Product Comparison: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) vs Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 (2nd Gen)


General Specifications
Brand
Focusrite
Focusrite
Model
Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen)
Scarlett 6i6 (2nd Gen)
Origin
China
China
About the Product
This is our compact yet versatile 2-in, 2-out USB audio interface. It gives singer songwriters two natural-sounding Scarlett mic preamps and the same class-leading sound quality and digital conversion as the rest of the latest Scarlett range. Take it anywhere, connect by USB, plug your mics and guitars straight in, and simply start recording.
The second-generation Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 USB audio interface gives you a ton of flexibility for a portable interface. Two vibrant Focusrite mic/instrument preamps are right on the front panel where you need them, while the back panel hosts two additional line inputs and four line outputs. With MIDI I/O and two channels of S/PDIF I/O, the Scarlett 6i6 is a perfect foundation for home or project studios that may need to expand in the future. And with its rugged metal unibody design, the Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 is perfect for recording on the go. Plug in, fire up the bundled software, and you're ready to rock.
Key Specs
Form Factor
Desktop
Desktop
Control Interfaces
XLR or 1/4" Combo, 1/4"
XLR or 1/4" Combo, SPDIF, MIDI, 1/4" TRS
A/D Resolution
24bit/192kHz
24bit/192kHz
Number of Preamps
2
2
Simultaneous I/O
2/2
6/6
What customers say about "Key Specs"
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface
  • Really low latency. Great sound quality at an affordable price.
  • Pretty much what I wanted. Fairly clean, neutral and interference free sound using the balanced trs outputs to my JBL LSR305's.
  • Pre-amps are of good quality, to be expected from Focusrite.
  • Direct monitor ability is pretty useful for recording certain acoustic instruments that may not be very loud in the DAW.
  • No Phono out. No Midi In.
  • It colours the sound of the guitar. the bass is so deep you can't remove it from the software. it sounds like everything is covered by a blanket. I have the brightest sounding guitar on the market, all maple, and sounds like it's made of sponge
Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 (2nd Gen) USB 2.0 Audio Interface
  • The Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 is probably my 4th interface and even though it"s a fraction of the price of my previous two it performs just as well, pretty impressive! Really happy with this unit.
  • This is an incredible interface! The sound is amazing, and registration/driver download was easier than expected. Plus, Focusrite offers a few "freebies" from their website. If you don't need a ton of inputs, this is a can't miss!!!
  • This box delivers the sound - very detailed converters. The mic pres are also clean and detailed.
  • I've had mine a little over a week and couldn't be happier. Latency is amazingly low! Has ample power do drive my JBL LSR308's like a champ.
  • There's plenty of I/O for a small project studio. Should you need more inputs, there is also SPDIF I/O. The converters are top notch! Latency has not been an issue so far.
  • My only real complaint is the grey on black color scheme for the UI. It's difficult to see but could easily be fixed in an update.
  • CRAP interface. doesn't stay connected for more than 5 minutes at a time.
Size & Weight
Height
1.89 in.
1.97 in.
Width
6.89 in.
7.67 in.
Depth
4.52 in.
8.35 in.
Weight
1.32 lbs.
2.7 lbs.
What customers say about "Size & Weight"
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface
  • Solid build, looks really good, compact and lightweight.
  • Feels really well made and sturdy, the small form factor is great.
  • The device is very ergonomically designed, one of the best on the market in that regard.
  • The 2i2 has a superior build quality with a sleek solid metal case, the unit has a satisfying weight.
Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 (2nd Gen) USB 2.0 Audio Interface
  • It feels weighty, which is a plus.
  • Interface compact enough but very solid. I think it will work for long time.
  • Not heavy and you can even take it anywhere.
  • This Scarlett series is absolutely beautiful in hand. The red-finished aluminum housing, the weight, and the feel of the knobs as you turn them all scream quality.
