

  • How can I use the 4i4 in a podcasting program with 4 persons (one xlr mic each)? 2 mics need adapters?

    • I think its maximum 2 XLR mics and 2 line input sources.

      • So I need adapters for the other two mics?

        • +1

          https://www.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/516656.pdf I'd presume so. That's gonna affect the quality of those inputs so maybe you should go for something with more slots.

          • @DrABCDEFG: It probably wouldn't affect the quality much but the main problem with using adaptors is you are combining the input sources so you can't individually adjust the gain for the two mics

            • @Agret: Thanks. Are you referring to xlr splitter?

        • +1

          Might need a mixer with multiple xlr inputs and then connected to the focusrite.

          • @poljon: This is the easiest option, but if you run an external mixer into this you have no control over separate channels when mixing in post-production. You're stuck with whatever you recorded.

    • https://djcity.com.au/product/behringer-q1202usb-12-channel-…

      You'd be better off with something like this. 4 XLR inputs with individual EQ, works a treat.

    • A mic outputs a "mic-level" signal that isn't strong enough to plug directly into a "line-level" input.
      So a simple adapter won't work since those rear 2 inputs are line-level.
      You could either buy a soundcard with more mic inputs or you could buy standalone mic-preamps that will turn the signal into line-level before reaching the soundcard.

      Note that the Behringer USB mixer that is linked can't record multitrack - It's just a 2x2 interface. I would suggest doing what you can to keep each channel separate during recording so that you can adjust eq and levels of each mic independently in post.

    • If I buy another 2i2 (I've already got one) and connect them into 2 separate USB ports in the same computer, am I going to get 4 separate channels in DAW?

  • The Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 is worth checking out, can be had for 400

    • Would this be an upgrade over the Behringer UM2 U-Phoria 2x2?

      • +1

        Very much so, the UM2 has a plastic casing, only 1 XLR/TRS combo input and one TRS, and has a sample rate of 48khz

        UMC1820 has 8 combo XLR/TRS ports, 96khz sample rate, and made of metal

        From what I’ve read you need phantom power for a condenser mic, which the UM2 provides over the single XLR port (and not the 1/4” TRS), but UMC1820 supplies the 48v over all 8 combo ports if you’re plugged in with an XLR cable to your mic

    • I’ve been looking around for Behringer interfaces and have yet to find any place that has them in stock - and their supplier has not supplied an ETA of when they’re getting more in. Do you know how I could go about getting my hands on them? I was looking at the UMC404HD

      • I got the1820 from ZapSales but they are out of stock for the 404 sorry.

        • Ah no worries. I got my local music shop to put one on order for me. Hopefully their supplier gets them in soon

  • Does the Focusrite Solo have a built-in amplifier? I'm still not sure

    • Yep I believe they all have same/similar preamp - and rated pretty good

    • +2

      microphone preamp, but not an amplifier for speakers.

      • correct. Though it does have a volume control on the front.

    • You'd want powered monitors if you wish to use it for speakers. Yamaha HS5/7/8 are fantastic, or the Rokits are quite loved. Though more on the pricier side.

  • +2

    How does this compare vs the Evo 4? Would like to do podcasts, game streams, and guitar input too. (audio noob)

      • +1

        At that price for the evo 4 definitely go with that. Paid $220 locally for mine, very happy with it.

      • +3

        Can you downvote just because you prefer a different product? Not sure that is valid.

      • This is quite a good price for Evo 4. How did you find that? I search on Amazon AU and my results are so limited - your listing never showed up even when I typed the exact title. I hardly use Amazon but the search results seems so poor on the Amazon AU site, can't seem to find anything..

  • +11

    Not knocking the price.
    Just a comment regarding the product.

    We had the scarlet 2i2 (not sure which revision but about 1.5 years old)
    Had it setup for a Hauptwerk keyboard/organ setup. If the computer turned of there was a loud buzzing on the output lines going to the mixer/speakers. When the computer gets turned back on the buzz is removed. However a super loud popping noise gets output when windows/osx initialises the sound card. I understand why this happens but other sound cards combat this effectively. I ended up purchasing a Motu M2 2x2 for $329. This device works significantly better than the Focusrite one we had. There are no issues when the computer is off and there is also no popping whatsoever when the computer starts up and initialises it.

    Anyway not sure if that info is useful for anyone but thought I'd throw it out there anyway. Down vote my comment if not useful ;)

    • Sadly the M2 & M4 are sold out everywhere in the country right now. After some reading i've seen a lot of people saying the new motu interfaces are far better than the focusrights despite their well known reputation and large market share i'll be waiting for the motu to come back in stock for sure.

