Hi Sanjay. Which one of these budget audio interface that come with ableton also comes with asio driver from the audio interface company itself. Like I use windows so I have heard bad things about Asio4all that's y I want to know which interface comes with their own asio drivers as well. Thanks.
@@ben-jammin2284 When you press it twice, it will turn orange/yellow indicating that it is in air + drive. You can also view it from the software on windows or Mac.
I just bought a solo. This is a very thorough and thoughtful inside look at this product. Thank you for taking the time. Excellent, intelligent delivery. Well done.
i just got the solo today aswell, the only issue I have so far that it's tiny. after setting everything up, it sounds pretty good. how is your experience?
As to your question about “flavours in interfaces”. I personally like a transparent/neutral/flat sound, which I can then add whatever additional “character” I want. But as you’ve talked about in other videos, we like the sounds we are familiar with. So say you like a lot of recordings that used Neve consoles, you are more inclined to want to make something with that character baked into it. And yeah, that’s a whole other debate about these nebulous or hard to define concepts like “character” or “analogue sound”.
Hi Derek! Thanks for the comment. Yes, if one of these preamp sounds familiar or comfortable for your voice, I think we would automatically gravitate to that. I think my fear always makes me record flat. 🙀
One of my pet peeves is - people who do a video and fail to mention the equipment they are using. 😢 SUB’d immediately because of this. I need a vocal mic, so I will be buying one of yours. ♥️ (On eBay though because I’m volunteering for bedridden/hospice & nursing homes, so I have a really tight budget. 🦋) What a great microphone 🥳
Crazy to see how far the Scarlett series had come. Sidenote: I bought a Focusrite Clarett+ 2pre last tear, and I can honestly say, I prolly won’t be upgrading my interface until I build a studio in my home.
Just like raw video, I prefer raw audio to be as flat (and of course noise free) as possible. With colorless audio, you can take it any many directions. With a particular character baked-in, it's harder to take it in another direction, if inspiration or necessity requires it. As usual, your video production is top-notch!
Very true...but how often are you completely switching your whole mood on each project? Good production is often about at least committing to a direction, or knowing what general directions you can or will be going in. Saving every single decision for post sounds like a little bit of a nightmare lol. I get it though.
Personally I'm not a fan of in-interface sweetening, and would rather have a flat/neutral sound that I can tweak non-destructively in the DAW. That said, if someone wants to commit to the "Scarlett/UA/whatever" sound that's their creative decision 😊
I've owned a number of Focusrite interfaces, and have always recommended them to folks asking for a budget suggestion until UA announced the Volt series. The Volt is the clear winner over all of these. Either the A/D conversion is better, or it's the colour of the preamps, but the Volt has a crisper top end, and a lot more low mids than any of the others. Motu comes in second with API sounding preamps
I agree. I heard more detail and presence amd openness with the Volt2. I've seen several demos of the new Scarlett, and it sounds dead and dull with the flat setting. I do not judge with the air modes.
I upgraded from focusrite 4i4 to the Apollo x4 it’s amazing what the x4 can do and the onboard DSP for zero latency monitoring with a preamp and 4 plug ins is just incredible, especially if going live on social media
That's great! But, it's about $1800 more than the beginner-class DACs we're discussing here. I would guess that most struggling musicians and podcasters have a couple of grand lying around for such purposes.@@Sincity89103
Looks like Focusrite is stepping their game up! The Gen2 Scarlett 2i2 was my first 'official' audio interface, and I loved it. I'm now using the SSL2+ and its my new favorite! Great review!
My SSL2 crapped out a few months after receiving it ... 2nd input doesn't work at all .. and there's this annoying buzz in the 1st input even with nothing plugged in. I don't understand the hype on those interfaces .. I wish I never bought mine. Good luck with yours .. hopefully I just bought a lemon, but I imagine more people will be complaining about the SSLs in the near future.
@@ddeafner It may have been an issue with some of the first ones out of the factory since I bought mine relatively soon after they first came out .. I'm getting the Clarett + 2 to replace it .. Focusrite seems to have a solid history with reliability although I didn't want to get the Scarlett .. I'm tired of these 100/150 dollar interfaces.. I also had an 'Apogee One' that crapped out on me too a while back... I'm thinking sometimes if you want more, you've got to pay a little more. All I need is something that's going to push the monitors and headphones, with giving me a clean signal, and low latency .. but I need it to LAST and not sound like garbage. These 100 dollar interfaces just aren't built with enough care and quality components I'm thinking? Hope I have better luck with the Clarett
Most microphones already add colour to recordings , i dont see why we need all those air and drive buttons , what we need is better headphone amps , dual independent headphone ports , better dynamic range , cleaner preamps , a volume knob at the top is the way to go , dual stidio monitor outputs should be standard in 2023
Does audio quality or dynamic range really matter when you and everyone else crushes the life out of your music with brick wall limiting and compression?
Since the air is a boost in higher frequencies, why couldn’t it be undone by taking down the high frequencies with EQ if one changes their mind after recording?
I feel with the 4th Gen the Value for Money proposition is kind of fading. The separate xlr and q inch ports were not needed provided that it doesn't add any utility to it. I heavily liked the minifuse over this one coz of the dedicated 5 pin midi ports, a blend knob for direct monitoring, incredible mic preamps (for the price) with really low noise (compared to my steinberg ur44c) and the holy grail usb hub! All this for a much lower price here in India. I recently got the minifuse 2 and I am really loving it honestly. :-)
@@nigeldsouza6088 I haven’t tried that with this interface. But I have tried it with the ur44c and I needed to push the volume quite high. Minifuse2 has a louder headphone output compared to the ur44c since I used my sennheiser hd280pro with both and the minifuse requires less volume to get the cans to my preferred volume. 😊
Cool, If I set up a SHURE 58 or a Classic SHURE 55 in the middle of our rehearsal room to record my vocals and blues harp thru a SHURE 520 Green Bullett with my guitar player playing her vocals thru her Fishman along with her guitar thru her Peavey amps what will I get? We're recording the room. You can see and hear what were doing on my channel.
