The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is the most popular audio interface in the world, and it’s held that position for years. Walk into any home studio, visit any podcasting setup guide, or ask anyone in the audio community what interface to start with — and the Scarlett 2i2 comes up more than almost anything else. That kind of consensus is worth examining: is it actually the best option, or is it just the most familiar name?
Quick Verdict
Still the best starting point: The Scarlett 2i2 Gen 4 earns its position as the default recommendation. Clean preamps, rock-solid drivers, two inputs, USB-C, and a proven track record. For most podcasters moving from USB to XLR, nothing else at this price competes on overall reliability and support.
The one upgrade worth knowing about: If you run a gain-hungry mic and do a lot of headphone monitoring, the MOTU M2 at ~$220 offers slightly better preamp specs and a superior monitoring setup. For most podcasters the 2i2 is sufficient — but the M2 is the right call if you want the best-in-class at this price tier.
Quick Picks
Best overall interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Gen 4 — two inputs, clean Gen 4 preamps, USB-C, rock-solid drivers, the safe choice for any podcaster
Best for solo podcasters: Focusrite Scarlett Solo Gen 4 — same preamp quality as the 2i2 with one input, $40 less, right for anyone who records alone
Best upgrade pick: MOTU M2 — 128dB dynamic range, LED VU meters, superior monitoring setup, worth the extra $60 for the best preamps at this price tier
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Review: Full Breakdown
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Gen 4
The world’s most popular audio interface — two inputs, improved Gen 4 preamps, USB-C, and the most reliable driver support in its class
Pros
- Gen 4 preamps with 120dB dynamic range — handles the Shure SM7B cleanly at around 75% gain in most cases without needing a Cloudlifter
- Two XLR/TRS combo inputs accommodate two-host podcast setups or mic plus instrument
- Air mode adds subtle high-frequency presence to vocals without EQ — noticeably improves clarity on close-mic recordings
- USB-C connectivity with rock-solid driver stability on both Windows and Mac
- Direct monitoring with a blend knob for mixing live input with software playback
- Includes a useful software bundle (Ableton Live Lite, Antares Auto-Tune, and more)
Cons
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 review confirms it works flawlessly on both Mac and Windows without any driver installation.
- No MIDI I/O — not relevant for podcasters but worth noting for musicians
- Monitoring outputs are TS/RCA rather than balanced XLR — limits compatibility with professional studio monitors
- If you only need one input, the Scarlett Solo saves $40 with identical audio quality
Bottom line: The Scarlett 2i2 Gen 4 is the safe, proven choice for podcasters moving from USB to XLR. The preamp upgrade over Gen 3 is meaningful — especially if you’re running a high-gain mic — and the driver stability and community support are unmatched at this price. If you’re unsure which interface to buy, this is the right answer for almost everyone.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Gen 4
Same Gen 4 preamp as the 2i2, one input, $40 less — the right call for solo podcasters who will never need a second XLR mic simultaneously
Pros
- Identical Gen 4 preamp design to the 2i2 — exactly the same audio quality for single-mic recordings
- $40 cheaper than the 2i2 — meaningful savings with no audio tradeoff for solo setups
- More compact footprint — slightly easier to fit on a crowded desk
- Same USB-C connectivity and driver stability as the full 2i2
Cons
- Only one XLR/TRS combo input — cannot run two XLR mics simultaneously for in-person two-person episodes
- No instrument input on a second channel — limits flexibility for musicians or multi-purpose setups
- If your podcast ever expands to in-person guests, you’ll need to upgrade to the 2i2
Bottom line: If you record solo episodes and do remote interviews — where your guest is on their own mic via the internet — you will never need a second XLR input. Buy the Solo, save $40, get identical sound quality. The only reason to choose the 2i2 over the Solo is if you record in-person with a second person using an XLR mic.
MOTU M2
Class-leading preamps for the price — 128dB dynamic range, LED VU meters, and the best headphone monitoring setup in this tier
Pros
Our Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 review covers the bundled software suite — Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools Artist are genuinely valuable.
- 128dB dynamic range — the cleanest preamps at this price point, with more headroom than the Scarlett 2i2
- LED VU meters on the front panel give accurate real-time visual gain feedback — makes setting levels genuinely easy
- Large physical monitor mix knob provides intuitive control over direct/software blend
- Handles the Shure SM7B at full gain without noise floor issues or the need for a Cloudlifter
- Two XLR/TRS combo inputs, USB-C, works on Windows and Mac
Cons
- $60 more than the Scarlett 2i2 — a meaningful price step for the incremental improvement
- Less name recognition means a smaller community for troubleshooting — Focusrite’s support ecosystem is more developed
- Driver experience on Windows is slightly less polished than Focusrite’s
Bottom line: The MOTU M2 is the right choice if you want the best preamp performance at this price tier, run a gain-hungry mic without wanting to add a Cloudlifter, or do significant headphone monitoring and want the best mix control available. The $60 premium over the 2i2 is justifiable if those specific features matter to you. For most podcasters, the 2i2 is sufficient — but the M2 is genuinely the better-performing interface.
