Focusrite

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)

The home-studio default for a decade - clean preamps, dead-simple, with auto-gain and a huge software bundle.

Best overall interface

PRICE $$ Check price on Amazon → View at Sweetwater

Specs

I/O	2-in / 2-out
Connection	USB-C
Phantom	48V
Max res	24-bit/192kHz

Measured score

Sound 86

Build 84

Value 90

Features 86

PRICE $$

Check price on Amazon → View at Sweetwater

Pros & cons

Clean, quiet preamps
Auto Gain + Air mode
Massive plugin bundle

2 in / 2 out only
USB-C cable fussy on some PCs

How it compares

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) vs MOTU M2Scarlett for the software bundle and beginner-friendliness; M2 for class-leading converters and LCD metering. Full comparison →

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MOTU

MOTU M2

Best sound quality

Best-measuring interface in its class with a genuinely useful full-color LCD metering display.

Sound 92

Build 82

Value 86

Features 80

PRICE $$

Check price on Amazon → View at Sweetwater Full breakdown →

02RANK

Universal Audio

Universal Audio Volt 2

Best for vocals

Adds a switchable '76-style analog vintage preamp mode that flatters vocals - plus UA's software stack.

Sound 86

Build 86

Value 82

Features 82

PRICE $$

Check price on Amazon → View at Sweetwater Full breakdown →

03RANK

PreSonus

PreSonus AudioBox USB 96

Best budget interface

The bargain entry point - rugged metal, simple, and it comes with Studio One to start recording today.

Sound 74

Build 82

Value 88

Features 70

PRICE $

Check price on Amazon → View at Sweetwater Full breakdown →