The Scarlett looks very nice, sounds great too. I'm very happy with my MOTU M4. It has everything I wanted in an audio interface except what Focusrite has added to the 2i2. That is a separate power input. However the M4 has a on/off switch. I don't need my audio interface firing up everytime I power up my system. Constant plugging and unplugging is a pain, and connectors wear. Anyway, very good review!
Why not? do you use your motherboards soundcard instead? Legit asking because to me id rather the drivers sync with my interface and stay on, I cant ever see myself USING a power switch on my interface.
My MOTU M4 only gets turned on, only when I need to use it. I think of it as do I need the lights on or off in a room. I do use a separate soundcard in my computers. Back when I finally transitioned off the "All-One-Recorders", I had a Presonus Fire Studio Mobile. That unit was Firewire based. I accidently toasted the Firewire input, as I recall the connectivity was a "hot". Though USB is more forgiving, I do appreciate having the on/off switch. I just ordered a Nektar Panorama T6 Keyboard Controller. It has a on/off switch as well, just no need to have it fired up unless I'm using it.
@@Frank-in-NY 10-4. I can definitely understand it if you have a separate sound card. For me, everything stays plugged in and whether I'm gaming or producing, the headphones are plugged in and my 2 sets of monitors can be rolled all the way down or shut off. My motherboard is an ASUS X570 Pro, the soundcard is shielded and heatsinked, and it sounds awful so I'm happy to just leave all my windows sound settings and EQ set for the focusrite.
Sanjay is cool to remember that those new converters (A>D: Cirrus Logic Cs-5381 / D>A: Cirrus Logic CS-43198) inside the all new models (included in the solo) are the same into the Clarret+ Range!!! Nice upgrade @focusrite! 🚀🚀🚀🎧
Knowing about the recording realm in the interface is great. But what about music production on the output realm through headphones and monitors. Is the soundcard good for music production, monitoring, mastering and mixing?
The Minifuse is pretty. I’ve been using a Mackie ProFX12 stage mixer as my interface now. Still have the NI Komplete Audio 6 and Audio 2. I’m happy for the return of Sanjay Saturday!
@@SanjayC it’s fantastic! I use it for recording, I use it for live music with my musician band mates, and I use it in my DJ setup for more audio routing flexibility and for mics.
@@samfarabee2963 I own the ProFX6 also. It’s great for smaller recording applications plus you have the option of taking it out for live applications. My college student son uses it with his Komplete keyboard and Mashine setup, and also with his Traktor Kontrol S3 DJ controller. It’s all routed through the FX6 with a mic too. I “borrow” the FX6 sometimes for smaller live events and Karaoke setups.
Dude such great videos.........and wow you can sing too!! Step to the left Weekend....I'm always going to Sanjay before purchasing new equipment and software!
Superb demonstration. The differences are subtle (to my untrained ear), but I have to say, this is highly reminiscent of my experience in photography, where I don't want ANY in-camera processing, and I lament the amount of R&D cycles camera manufacturers waste trying to make their hardware produce perfect JPEGs for the point-and-shoot crowd. For crying out loud, just give me the flattest possible RAW file, I'LL sweeten it later in post, where the edits are REVERSIBLE. I was going to upgrade my original Scarlett 2i2, but the single 48V phantom power config, those gain level lights, and the unnecessary response curve gimmicks make me think I should just go with Motu. Great vocals, too, BTW. Keep up the awesome work!
I have a a weird setup but I like it. A motu M2 for my vocal imputs, a Zoom R32 for instrument inputs, and a Rodecaster Pro 2 used just for podcasting. That way I can leave everything alone and never have to mess with cables.
which is the best audio interface for professional use .I have started using apollo twin x almost 3 years in my pc I have also connected thunderbolt tex 3-tr but from past some time my apollo device sometimes connect but never even after restart sometimes it sometimes not what can be the solution maybe...[lease can you suggest me
I wonder if Focusrite has fixed the Scarlett 3rd-gen's horrible headphone output into low impedance drivers in their 4th gen series. The 3rd gen Scarletts were putting so much audible distortion into my 16ohm BA drivers that I had to return them and I bought a Motu M2 instead without any issues.
sadly negative. i got sennheiser 650's that need that boost in impedance. all tho it sounds better, they still top out at 110 db. so i made sure to get the 4i4 n got a headphone amp plugged in via outputs 3-4. problem solved.
While I prefer getting a raw recording and then playing with it a little in the post, the Air modes (and the other "vintage" modes on various other budget interfaces) might come in handy if you stream live and want to add some presence to your voice, yet you do not want to clutter your desk with a channel strip like the DBX 286S or the Art Voice Channel.
Hi I am buying first audio interface. Should i buy 3rd gen or 4rth (which is most costly)? Purpose: live streaming, recording concerts and lections to zoom / TH-cam, band (drums, keyboard, gitars), church. Source of sound: mixing console, stereo pair (jack jack).