      • I bought mine from storedj.com.au
        I did have to wait a month for it to come in though but as soon as it arrived at their store it was packaged out to me and I had it within 2-3days from then.
        Glad I didnt buy something else I was recommended by a different store and waited for this one.
        Everyones use case is different though and some may find the focusrite is fine for them.

  • I use the 2i2 v1 and have no complaints whatsoever. I'm hardly a poweruser, but I have had the box for 5+ years so at least I can offer some comment on the reliability of (the v1) over time.

  • Great price. Paid $100 more locally for the 2i2 less than a month ago.

    • happy with the sound q? i'm still umming about whether to get the audient id14, but that's $469.

      • Haven't even started using it yet as waiting for some cables! :-)

        Reviews overall online seem very positive however some people are stating otherwise here.

        • There will always be the audiophiles for whom nothing but the very best will work. This will serve most people very well and you'll know when you outgrow it (will take a while…)

      • I'm still using the 1st gen version of the 2i2 since 2014 and I'm still happy with it. I have noticed it introduces some noise (which is expected) when setting the gain knob to high but it's easily fixed by adding some sort of clean gain before the signal reaches the interface or doing noise removal in post.

        I assume the new gen versions have even better preamps so noise may not even be a big issue now.

      • Highly unlikely you'll ever notice a difference in sound quality with the DAC/ADC. Latency and driver stability is more likely of concern than converters. Audient preamps are far nicer (if you're not using external), build quality is nicer too. I'd normally recommend the similar Steinberg offerings over the Scarletts in this bracket, however at the price in OP the Scarlett would be a better buy than the UR22/44/etc at retail.

        Also, the Audient makes for a lovely monitor controller on your desk. I've owned variations of all three, the Audient iD22 (two channel version) is by far my favourite and also my permanent monitor controller. Comes at a cost though obviously. Depending on what you're doing you might be happy with any of them, but when comparing I'd focus on preamps/latency/stability/physical control rather than converters (it'll be the last thing you notice these days).

  • +2

    Behringer UMC202HD, UMC204HD and UMC404HD would be the value competitors.

    • Just bougth a 404 retail for $290. Yeh lots but was needed.

      • Ouch, but I guess if you needed it now that extra $60 is palatable!

        • +1

          Yeh. typical behringer though , the manual has SFA in it. Its my 1st audio interface so i have to google everything

  • Nice!

  • +2

    If you take audio seriously at all, I do mirror the OP in that the Audient series is worth the step up. It really is a lot better. Especially for microphones that need a lot of juice (like the podcaster and hardcore screamers' favourite SM7B). It's not just how good quality the input is; the output is better too, invaluable for mixing. Think of lifting a blanket off your speakers!

    Then the step up to the UAD Apollo stuff (which my wallet is still recovering from!)

    • do you think the difference will be noticeable with entry level mics e.g. at2020?

      • wouldn't call the at2020 an "entry level" but yes. I think you could tell the differences. But this one could do just fine if you are just using it for discord and stuff

        • thanks. i posted to get ppls opinions. now i'm thinking whether to go for the audient or the motu!

          • @DrABCDEFG: The Motu interfaces are the best value for money available right now

            • @Dubsys: I think a lot of the reviews I've seen are older so weren't comparing against motu. I wonder how the audient would compare with motu sound quality wise though. I don't see that adequately answered at this stage probably because the motu is so new.

              • @DrABCDEFG: Specs wise checks out for the motu. If you could get them off amazon just do that and return if you change your mind

  • -8

    Dont buy this if you are planning to use this with windows.

    There has been some serious blue screen issues over the last year which is still not resolved and it appears they will never resolve it.

    Most people recomend the EVO 4 instead at this price or the MOTU 2 (Good luck finding one at this price in aus tho)

    https://www.amazon.com.au/EVO-Interface-production-audio-int…

    • I know plenty of people using this for years with Windows with no issues. However, yes - I'd say your suggestions are better quality interfaces. Not sure on the EVO but if it's similar to the iD, then for sure.

      • Has to do with recent windows updates specifically windows 10, Have a google around its super common these days which is super sad because these are fantastic audio interfaces except for the garbo drivers.

        • Thanks, I'll look into it.

    • As a Windows MOTU user they are not what i'd recommend for a pain free Windows experience.

      • Apparently RME is supposed to be a gold standard when it comes to great windows drivers for their interfaces. Expensive as ph^ck, though.

