There seems to be quite a noticeable difference between the 1st and 3rd gen sound on the NT1. The 1st gen sounds almost resonant or a little hollow. It’s very strange.
Scarlett 3rd Gen user here. Yes, you get more for your dollar with the 3rd Gen, but the 1st Gen was quite an advancement at the time. Just eliminating analog preamp hiss and the computer's audio control glitches was such a relief. Great test.
The main issue with Gen 1 that might be a deal breaker is not having enough headroom on the instrument input no matter how low you turn down the gain knob. Meanwhile on Gen 3, I find myself having to turn it up a little for proper gain staging for electric guitar and amp sims.
Yeah my Gen 1 does that too. No matter how low the gain is I still clip. I’m using the line setting for guitars as I when no other option at the moment. Hopefully soon I can get a 4i4.
Great video. Very thorough and informative. Yes you can clearly hear the little nuances in your voice with the 3rd gen more pronounced. But the 1st gen still kicks a** for sure. I have a 1st gen scarlett 6i6 that I have been using for years and have always loved it since it first came out actually. And just started using a 3rd gen scarlett 8i6 that my son just gave me because he upgraded to a red 16line which is awesome! But have never had any complaints about the 1st gen. Focusrite in my opinion has always been great and just keeps getting better.
Bit depth on the 1st gen is 24 bit /96 kHz usb 2.0 ….still plenty fine for recording professional music. I have a Motu 828 ES, Focusrite Clarett 8+ , Motu M4, and a 1 st Gen Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 …make music with all them…all sound great. Are there differences in sound a bit.. Enough for anyone to care about the difference…nope… we are living in a great time for making music.
I mostly do drum stuff and for the full kit I rock an 1818vsl, but honest to god when I just need to pop in the midi kit, or track some quick line in stuff, or even just throw in some quick vox, the 2i4 gen 2 really gets the job done. I don't plan on upgrading to the 4i4 gen 3 because honestly I love having the buttons. I don't want everything to be an app or for gods sake ANOTHER window that I need to manage. And the latency is actually pretty good too. It really makes things super simple.
I got a 1st gen 2i2 second hand in 2016 after I realised my presonus didn't take line level signal. I had it for 7 years before recently upgrading to a 3rd gen 4i4 (which is amazing btw). The 1st gen 2i2 had little issues hear and there but it done its job when it needed to and did it well, no complaints, I'd still happily use it now and probably will when I need to take an interface on the move with me. Knowing it came out in 2011 and in 2023 it still holds up just shows how good a product it is and why so many people brought it.
I still have a 6i6 1st gen.. Still sounds great I have to run the gain a little up. I also have several other interfaces too Focusrite 18i20 2nd gen. and Apollo 16 / Apollo twin.. This is a great video.. I was wondering how much Focusrite has improved the preamps from 1st gen to 3rd gen
The NT1 on 1st gen has a “crunch” around 8khz and up. It's not just that it sounds reduced by 2-5db; listening to the sibilants, there is a noticeable “texture” to the A-D conversion!
I remember the og 2i2 used to BSOD my computer. They've fixed the issue in the driver updates though it was a huge annoyance on an otherwise good interface
I got an 8i6 1st gen in 2020 for super cheap second hand. It served me pretty well but I upgraded to the 6i6 2nd gen last year. I got it for a similarly cheap price second hand. I use it with Ableton Live 11 and I have no complaints really. In the past I've had m-audio fast track ultra and tascam u-144.
What a great video idea! I have a 2i2 3rd gen as my main interface, but I recently dusted off my first gen as a secondary interface in another room. Still holds up wonderfully well. Even though the surface of my gain knobs has seemingly melted (?) a bit.
I just found my old Gen 1 in my garage and was wondering how you’d compare it to the Rode AI-1 that came with my NT-1 microphone for voice over. I’m assuming the rode interface is probably recommended but was curious what your thoughts on it would be.
you do realize that the quality of sound from a microphone WILL NOT be impacted between the two... Meaning...you arent listening to the sound of the mics...more for the "other" sounds...like noise...and possible distortion. Which when you consider that...it really doesnt matter how far I am from the mics
Great vid! Would've loved to hear the same signal split from the one mic into both interfaces running at the same time. Def a difference, but changing an inch or a few degrees can completely change the tone a mic is achieving. I agree with a previous comment about there being some kind of crunch on the high freqs on the 1st gen. I was still using the 1st gen up until today when I was comparing it with a new Motu M4. Was surprised that I could hear a difference
They both sound great. The 1st gen was a little hollow and sounded like you were talking into a box. Would not be disappointed in either one on a video.