Thank you for reviewing, about the phantom power 48V, I asked Focusrite Customer Support and they replied me with 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 for both units, not in Focusrite Control 2”. So, according to what they said, this 2i2 4th gen can apply 48V to each input independently! Could you please test this if it actually works? As I got mixed reviews from a lot of TH-camrs said 48V on 2i2 4th gen can only be used for both inputs meanwhile Focusrite said it can be used independently, this is a huge feature for me. Thanks in advance!
Just tested...again :-) to make sure. When I press 48v, it lights up. Then I switched the channel with Select. 48v stayed lit. I tried multiple times in multiple combinations, but its applying to both channels.
@@SanjayC Focusrite Support just replied me again and confirmed that 48V on 2i2 4th gen can only power for both inputs or none at the same time, that makes sense
Excellent review as always. I prefer the presence of the Minifuse 2. Your's are beautiful songs but I miss a lot you to put bass lines to give them much more punch. Congrats!
2 years ago I decided to buy first midi-keyboard adn ended up on novation launchkey MK3 keyboard, thanks to your in depth- midi keyboards review as well guidance on which was good to go for me :) now I started searching first audio interface as well, I am happy to see you have review about them as well, what I didn't know you have talent as well to sing and so well!
just slightly bc of the new preamps. remember every mic will sound different. a more monotone artist might want a boomier mic. while a high note singing singer might just wanna aim at clarity.
Thank you for your videos, but now after months of watching and doing research, my head is spinning! I was almost finally ready to purchase the volt 476p. Now I’m stuck again!
This is a great test and the back to back comparisons are helpful! I was surprised how different the samples were. To me, if the Scarlett was a baseline, the Volt was a tad more harsh sounding and the Motu had a "beefier" sound as if the mic distance was shorter and there seemed more information but I cant tell if it is revealing more or adding it, while the Minifuse was very similar with a little less detail. Overall the Scarlett was very pleasing and I would have used that take for this example imo. I am looking for a new interface in this price range and while a Motu is at the top of my list, the 4th gen Scarlett now has me considering a 4i4 too
At around 7:00, you're talking about pedigree... in the early 2000's I had the pleasure of tracking & mixing an album project at Love Shack, on Nashville's 'Music Row'. i was a last-minute call for engineer, and enjoyed the pleasure of their SSL G-series, racks of boutique outboard gear, & extensive (and expensive) mic closet. Printing to a Studer 2" 24-track. The G-series pre's were great! Crisp, precise, transparent- but didn't take well to threshold-pushing. Then I patched in a Focusrite Red, on the guitar amp (MD-421, close, off-axis), and fell in love. Used another couple for kick (U47 !) & snare (57). Reds were the shizznitt. Used it later, through a vintage LA-2A for keeper vox.
i have a Focusrite Clarett ADAT expansion and i alway use it with AIR on, i mostly for drum overheads and acoustic guitar, but it sounds great. The sound difference between all of the interfases might be noticeable when you begin to stack up recordings in a production, that being said, if you don't quite like the sound of the preamps of the interface you choose, it will drive you nuts, much better to pick the one you like considering the sound first, gimmicks later. Great voice by the way
I've had Scarlett interfaces from every generation except the 4th. This time I was thinking of trying the new Movo Phantom though. Some people are saying it sounds the same but has more features
Flat sound is more of a reference to me except in speakers and headphones. Every piece of equipment in your audio chain (cables, microphones, audio interface, audio plugins, speakers, the room you are in, etc.) adds its' own dynamic and frequency response to the audio chain. To try and say your interface response is flat so therefore your audio output is also flat is myopic. Do I want the brand sound of some of the big audio consoles? For sure. SSL, API, HELIOS, NEVE consoles have unique sound characteristics that maybe suited better for different music genres or songs. Regardless, in the final analysis isn't it really how (purely subjective) the production ends up sounding to you? Sanjay, your production professionalism shines.
I have to be honest, I had a hard time telling a difference in the audio quality between them. It seems to me that the Motu M2 is the new standard, and that the new gen of the Focusrite is geared more towards podcasting than serious recording. I have a gen 3, and I'm looking at the Motu M2 or M4 because of the low latency, the gen 4 isn't even a consideration.
Exactly, this is the go-to for podcasting, meetings, etc when you need a step up from the audio built into the PC. It's perfect for that. I'm completely happy with it and new that going in. I've tried other brands and they drop driver support, don't support new versions of Windows etc. Focusrite has a very long support path and great stability for simple mic capture.
I agree the MOTU sounded fullest, but keep in mind that I had to perform the song multiple times, and there are definitely differences in my performance.
Your review was absolutely amazing! I just purchased the combo pack after watching your video. I'm curious, what recording software did you use to achieve such crisp and clear vocals?
Great video! I'm going to get the new Focusrite Gen4. They have made significant improvements with sound quality. The Air brings the sound more alive, more real!
Great video! Yeah, that "air" button makes the vocals sound better, to my ear. I own the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen, which allows me to use 2 separate monitoring systems at once. I wonder if the Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen allows this option too (through the 1-2 & 3-4 outputs).
Great video. I wonder, regarding your thought on Focusrite not having the pedigree of Neve/SSL/UA - you know Focusrite was started by Rupert Neve? And that in many ways it's where Neve should have gone. Focusrite consoles were installed in the greatest studios in the world. Either way, this is a great little box - and sometimes it's easier than breaking out my apollo X rig.
The 4i4 has a better headphone amp than the 2i2 and the solo according to the specs. Really weird that they decided to do it this way. Especially since they advertise the whole range with "improved headphone amp".
Might easily due to physical space restrictions to the circuitry or (more likely) due to cost restrictions in order to meet their desired revenue margin per unit.
