Thank you very much for taking time to leave a comment! I honestly think this time Focusrite made a huge leap forward making 4rd generation truly hi-end:) I think you won't be disappointed as this is a higher class hardware now. Cheers
No, New Clarett+ plus interfaces still have edge over new Scarlets:) 125dB of dynamics and even better headphone amps. Unless you’re talking about old Clarets? In that case I am really not sure, even if you can second hand units in similar price
Thank you for the review! I just have 3 questions about this new 2i2 4th gen if you could answer me, I would appreciate it a lot! 1/ I see that there are 2 line/inst inputs at the front and 2 mic inputs at the back/rear, so I was wondering if we record more than 2 inputs (3 or 4 inputs) at the same time? for example 2 instruments (guitars/bass at the front) and 1 microphone (at the back/rear) at the same time? Or we can only record 2 inputs at the same time in either the combination of the line/inst inputs at the front and the mic input at the back? 2/ Can we create custom mixes on this 2i2 generation 4th using the Focusrite Control app by routing different mixes for the headphone and the main output? 3/ Can we turn on the phantom 48V individually/separately for each input for recording 2 microphones, for example 1 mic is a condenser and 1 mic is a dynamic mic? Thanks again man
Thanks ! 1) No, this 2i2 is 2 input/2 output interface. You can connect 2 2 mics and a stereo synth (or a guitar and mono synth), but the moment you plug in a synth or guitar to the inputs on the front, they take priority. So you will not hear the signal from microphones (no matter if phantom power is on or off) on the outputs. And consequently if you'd like to record vocals, you have to unplug whatever you plugged in at the front 2) No, I think the fully flegded mixer will come with 4i4 version of the interface in September/October. The headphone output has volume control, but it cannot be seen in a DAW/system as a separate output. I think you'd able to make a custom headphone mix on 4i4, but it will probably take up outputs 3/4, we will see. 3) EDIT: no, sorry, you can't, but you can set Air and Safe mode separately. I think phantom power won't do harm do your dynamic mic (but don't fry a ribbon mic!!)
Check more detailed answer regarding you 3rd question: support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/206675029-Can-I-use-condenser-mics-and-dynamic-mics-simultaneously-with-my-interface-
@@PoloTremolo Hi, I just received an email reply from Focusrite customer support and he said this “To apply 48V independently to each input on the 2i2 4th gen unit, press the "Select" button on the front of the Scarlett to select the input you would like to apply 48V to. Now, press the 48V button. Then just repeat that process for the other Input. This is achieved via the front panel of the Scarlett of the unit, not in Focusrite Control 2”. Could you please test if this actually works? Cuz I’m debating on whether or not to buy it just because of this feature. Thank you again!
Hi again! I had the pre-release software version and there was only +48 button but I think this is same in the final version. Unfotunately I could not check it myself, because the moment I was answering your questions the demo unit was already on its way back to the Focusrite distributor in Poland. I got it to try and review for my students in Poland. I just downloaded the manual from Focusrite and it says: "48V button - Press to turn on 48V phantom power at the XLR mic input to power condenser microphones. When 48V is on, the Scarlett 2i2 applies 48V phantom power to both inputs." See here: fael-downloads-prod.focusrite.com/customer/prod/downloads/scarlett_2i2_4th_gen_user_guide-pdf-en.pdf You can switch Air, Instr and Safe separately but no +48. So it seems like Focusrite support got it wrong. Anyway this should not be a problem if you use anything but ribbon mics.
Nuemann NDH 20 (will keep my old Scarlett Solo Gen 3) ... OR ... Beyerdynamics DT 770 250 ohm with Scarlett Solo Gen 4 upgrade? Which one should I get?
hmm, this is a tough one;) Neumann NDH 20 are hi-end headphones and they would benefit from hi-quality headphones amp and good DAC. Connecting NDH to old 3rd gen Scarlett would be like putting Porche engine to Prius, suboptimal... Even though Neumanns headphones are 150 ohm, they are easy to drive and 3rd Scarlett would provide sufficient power, but I would recommend you get 4th gen, Clarett+ or other good interface. Also, NDH 20 are very specific headphones, they offer beatiful mids and clear, silky highs, really beatifull, but they are not very linear and bass could be stronger, I would strongly recommend using +5dB low shlef filter below 80-100 Hz or so, especially for electronic music. Beyerdynamics DT770 250ohm are fine for the price, I know they super popular, but I would recommend saving some more money for better more expensive headphones for more serious work, like Sennheiser HD650, Slate VSX or Beyerdynamic 700X. I have Slate VSXs and they have fenomenal bass and balanced mids and interesting speaker emulation plugins system, but it is another stroy. Old Scarlett 3rd gen might not be able to provide sufficient power for DT770 250ohm, just go for 80ohm version - the difference is minimal, ultra subtle and getting better DAC, buying Scarlett 4th gen for DT770 won't make much difference in this class headphones.
