Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen - USB Audio Interface Review (new AIR mode!!)

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  • Опубліковано 7 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 537

  • @dk2428
    @dk2428 Рік тому +311

    Julian, your channel is the reference when it comes to detailed audio reviews. Many thanks for doing things differently!

    • @ceorandom
      @ceorandom Рік тому +6

      That's so true. Eve me with a bad English always check his reviews

    • @FlammenherzHD
      @FlammenherzHD Рік тому

      bin fast eingeschlafen ...

    • @moddaudio
      @moddaudio Рік тому +1

      I bought a MOTU M4 after watching reviews from this channel and I found that it had several issues I did not expect. If you use a usb-c to c cable, there is measurable distortion on channel 3. The half-band filters are minimum phase not zero phase. 0.5mS latency in the monitor mix.

    • @Purrrelll
      @Purrrelll Рік тому

      My ears are the reference and my work flow. There are many dynamics that which card suits your needs? So, Julian can only be reference to his ears.

    • @omelashomelas
      @omelashomelas Рік тому +4

      @@Purrrelll wow deep

  • @thatguyreiji1045
    @thatguyreiji1045 Рік тому +28

    The GOAT returns. Love your reviews, been looking for a new interface since Im getting started with my music journey

  • @KCinSD84
    @KCinSD84 Рік тому +27

    100K! Congrats brotha. Well deserved.

  • @AZisk
    @AZisk Рік тому +15

    I really appreciate your extremely thorough reviews.

  • @dwftube
    @dwftube Рік тому +38

    Great video as usual and extra props for the transparency and honesty around sourcing the product. Amazing technical performance on offer for such little money these days. I'd love to see someone do a comparison between one of these and the rack mount a/d offerings from the likes of Universal/Apogee/Prism.

  • @HADent777
    @HADent777 Рік тому +7

    I saw the new focusrite interface yesterday in the store and immediately went to see what Julian has to say, you are a legend, Julian. The most reliable source on the internet 🔥

  • @EliasUribeDrums
    @EliasUribeDrums Рік тому +16

    Finally Focusrite launches a good generation of the Scarlett, I had the 2nd generation years ago, when I tried the 3rd generation, it seemed to me to be more of the same. The automatic gain seemed to be a copy of the Audient EVO to me. I would need to see the stability of the drivers in Windows, something in which Focusrite has always faltered since 2012 with the first generations of Scarlett.
    Greetings from Mexico City!! And congrats for the 100K subs!!!

  • @edmrussia
    @edmrussia Рік тому +26

    I thought Focusrite wouldn't surprise me with the new Scarlett line, but they did!

  • @jackraymond5009
    @jackraymond5009 Рік тому +10

    When I saw this come up, I had a big grin on my face. That is because, having seen that there was a 4th Gen of Scarlett available, the first thing I did was looked for a review by Julian, because he is the man! Imagine my disappointment when I saw that he hadn't posted anything for a few months. So to see this today made me very happy.

  • @EdThorne
    @EdThorne Рік тому +1

    Congratulations on hitting 100k, Julian! Very much deserved!

  • @helmanfrow
    @helmanfrow Рік тому +2

    Still using my first-generation 18i8 on one of my computers. I think I bought it in 2013. After around a decade I have essentially no issues to report and no plans to upgrade.
    Perfect is the enemy of good.

  • @ObscureTech
    @ObscureTech Рік тому +10

    Congrats on 100k!

    • @JulianKrause
      @JulianKrause  Рік тому +1

      Thank you Bark!!!

    • @ObscureTech
      @ObscureTech Рік тому

      @@JulianKrause no thank you..... I was hoping for this video soon, and you delivered as always.

  • @reianae.smiley8573
    @reianae.smiley8573 Рік тому +11

    I wasn't expecting Focusrite to drop the fourth-generation Scarlett line, but now I want the fourth-generation Scarlett Solo!

  • @LoftyAssertions
    @LoftyAssertions Рік тому +13

    Looks like they took a lot from Audients EVO series, not just the Smartgain and the LED configuration, but even the UI looks similar now. Definitely a good thing!

  • @Zidakuh
    @Zidakuh Рік тому +2

    "There's hardly any need for a Cloudhead or a FETlifter"
    I don't know if that was on purpose, but it made me crack up.
    Thanks for yet another absolutely excellent review. This is my go-to channel for audio interface information.

  • @pseudoyar
    @pseudoyar Рік тому +6

    what i highly respect in you is your transparency. the way you mark videos as ads when you receive the product for free
    and the content quality

  • @picksalot1
    @picksalot1 Рік тому +1

    Focusrite is wise to listen to you, as your thoughtful, thorough, and insightful videos have established you as the go to UA-cam reviewer of Audio Interfaces. Thanks

  • @paulthiebaut
    @paulthiebaut Рік тому +3

    In my opinion, the question now is how it compares to the legendary Motu m4.
    Congrats on 100k subs btw, you obviously deserve this after providing us the best audio reviews on UA-cam !