Sadly the Minifuse has compatibility issues with some condensor microphones resulting in lots of noise. Had to return mine, waiting on a 2i2 replacement to arrive
I possess a Solo, which happens to be linked to my mobile phone. I am a bit perplexed about the assertion that only the 2i2 and 4i4 possess these capabilities. I firmly contend that the 2i2 is specifically engineered for podcasters who frequently host multiple guests, thus necessitating the use of additional microphones. This represents its sole advantage. Therefore, I kindly request that you refrain from misguided information dissemination, as there are individuals who genuinely require the cost-effective option.
What's the point of having 4 ports if I can only record only 2 of them at the same time? At this point Scarlett Solo seems like a cheaper alternative that will produce same results
Well, you can keep 2 XLR devices like microphones connected to the back and plug in additional jacked instruments like a guitar to the front without always touching the XLRs... It's just a comfort thing...
Hi I have an older Focusrite scarlet solo which I am just starting to us One day I may get a better one! My big problem is finding a way to put it on my desk so that its easy to plug guitar and mike cables in and out, and at the same time you need the speaker cables coming out at the back.
I regret getting the 4th Gen 2i2 because the sound often cuts out randomly and other times becomes staticy. I won’t record with it because I can’t trust it to work. Going to go back to the old one. Damn shame. I had really looked forward to this upgrade. 😢
⬇ Links ⬇
1. Scarlett 2i2 geni.us/iOmP
2. Volt 2 geni.us/dPc8
3. MOTU M2 geni.us/Akqz0
4. MiniFuse 2 geni.us/UuH1YBz
5. Lauten Microphone geni.us/xtZi4eD
MUTO IS A QUALITY BRAND that not too many people know about !!!
FWM @SanjayC
The Mini Fuse 2 sounded best on vocals to me 😀
Hi Sanjay. Which one of these budget audio interface that come with ableton also comes with asio driver from the audio interface company itself. Like I use windows so I have heard bad things about Asio4all that's y I want to know which interface comes with their own asio drivers as well. Thanks.
The Apollo hands down is a clean sound without added color
The Air + Drive is the best sound I've ever heard from a budget Audio Interface, there's no going back, it's a game changer in quality.
How do you activate the Air + Drive? I see the Air button, but doesn’t indicate how to switch it Air + Drive.
@@ben-jammin2284Press it twice
@@ben-jammin2284 When you press it twice, it will turn orange/yellow indicating that it is in air + drive. You can also view it from the software on windows or Mac.
I just bought a solo. This is a very thorough and thoughtful inside look at this product. Thank you for taking the time. Excellent, intelligent delivery. Well done.
How has it been so far? Could I pair my AT2035 with the solo?
i just got the solo today aswell, the only issue I have so far that it's tiny. after setting everything up, it sounds pretty good. how is your experience?
3:45 using I feel it coming as a vocal example makes you an automatic legend in my book. Subbed.
Haha...thanks so much!
As to your question about “flavours in interfaces”. I personally like a transparent/neutral/flat sound, which I can then add whatever additional “character” I want. But as you’ve talked about in other videos, we like the sounds we are familiar with. So say you like a lot of recordings that used Neve consoles, you are more inclined to want to make something with that character baked into it. And yeah, that’s a whole other debate about these nebulous or hard to define concepts like “character” or “analogue sound”.
Hi Derek! Thanks for the comment. Yes, if one of these preamp sounds familiar or comfortable for your voice, I think we would automatically gravitate to that. I think my fear always makes me record flat. 🙀
I was really amazed at how vastly different the MOTU recording sounded compared to your other audio interfaces.
This is the first time I’ve been able to hear an audible difference between interfaces. Awesome review and performances.
Thanks so much for including us, Sanjay! 😄
One of my pet peeves is - people who do a video and fail to mention the equipment they are using. 😢 SUB’d immediately because of this. I need a vocal mic, so I will be buying one of yours. ♥️ (On eBay though because I’m volunteering for bedridden/hospice & nursing homes, so I have a really tight budget. 🦋) What a great microphone 🥳
Crazy to see how far the Scarlett series had come.
Sidenote: I bought a Focusrite Clarett+ 2pre last tear, and I can honestly say, I prolly won’t be upgrading my interface until I build a studio in my home.
Just like raw video, I prefer raw audio to be as flat (and of course noise free) as possible. With colorless audio, you can take it any many directions. With a particular character baked-in, it's harder to take it in another direction, if inspiration or necessity requires it. As usual, your video production is top-notch!
Thank you much. I spent a lot of time with this review to give you everything I could
Very true...but how often are you completely switching your whole mood on each project? Good production is often about at least committing to a direction, or knowing what general directions you can or will be going in. Saving every single decision for post sounds like a little bit of a nightmare lol. I get it though.
@@SanjayC can I power motu2 and con mic with just phone USBC power
@@SanjayC I liked the No Air more than the others but it also has to do with 1.Your voice tone 2.The music type
Can you use a usb microphone with this interface @@SanjayC
I love your props setup. 0:39
Personally I'm not a fan of in-interface sweetening, and would rather have a flat/neutral sound that I can tweak non-destructively in the DAW. That said, if someone wants to commit to the "Scarlett/UA/whatever" sound that's their creative decision 😊
Brother can also sing, great review and great song choices ✌🏾
Thanks...I appreciate that a lot
Focusrite has always been fantastic 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Hi Acee! Thanks so much for this Super thanks! You are too kind, my friend. I appreciate every time you do this!
Lovin' the white setup!!
