The Audient iD4 and Scarlett 2i2 are some of the most popular options available for those looking for a high quality and affordable desktop interface. Each audio interface offers its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to audio quality, build quality, ease-of-use, and more.
You may be wondering - how do I decide which one is right for me? In this guide, I compared the Audient iD4 MKII against the Scarlett 2i2 to help you decide which interface suits your needs best.
Audient iD4 vs Scarlett 2i2: Which Audio Interface is Best?
The answer to which is better really depends on what you're looking for from your audio interface. Do you prioritize clean and crisp audio quality above all else? Or would you sacrifice some quality for more flexibility with inputs and a more user-friendly design?
Each of these interfaces offers its own set of strengths and weaknesses, so just make sure to keep in mind some of these questions when you're deciding which interface is right for you and your music studio.
After you’re done reading, don’t forget to check out our Bedroom Producer Essentials guide where you'll learn about all the necessary gear you need to get started on your music production journey.
With all that said, let's get into our comparison of the Audient iD4 MKII vs Scarlett 2i2.
Connectivity: USB-C
Inputs: 1 combo mic/instrument input, 1 instrument input
Outputs: Left/Right Line Outputs, 2 Headphone outputs
Cost: $199.00
The Audient iD4 MKII is one of the new kids on the block when it comes to desktop audio interfaces. The MKII debuted in 2021 and has quickly become a favorite for many bedroom producers.
The biggest advantage the Audient iD4 has over the Scarlett 2i2 is the audio quality of your recordings. The iD4 features a very high-quality preamp, which actually features the same circuit design as their $1,000+ line of interfaces. This preamp will reduce noise and distortion in your recordings, helping you achieve a more professional sound.
The all-metal build feels very sturdy and the clean and simple design is easy to use and understand. All the controls are located on the top of the unit, which some people may prefer depending on where you plan on placing your interface within your existing setup.
One of the only downsides of the iD4 compared to the 2i2 is the number/type of inputs included on the unit. The iD4 features 1 combo mic/instrument input and 1 instrument input, which is fine in most cases. However, if you wanted to record 2 microphones at once, the iD4 is not capable of accomplishing that. The Scarlett 2i2 has 2 combo mic/instrument inputs, meaning you would be able to record 2 microphones, 2 instruments, or 1 microphone and 1 instrument simultaneously.
All-in-all, the Audient iD4 is an extremely solid desktop interface that is capable of producing top notch audio quality from the comfort of your home. If audio quality is the most important factor when making your purchase decision, I'd recommend going with the iD4.
Connectivity: USB-C
Inputs: 2 combo mic/instrument inputs
Outputs: Left/Right Line Outputs, 1 Headphone output
Cost: $199.99
The Focusrite Scarlett series is one of the best sellers when it comes to desktop audio interfaces - I'm sure you've seen pictures or videos of producers sporting the recognizable red and black design within their studio. The affordability and ease-of-use help to explain why this interface is so popular.
The Scarlett 2i2 isn't going to "wow" you in any one category, but it will get the job done effectively. The preamps aren't quite equivalent in quality compared to the Audient iD4, but the quality of your recordings will still be clean and low-noise. The Gain Halos also give you a visual warning when the gain from your instrument or microphone is too high, making sure your recordings don't end up with any unwanted distortion or clipping.
This interface features 2 combo mic/instrument inputs, meaning you're able to record 2 microphones, 2 instruments, or 1 microphone and 1 instrument simultaneously (the iD4 does not have this capability). This is especially noteworthy if you plan on recording 2 vocalists or 2 co-hosts for a podcast with your audio interface. Additionally, all the inputs are located on the front panel, which I prefer compared to the iD4, which has 1 input on the front and 1 on the back.
All-in-all, while the audio quality isn't as clean and crisp as you'd get with the Audient iD4, the Scarlett 2i2 is still an extremely solid and durable option for your home studio needs.
Final Thoughts
Both of these audio interfaces are among the best options on the market for desktop interfaces. You really can't go wrong with either, but make sure you understand what each of them offers before making your final decision. In addition to this comparison, we also have a full guide comparing various audio interface options, so go check that out if you still need some guidance.
I hope this comparison has helped you understand the differences between the Audient iD4 and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. If you have any lingering questions, feel free to leave them down below in the comments!
Enjoyed this guide? Make sure to check out our Bedroom Producer Essentials Guide or some of our reviews/buyer's guides.
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