Reddit reviews Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First

Kyle's Setup

Microphone (Shure SM7B) - https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=shure+sm7b&qid=1549674292&sr=8-2

That runs into a clean gain booster, Cloudlifter (I didn't know he wasn't running this since he got his Shure in 2014. Once I learned that, I had him get one and he's been running that for about a month and a half now) https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Microphones-CL-1-Cloudlifter-1-channel/dp/B004MQSV04/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=cloudlifter&qid=1549674274&sr=8-5

Which goes into his mixer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CTKI10A/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Now if someone wanted to run this setup, I would say don't get the Behringer, they have problems but most of the time they're fine. But you want to get a Focusrite Scarlett https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T50LY/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=cloudlifter&qid=1549674274&sr=8-12 or Mackie Onyx https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-Producer-Interface-Bundle-Polishing/dp/B07GJWQQM3/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=mackie+onyx&qid=1549674443&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1 (I recommend the Onyx but they're both fucking great, used both, currently running the Mackie in my new studio setup)

Taylor's Setup

Same exact setup as Kyle, even though I told them to get him this Blue Micrphone TUBE arm: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Compass-Premium-Tube-Style-Broadcast/dp/B078MLBGRM/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=blue+microphone+arm&qid=1549674585&sr=8-5

It's a way better arm. Kyle is using the standard Rode arm & either that's what Taylor's got now or he's using a super cheap ass one. But no way that cheap ass one would work with the Shure's weight, so he probably got a rode. But I recommended they both get the Blue tube arm.

Woody's Setup

Microphone (Electro-Voice RE20):

His preamp/mixer is all in his rack that's mounted with his PC which is down by his knee. I forget what he's using cause it's been many, many years since he built that thing.

The microphone arm he is using is the cadillac of microphone studio boom arms the K&M 23860: https://www.amazon.com/23860-Microphone-Desk-Arm-Black/dp/B00AXMM0L2?tag=paidinsi-20

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The Shure SM7B and Electro-Voice RE20 are the gold standard for radio and podcast production in studios. You can't go wrong. But if you get the SM7B then you need a pre-amp or something that's going to give you an additional 20-40db of clean gain.

If you don't have that Cloudlifter and just use it with that mixer, then you have to crank the fuck out of the gain which greatly increases and raises your noies floor. So you'll be audible and sound good, but you'll still get lots of white noise/background noise.

In my setup it's the Shure SM7B, Mackie Onyx, Cloudlifter, Blue Mic arm and quality XLR cables. When I plan to expand and add more microphones to do several people in studio productions. I'll create a rack unit VERY similar to what Lefty is currently running. With an electricity conditioner and the same preamp he has that I researched on my own and it's perfect for getting the clean gain added that you need so you don't need the cloud.

I have a Focusrite 2i4 and this thing is very nice for the cost. Great inputs, clean sound, and good hardware.

First of all, thank you so much for such a helpful and detailed answer! I wasn't expecting this kind of awesome comments from everyone!

About the virtual instruments, I was thinking that I would really get inspired if I bought the expensive ones, but you are absolutely right. I'm just starting and probably should try learning everything with the free tools that are available (which don't sound that bad actually). I'll check out everything you recommended, including the audio interface. I just have one question about that. I'm about to buy a new digital piano (This is one of the reasons I started to take interest in the computer compatibility), and since (as you said) those have MIDI ports, should I avoid this interface and buy this one instead, since the first one doesn't appear to be compatible with MIDI? Sorry if this is a very obvious question. I'm a real newbie to this fascinating world and I would really want to make the right decisions, especially since I'm about to spend on a piano already and have limited money for this project (at least for now).

want to get something like the Focusrite Scarlett 2 input 4 output the nice thing about this is that it has a MIDI in and out with is perfect for someone doing electronic music and will have midi instruments.