Thanks! :-D
I've owned a number of Focusrite interfaces, and have always recommended them to folks asking for a budget suggestion until UA announced the Volt series.
The Volt is the clear winner over all of these. Either the A/D conversion is better, or it's the colour of the preamps, but the Volt has a crisper top end, and a lot more low mids than any of the others. Motu comes in second with API sounding preamps
I agree. I heard more detail and presence amd openness with the Volt2. I've seen several demos of the new Scarlett, and it sounds dead and dull with the flat setting. I do not judge with the air modes.
I upgraded from focusrite 4i4 to the Apollo x4 it’s amazing what the x4 can do and the onboard DSP for zero latency monitoring with a preamp and 4 plug ins is just incredible, especially if going live on social media
That's great! But, it's about $1800 more than the beginner-class DACs we're discussing here. I would guess that most struggling musicians and podcasters have a couple of grand lying around for such purposes.@@Sincity89103
No it is not. At all. Loses in every aspect
Bro, the Volt has lower dynamic range in every category compared to Focusrite
Another great informative video. Just want to say i am proud of how far this guy has come. Best music tech videos.
I'm a big fan of your videos. Really honest and straight forward advice which is very helpful. Very nice singing voice too!
Awesome review! And, what a voice - love, love, love! You are super talented, Sanjay C. Please sing more often.
Thanks so much!
Looks like Focusrite is stepping their game up! The Gen2 Scarlett 2i2 was my first 'official' audio interface, and I loved it. I'm now using the SSL2+ and its my new favorite! Great review!
My SSL2 crapped out a few months after receiving it ... 2nd input doesn't work at all .. and there's this annoying buzz in the 1st input even with nothing plugged in. I don't understand the hype on those interfaces .. I wish I never bought mine. Good luck with yours .. hopefully I just bought a lemon, but I imagine more people will be complaining about the SSLs in the near future.
@@Fiveash-Art yeah I heard stories about them crapping out, I definitely won't be getting another one if that happens
@@ddeafner It may have been an issue with some of the first ones out of the factory since I bought mine relatively soon after they first came out .. I'm getting the Clarett + 2 to replace it .. Focusrite seems to have a solid history with reliability although I didn't want to get the Scarlett .. I'm tired of these 100/150 dollar interfaces.. I also had an 'Apogee One' that crapped out on me too a while back... I'm thinking sometimes if you want more, you've got to pay a little more. All I need is something that's going to push the monitors and headphones, with giving me a clean signal, and low latency .. but I need it to LAST and not sound like garbage. These 100 dollar interfaces just aren't built with enough care and quality components I'm thinking? Hope I have better luck with the Clarett
Most microphones already add colour to recordings , i dont see why we need all those air and drive buttons , what we need is better headphone amps , dual independent headphone ports , better dynamic range , cleaner preamps , a volume knob at the top is the way to go , dual stidio monitor outputs should be standard in 2023
Yeah, I think Air is a lower priority...and I'm glad Focusrite caught up with improving the other things this time.
I totally agree with you on recordings. I want the flatest I can get. Any adjustments will be done in Post.
Hi Pat!
Does audio quality or dynamic range really matter when you and everyone else crushes the life out of your music with brick wall limiting and compression?
Your singing is incredible ✨, you're not just about gear, you have actual talent.
Thank you so much 😄
@@SanjayC
Hey, stop buttering Sanjay up.
The dude already has the biggest smile on YT!
Thanks for a great video. I prefer both the sound and features of the Motu M2.
Hey, thanks for sharing your thoughts....exactly why I like putting in the comparisons!
I loved how the Arturia Minifuse 2 lowed the excessive bright on your armonics, just what i'm looking for!
thank u for the informative video brother 🔊
No problem 👍
Sanjay, I just got to say. Your speaking voice is so smooth like butter!
Thank you. I really appreciate that.
Since the air is a boost in higher frequencies, why couldn’t it be undone by taking down the high frequencies with EQ if one changes their mind after recording?
I feel with the 4th Gen the Value for Money proposition is kind of fading. The separate xlr and q inch ports were not needed provided that it doesn't add any utility to it. I heavily liked the minifuse over this one coz of the dedicated 5 pin midi ports, a blend knob for direct monitoring, incredible mic preamps (for the price) with really low noise (compared to my steinberg ur44c) and the holy grail usb hub! All this for a much lower price here in India. I recently got the minifuse 2 and I am really loving it honestly. :-)
Hey, thanks for sharing. What do you use the Minifuse USB port for?
@@SanjayC I use it mainly to connect my minilab 3 when i am taking classes using my laptop. Very easy to do 😀
@@MrMitterCan it power the beyerdynamics 770 pro 250 ohms?
@@nigeldsouza6088 I haven’t tried that with this interface. But I have tried it with the ur44c and I needed to push the volume quite high. Minifuse2 has a louder headphone output compared to the ur44c since I used my sennheiser hd280pro with both and the minifuse requires less volume to get the cans to my preferred volume. 😊
Cool, If I set up a SHURE 58 or a Classic SHURE 55 in the middle of our rehearsal room to record my vocals and blues harp thru a SHURE 520 Green Bullett with my guitar player playing her vocals thru her Fishman along with her guitar thru her Peavey amps what will I get? We're recording the room. You can see and hear what were doing on my channel.
Great job Sanjay! Lots of work on your part and it is appreciated! Thanks!
The Scarlett looks very nice, sounds great too. I'm very happy with my MOTU M4. It has everything I wanted in an audio interface except what Focusrite has added to the 2i2. That is a separate power input. However the M4 has a on/off switch. I don't need my audio interface firing up everytime I power up my system. Constant plugging and unplugging is a pain, and connectors wear. Anyway, very good review!
