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.
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.
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 🥳
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.
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
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! 🚀🚀🚀🎧
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 😊
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
The different modes arent just emulation even with those old models producers and engineers would run their recordings into compressors, thats the feeling it gives me.
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
If we're talking about budget audio, you should really consider price. It's hard for me to imagine someone who isn't a high end producer caring that much about the quality of interface input. All these low budge interfaces are more than sufficient to produce music that is far superior than 10 years ago and which very few people can tell the difference. I, also, believe raw (unaltered) is the best to capture initially. These add on filters are meaningless to people who have never recorded with the original equipment. Post effects can re-create almost any vintage. Thanks for the great video.
Lovely video, very good explanation as usual. Love the Air button. I prefer the MOTU recording, but I'm very surprised by the new Scarlett (And the Lauten MIC). Technologies today's make thing more and more versatile and also more and more "professional" even with small budget interface. Have a marvelous day.
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 / RUclips, band (drums, keyboard, gitars), church. Source of sound: mixing console, stereo pair (jack jack).
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.
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
I can understand from a Marketing perspective, the desire to compare the devices with Industry standard hardware - especially in the case of UA and SSL who have had a significant prescience historically. In the case of Focusrite, I think they should just continue focusing on the strength of their position as a value leader in the budget segment. In their case, it can lead to brand loyalty when budget users look to upgrade, hence, getting their higher lines some attention, especially if they also provide a good value at those price points.
You nailed it. Best interface for the price to run an sm7b for meetings, with extra capability for some basic recording of vocals, guitar. It will take awhile to outgrow focusrite, a customer can still move up to the $700 ISA One for instance (incredible value as well for the quality you get). Bottom line, you cannot beat the value, and you've never been able to get this quality at this price in history. Glorious time to be alive for home music creation / audio!
I really prefer "flat and colourless" for any voice input so the extra modes probably wouldn't be used, although I only use a mic for podcast type stuff. I've been using a 2i4 Mk 1 for the last 9 years and it has been rock solid in that time. I got the 2i4 for the midi inputs on the back. And it has mic inputs on the front (which seems more sensible to me). Now the nearest equivalent is a 4i4 which is almost double what I paid for the 2i4 back then. Ouch. I guess when it does eventually die I might have to go upwards or just look at another brand. Very useful review, thanks. Nice to see you back.
The purpose of the "Air" seems to work. Something I've always caught on even talk radio when done right. It puts the voice "right there ... in the air" so that - they seem alive and right beside you. Without the Air (consciously caught or not) it seems like "recorded audio" and not LIVE and NOT "right beside you in the Air". IMHO.
Always look forward to and appreciate your videos! I've got a 3rd gen 8i4 currently, and honestly I'm just not a fan. Particularly since there is no gain at all on rear line inputs, so that even driving hardware synths and mixers hard, nothing short of a sonic boom seems to register, and even then just barely. So I'll likely be looking into the alternatives you mentioned. 🤣
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.
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 test and honest review Sanjay. To be honest I prefer a clean sound when recording into my Daw, not sure if I would be into the different recording modes.
Your reviews are always top-notch, Sanjay! I've been using a MOTU M4 since last year, and I don't think I'll be changing interfaces anytime soon. However, this new Focusrite gen sounds really good. I didn't like the Air and Drive modes, but the raw sound is pretty amazing. In terms of other functions, however, I still see the M4 (and honestly, the M2 as well) as a better fit for me. Input monitor mix (with control over which channels I want to monitor), loopback (which the Scarlett also has), on/off switch, dedicated 48V buttons on each mic channel, RCA outputs (I do use them) and even the screen. For the price, I think the M2 and M4 are just unbeatable right now. However, the better options we have, the better!
It's Definitely On Par With The MOTU Now, So It Comes Down To What Color Scheme Fits Your Setup The Most... Also I Like The New LED Indicators More Because They Have Found A Way To Utilize Space More Effectively.
@@babysunn2 It's not that easy if you require MIDI ports. In this case you need to compare a Scarlett 4i4 Gen 4 with a MOTO M4 and these two are in the same price range.
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.
⬇ 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.
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
This is the first time I’ve been able to hear an audible difference between interfaces. Awesome review and performances.