  • @h_e_x_a_g_r_a_m
    @h_e_x_a_g_r_a_m Рік тому +7

    “But MOST importantly, a HIGHLY secure Kensington locking point” 😎 made me giggle hahaha

  • @lennykravitz212
    @lennykravitz212 Рік тому +1

    Every your video is a great pleasure to watch!! Thank you, Julian!!!

  • @Crasher_Zoro
    @Crasher_Zoro Рік тому +2

    Vielen dank für das video ich habe lange überlegt ob ich es kaufen soll

  • @ronnyskaar3737
    @ronnyskaar3737 Рік тому +6

    Great review. The only problem is the typical Focusrite layout. I like to have buttons and meters on the top, like the Audient and SSLs.

    • @bassyey
      @bassyey Рік тому +2

      Really depends on your setup. I like it in front because I bury this with other device, kinda like a pseudo rack style. I don't want to display a mere interface on my desk.

    • @ronnyskaar3737
      @ronnyskaar3737 Рік тому

      @@bassyey Yes. It is no big problem. I have the Clarett 8pre in a rack. Allways a solution...

    • @noiseconnector
      @noiseconnector Рік тому +1

      It depends - when you have meters as halo you got higher resolution. Also you can put Scarletts higher on your desk and still have access to everything.

  • @shawnandrewusic
    @shawnandrewusic Рік тому

    Hi Julian! Your interface reviews are awesome! Thank you for sharing!

  • @pazuso
    @pazuso 9 місяців тому +1

    2 headphone outputs + direct monitoring DSP is VERY useful if you don't like too much video editing (plug 1 headphone out to your camera mic input). This is why I still use my super beat up UR44 over my "better sounding" Motu M2 (which has a loopback feature though, but still..).

  • @Simon_Hawkshaw
    @Simon_Hawkshaw Рік тому +1

    Good to hear your review of this 'new' interface. Your opinions and perspectives are the yardstick by which I choose to purchase my equipment. Thank you as always for your time, effort, and comprehensive info in your great reviews.

  • @oskenso
    @oskenso Рік тому +4

    I'm so excited for the new loopback feature and improved headphone output quality. I think this will be my next interface

  • @LeBeautiful
    @LeBeautiful Рік тому

    my man Julian is back with a detailed review. FTW!!!

  • @PawFromTheBroons
    @PawFromTheBroons Рік тому +2

    9:58 The Rode AI-1 has had a firmware update which unlocked its mic input level significantly.
    To SM7B levels, apparently.
    Should you want to have this very useful graph updated as well.

  • @TheGaragebandGuide
    @TheGaragebandGuide Рік тому

    Great breakdown Julian and congrats on hitting 100k subscribers!

  • @CarstenGoeke
    @CarstenGoeke Рік тому +2

    Super Kanal. Danke für Deine Reviews und herzlichen Glückwunsch zu 100k. Verdient. Liebe Grüße. Carsten ✌🏼

  • @framebuyframe2493
    @framebuyframe2493 11 місяців тому

    Excellent video covering this new audio interface. I plan to use it with a SM7B so was glad to see you had that same setup.

  • @FrancisOsborne-s9u
    @FrancisOsborne-s9u 9 місяців тому

    Excellent review Julian and you helped me figure out where direct monitoring had disappeared to. Neither the manual nor Focusrite support were able to enlighten me. Many thanks

  • @Decenium
    @Decenium Рік тому +1

    oh excellent, was thinking og getting the 2i2, love that you are doing this review

  • @RealKingOfCricket
    @RealKingOfCricket Рік тому

    Congrats on 100K subs. I am listing you since you had below 10K subs.

  • @wolfwilkopter2231
    @wolfwilkopter2231 Рік тому +7

    Good to see taht some companies actually listen...the 4th gen seems to be a genuine improvement over the sometimes downgradish 3rd gen (compared to 2nd gen) and the added features should come in handy for some people.
    Also the oftware seems to be quite well made...
    I guess Focusrite is back on the competition fields. good for them. 😊
    Oh...i just saw the 100k mark.
    Congratulations, that achievement is well deserved!
    🥳

    • @utkarsh1874
      @utkarsh1874 Рік тому

      4th gen is a downgrade ... what are you talking about those effect buttons are useless for professional recording

  • @Andy-Kach
    @Andy-Kach Рік тому +2

    Great video. It would be interesting to see NEUMANN MT 48 on your tests.

  • @jobairahmed2517
    @jobairahmed2517 Рік тому +1

    Congratulations on your 100k Subs !