Why not? do you use your motherboards soundcard instead? Legit asking because to me id rather the drivers sync with my interface and stay on, I cant ever see myself USING a power switch on my interface.
My MOTU M4 only gets turned on, only when I need to use it. I think of it as do I need the lights on or off in a room. I do use a separate soundcard in my computers. Back when I finally transitioned off the "All-One-Recorders", I had a Presonus Fire Studio Mobile. That unit was Firewire based. I accidently toasted the Firewire input, as I recall the connectivity was a "hot". Though USB is more forgiving, I do appreciate having the on/off switch. I just ordered a Nektar Panorama T6 Keyboard Controller. It has a on/off switch as well, just no need to have it fired up unless I'm using it.
@@Frank-in-NY 10-4. I can definitely understand it if you have a separate sound card. For me, everything stays plugged in and whether I'm gaming or producing, the headphones are plugged in and my 2 sets of monitors can be rolled all the way down or shut off. My motherboard is an ASUS X570 Pro, the soundcard is shielded and heatsinked, and it sounds awful so I'm happy to just leave all my windows sound settings and EQ set for the focusrite.
Yup, understand your need, so yeah I would do likewise in your situation. It's all good! Make great music!
Is it me but can’t hear the difference!!!
You need to use studio monitors or monitor headphones. Not on your phone speakers or cheap buds
I heave studio monitors, but I even did hear the differents over my smartphone speaker.
Sanjay is cool to remember that those new converters (A>D: Cirrus Logic Cs-5381 / D>A: Cirrus Logic CS-43198) inside the all new models (included in the solo) are the same into the Clarret+ Range!!! Nice upgrade @focusrite! 🚀🚀🚀🎧
Knowing about the recording realm in the interface is great. But what about music production on the output realm through headphones and monitors. Is the soundcard good for music production, monitoring, mastering and mixing?
The Minifuse is pretty. I’ve been using a Mackie ProFX12 stage mixer as my interface now. Still have the NI Komplete Audio 6 and Audio 2. I’m happy for the return of Sanjay Saturday!
Hey, nice to see you too! How do you like the preamps on the Mackie?
Hey I've actually been thinking about getting the ProFX6v3 any thoughts you might have would be appreciated.
@@SanjayC it’s fantastic! I use it for recording, I use it for live music with my musician band mates, and I use it in my DJ setup for more audio routing flexibility and for mics.
@@samfarabee2963 I own the ProFX6 also. It’s great for smaller recording applications plus you have the option of taking it out for live applications. My college student son uses it with his Komplete keyboard and Mashine setup, and also with his Traktor Kontrol S3 DJ controller. It’s all routed through the FX6 with a mic too. I “borrow” the FX6 sometimes for smaller live events and Karaoke setups.
@@SanjayC They may not be perfect for everyone, but I am happy with them. Having a one knob compressor on some of the channels is really convenient.
Dude such great videos.........and wow you can sing too!! Step to the left Weekend....I'm always going to Sanjay before purchasing new equipment and software!
I appreciate that. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
THANK you for the highly detailed pro advice, Sonjay! 👍🏻
We don't hear you sing nearly enough, man. I always forget that you've got some good singer chops!! 👏
Thanks so much
I would care for compressors and EQ built into the interface, different recording modes not so much
What do you think of the UA Volt 276?
Superb demonstration. The differences are subtle (to my untrained ear), but I have to say, this is highly reminiscent of my experience in photography, where I don't want ANY in-camera processing, and I lament the amount of R&D cycles camera manufacturers waste trying to make their hardware produce perfect JPEGs for the point-and-shoot crowd. For crying out loud, just give me the flattest possible RAW file, I'LL sweeten it later in post, where the edits are REVERSIBLE. I was going to upgrade my original Scarlett 2i2, but the single 48V phantom power config, those gain level lights, and the unnecessary response curve gimmicks make me think I should just go with Motu. Great vocals, too, BTW. Keep up the awesome work!
Cool Interface, but I don‘t need one in the near future. What I needed is your voice! Kind regards, GAD.
I appreciate that!
I was waiting for this review ever since this dropped! Thanks so much man!
Hope you enjoy it!
Bro frick the hardware your voice is so good
Motu m2 is still the king nothing beats it, ill stick with it until they come up with an update
Awesome review! Your studio setup looks really cool with the white theme.
Hey thanks so much!
I have a a weird setup but I like it. A motu M2 for my vocal imputs, a Zoom R32 for instrument inputs, and a Rodecaster Pro 2 used just for podcasting. That way I can leave everything alone and never have to mess with cables.
which is the best audio interface for professional use .I have started using apollo twin x almost 3 years in my pc I have also connected thunderbolt tex 3-tr but from past some time my apollo device sometimes connect but never even after restart sometimes it sometimes not what can be the solution maybe...[lease can you suggest me
Make sure you have the latest UAD software. That's the only thing I can think of.
@@SanjayC thankyou for your responce i have already a new uad software but the problem has still...
off of your test, i think the preamp in the Volt sounds the most clear
My current interface is m audio air 192 4, is it worth upgrade to this? Also I’ve been thinking the minifuse 2? Wdyt, Sanjay?
I wonder if Focusrite has fixed the Scarlett 3rd-gen's horrible headphone output into low impedance drivers in their 4th gen series.