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.
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 🥳
3:45 using I feel it coming as a vocal example makes you an automatic legend in my book. Subbed.
Haha...thanks so much!
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?
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
No it is not. At all. Loses in every aspect
Bro, the Volt has lower dynamic range in every category compared to Focusrite
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
Motu m2 is still the king nothing beats it, ill stick with it until they come up with an update
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! 🚀🚀🚀🎧
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!
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.
Another great informative video. Just want to say i am proud of how far this guy has come. Best music tech videos.
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.
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 totally agree with you on recordings. I want the flatest I can get. Any adjustments will be done in Post.
Hi Pat!
I loved how the Arturia Minifuse 2 lowed the excessive bright on your armonics, just what i'm looking for!
Awesome review! And, what a voice - love, love, love! You are super talented, Sanjay C. Please sing more often.
Thanks so much!
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!
Bro frick the hardware your voice is so good
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.
I'm a big fan of your videos. Really honest and straight forward advice which is very helpful. Very nice singing voice too!
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
Brother can also sing, great review and great song choices ✌🏾
Thanks...I appreciate that a lot
I own a 3rd gen 2i2. The Volt crushed the competition here.
Sanjay, I just got to say. Your speaking voice is so smooth like butter!
Thank you. I really appreciate that.
off of your test, i think the preamp in the Volt sounds the most clear
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!
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. 😊
We don't hear you sing nearly enough, man. I always forget that you've got some good singer chops!! 👏
Thanks so much
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. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
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!
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 🙏🏼
THANK you for the highly detailed pro advice, Sonjay! 👍🏻
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 don't want a Focusrite interface, I want a Sanjay album!
I was waiting for this review ever since this dropped! Thanks so much man!
Hope you enjoy it!
Great video! The Behringer UMC interfaces are arguably better (and more affordable) than all of these imho.
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.
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.
Great job Sanjay! Lots of work on your part and it is appreciated! Thanks!
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
Awesome review! Your studio setup looks really cool with the white theme.
Hey thanks so much!
i liked how the motu sounded out of all of tthem
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.
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?
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.
Just ordered it on Amazon, thanks for the information 🥳
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!
The different modes arent just emulation even with those old models producers and engineers would run their recordings into compressors, thats the feeling it gives me.
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
clicked for the review, sub'd for your beautiful and amazing voice! well done friend
This was the most complete and thorough review I’ve seen of this new product - nice job, Sanjay!
Thanks so much! 🙏🏼
you are a good singer ..you have great content
Thanks so much
@@SanjayC welcome
Thank you so much for sharing.
If we're talking about budget audio, you should really consider price. It's hard for me to imagine someone who isn't a high end producer caring that much about the quality of interface input. All these low budge interfaces are more than sufficient to produce music that is far superior than 10 years ago and which very few people can tell the difference. I, also, believe raw (unaltered) is the best to capture initially. These add on filters are meaningless to people who have never recorded with the original equipment. Post effects can re-create almost any vintage. Thanks for the great video.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Glad to see you back
Nice to be back. Hope you enjoy this video!
Thank you. This was a brilliant review! 👏🏽
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!
just added to my amazon cart, thanks Sanjay !!!!!
Anytime!
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.
Lovely video, very good explanation as usual. Love the Air button. I prefer the MOTU recording, but I'm very surprised by the new Scarlett (And the Lauten MIC). Technologies today's make thing more and more versatile and also more and more "professional" even with small budget interface. Have a marvelous day.
Thanks so much. Always a pleasure to have you watch my videos
love your videos
Thanks so much 🙏🏼
Lovin' the white setup!!
Thanks! :-D
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?
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 / RUclips, band (drums, keyboard, gitars), church. Source of sound: mixing console, stereo pair (jack jack).
thank u for the informative video brother 🔊
No problem 👍
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.
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!
Love your videos! Thanks for sharing
Glad you like them!
Wow the air effect on the scarlet takes it from a normal dull recorsing to a sorra warm analog sound nice
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??
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.
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.