I LOOOOVEEEEEE these!! I can hear everything and they hit decent on the lows. With the extra budget, maybe go with 8" version but it's double the price.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DUKP37C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Edit: This is what i have for interface. The free software is worth more than the interface. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E6T50LY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use Shure SM57 running through a Forcusrite Scarlet 2i4 2nd Gen. My oldest technique was using Voice Record Pro 7 on my iPhone, and strategically recording in certain rooms, or setups. Afterwards, I edited in Audacity, but I've since moved over to Reaper.

Some mistakes I made along the way (and extra):

• Smartphones are perfectly acceptable and money conscious way too record. The catch is you'll need to be good at editing to get the sound quality your probably looking for.
  
  
• I researched a ton, before I bought, and when I finally had the money to purchase it, I still didn't feel comfortable (there's a reason why). Even if you think you're done, research it more. Be absolutely 100% with no maybes, while also being realistic.
  
  
• What I was paranoid about what the Scarlett 2i4 having some sort of issue of being quiet/compatibility issues, or the mic would break easy. Well it turns out neither of those are true. That is unless you pair them together and then everything seems true. The SM57/58 don't work well with the Scarlett 2i4 without a preamp to run between the DAI and microphone, such as a Cloudlifter CL-1 or CL-2.
  
  
• Know what your mics do, and what they excel at. Seriously, know your microphones well.
  
  
• Don't cheap out on a stand; buy something of quality. You don't want to drop a $500 condenser mic, because you wanted to save $20 on a stand.
  
  My wishlist is annoyingly long, so I'll refrain from posting it.
  
  E: I'm not sure if many will see this, but it's still worth posting. I did a walk through of my house using my iPhone 6+ and Voice Record Pro 7, showing off how different rooms sound, as well an unedited recording can be (you should always edit). Blanket monster is your friend.

If you just plan on dealing with the PC's audio output, then a midpriced audio card will give you better amplificiation and conversion.

If you want to record to the computer, your best bet is a USB device, like these:

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T50LY

https://www.amazon.com/Steinberg-UR44-Audio-Interface/dp/B00HLTLTGW

From my experience, I think you should probably go with an external audio interface like this (cheaper options out there, just get one with midi in) and use the midi input. With the asio4all driver I was getting latency under 10ms and it felt fine. Just get buffer size as small as you can without getting distortion. As for playing along, the easiest way I've found to do that is just download the track and import it into your DAW. It's a little more work but I never had good luck trying to use my browser or media player separately. Hopes this helps you.

Oh in that case I would switch up it

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Interface - The one you had didn't have Phantom Power (48V), which is required for 90% of condenser microphones, I wouldn't buy an interface without it. Focusrite is going to offer better preamps, expandability, and is just a better offering. Yes this adds +$20 but if I were to compare value add I would say the Focusrite interface adds $100 if not more over the Line6.

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T50LY/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Focusrite+Scarlett+2i4+USB+Audio+Interface&qid=1565645877&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Microphone - while that AT2020 is a nice microphone, I wouldn't be an audio nerd if I didn't recommend consider trading it out for a Shure SM58. It's a rite of passage mic, it's going to sound good out of the box, but you can learn how to make it sound even better. It's also going to pick up less unwanted noise (mom yelling that hotpockets are ready, cops bursting in your room when you been swatted.

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM58-LC-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B000CZ0R42/ref=sxin_4_osp1-d1fabffa_cov?ascsubtag=d1fabffa-c2ec-4fa0-ae31-2e07a178f49c&creativeASIN=B000CZ0R42&cv_ct_id=amzn1.osp.d1fabffa-c2ec-4fa0-ae31-2e07a178f49c&cv_ct_pg=search&cv_ct_wn=osp-search&keywords=sure+sm58&linkCode=oas&pd_rd_i=B000CZ0R42&pd_rd_r=a40496d4-0539-4f37-a1f5-06c41f3afb62&pd_rd_w=zLA9w&pd_rd_wg=YvsDi&pf_rd_p=c501273b-119a-4fc9-ad78-eda5006b0be9&pf_rd_r=K79XXEN93XVP9C4Z5Q2R&qid=1565646518&s=gateway&tag=popularscience_os-20#customerReviews

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The boom arm you have will work with any mic so you leave that.