I still use the 1st gen (more than 10 years now)… disconnects/blinks/pops more than ever, no matter how much I reseat and clean (deoxit or ipa) the usb plugs. Takes about 30 reseats until a good connection. Super hassle and annoying to get a connection. Tired of the constant disconnects. Anyone have suggestions for a new affordable interface that doesn’t have this disconnect problem?
I’m in the same boat as you, man. I’ve my options narrowed down to: SSL2+ or Audient 14MKii. Or the Volt 276. Depends on what you’re seeking. Good luck
first considered the EXBYA some chinese brand thing with a few very bad reports. The the Behringer UMC22 U-Phoria. Aso looked at the Nevi Uso and then settled for the Scarlett Focusrite i read SO good stuff about it. Got it for $44 on ebay plus CHF20 porto- Scarlett i2i 1st gen. Only for guitar.
Good info here. Currently running a first gen scarlett 18i6 with a UV twin 710 pre amp. I want to upgrade interface and possibly remove the pre amp. Just not very knowledgeable with this stuff. Would you recommend?
can anyone give me some tips about setting up a 1st gen 6i6 for the first time? I could never get it to work with Reaper and a windows 7 computer. What software would you recommend at this point? is there going to be driver or compatibility issues with windows 10?
I have a 2i2, though I'm not sure whether it's first- or second-generation. Aside from a relatively high noise floor-not sure what exact dB level-my only complaint is that its integral DAC/amp has too much distortion and “mid presence” for proper monitoring.
I would never recommend the Scarlett nowadays, there's so many more feature rich options on the market that would be better suited for most users such as the Arturia Minifuse, Audient EVO, or even the Presonus Revelator. And yet, what do I know, because about 98% of home studios feature the Scarlett front and center. Perhaps due to it's reputation being grandfathered in (Scarlett was the only thing during the 2000's, really, aside from Presonus who mostly dealt in firewire), so naturally users default to them especially when a lot of their google searches on the topic yield antiquated results. These devices have definitely set their place on the market. Still, you can even get affordable mixers now with the Yamaha AG series or (my favorite) the Behringer FLOW 8.
I have the 1st Gen 2i2 got it brand new some years ago. As someone or others may have already mentioned the instrument setting for guitars would always clip. I have to use the line setting in order to record guitars. It works but not I know I’m not getting the full tones I’m putting out. I’m looking into the 4i4 3rd gen due to its features. However I’m not finding a review on it for longevity.
Scarlett 2i4 2ndGen user here since 2019. I was involved this year in making a Vispop song that is now a viral hit. And the artist of the song self-recorded his vocals thru his Scarlett 18i8 1st Gen that he owns for prolly over 2-3 years now. And he nailed it. 😊👍
I have the 1st gen 2i4. Windows 11, quad-core i7 3.4Ghz, 1TB SSD + 2 500 GB SSDs for recording, 32 GB RAM, buffer set to 256 @ 44.1k sample rate. I have the latest drivers. All devices plugged directly into my computer with high quality Anker USB cables. I am getting blips and cracks in my playback. Will upgrading to a USB-C interface fix this issue? - I feel like with my computer as it is, this should not be happening. Brand new computer.
Brilliant video. I’m an hip hop artist aspiring to be my own producer. Here’s my setup, tell me how to make it work if you have any tips please let me know. 1. Akai Mpc Live One 2. Shure Sm7b microphone 3. Focus Rite, my god mama gave me the focus rite. Bless her heart lol. I don’t know if I have the 1st, 2nd or the 3rd edition. I’m new to producing lol 😂 I’ve been rapping for 12 years through lol 😂 Any tips for me or anything else I may need?
0:18 I fond it profoundly sad that in no corner of the modern world, can you escape political commentary and getting whacked over the head with someone's political beliefs. I'm here for an audio interface overview, silly me I guess
And I find it profoundly sad that you would presume to tell me...what I should have on my channel. You little feelings got hurt over an off hand remark about Trump? Lol. If you think that is getting "whacked over the head " with my political beliefs...you have the thinnest skin of anyone in this world. Perhaps you should avoid all media since you are so sensitive. And lastly...this is my message and I can shape it as I see fit. Thanks for watching
I found this video seeking information about why my 1st gen. Scarlett 2i2 is lagging and stuttering and causing audio dropouts recently after working for 12 years! I think it has more to do with current operating system on my mac than the hardware but I can't figure out how to fix it. Any ideas would be super welcomed. Would love to keep this alive!