I can understand from a Marketing perspective, the desire to compare the devices with Industry standard hardware - especially in the case of UA and SSL who have had a significant prescience historically. In the case of Focusrite, I think they should just continue focusing on the strength of their position as a value leader in the budget segment. In their case, it can lead to brand loyalty when budget users look to upgrade, hence, getting their higher lines some attention, especially if they also provide a good value at those price points.
You nailed it. Best interface for the price to run an sm7b for meetings, with extra capability for some basic recording of vocals, guitar. It will take awhile to outgrow focusrite, a customer can still move up to the $700 ISA One for instance (incredible value as well for the quality you get). Bottom line, you cannot beat the value, and you've never been able to get this quality at this price in history. Glorious time to be alive for home music creation / audio!
I really prefer "flat and colourless" for any voice input so the extra modes probably wouldn't be used, although I only use a mic for podcast type stuff. I've been using a 2i4 Mk 1 for the last 9 years and it has been rock solid in that time. I got the 2i4 for the midi inputs on the back. And it has mic inputs on the front (which seems more sensible to me). Now the nearest equivalent is a 4i4 which is almost double what I paid for the 2i4 back then. Ouch. I guess when it does eventually die I might have to go upwards or just look at another brand. Very useful review, thanks. Nice to see you back.
I liked the sound of the mini fuse the best. That surprised me.
Thanks for sharing! Glad you enjoyed the comparison part!
Personally I love recording with the Air setting. It makes mixing my vocals a bit easier. Definitely to each their own though.
I love your props setup. 0:39
The purpose of the "Air" seems to work. Something I've always caught on even talk radio when done right. It puts the voice "right there ... in the air" so that - they seem alive and right beside you. Without the Air (consciously caught or not) it seems like "recorded audio" and not LIVE and NOT "right beside you in the Air". IMHO.
The modes are good to have and also a marketing ploy
Always look forward to and appreciate your videos! I've got a 3rd gen 8i4 currently, and honestly I'm just not a fan. Particularly since there is no gain at all on rear line inputs, so that even driving hardware synths and mixers hard, nothing short of a sonic boom seems to register, and even then just barely. So I'll likely be looking into the alternatives you mentioned. 🤣
Glad I could give you some other options to consider. Thanks for coming by and watching!
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.
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 test and honest review Sanjay. To be honest I prefer a clean sound when recording into my Daw, not sure if I would be into the different recording modes.
You'll get a cleaner sound with M-Audio, Presonus, or a Tascam interface over a Scarlett when it comes to budget hardware.
@@Jason75913 I will look into them Jason, thank you
Your reviews are always top-notch, Sanjay!
I've been using a MOTU M4 since last year, and I don't think I'll be changing interfaces anytime soon. However, this new Focusrite gen sounds really good. I didn't like the Air and Drive modes, but the raw sound is pretty amazing.
In terms of other functions, however, I still see the M4 (and honestly, the M2 as well) as a better fit for me. Input monitor mix (with control over which channels I want to monitor), loopback (which the Scarlett also has), on/off switch, dedicated 48V buttons on each mic channel, RCA outputs (I do use them) and even the screen. For the price, I think the M2 and M4 are just unbeatable right now.
However, the better options we have, the better!
Very happy with my MOTU M4, but damn the new Scarlett seems great
It's Definitely On Par With The MOTU Now, So It Comes Down To What Color Scheme Fits Your Setup The Most... Also I Like The New LED Indicators More Because They Have Found A Way To Utilize Space More Effectively.
Did you manually capitalize every word? Wow. That's amazing.
@@saadshah7857 That's MY SIGNATURE 😎
The MOTO does have a lower latency.
@@OpenGL4ever I Say If you are a Singer, Then choose MOTO, The Difference of lower latency is impossible to Hear, So For Everybody Else... SCARLETT.
@@babysunn2 It's not that easy if you require MIDI ports. In this case you need to compare a Scarlett 4i4 Gen 4 with a MOTO M4 and these two are in the same price range.
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.
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.
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.
Air etc gives you a good range of options however I mainly use it as another plugin. A plugin that I can’t live without but a plugin
I liked the arturia, the mids feel softer
The Arturia has a unique sound for sure. I'm glad I included it in the vid
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.
Beautiful vocals ❤
Thank you so much!!