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If your budget is strict here's a bundle that has the Scarlett Solo and the AT2020, which has solid reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Interface-Bundle-Microphone/dp/B07V4MNBMX/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=Focusrite+Scarlett+solo&qid=1565646973&s=gateway&sr=8-10

Okay, so probably a small USB or Thunderbolt interface with a couple built-in mic preamps and monitoring via headphone and 2.0 speakers.

I like Focusrite's interfaces - very good mic preamps with hardly any noise, 24/192 recording and playback, and very low latency. the two I would suggest are the Scarlett 2i4 ($200) and the Clarett 2Pre ($500).

The Scarlett 2i4 is a pretty "no frills" interface - USB, 2 inputs (1/4"/XLR combos with phantom power), and monitoring/output via USB, headphone, RCA out, or line out (to powered studio monitors). It also has MIDI i/o, if that matters. It's compatible with just about every DAW or multimedia editing software out there.

The Clarett 2Pre is the Scarlett on steroids. It communicates over Thunderbolt, has 2 even better mic pres that include an analog model of Focusrite's legendary ISA mic preamp (which is great for VO), even lower latency, and is expandable via ADAT optical link to 10 inputs.

TBH, the Scarlett is probably more than enough, but the Clarett's excellent preamps will get you very close to pro/studio VO results if paired with an equally-good mic. As far as playback, mixing, and monitoring, I didn't notice much of a difference when I upgraded from the 2i4 to the 2Pre because I monitor and play back at 24/96 most of the time (though I could probably push the Clarett to 24/192 and it would be fine). I think either one paired with good studio headphones or powered monitors should work.

Not OP, but I have one as well. It's either the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or the 2i4. I've got the 2i4 and I love it.

Link here.

I've had these 2 for a while and I highly recommend them:

[Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro](https://www.amazon.co.uk
/beyerdynamic-770-PRO-Studio-Headphones/dp/B0016MNAAI) ~120 euro

Scarlett Focusrite 2i4 ~140 euro

DAC/Amp’s don’t have microphone inputs, they are purely output devices.

I think an audio interface is what you want, such as this. I could be wrong, but I believe it does what you want. You’d need a 3.5mm to TRS for the headphone and 3.5mm to TRS or XLR for the mic; they can be cables or an adaptor/dongle.

What is your budget? If MIDI is a requirement the Focusrite 2i4 is $170.

If you go with the interface, your speakers should be "studio monitors", i.e. something that doesn't color the sound with "bitchin' bass" or whatever the cool kids are using on their 7.1 surround sound gaming rigs.

Same goes for the headphones. AT has some options that are a good bang for your buck.

For speakers that get loud but sound great at any volume I can highly recommend a pair of Yamaha HS5's, but you can certainly get decent monitors for less.

The Scarlett is a good choice. Spring for the 2i4 over a 2i2, because the PAD button will come in handy, allowing you to roll down the decibels without affecting the tone. Key if your guitar has hot pickups.

Just to echo /u/Heikkiket, you can't really edit loops in Sooperlooper, and the stompbox analogy is pretty appropriate - you've just got some extra frills - unlimited tracks, independent control of each, etc. Also the ability to load audio files (wav/mp3/etc) into a loop - this might actually be a route that could work for you: create the track in Ardour, then load it into Sooperlooper, which will play it endlessly.

But yeah, in terms of your workflow - switching between programs, and with no external devices (like a midi controller: 1, 2*), you're gonna have a bad time. I'd recommend a foot controller to control Sooperlooper (see below), at the very least.

*I actually use this one, the Midibuddy MP128. It can be plugged into either a cheap USB/MIDI interface, or a guitar+midi interface like the Scarlett 2i4.