  • @andiarrazakamir8642
    @andiarrazakamir8642 Рік тому +2

    I think, it's not just the audio interface that got an upgrade this year, but the this guy also made improvements in motion 12:53 👍🏻😊👍🏻

  • @Wattsepherson
    @Wattsepherson Рік тому

    Thank you, I've really struggled to get my head around audio and what to look out for, your videos have / are helping loads!

  • @teletesselator
    @teletesselator Рік тому

    6:15 if you turned it on it's not detectable - listening with very good headphones. Air + Drive also didn't noticeably alter the tone but did introduce some white noise. Maybe just your voice isn't suitable for the test?

  • @WickSounds
    @WickSounds Рік тому

    Great video Julian. Thankyou. I purchased a 4i4 4th gen after struggling with my budget m audio duo, really the difference is staggering.

  • @AudioGuy1990
    @AudioGuy1990 Рік тому

    Julia Krause you continue to put out great content for us audio nerds. Keep it coming!!

  • @thanqol
    @thanqol Рік тому +5

    Hi Julian, great to see you back with another review. I wish you would include a mention in all software-controlled device reviews, that the device will only work on platforms which the producer decides to support. So every time you switch to a new Windows/iOS version, there is a chance that your device is no longer compatible.

    • @OpenGL4ever
      @OpenGL4ever Рік тому

      That's why I pay attention to functionality under Linux and open source drivers and software from the start. This means I am neither dependent on MacOS nor Windows and can still use the device in 20 years.

    • @thanqol
      @thanqol Рік тому

      @@OpenGL4ever Yet this dramatically reduces the number of audio devices available to you. There is no way to access the settings on this device from any non-supported OS, such as Linux or an older Windows.

    • @OpenGL4ever
      @OpenGL4ever Рік тому

      @@thanqol Then that's just how it is. It's the manufacturer's problem if I don't buy their product because they don't have Linux drivers for their product.
      The Focusrite Scarlett series Gen 3 devices do btw. have Linux support written by the Linux community, not Focusrite. And the GUI application is even better than the windows and MacOS X one. For Gen 4 support it will take a while.

    • @thanqol
      @thanqol Рік тому

      @@OpenGL4ever Yes, but this just underlines why I would like to see audio device reviewers like @JulianKrause, who is the best in the business, give some attention to software-based control implementation, so that the manufacturers would actually/hopefully pay more attention to it. Julian actually complains about the poor UI design of the Focusrite control app in one of the Gen 3 device reviews. It would be much better if Focusrite would make the relatively small effort to develop a simple API for the controls of their devices, which would make them future proof compatibility-wise.

  • @JTCPingas
    @JTCPingas Рік тому

    Thanks for the review. Good to see Focusrite made objective improvements to their interfaces.
    According to the Focusrite website, the Solo and 2i2 list a 50 ohm output impedance in the headphone output section vs 11 ohms on the 4i4.

  • @dare2liv_nlove
    @dare2liv_nlove Рік тому +1

    SMASHED THE LIKE BUTTON even before watching!! Was excitedly waiting for this, haha. 😂
    (Edit: Now anxiously waiting for the 2i2 & Solo reviews, haha.)

  • @bielzenef
    @bielzenef Рік тому +3

    you know he had to do it 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

  • @JairajSinghPatil
    @JairajSinghPatil Рік тому +9

    Julian can we please have a chart or resource for latency results too? Would be very useful

  • @wwlittlejOfficial
    @wwlittlejOfficial Рік тому

    Congrats for 100k, Julian!

  • @KiloMegaGigaTerra94
    @KiloMegaGigaTerra94 Рік тому

    Awesome job, awesome hair and awesome dude! As always, your content is very vauable.

  • @quiksilver78
    @quiksilver78 Рік тому +2

    Yes! Every time I want to see a review of an audio interface, I come to hear Julian’s opinion . Thanks for the video. Why do they always skip out on the Mix knob like the UMC204HD I’m a bit bummed out about that 😢

  • @christopherkouri2317
    @christopherkouri2317 Рік тому

    Spectacular review as always. Thank you for all your efforts. Bravo sir!

  • @uwebaganz5144
    @uwebaganz5144 Рік тому +1

    Great interface, also the 3 mixes and stuff, but i will hold my 8i6 3rd gen, after i bought a headphone amp i have no problems anymore with my DT880 250 Ohms - so it works fine for me

  • @castawaymusic144
    @castawaymusic144 Рік тому

    Opened a ticket with Focusrite to confirm that the HP output are now separate from output 3&4. This was an issue in Gen3, you could either use output 3&4 or HPs but not both. Glad to see that is a thing of the past.

  • @Jylhis
    @Jylhis Рік тому +1

    was waiting for this 🙏

  • @jobairahmed2517
    @jobairahmed2517 Рік тому

    Big fan man ! maybe i watch your videos from the beginning of your channel !

  • @infiniterift
    @infiniterift Рік тому

    I was waiting for this review.