The 3rd gen Scarletts were putting so much audible distortion into my 16ohm BA drivers that I had to return them and I bought a Motu M2 instead without any issues.
sadly negative. i got sennheiser 650's that need that boost in impedance. all tho it sounds better, they still top out at 110 db. so i made sure to get the 4i4 n got a headphone amp plugged in via outputs 3-4. problem solved.
While I prefer getting a raw recording and then playing with it a little in the post, the Air modes (and the other "vintage" modes on various other budget interfaces) might come in handy if you stream live and want to add some presence to your voice, yet you do not want to clutter your desk with a channel strip like the DBX 286S or the Art Voice Channel.
Hi
I am buying first audio interface. Should i buy 3rd gen or 4rth (which is most costly)?
Purpose: live streaming, recording concerts and lections to zoom / TH-cam, band (drums, keyboard, gitars), church. Source of sound: mixing console, stereo pair (jack jack).
Thank you for reviewing, about the phantom power 48V, I asked Focusrite Customer Support and they replied me with 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 for both units, not in Focusrite Control 2”. So, according to what they said, this 2i2 4th gen can apply 48V to each input independently! Could you please test this if it actually works? As I got mixed reviews from a lot of TH-camrs said 48V on 2i2 4th gen can only be used for both inputs meanwhile Focusrite said it can be used independently, this is a huge feature for me. Thanks in advance!
Just tested...again :-) to make sure. When I press 48v, it lights up. Then I switched the channel with Select. 48v stayed lit. I tried multiple times in multiple combinations, but its applying to both channels.
@@SanjayC Have you pressed “Select” button first and then press 48V later for each input? Thanks again
@@SanjayC Focusrite Support just replied me again and confirmed that 48V on 2i2 4th gen can only power for both inputs or none at the same time, that makes sense
Does anyone know how the loopback works? I've seen this feature before but it was kinda crap.
can u do a dedicated video to the fluid sri 2?
Excellent review as always. I prefer the presence of the Minifuse 2. Your's are beautiful songs but I miss a lot you to put bass lines to give them much more punch. Congrats!
Thanks so much 🙏🏼
Glad to see you back. Are you at a new studio setting?
Hey thanks. Actually I’m just filming in another part of the room, where I setup the PC I built a few weeks ago on the channel.
I'm Fine with my 1st gen SSL2 Pre Amp is out of control and the 4k button gives a little EQ to bring up vocal if you need it.
The issue with the safe clipping feature is it doesn't turn the gain back up, so in a lot of ways you'd be better applying a limiter effect instead
thats what the auto gain is for though or am i wrong??
2 years ago I decided to buy first midi-keyboard adn ended up on novation launchkey MK3 keyboard, thanks to your in depth- midi keyboards review as well guidance on which was good to go for me :) now I started searching first audio interface as well, I am happy to see you have review about them as well, what I didn't know you have talent as well to sing and so well!
I have a audiotech 2100x, will the scarlette solo 4th gen improve the vocal recording quality?
just slightly bc of the new preamps. remember every mic will sound different. a more monotone artist might want a boomier mic. while a high note singing singer might just wanna aim at clarity.
Great video! The Behringer UMC interfaces are arguably better (and more affordable) than all of these imho.
Thank you for your videos, but now after months of watching and doing research, my head is spinning! I was almost finally ready to purchase the volt 476p. Now I’m stuck again!
I’m really looking for zero latency, and the best sound possible
This is a great test and the back to back comparisons are helpful! I was surprised how different the samples were. To me, if the Scarlett was a baseline, the Volt was a tad more harsh sounding and the Motu had a "beefier" sound as if the mic distance was shorter and there seemed more information but I cant tell if it is revealing more or adding it, while the Minifuse was very similar with a little less detail. Overall the Scarlett was very pleasing and I would have used that take for this example imo. I am looking for a new interface in this price range and while a Motu is at the top of my list, the 4th gen Scarlett now has me considering a 4i4 too
Yeah, I think the 4i4 will be an even closer competitor to MOTU
clicked for the review, sub'd for your beautiful and amazing voice! well done friend
At around 7:00, you're talking about pedigree...
in the early 2000's I had the pleasure of tracking & mixing an album project at Love Shack, on Nashville's 'Music Row'.
i was a last-minute call for engineer, and enjoyed the pleasure of their SSL G-series, racks of boutique outboard gear, & extensive (and expensive) mic closet.
Printing to a Studer 2" 24-track.
The G-series pre's were great! Crisp, precise, transparent- but didn't take well to threshold-pushing. Then I patched in a Focusrite Red, on the guitar amp (MD-421, close, off-axis), and fell in love. Used another couple for kick (U47 !) & snare (57). Reds were the shizznitt. Used it later, through a vintage LA-2A for keeper vox.
i have a Focusrite Clarett ADAT expansion and i alway use it with AIR on, i mostly for drum overheads and acoustic guitar, but it sounds great. The sound difference between all of the interfases might be noticeable when you begin to stack up recordings in a production, that being said, if you don't quite like the sound of the preamps of the interface you choose, it will drive you nuts, much better to pick the one you like considering the sound first, gimmicks later. Great voice by the way
Do you like the clarett more than the Scarlett? If so what’s the difference because I’m debating to get the clarett.
@@yungbevvo it is noticeable, I like the claret best
I feel like my old Scarlett had a direct in blend. Weird that it’s not there now.
it's def not needed but def useable via the focusrite app.
