how to know what generation focusrite 2i4 i have

For this review I'm going to compare the 2nd generation Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB audio interface with the 1st gen 2i4 model, and list the differences betwixt the 1st and 2nd gen Scarlett models in general.

I bought a 1st gen Scarlett 2i4 a few months ago and it has worked out well for recording guitars and bass (both DI and with a mic) but the latency becomes troublesome at times, like when recording e-drums using an Alesis DM10 with a software plugin such every bit EZdrummer.

And then when I heard that Focusrite had released new 2nd gen models with "super-depression latency" I ordered a new 2i2 to see how it compares.

Focusrite stock-still the effect with hot pickups on the 2d gen 2i2 and Solo units and then I no longer needed to get a 2i4 with the PAD button to lower the input with active pickups.

There are half-dozen unlike models in the Focusrite Scarlett lineup, the entry-level Solo, the 2i2, 2i4, 6i6, 18i8 and 18i20. The first number in the model name indicates the number of inputs and the second is the number of outputs.

They all have the aforementioned preamps and converters. The differences betwixt them comes down to the number of inputs and outputs and some extra features on the higher up models.

1st Gen vs 2nd Gen Scarlett Interfaces

In that location's this folio on Focusrite'southward website with more details about the improvements with the 2nd generation Scarlett interfaces: Scarlett in Depth. Below is a summary with some added thoughts.

Latency – The most notable divergence betwixt the 1st and 2nd generation Focusrite Scarlett audio interfaces is the lower latency on the newer models. With my Windows setup, the lowest possible overall latency on the 1st gen 2i4 is nine.5 ms; with the second gen 2i2 the lowest possible latency is 3.06 ms. See this earlier mail service for more details: Scarlett 2i2 (second Gen) vs 2i4 (1st Gen) Latency Comparison. Update: In an odd twist, it turns out the 1st gen Scarlett interfaces can piece of work with the 2nd gen drivers for the same depression latency settings.

Improved Instrument Input – The preamps on the 2d gen models remain the aforementioned as the 1st gen, so the overall sound is identical, but they improved the musical instrument input to add 8dB more headroom. This makes information technology so in that location won't be clipping problems with hot/active pickups. The 1st gen 2i2 and Solo models had problems with that since they lack a PAD button (that's why I ended upwardly with a 2i4). I tested the 2nd gen 2i2 using a guitar with Seymour Duncan Blackouts and it indeed works well without clipping.

Surge Protection – Focusrite added surge protection circuits to the inputs and outputs of the second generation Scarlett models.

Higher Sample Rates – Focusrite updated the converters on the 2nd gen Scarlett interfaces to back up upwards to 192 kHz sampling at 24-flake. The 1st gen interfaces superlative out at 96 kHz.

Drivers – The 2nd gen models have new lower-latency drivers for Windows computers just Focusrite has said that they plan to update the drivers for the 1st Gen Scarlett interfaces too to help improve latency performance (by how much remains to be seen). I experienced crackling issues with the second gen drivers initially but then Focusrite updated them and now they're working very well, although I accept encountered a problems on a couple of occasions that causes audio to outset popping and the CPU usage to jump around erratically, just momentarily toggling the buffer size fixes it so information technology's been a minor issue thus far.

Visual Changes – The 2nd gen models include a few visual updates. The gain knobs take blood-red lines on them and the monitor and headphone knobs accept blackness lines—I similar the modify because it makes it easier to see the levels, and the knobs are better quality on the 2nd gen. The contrast of the writing on the front is also easier to encounter on the 2nd gen models. Additionally, the 2nd gen interfaces have a white Focusrite logo on the top whereas the 1st gen models have a black logo.

Included Software – For the most part the 1st and 2nd generation models come with the same software packet, which includes several freebies. The one departure is the 2nd gen models add together a Pro Tools First Focusrite Creative Pack. Pro Tools Get-go is gratis to employ anyway but the Creative Pack adds 12 effect pedal plugins (flanger, phaser, baloney, etc). I have Pro Tools 12 and have used some of the pedals before and they audio good then that's a nice bonus.

Scarlett 2i2 vs 2i4 Differences

Here'southward a list of differences betwixt the Scarlett 2i2 and 2i4, non generation specific.

• The beginning thing that jumps out about the 2i2 is how much smaller it is than the 2i4. 2i4: 48 x 210 x 140 mm; 890 grams – 2i2: 45 x 175 x 100 mm; 580 grams.
• The 2i4 has the option to set the headphone jack to outputs ane-2 or 3-4, and so the headphones tin exist used independently from the main output.
• The 2i4 adds MIDI I/O (nigh MIDI devices support USB these days so information technology'south non a large advantage unless you have a specific demand for it).
• PAD push button lowers input sensitivity by 10dB on the 2i4.
• The 2i2 has a direct monitor switch if yous want to hear your input directly through the interface's outputs without latency; the 2i4 has a dial to blend direct monitoring with playback, along with an added stereo and mono switch.
• Both models have balanced line outputs but the 2i4 adds 2 sets of unbalanced RCA outputs.

Conclusion

At first I experienced a number of problems with the 2nd gen drivers so I idea I would just stop up sticking with the 1st gen 2i4 since it has been then reliable, merely after Focusrite updated the 2nd gen drivers the Scarlett 2i2 is working so well that I decided to keep it instead.

The lower latency is a big plus for what I utilize it for and that likewise helps lower overall CPU usage equally well considering you can utilize higher sample rates that utilise less CPU without latency existence every bit high equally with the 1st gen models.

For people that already ain a 1st generation Scarlett interface and are wondering if you should upgrade to a second Gen Scarlett interface or not, information technology mostly comes downwards to latency. The lower latency is plenty of a reason to upgrade to the 2nd generation for what I use it for, just if you don't notice the latency an issue with the 1st gen models then there really isn't much of a reason to upgrade unless you want to record at college sample rates or need the increased headroom for hot pickups. The preamps and overall audio quality is the aforementioned on both generations, and each model nevertheless has the same full general features and the aforementioned name equally before.

Video: Scarlett 2i2 vs 2i4 Comparing

rotherbehienceeten51.blogspot.com

Source: https://masters-of-music.com/focusrite-scarlett-2nd-gen-2i2-vs-1st-gen-2i4-comparison-review-video/

Share this post