  • Just a note to say definitely bypass the Solo and get a 2 channel. Even if only play one instrument and don't see why you'd ever need more than one input, trust me when I say it's well worth the extra $62 if you ever want to take a direct line and a mic, and you can even use it to do low-budget reamping which is not possible with the single channel. The 2i2 also doesn't have MIDI in and out which I think is a fail. I've got the Steinberg equiv of the 2i2 and it's done everything I've needed it to do for 4 years and counting.

    • Would it be better to than buy a Behringer 6 channel mixer?
      I only bought the solo purely to handle my SM58 microphone, as the usb cable wouldn't work (but would with Windows on 2 devices?) and I found the guitar sound on logic pro was horrid (The JBL Linkview speaker might not help either).

    • The 2i2 also doesn't have MIDI in and out which I think is a fail

      I bought a Presonus Studio 24c (2x2, with MIDI in/out) locally for a similar price to the 2i2 shown above. The MIDI came in surprisingly useful for entry into DAW.

      • MIDI's critical unless you want to have to juggle USB clutter.

    • +1

      The Solo looks like it has both an XLR and a 1/4inch input. What's stopping me conencting my XLR mic to the XLR input and my guitar to the 1/4 inch one and recording them? Does one input get disabled if you connect something to the other? Or are they just different physical inputs for a single channel, and so my DAW will only record them as one track?

      • +1

        Based on the user manual, and this 1 minute video, I can't see any technical reason why you can't do a 1x XLR mic + 1x 6.3mm (1/4") instrument input simultaneously on a Solo.

        Quote from the video:

        The Scarlett features [two inputs that] allow you to record your vocals and instrument at the same time.

        I think the person you're replying to is simply not aware of what input connectivity the Solo offers (2 simultaneous inputs on a device called "Solo" is perhaps a bit confusing lol).

    • The Solo appears to support simultaneous 1x XLR mic + 1x 6.3mm (1/4") instrument input. See also: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/557775#comment-9137049

  • Perfect for my Rokit 7's

  • +1

    That's a great price, thanks.
    Sure there are more highly rated devices (UA, MOTU, Audient etc) out there, but this a great price for a decent audio-interface and many items are unavailable.
    I wonder if Focusrite are due to release a 4th generation

  • +1

    Another thing worth mentioning imho, is the 2i2 and solo lack midi in/out. Primary reason (among others), why I chose to go with Motu M2. Couldn't be happier.

  • My um2 still hasn't arrived, been on back order for a month now. Should I get this instead?

    • I think the 2i2 is a better buy at this price, and def. better than the um2. better noise profile imho, when using super quiet microphones like SM7b

      • It says that it's in stock around September for 2i2 though.

        • Haven't checked that sorry, yeah, stock is pretty scarce now a days unfortunately….if you've $100 more budget, you may consider Motu M2 as well (which I'm using atm), I like it better than focusrite.

  • How funny, I just put my (gen2) iTrack Solo on FB Marketplace this morning for $100! Great piece of equipment, solo only has 1 input (as the name suggests) so definitely recommend the 2i2 because 1 input has been a PITA.

  • Can I please ask how you would connect this into your computer to record via multi-track software (GarageBand)? It’s probably obvious to most, but I cannot work out which output and cable you would use.

    • +1

      Usb mate 😁

  • How much of an upgrade over a Behringer UM2 U-Phoria 2x2 would it be for a microphone?

    • Not enough to justify the spend imo

    • Benefit of the scarlet is that you can get it pretty soon.

      According to the shop I was talking to, there's 200 order of the um2 been in backlog since July. I've been told that middle of September is the estimated date for when it'll arrive, but I'm one of the earliest to line up, so yeah, dunno if that's the case for everyone else.

  • Can definitely recommend this Focusrite series - I have the 18i20 and it's pretty damn decent, with a good UI on the config panel, and the free plugins aren't bad either.

  • hello,
    model 4i4 is included mic ,microphone ?
    or
    just the main device ?

    • just the main device. no accessories!

  • I pair my 2i2 with Shure SM7B+Cloudlifter, it's been excellent!!

  • How would the Scarlett compare to my fiio e10k for a pair of rokit rp6g3 studio monitors? Any noticible difference in sound quality?

  • Prob overkill but is this a good idea for PC use in mic application only. Or discord or vent(I'm old). It would also be used for wfh video chat although not spending money just for that crap.

    Old mic dead and want something nice. Looking at yeti or Samson g-track pro but with an interface the mics are cheaper. Do they add anything significant though? Or should I just stick with USB mics?

    Won't be used for music, I can barely clap in a coordinated manner.