I've had Scarlett interfaces from every generation except the 4th. This time I was thinking of trying the new Movo Phantom though. Some people are saying it sounds the same but has more features
Flat sound is more of a reference to me except in speakers and headphones. Every piece of equipment in your audio chain (cables, microphones, audio interface, audio plugins, speakers, the room you are in, etc.) adds its' own dynamic and frequency response to the audio chain. To try and say your interface response is flat so therefore your audio output is also flat is myopic. Do I want the brand sound of some of the big audio consoles? For sure. SSL, API, HELIOS, NEVE consoles have unique sound characteristics that maybe suited better for different music genres or songs. Regardless, in the final analysis isn't it really how (purely subjective) the production ends up sounding to you? Sanjay, your production professionalism shines.
I have to be honest, I had a hard time telling a difference in the audio quality between them. It seems to me that the Motu M2 is the new standard, and that the new gen of the Focusrite is geared more towards podcasting than serious recording. I have a gen 3, and I'm looking at the Motu M2 or M4 because of the low latency, the gen 4 isn't even a consideration.
Exactly, this is the go-to for podcasting, meetings, etc when you need a step up from the audio built into the PC. It's perfect for that. I'm completely happy with it and new that going in. I've tried other brands and they drop driver support, don't support new versions of Windows etc. Focusrite has a very long support path and great stability for simple mic capture.
Surprisingly, MOTU M2 sounds the fullest. 2nd is FOCUSRITE. 3rd is Arturia. I can not believe that Volt couldn't handle the high frequency
I agree the MOTU sounded fullest, but keep in mind that I had to perform the song multiple times, and there are definitely differences in my performance.
just added to my amazon cart, thanks Sanjay !!!!!
Anytime!
Your review was absolutely amazing! I just purchased the combo pack after watching your video. I'm curious, what recording software did you use to achieve such crisp and clear vocals?
Just ordered it on Amazon, thanks for the information 🥳
Glad to see you back
Nice to be back. Hope you enjoy this video!
I'm less impressed with the new Scarlett Focusrite right now than I am with your awesome voice. Thank you. The video was worth it for that alone.
I have an early Clarett 2Pre with a Thunderbolt interface. The Claretts had an “Air” mode from day one. I Would a like comparison to the Clarett line.
Great video! I'm going to get the new Focusrite Gen4. They have made significant improvements with sound quality. The Air brings the sound more alive, more real!
Great video!
Yeah, that "air" button makes the vocals sound better, to my ear.
I own the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen, which allows me to use 2 separate monitoring systems at once.
I wonder if the Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen allows this option too (through the 1-2 & 3-4 outputs).
Hi Sanjay. What about if have Steinberge. can i get the same result? and i like scarlet one.
This was the most complete and thorough review I’ve seen of this new product - nice job, Sanjay!
Thanks so much! 🙏🏼
Where have you been for the last two weeks, I was worried!
Thanks for the Video, like always, exactly what I need to know.
Hey, thanks for the concern, but just taking it a little slower the past few weeks. A lot of exciting videos coming soon though!
Thank you. This was a brilliant review! 👏🏽
Great video. I wonder, regarding your thought on Focusrite not having the pedigree of Neve/SSL/UA - you know Focusrite was started by Rupert Neve? And that in many ways it's where Neve should have gone. Focusrite consoles were installed in the greatest studios in the world. Either way, this is a great little box - and sometimes it's easier than breaking out my apollo X rig.
The 4i4 has a better headphone amp than the 2i2 and the solo according to the specs. Really weird that they decided to do it this way. Especially since they advertise the whole range with "improved headphone amp".
I agree. Its confusing to buyers especially. You might think you're getting something you're not
Might easily due to physical space restrictions to the circuitry or (more likely) due to cost restrictions in order to meet their desired revenue margin per unit.
Sir please compare with audient id14 mkII and focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th gen
can't go wrong with neither only difference is complaints about audient software
Rupert Neve designed the early Focusrite ISA 110 micpre for Sir George Martin’s AIR Studios.
Yup...and most people don't know how much the Focusrite Consoles have been used in major recordings.
Sadly the Minifuse has compatibility issues with some condensor microphones resulting in lots of noise. Had to return mine, waiting on a 2i2 replacement to arrive
I possess a Solo, which happens to be linked to my mobile phone. I am a bit perplexed about the assertion that only the 2i2 and 4i4 possess these capabilities. I firmly contend that the 2i2 is specifically engineered for podcasters who frequently host multiple guests, thus necessitating the use of additional microphones. This represents its sole advantage. Therefore, I kindly request that you refrain from misguided information dissemination, as there are individuals who genuinely require the cost-effective option.
What's the point of having 4 ports if I can only record only 2 of them at the same time? At this point Scarlett Solo seems like a cheaper alternative that will produce same results
Well, you can keep 2 XLR devices like microphones connected to the back and plug in additional jacked instruments like a guitar to the front without always touching the XLRs...
It's just a comfort thing...
Love your videos! Thanks for sharing
Glad you like them!
you are a good singer ..you have great content
Thanks so much
@@SanjayC welcome
Hi
I have an older Focusrite scarlet solo which I am just starting to us
One day I may get a better one!
My big problem is finding a way to put it on my desk so that its easy to plug guitar and mike cables in and out, and at the same time you need the speaker cables coming out at the back.
It took all dam morning to finally get an answer that the 2i2 only lets two inputs work at a time despite 4 I/O - thank you
I regret getting the 4th Gen 2i2 because the sound often cuts out randomly and other times becomes staticy. I won’t record with it because I can’t trust it to work. Going to go back to the old one. Damn shame. I had really looked forward to this upgrade. 😢
This or Focusrite 8redline?
I own a 3rd gen 2i2. The Volt crushed the competition here.