@PoloTremolo I have also thought about just buying another set of Sony 7506s because my current pair is 15 years old and maybe the reason they sound muddy is because they lost some frequencies during those years? I've heard that from others recently that the 7506s can lose frequencies over time (mainly bass). I've heard that the DT 770 80 ohms up be a good choice, but I was hoping to get the best detail with the 250s as that's a huge jump in ohms I thought? Then, I thought about the NDH 20s, because well, If I'm going to spend money on one set and keep it for another 15 years, might as well go big.
Is it possible to run stream by using outputs from another interface in 2 front inputs Scarlett 2i2 4th and mic in the same time? If its not possible maybe 6i8 3th gen is a better option? Struggling to make a setup.
No, I am sorry 😞 you can’t use line inputs and mic inputs simultaneously. It is only 2 input interface. I think you should go for 4i4 - it should be available shortly:)
Need help, please. Is the USB connection on the 4th Gen Scarlett Solo good? Does it snap into place like a phone cable? The 3rd Gen Solo that I bought new came with a loose connection. The cable would try to fall out when moving the interface. Thanks.
hello I have a question (sorry for my english cuz I am italian). I have focusrite solo 4th, installed on my pc (windows 11)...When I turn on my computer , just before the password screen appears the focusrite ring of 2nd channel (for mic) lights up for a moment and it shows all the color, from green to red...it seems like an hardware check...well my question is...why this happens only for second channel? and not for 1st ? you have the same?
I run music school in Poland and Polish distributors usually send me their new products so I can learn them and build my opinion. I am using Antelope Audio in my home studio:)
One of the best reviews of these interfaces on CZcams.
Moving from 2i2 3rd to 2i2 4rd generation. Ordered from B&H.
Thank you!
Thank you very much for taking time to leave a comment! I honestly think this time Focusrite made a huge leap forward making 4rd generation truly hi-end:) I think you won't be disappointed as this is a higher class hardware now. Cheers
Video and presentation is pure class, sir!
Thanks! 😊
Great review. Recently picked up the 4th gen 2i2 and am loving it! Looking forward to their future 4th gen stuff.
Is the quality different from the 3rd gen
@hotboyroy improved I would say. Knobs feel smooth and are all metal.
Amazing
Great review! With all the improvement to the Gen 4, I’m now wondering if I should get this over the Clarett 2 Pre.
No, New Clarett+ plus interfaces still have edge over new Scarlets:) 125dB of dynamics and even better headphone amps. Unless you’re talking about old Clarets? In that case I am really not sure, even if you can second hand units in similar price
Thank you for the review! I just have 3 questions about this new 2i2 4th gen if you could answer me, I would appreciate it a lot!
1/ I see that there are 2 line/inst inputs at the front and 2 mic inputs at the back/rear, so I was wondering if we record more than 2 inputs (3 or 4 inputs) at the same time? for example 2 instruments (guitars/bass at the front) and 1 microphone (at the back/rear) at the same time? Or we can only record 2 inputs at the same time in either the combination of the line/inst inputs at the front and the mic input at the back?
2/ Can we create custom mixes on this 2i2 generation 4th using the Focusrite Control app by routing different mixes for the headphone and the main output?
3/ Can we turn on the phantom 48V individually/separately for each input for recording 2 microphones, for example 1 mic is a condenser and 1 mic is a dynamic mic? Thanks again man
Thanks ! 1) No, this 2i2 is 2 input/2 output interface. You can connect 2 2 mics and a stereo synth (or a guitar and mono synth), but the moment you plug in a synth or guitar to the inputs on the front, they take priority. So you will not hear the signal from microphones (no matter if phantom power is on or off) on the outputs. And consequently if you'd like to record vocals, you have to unplug whatever you plugged in at the front
2) No, I think the fully flegded mixer will come with 4i4 version of the interface in September/October. The headphone output has volume control, but it cannot be seen in a DAW/system as a separate output. I think you'd able to make a custom headphone mix on 4i4, but it will probably take up outputs 3/4, we will see.
3) EDIT: no, sorry, you can't, but you can set Air and Safe mode separately. I think phantom power won't do harm do your dynamic mic (but don't fry a ribbon mic!!)
Check more detailed answer regarding you 3rd question: support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/206675029-Can-I-use-condenser-mics-and-dynamic-mics-simultaneously-with-my-interface-
@@PoloTremolo Thank you so much for answering me! I really appreciate it!