![Which Focusrite Scarlett Interface Should You Buy? [Solo vs 2i2 vs 4i4 vs 8i6 vs 18i8 vs 18i20]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ymp2M0Ztpfk/mqdefault.jpg)
There seems to be quite a noticeable difference between the 1st and 3rd gen sound on the NT1. The 1st gen sounds almost resonant or a little hollow. It’s very strange.
Yeah...noticed that.
Didn't until I put them side by side though...why it's so important to A/B things
Scarlett 3rd Gen user here. Yes, you get more for your dollar with the 3rd Gen, but the 1st Gen was quite an advancement at the time. Just eliminating analog preamp hiss and the computer's audio control glitches was such a relief. Great test.
The main issue with Gen 1 that might be a deal breaker is not having enough headroom on the instrument input no matter how low you turn down the gain knob. Meanwhile on Gen 3, I find myself having to turn it up a little for proper gain staging for electric guitar and amp sims.
Yeah my Gen 1 does that too. No matter how low the gain is I still clip. I’m using the line setting for guitars as I when no other option at the moment. Hopefully soon I can get a 4i4.
bought my 1st gen 2i2 in 2014, still using it as I type this. Ready for an upgrade but it works perfectly fine
can you use it with the latest macbooks? I still have her!
Great video. Very thorough and informative. Yes you can clearly hear the little nuances in your voice with the 3rd gen more pronounced. But the 1st gen still kicks a** for sure. I have a 1st gen scarlett 6i6 that I have been using for years and have always loved it since it first came out actually. And just started using a 3rd gen scarlett 8i6 that my son just gave me because he upgraded to a red 16line which is awesome! But have never had any complaints about the 1st gen. Focusrite in my opinion has always been great and just keeps getting better.
Bit depth on the 1st gen is 24 bit /96 kHz usb 2.0 ….still plenty fine for recording professional music. I have a Motu 828 ES, Focusrite Clarett 8+ , Motu M4, and a 1 st Gen Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 …make music with all them…all sound great. Are there differences in sound a bit..
Enough for anyone to care about the difference…nope… we are living in a great time for making music.
Nice comparison - I have the first gen 2i2 and it still works great. In win11, if you install the latest drivers you can select 24-bit depth.
where do you get the latest driver downloads? I have a 1st gen 6i6 and my current computer can't play the cd with the drivers and software on it.
Google Focusrite and choose 2i2 or whatever model you have and driver downloads. They have the latest drivers.@@naneek2
I would love to see more gear history like this. Very interesting.
I do like storytime
I'm still using my 10 year old 1st Gen in 2023, and it still does a great job! But, I did just order the 4th Gen.
I mostly do drum stuff and for the full kit I rock an 1818vsl, but honest to god when I just need to pop in the midi kit, or track some quick line in stuff, or even just throw in some quick vox, the 2i4 gen 2 really gets the job done. I don't plan on upgrading to the 4i4 gen 3 because honestly I love having the buttons. I don't want everything to be an app or for gods sake ANOTHER window that I need to manage. And the latency is actually pretty good too. It really makes things super simple.
I got a 1st gen 2i2 second hand in 2016 after I realised my presonus didn't take line level signal. I had it for 7 years before recently upgrading to a 3rd gen 4i4 (which is amazing btw). The 1st gen 2i2 had little issues hear and there but it done its job when it needed to and did it well, no complaints, I'd still happily use it now and probably will when I need to take an interface on the move with me. Knowing it came out in 2011 and in 2023 it still holds up just shows how good a product it is and why so many people brought it.
I still have a 6i6 1st gen.. Still sounds great I have to run the gain a little up. I also have several other interfaces too Focusrite 18i20 2nd gen. and Apollo 16 / Apollo twin.. This is a great video.. I was wondering how much Focusrite has improved the preamps from 1st gen to 3rd gen
Here is my setup
Mic: AT2040
Interface: Scarlett Solo
Is this going to give me a mono mic signal?
Hi. Is the focusrite gen 1 better or the behringer um2 better? In term of sound quality and noise
Im glad you're doing this I always wanted to know the difference s between the versions
The NT1 on 1st gen has a “crunch” around 8khz and up. It's not just that it sounds reduced by 2-5db; listening to the sibilants, there is a noticeable “texture” to the A-D conversion!
I remember the og 2i2 used to BSOD my computer. They've fixed the issue in the driver updates though it was a huge annoyance on an otherwise good interface
Wow, I used to have that issue all the time.
Still using the original 2i4 and just last month I got a BSOD because of driver issues. But they still fixed them!
Great video, thanks! What about for recording guitar? I have a first gen that I'm using and wondering if it's worth upgrading to the 3rd gen?
