Audient EVO 4 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen

Quick answer

The Audient EVO 4 and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen are two-input USB audio interfaces with two microphone preamps, phantom power, two outputs, and bus power. Both feature automatic gain setting: Audient calls it Smartgain and Focusrite calls it Auto Gain.

Focusrite lists 24-bit resolution at 192 kHz, Clip Safe, Air mode, and a three-year warranty. Dynamic range figures cannot be compared directly because Focusrite publishes a 116 dB A-weighted microphone input figure and Audient lists 113 dB A-weighted without naming the input.

So the question to answer first is whether you want extra preamp modes and safety features, or whether the shared specs cover your recording setup.

Choose Audient EVO 4 if

• You want Smartgain: Audient says Smartgain works on both inputs simultaneously to set levels.
• You want a lighter unit: Audient lists a unit weight of 360g, while Focusrite lists 0.595kg.
• You want a D.I. input with stated specs: Audient lists D.I Gain Range: 58 dB and Input Impedance: 1MegΩ Unbalanced.

Choose Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen if

• You want stated converter resolution: Focusrite lists A/D Resolution 24-bit/192 kHz.
• You want Clip Safe: Focusrite lists Auto Gain and Clip Safe.
• You want Air mode: Focusrite lists Air Mode on its spec sheet.
• You want 69 dB of mic gain: Focusrite lists Gain Range 69dB, while Audient lists Mic Gain Range: 58dB.
• You want a stated warranty: Focusrite lists a Three-year warranty, which our Audient sources leave unstated.

By use case

Podcasting

Both interfaces provide two microphone preamps, allowing two microphones to record on separate channels at the same time.

Both offer loopback for streaming or remote calls: Audient provides a dedicated audio loopback mixer, and Focusrite lists Loopback on its spec sheet.

If you record remote guests, test your audio routing in software before starting a session.

Vocals

Both interfaces supply phantom power on their microphone preamps.

Focusrite publishes a 69 dB gain range and a -127 dBu noise EIN. Audient lists a 58 dB mic gain range and an EIN under -128 dBu.

Adjust your input levels during rehearsal so that loud passages stay below the maximum meter threshold.

Guitar

Both interfaces accept direct guitar connections. Audient lists a D.I input with 1MegΩ input impedance and 58 dB gain range, while Focusrite lists two instrument inputs.

Focusrite also lists two line inputs, and Audient lists 2 analog input channels.

Connect your instrument with a standard instrument cable and set your gain with hard strumming before recording.

What the specs do not tell you

Specification sheets cannot describe knob feel, casing durability, or driver performance on every computer system.

Our sources for Audient do not state MIDI in/out, onboard DSP effects, or warranty duration.

Our sources for Focusrite do not state MIDI in/out or onboard DSP effects.

Focusrite lists a 116 dB A-weighted dynamic range for its microphone inputs, while Audient lists 113 dB A-weighted dynamic range without naming the input or output stage, so the two figures may not measure the same signal path.

Test your latency settings in your recording software after installation to find the right buffer size for your workflow.