| Feature | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Gen 4 | MOTU M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$160 | ~$220 |
| Inputs | 2x XLR/TRS combo | 2x XLR/TRS combo |
| Dynamic Range | 120dB | 128dB |
| SM7B Without Cloudlifter | Yes — Gen 4 handles it cleanly | Yes — with headroom to spare |
| Monitor Mix Control | Blend knob (direct/software) | Large physical mix knob + LED VU meters |
| Connection | USB-C | USB-C |
| Best For | Most podcasters — proven, reliable, well-supported | Podcasters wanting best-in-class preamps at this tier |
Do You Actually Need Two Inputs?
Solo vs. 2i2: the honest answer
Buy the 2i2 if: You record in-person two-person episodes with two XLR mics simultaneously, want to connect an instrument as well as a mic, or want input flexibility for future setups you haven’t planned yet. Two inputs also give you the option to run two mics and switch between them without re-patching cables.
Buy the Solo if: You record solo episodes and do all your remote interviews through software — where your guest is on their own mic and you’re both recording on separate machines. In that workflow, you only ever need one XLR input. The Solo’s preamp is identical, the savings are real, and there’s no audio tradeoff.
The rule of thumb: If your co-host or guest will ever be physically in the same room using their own XLR mic, get the 2i2. If everyone remote records on their own gear, get the Solo and spend the $40 on a better cable or pop filter.
Phantom Power: What It Is and When You Need It
The 48V button on both Scarlett models activates phantom power — a standard electrical supply sent through the XLR cable to condenser microphones that require it to operate. Dynamic mics like the Shure SM7B and Rode PodMic don’t need phantom power and aren’t harmed by it being active. Condenser mics like the Audio-Technica AT2020 require it to function at all.
If you’re using a dynamic mic, you don’t need the 48V button on — but leaving it on won’t damage your dynamic microphone. If you’re ever unsure which type of mic you have, check the spec sheet: condenser mics will list a phantom power requirement, dynamic mics won’t.
Frequently Asked Questions
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Review: Does the Scarlett 2i2 Gen 4 work with the Shure SM7B without a Cloudlifter?
Yes, in most cases. The Gen 4 preamps have enough headroom to drive the SM7B cleanly at around 75% gain. Whether you need a Cloudlifter depends on your voice, your recording level preferences, and how close you position the mic. If your recordings sound thin or noisy at full gain, a Cloudlifter CL-1 or Triton FetHead resolves it — but most users find the Gen 4 sufficient without one. The Gen 3 was borderline; the Gen 4 is not.
What’s the difference between the Scarlett 2i2 Gen 3 and Gen 4?
The Gen 4 has meaningfully improved preamps with a higher dynamic range (120dB vs ~111dB on Gen 3), adds the Air mode harmonic presence boost, switches to USB-C from USB-A/Micro-USB, and updates the gain halo indicators to show clipping more accurately. The sound difference is real but subtle. If you already have a Gen 3, an upgrade isn’t necessary. If you’re buying new, the Gen 4 is worth the marginal price increase over any remaining Gen 3 stock.
Can I use the Scarlett 2i2 for video calls and podcasting on the same computer?
Yes. The Scarlett 2i2 appears as a standard audio input and output device in your operating system and works with Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, and any podcast recording software simultaneously. Set it as your default input and output in your OS audio settings. The direct monitoring feature lets you hear yourself in real time while on a call without software latency.
Is the MOTU M2 worth the extra $60 over the Scarlett 2i2?
For most podcasters, no — the 2i2 Gen 4 is sufficient. The M2 is worth the extra cost if you consistently run gain-hungry mics at maximum preamp settings and notice noise, if you do a lot of headphone monitoring and want the cleaner mix control setup, or if you simply want the best preamp specs available at this price point. The audio quality difference is measurable but not dramatic in everyday podcast use.
Does the Scarlett 2i2 work with iPad or iPhone?
Yes, with the right adapter. The Scarlett 2i2 Gen 4 is USB-C and works with iPads that have USB-C ports directly. For Lightning iPads or iPhones, you’ll need an Apple USB-C to USB adapter plus a USB-C cable, or a Lightning to USB Camera Adapter. iOS support has improved significantly with Gen 4, and the interface appears as a standard audio input in GarageBand, Ferrite, and other iOS recording apps.
Related Guides
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo vs 2i2: Which Interface Do You Actually Need?
- Focusrite Scarlett vs MOTU M2: Which Interface Is Right for Podcasters?
- Best Audio Interface for Podcasting: What You Actually Need
- Best XLR Microphone for Podcasting: Top Picks for Every Budget
Browse all guides in our Audio Interfaces Hub.