    • +1

      USB mics are fine for voice chatting. The only benefit you'd really be getting with an interface is better signal to noise ratio which is not super important for voice chat.

      • Thanks mate, Ill stick with usb, less clutter.

  • SERIOUS QUESTION:

    Why use this audio interface when it's much easier to simply plug a usb mic directly to the computer?

    Is this only used when there are multiple inputs required, such as podcasting/interviews with multiple mics; or say when a band gets together to record music?

    I'm just wondering why AIs seem to be so popular, but I don't know what the actual use for them is.

    • +1

      Audio interfaces are good for:
      - Multiple inputs.
      - Different inputs. Most interfaces will have inputs for XLR (microphones) and 1/4" (guitars). A lot of audio gear is also designed with these two input types in mind (such as pedals). If you use USB, you can't use these.
      - Monitoring. This is when you're able to listen to your input in (almost) real time through speakers/headphones. Some USB microphones include a headphone jack to let you do this without an interface but you won't be able listen with effects on such as reverb and EQ because the audio coming back to you didn't go through your computer. Interface drivers are also designed to provide minimal latency which helps with monitoring.

      • Plus a dedicated audio interface will have superior analogue to digital converters. Also, you’re not limited to a USB mic, you can use any studio quality mic.

      • Hi teabag,
        Thanks very much for nicely describe why Audio Interface is important - I am going to invest in my first AI soon. Never owned one of these before so a first timer!

        I love listening to songs and would like to now sing with some karaoke tracks if that's possible to start off with followed by to add some instruments. Wondering what other stuff I need beside the interface. I get I need a SLR Microphone and headset (studio quality?) to start with so at least I can record some with karaoke tracks available? Any particular brand I can start with so a good experience to start with for both headset and microphone? Don't want to spend a lot but decent or if you have options that would be good.

        I have kind of narrowed down to Audient EVO 4 or PreSonus Studio 24c 2x2 due to features and recommendations from this thread.

        Please feel free to help with your knowledge or share a youtube or website link where I can read and prepare well.

    • Most serious microphones use XLR and some of those again require 48V phantom power to operate, both of which you need some sort of equipment for. Mic signals are very quiet and require amplification; these interfaces also perform that function. In addition, these offer 1/4" inputs for other instruments. Some people use them as an amplifier and/or DAC for headphones as well. Interfaces like these also have MIDI in/out plugs. Monitoring features are also useful.

      Or alternatively, USB mics just aren't as good/higher end mics aren't USB mics. Even if the mic capsule itself is good or even the same as its XLR counterpart, a USB mic has to perform the additional tasks of analog/digital conversion and amplification, and it won't do those as well as decent dedicated hardware. Not that it matters for everyone, but it's simpler to just let the mic be a mic and not have that additional factor and potential for issues.

      Combine any of those things (including cases you mentioned) and that's why people would use an interface + XLR mic. I think for the majority of non-musicians, the simple combination of not wanting to plug headphones into mediocre onboard audio + wanting to use a decent microphone will be reason enough to consider using an interface and XLR mic.
      Of course, many people probably don't need those things and can just use a USB mic and not spend more than their USB mic would cost on an interface. But for people who want higher quality, it's a good investment as the "hub" which works with pretty much any sort of gear and always will, even if you don't use all the features.

    • Mainly cause USB mic price in Australia is a bit ridiculous. For the price of a yeti snowball, you can get
      a um2, and an AliExpress XLR mic.

      From there, you can choose which microphone you want to use that better suits your situation. My phone is a lgv50, its Microphone is already pretty good. However, it's picking up all the birds and stuff chirping outside. I could sound proof my room by buying crap load of towels and layer them into my wall, then edit all of the other sound out, or, spend some money to buy some gears, like a dynamic mic, to do most of the work for me.

    • 1) quality 2) working with multiple audio interfaces/drivers at the same time is a recipe for pain.

  • I have second gen one, just a heads up it required a powered usb hub to supply the phantom power for my mic without issues. Prior to that it would constantly blue screen my comp, twice ending in an unrecoverable blue screen loop. (tested on multiple good comps, contacted focusrite, etc). It's driver's are trash and actually part of the reason for the blue screens, along with the unit unable to draw enough power from usb port alone. Supplied usb cable is also low quality. That being said, I don't know if any of these issues were addressed with the 3rd gen, but currently using my second gen with no concerning issues since the powered hub and a little playing around. Probably better options if you're willing to pay a little more, but decent if you just want something reasonably priced and know what you're doing.

    • +1

      A guy who wrote the same thing a few hours ago got negged into oblivion.

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