Interfaces
Analog Inputs
2 x XLR-1/4" combo, 1/4" (line/instrument)
2 x XLR-1/4" combo, 2 x 1/4" (line in)
Analog Outputs
2 x 1/4" (line out), 1/4" headphones
4 x 1/4" (line out), 2 x 1/4" (headphones)
Digital Inputs
USB
SPDIF, USB
Digital Outputs
SPDIF
MIDI I/O
In/Out
What customers say about "Interfaces"
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface
  • The inputs on the front take both XLR cables and 6.3mm cables (For guitar jacks etc..). It looks great and easy to use.
  • Just bear in mind line level input is by using 1/4inch jack not xlr. it is very easy.
  • The headphones seem ideally suited to this interface and for general reference will probably replace my Shures as my work-a-day 'phones.
  • It would be nice to have some analogue inputs on the back but can live without.
  • The XLR cable included with the equipment is very low quality my headphones and cable have already started to mess up after 3weeks of use.
Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 (2nd Gen) USB 2.0 Audio Interface
  • Mind blowing clarity and the latency is so non existent!!!!!! And the extra headphone amp is a great plus even though headphone 1 is wired to 1/2 and headphone 2 is wired to 3/4 its still ok
  • At first 2 mic inputs seem like it's not enough but after reading the specs and finding out this interface is expandable via S/PDIF I fell in love with it, it's perfect for me.
  • All I need are two mic inputs to record guitars (stereo) and one mic to record voice, I have and AT 4040, I have never heard such audio quality.
  • I needed the MIDI ports as well as two headphone jacks. Its nice.
  • The line inputs and S/PDIF allow me connect all of my gear so I never have to re-patch.
Features
Extras
Two natural-sounding Scarlett mic preamps with plenty of even gain, Super-low latency* for using your plug-ins in real time without the need for DSP, One headphones output with gain control, Connect professional studio monitors using two 1/4 inch balanced jack outputs, Compact and tough enough to take anywhere, Powered by USB so you don't need to carry a power cable, Includes Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack and Ableton Live Lite
Four analogue inputs, including two Scarlett mic preamps with plenty of even gain, Two newly-designed instrument input, designed for seriously hot pick-ups, Two headphone outputs with dedicated volume controls, Focusrite Control software to easily configure your monitoring and routing setups, Remote control from iPhone or iPad - Download the free Focusrite iOS Control app, Includes Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack and Ableton Live Lite, All the additional software and loops you need to record, Stereo S/PDIF In and Out for connecting other digital devices
Power Supply
USB
12V DC
Phantom Power
Yes
Yes
Bus Powered
Yes
No
OS Requirements - Mac
Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) or OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)
Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) or OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)
OS Requirements - PC
Windows 7 (32- or 64-bit), 8.1 and 10
Windows 7 (32- or 64-bit), 8.1 and 10
What customers say about "Features"
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface
  • Handy indicator LED's to know if your signal is peaking or not.
  • Headphones are great, the interface includes phantom power for condenser mics and the mic itself produces great audio.
  • Each input lights up green or red if you overload it allowing one to quickly set the recording level.
  • The "Gain Ring" is a really intuitive display for telling whether your input level is peaking or not.
  • USB-C would be nice for the newer MacBook's however for much more money a USB-C model is available.
  • Installing and registering the software proved to be a labyrinth of pointlessly difficult bull****.
Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 (2nd Gen) USB 2.0 Audio Interface
  • What I really appreciate is that whenever I turn the unit on it engages the software and switches the output to the 6i6 without any confusion.
  • This is my 2nd Focusrite, I had a Pro24 DSP that I used for a very long time. The green=go level setting is great, and I love the fact that you save and recall different sets I/O and mixer settings.
  • This is a great first audio interface. It's affordable, popular, has good specs, and has good preamps. Additionally, it comes with a lot of free software.
  • The software could be a little clearer to operate.
  • My only issue is the new Focusrite Control. I wish that had a manual that JUST covered the 6i6, rather that one that covered all models. I'm not finding the new mixing software to be as intuitive as I would like.
Warranty / Certifications
Manufacturer Warranty
2 year(s)
2 year(s)
Certifications
FCC, CE
FCC, CE
Other Information
Manufacturer
MSRP
149.99 $
219.99 $
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