I got an 8i6 1st gen in 2020 for super cheap second hand. It served me pretty well but I upgraded to the 6i6 2nd gen last year. I got it for a similarly cheap price second hand. I use it with Ableton Live 11 and I have no complaints really. In the past I've had m-audio fast track ultra and tascam u-144.
Would this also apply to the 1st gen 8i6? I've got my eye on a used one. Primarily looking to use for voice over.
What a great video idea! I have a 2i2 3rd gen as my main interface, but I recently dusted off my first gen as a secondary interface in another room. Still holds up wonderfully well. Even though the surface of my gain knobs has seemingly melted (?) a bit.
Lol...thats amazing!!
yea the knobs on the 1s gen are that mushy rubber materiel that goes horrible over time.
You can wipe off the rubbery part with isopropyl alcohol and you will get nice smooth matte surface :)
@@HUNrobar Thanks for the advice!
I just found my old Gen 1 in my garage and was wondering how you’d compare it to the Rode AI-1 that came with my NT-1 microphone for voice over. I’m assuming the rode interface is probably recommended but was curious what your thoughts on it would be.
I'd be interested in comparing the 1st gen to spmethong like the m audio solo
Don’t have a dog in this but you were noticeably closer to the mic for the Gen 3 in your comparison clips!
you do realize that the quality of sound from a microphone WILL NOT be impacted between the two...
Meaning...you arent listening to the sound of the mics...more for the "other" sounds...like noise...and possible distortion.
Which when you consider that...it really doesnt matter how far I am from the mics
One issue I found is my gen 1 scarlett will not connect and record into my android phone like I see videos doing it with the 3rd generation.
I own a 2i2 2nd gen. I think I will use it a couple of years more.
How much more?
Anyone know if a 1st gen can be used with audacity/linux?
Yes.
Great vid! Would've loved to hear the same signal split from the one mic into both interfaces running at the same time. Def a difference, but changing an inch or a few degrees can completely change the tone a mic is achieving. I agree with a previous comment about there being some kind of crunch on the high freqs on the 1st gen. I was still using the 1st gen up until today when I was comparing it with a new Motu M4. Was surprised that I could hear a difference
Just looking for a cheap audio solution to my quiet dynamic mic. So I’m thinking about getting a Krak teknik cm-1 any thoughts ?
They both sound great. The 1st gen was a little hollow and sounded like you were talking into a box. Would not be disappointed in either one on a video.
I still use the 1st gen (more than 10 years now)… disconnects/blinks/pops more than ever, no matter how much I reseat and clean (deoxit or ipa) the usb plugs. Takes about 30 reseats until a good connection. Super hassle and annoying to get a connection.
Tired of the constant disconnects. Anyone have suggestions for a new affordable interface that doesn’t have this disconnect problem?
I’m in the same boat as you, man.
I’ve my options narrowed down to: SSL2+ or Audient 14MKii. Or the Volt 276.
Depends on what you’re seeking. Good luck
first considered the EXBYA some chinese brand thing with a few very bad reports.
The the Behringer UMC22 U-Phoria. Aso looked at the Nevi Uso
and then settled for the Scarlett Focusrite i read SO good stuff about it.
Got it for $44 on ebay plus CHF20 porto- Scarlett i2i 1st gen. Only for guitar.
Aiden and Dylan are soon to be our Bill And Ted. Looking forward to this most awesome adventure.
Cheers to excellent adventures vs bogus journeys
Are you saying we are the Wyld Stallions??
@@danasdas6683 They just need a phone booth.
Of course you mean magical time travel machine in the form of a phone booth
How about the converter? How do they compare with latency
Good info here. Currently running a first gen scarlett 18i6 with a UV twin 710 pre amp. I want to upgrade interface and possibly remove the pre amp. Just not very knowledgeable with this stuff. Would you recommend?
Please is it still advisable to get 2i4 1st generation in 2004 or I should look for a newer generation though more costly?
New generation will do you much better.
The specs tend to be more online with newer content...and the long term support with drivers
Does Scarlett 2i2 1st gen work with Mac OS Sonoma 14.1?? Can someone help me with it
can anyone give me some tips about setting up a 1st gen 6i6 for the first time? I could never get it to work with Reaper and a windows 7 computer. What software would you recommend at this point? is there going to be driver or compatibility issues with windows 10?
I have a 2i2, though I'm not sure whether it's first- or second-generation.
Aside from a relatively high noise floor-not sure what exact dB level-my only complaint is that its integral DAC/amp has too much distortion and “mid presence” for proper monitoring.
