In the world of audio interfaces, Focusrite is a well-known brand. However, there are so many options how will you know which to pick to work best in your home studio?
Let us help!
Here are two great models to start your search with: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and Saffire Pro 40.
We took a look at these two models with the following four categories in mind: system requirements and software, overall dimensions, input / output amount and additional noteworthy features.
System Requirements and Software
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is compatible with both PC and Mac computers. If you are using a PC, the systems requirements are Windows 7 or higher. If you are using a Mac, the system requirements are OS X 10.6.5 or higher.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 comes complete with Ableton Live Lite software and Focusrite’s Scarlett plut-in suite.
The Saffire Pro 40 is also compatible with both PC and Mac computers. For PC use, an operating system of Windows 7 or higher is required. If working on a Mac, you will need an operating system of OS X 10.9 or higher.
The software that comes with the Saffire Pro 40 is downloadable and compatible with various machines. Saffire Mix Control has 6 different downloadable programs, and lists which machines are compatible with them.
Overall Dimensions
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a great travel audio interface. Its light weight of 1.3 lbs. makes it feel like it’s not even packed!
The dimensions for the Scarlett 2i2 are 1 ¾” H x 7” W x 4”D.
The Saffire Pro 40 is meant to be a more stationary model. It weighs 6.6 lbs. and the overall dimensions are 19”W x 1.8”H x 10.4”D.
Input / Output Amount
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is marketed towards the beginner recording at home. It has two input ports and two output ports.
The inputs are XLR jack combos lines meant for use with either instruments or microphones. The outputs are ¼” TRS, balanced monitor jacks. It also includes a USB port.
The Scarlett Pro 40 is marketed towards a more commercial audience, such as small recording studios. There are a total of 20 input ports and 20 output ports, as well as a firewire interface.
The 20 input ports include line inputs, microphone inputs, and instrument inputs. The 20 outputs include headphone outputs and line level outputs.
Additional Noteworthy Features
There are also some great features to note about these two models.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has the following noteworthy features:
- Two high quality pic preamps
- Heavy-duty metal unibody case
- Portable interface
- LED gain halos
- Ability to listen to music as it’s being recorded without going through computer speakers with direct monitor
- Compatible with the latest Mac operating system, OSX Mavericks
The Saffire Pro 40 also has some awesome features to take a look at:
- Eight preamps
- Firewire interface
- Focusrite Plug-in Suite
- Two separate headphone locations with individual level control
- DSP mixer / router
Overall Recommendation
For this comparison, an overall recommendation isn’t really possible. These two models are marketed for different types of consumers. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is marketed for the individual musician or small home studios. The Saffire Pro 40 is meant for commercial use in small studios.
With that said, both of these would make fantastic options depending on what your needs are.
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