@@PoloTremolo Hi, I just received an email reply from Focusrite customer support and he said this “To apply 48V independently to each input on the 2i2 4th gen unit, press the "Select" button on the front of the Scarlett to select the input you would like to apply 48V to. Now, press the 48V button. Then just repeat that process for the other Input. This is achieved via the front panel of the Scarlett of the unit, not in Focusrite Control 2”. Could you please test if this actually works? Cuz I’m debating on whether or not to buy it just because of this feature. Thank you again!
Hi again! I had the pre-release software version and there was only +48 button but I think this is same in the final version. Unfotunately I could not check it myself, because the moment I was answering your questions the demo unit was already on its way back to the Focusrite distributor in Poland. I got it to try and review for my students in Poland.
I just downloaded the manual from Focusrite and it says:
"48V button - Press to turn on 48V phantom power at the XLR mic input to power
condenser microphones. When 48V is on, the Scarlett 2i2 applies 48V phantom power to both inputs."
See here: fael-downloads-prod.focusrite.com/customer/prod/downloads/scarlett_2i2_4th_gen_user_guide-pdf-en.pdf
You can switch Air, Instr and Safe separately but no +48. So it seems like Focusrite support got it wrong. Anyway this should not be a problem if you use anything but ribbon mics.
Nuemann NDH 20 (will keep my old Scarlett Solo Gen 3) ... OR ... Beyerdynamics DT 770 250 ohm with Scarlett Solo Gen 4 upgrade? Which one should I get?
hmm, this is a tough one;) Neumann NDH 20 are hi-end headphones and they would benefit from hi-quality headphones amp and good DAC. Connecting NDH to old 3rd gen Scarlett would be like putting Porche engine to Prius, suboptimal... Even though Neumanns headphones are 150 ohm, they are easy to drive and 3rd Scarlett would provide sufficient power, but I would recommend you get 4th gen, Clarett+ or other good interface. Also, NDH 20 are very specific headphones, they offer beatiful mids and clear, silky highs, really beatifull, but they are not very linear and bass could be stronger, I would strongly recommend using +5dB low shlef filter below 80-100 Hz or so, especially for electronic music.
Beyerdynamics DT770 250ohm are fine for the price, I know they super popular, but I would recommend saving some more money for better more expensive headphones for more serious work, like Sennheiser HD650, Slate VSX or Beyerdynamic 700X. I have Slate VSXs and they have fenomenal bass and balanced mids and interesting speaker emulation plugins system, but it is another stroy.
Old Scarlett 3rd gen might not be able to provide sufficient power for DT770 250ohm, just go for 80ohm version - the difference is minimal, ultra subtle and getting better DAC, buying Scarlett 4th gen for DT770 won't make much difference in this class headphones.
@PoloTremolo I have also thought about just buying another set of Sony 7506s because my current pair is 15 years old and maybe the reason they sound muddy is because they lost some frequencies during those years? I've heard that from others recently that the 7506s can lose frequencies over time (mainly bass).
I've heard that the DT 770 80 ohms up be a good choice, but I was hoping to get the best detail with the 250s as that's a huge jump in ohms I thought?
Then, I thought about the NDH 20s, because well, If I'm going to spend money on one set and keep it for another 15 years, might as well go big.
@@PoloTremoloI'll have to research the other brands you mentioned.
Is it possible to run stream by using outputs from another interface in 2 front inputs Scarlett 2i2 4th and mic in the same time? If its not possible maybe 6i8 3th gen is a better option? Struggling to make a setup.
No, I am sorry 😞 you can’t use line inputs and mic inputs simultaneously. It is only 2 input interface. I think you should go for 4i4 - it should be available shortly:)
Need help, please. Is the USB connection on the 4th Gen Scarlett Solo good? Does it snap into place like a phone cable? The 3rd Gen Solo that I bought new came with a loose connection. The cable would try to fall out when moving the interface. Thanks.
It is USB-C! So it is much more durable than old micro or mini USB:) I dont remember which USB ports were on old Scarletts though
@@PoloTremolo Thank you for your reply. The 3rd Gen i bought new was USB-C, but it was a poor connection.
hello I have a question (sorry for my english cuz I am italian). I have focusrite solo 4th, installed on my pc (windows 11)...When I turn on my computer , just before the password screen appears the focusrite ring of 2nd channel (for mic) lights up for a moment and it shows all the color, from green to red...it seems like an hardware check...well my question is...why this happens only for second channel? and not for 1st ? you have the same?
Hi, I cannot comment on this as I no longer have the unit. It came only for the review:( currently my main interface is Antelope Audio Discrete pro 8
Hello sir. May i know where did you buy focusrite 4th gen solo?
I just want to make sure I don't get scammed. what shop did you pay sir?
I run music school in Poland and Polish distributors usually send me their new products so I can learn them and build my opinion. I am using Antelope Audio in my home studio:)