What about this 1st génération with Apple silicon and Ventura please? Thx
It works fine.
What about the scarlet 2i4? How does that hold up?
Yes...same unit...just less outputs
I have 2nd gen, will it matter if I change to 3rd gen?
Funny on my iPad Pro , the 1st gen sounds more natural and nicer . Subtle but it’s there . The 3rd gen sounds more brittle and digital .
And now Gen 4 is around the corner...
I would never recommend the Scarlett nowadays, there's so many more feature rich options on the market that would be better suited for most users such as the Arturia Minifuse, Audient EVO, or even the Presonus Revelator. And yet, what do I know, because about 98% of home studios feature the Scarlett front and center. Perhaps due to it's reputation being grandfathered in (Scarlett was the only thing during the 2000's, really, aside from Presonus who mostly dealt in firewire), so naturally users default to them especially when a lot of their google searches on the topic yield antiquated results. These devices have definitely set their place on the market. Still, you can even get affordable mixers now with the Yamaha AG series or (my favorite) the Behringer FLOW 8.
I hear nothing but horror stories about Audient gear failing.
@@snicklefritzthetab8411 I've only heard positive things.
I have the 1st Gen 2i2 got it brand new some years ago. As someone or others may have already mentioned the instrument setting for guitars would always clip. I have to use the line setting in order to record guitars. It works but not I know I’m not getting the full tones I’m putting out. I’m looking into the 4i4 3rd gen due to its features. However I’m not finding a review on it for longevity.
Scarlett 2i4 2ndGen user here since 2019. I was involved this year in making a Vispop song that is now a viral hit. And the artist of the song self-recorded his vocals thru his Scarlett 18i8 1st Gen that he owns for prolly over 2-3 years now. And he nailed it. 😊👍
I have the 1st gen 2i4. Windows 11, quad-core i7 3.4Ghz, 1TB SSD + 2 500 GB SSDs for recording, 32 GB RAM, buffer set to 256 @ 44.1k sample rate. I have the latest drivers. All devices plugged directly into my computer with high quality Anker USB cables. I am getting blips and cracks in my playback. Will upgrading to a USB-C interface fix this issue? - I feel like with my computer as it is, this should not be happening. Brand new computer.
Why a quad core i7 as a brand new computer? And what generation? Also Windows 11 is literal spyware, be aware of that.
Brilliant video. I’m an hip hop artist aspiring to be my own producer. Here’s my setup, tell me how to make it work if you have any tips please let me know.
1. Akai Mpc Live One
2. Shure Sm7b microphone
3. Focus Rite, my god mama gave me the focus rite. Bless her heart lol. I don’t know if I have the 1st, 2nd or the 3rd edition. I’m new to producing lol 😂 I’ve been rapping for 12 years through lol 😂
Any tips for me or anything else I may need?
Nah man...that is a decent little setup.
Everything from here on out is skill my friend.
@@DarkCornerStudios 😮😥🔥🔥🔥 thanks man, the fact that you responded is dope, I didn’t even know that you would have seen my comment. 💯💯
@@vicvic889 I try to get to as many as possible.
It is tough to keep up sometimes
no difference in blindtest
Totally noticable difference...
@@projectseventyone not blind not live
Maybe you listened with cheap speakers while others with expensive headset
I can't hear ANY difference.
But I hear no difference between USB and XLR, so what do I know, lol.
I buy the 2i2 1 gen for 50$ , and honestly I was scared of watching the video 😂😅 but I guess is all ok 👌🏻
I just bought one too for $15....we'll see
0:18 I fond it profoundly sad that in no corner of the modern world, can you escape political commentary and getting whacked over the head with someone's political beliefs. I'm here for an audio interface overview, silly me I guess
My bro couldn't even make it 20 seconds
And I find it profoundly sad that you would presume to tell me...what I should have on my channel.
You little feelings got hurt over an off hand remark about Trump?
Lol.
If you think that is getting "whacked over the head " with my political beliefs...you have the thinnest skin of anyone in this world.
Perhaps you should avoid all media since you are so sensitive.
And lastly...this is my message and I can shape it as I see fit.
Thanks for watching
Trump derangememt syndrome is everywhere
Dont dis Trump.
Lol...
@@DarkCornerStudios Looks like the orange snowflakes are melting.
I found this video seeking information about why my 1st gen. Scarlett 2i2 is lagging and stuttering and causing audio dropouts recently after working for 12 years! I think it has more to do with current operating system on my mac than the hardware but I can't figure out how to fix it. Any ideas would be super welcomed. Would love to keep this alive!