My only experience with this being a problem was using Windows XP and an Akai mpk49.

Using just straight usb there was considerable latency. So I bought a midiman 2x2 and used an old school midi cable, and everything was great.

I have a much newer keyboard and I'm now on MacOs, and I haven't had any problems with midi over usb (in other words no old school midi cables).

Hope this helps, but if you do have problems with usb to midi, I'd try a midi man (even though it uses usb as well it seems the drivers are better).

If I were you I'd definitely get an interface with old school midi, just in case.

If you ever expand your set up it'll be there.

edit: Regardless, get a dedicated audio interface, it will make a world of difference.

I'd get this one: https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T50LY

Since I saw other people wanting to do voice acting and you yourself might be unsure about what gear to buy, here is advice from a musician:

Try to practice with what you have, when you start to feel more secured about your skill, try to buy a better microphone, do NOT buy a condenser microphone, those are too sensitive if you are starting out, buy a dynamic microphone instead!

Recommended microphones, both made by the brand 'Shure':

SM58

SM7B (If you really can afford it)


To be able to use a microphone that is from an XLR cable to maintain quality you need an audio interface, there is a market solution that brings you to a prosumer level very cheaply and it is called a 'focusrite scarlett solo' it is one of the cheapest but also most durable and stable interfaces in the industry that is worth having! You can hook your electric guitar too if you want to.


The interfaces:


Focusrite scarlett Solo

Focusrite scarlett 2i4 (If you really can afford it, options like the Pad button make it amazing for general use outside of recording)


Now you need a DAW if you want to upgrade from audacity, a DAW (Digital audio workstation) is your workfield, it is what provides you what you want in terms of FX or samples (if it delivers them)


Good cheap DAWs:

Reaper by Cockos

Ableton live 10 intro (more expensive but you get more fx to it, it is less userfriendly for beginners from my experience though)


VSTs are what you will be using in your arsenal for FX and voice processing, you got tons of free VSTs that work like a charm and you got tons of paid ones that obviously work better but you can get them for cheap at plugin boutique! or sign in for emails of the sellers! PM me to request the list for free VSTs, if the demand is high, I'll make a list for it here and edit the post!

The plugin boutique website

I'd say just get one of these. It's a great interface for your computer as almost no computer soundcard can handle things like XLR/TRS connections and you're going to be using exactly those for those JBLs. It says ProTools but you can use Ableton or really any midi software as the Focusrite Scarletts are really popular and have a lot of support for both PC & MAC.

Also, if you're going to produce, either get a sub or get 8" monitors. You need the low end for bass, and headphones can't show you what a good system set up can. I know this isn't a music/producer sub, but I hate when people buy the expensive gear and it doesn't meet their needs. Considering it sounds like you're setting up a home studio, getting an interface and a good monitoring situation set up is crucial.

Edit: To answer your build question, I do think getting 32gbs of ram is a bit much unless you plan to do a bunch of things at once. Also, since you have a balls to the wall budget it seems, adding a boot ssd will help you get fast boot times out of programs like Ableton/ProTools. I'd say keep both HDs if you can. One can hold music projects and the other, games, music, & other documents.

Did some digging, this is the model: https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T50LY

People told me, "Get good cans before good studio monitors." Headphones, it is, since my room isn't treated.

So, I am planning to get the Sennheiser HD650s which are 300 ohm, and proper studio monitor speakers in the future.

The hardest part is finding an affordable audio interface to work with my 300 ohm headphones. Can I use a headphone amp WITH an audio interface? That would solve the problem so it could drive the headphones properly. I found the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 audio interface to be a good buy but noticed it only had 10 ohm headphone output. I know that most headphone amps come with DACs (which are a part of audio interfaces), so in theory, audio interface + headphone amp should be a common pairing, right? How would I go about finding a headphone amp to work with my audio interface and headphones then? And should I also keep speakers in mind while I shop for these?