  • @davefiano4172
    @davefiano4172 Рік тому +1

    Like to see a user guide to using MIDI with the interface. Ok there is probably many out there, but by THIS GUY👍🏻

  • @sunwalker4017
    @sunwalker4017 Рік тому

    Gratuliere zu 100k

  • @ryanburchett8455
    @ryanburchett8455 Рік тому

    Best reviews on the internet. No competition.

  • @Yosoypascal
    @Yosoypascal Рік тому +1

    "Let's focus on focus rite, right? Alright" ahaha loved it
    Great review!

    • @dyarau5315
      @dyarau5315 11 місяців тому

      Tooooiiing !!! jajaja

  • @tporter23
    @tporter23 Рік тому

    Another great video Julian. Love the dad jokes in this one.

  • @artun42
    @artun42 6 місяців тому

    Just bought this yesterday, I’m shocked with how powerful this thing is

  • @uzefulvideos3440
    @uzefulvideos3440 5 місяців тому

    The air mode presence makes a lot of sense actually, it counteracts the downwards-tilted frequency response you get even in the reference environment due to room reflections from the downwards-tilted off-axis speaker frequency response.

  • @headsman2023
    @headsman2023 Рік тому

    I find out the 4th gen is out and I was hoping for your video
    Thanks

  • @JPPBOX
    @JPPBOX Рік тому +3

    Another great review!
    Julian: When comparing this unit to the Motu M2 on your Headphone Output Chart, the Motu M2 has a yellow score for Output Power into 16 Ohm while the 4i4 4th gen has a yellow score for Output Impendence @ 1khz, which you say in the review can slightly impact low impendence headphones.
    For low impedance headphones (PC38X 28 ohms), which of these two metrics would be most impactful - would you go for the Motu M2 or the new Scarlett specifically based on low impedance headphone performance? The numbers are super close on these two units! Thanks!

  • @scarvello
    @scarvello Рік тому

    Just purchased one can’t wait for it to get here 🔥

  • @christopherkiyui8071
    @christopherkiyui8071 Рік тому

    Upon seeing 4 input, I was hoping I could record my drums with 4 mics but the other 4 inputs are line inputs. Thanks for the wonderful review.

  • @Vakcoh
    @Vakcoh Рік тому

    I just stumbled on your channel - thank you - great reviews!!

  • @theclassick1
    @theclassick1 6 днів тому

    Nicely detailed review. Would have liked to have gotten details on the 'Auto' gain feature and functionality

  • @ndon85
    @ndon85 Місяць тому +1

    not a single mention on the independent headphones channel vs the 3rd gen when it was shared with outputs 3-4.

  • @techmed-rainer
    @techmed-rainer Рік тому

    Danke!

  • @reinulf656
    @reinulf656 Рік тому +1

    Yessss here we go! Danke!

  • @SardiniaProudAction
    @SardiniaProudAction Рік тому

    NICE" welcome back!

  • @stevem47
    @stevem47 8 місяців тому

    Hello Julian, I'm eager to see your review of the 4th gen Solo, when you have time!

  • @amfimoll9428
    @amfimoll9428 Рік тому

    A very good informative review. Thanks a lot!

  • @allvano
    @allvano Рік тому

    Thank you for the review. Just ordered a Gen 4 (also because of Linux support).

  • @MIHAO
    @MIHAO Рік тому

    great review

  • @piotrhabel2540
    @piotrhabel2540 Рік тому +5

    And now is the question: is Clarret+ still better option for home recording guitarist?

  • @tjnathan
    @tjnathan Рік тому +1

    Wake up babe, new Julian video

  • @mattd2001
    @mattd2001 Рік тому

    Another great video, thank you for putting in all the work! As of now the Motu M4 is cheaper to get than the Scarlett 4th gen 4i4. I would typically use this sort of interface when traveling and to be able to use both of my reference cans, one pair at 32 ohms and the other around 70 ohms, without bringing a dedicated headphone preamp will keep me using Motu interfacees. The 4th gen 4i4 might drive the 32 ohms without trouble, but I would always be wondering and that will inevitably mess with my workflow.
    An thanks Julian for cutting through the bs and presenting the raw data, I have learned a lot about the inner workings of interfaces from you.

  • @Alex_Martz
    @Alex_Martz Рік тому +3

    Hi, could you do a review on the "iConnectivity Audio4c"?? It's almost the same price as this new 4i4 but offers way more features including the ability to use it on 2 devices at once!, I use it on my Windows laptop and iPad Pro and I can listen to both devices at once and merge/process and send audio from both devices to each other as well as the 4 inputs, plus, Hi-Z and +48V are independent from each input as well as separate mixes for any of the 4 outputs and also separate mix for the headphone out plus extensive MIDI merging and filtering for controllers with a special USB port for controllers and charging of the iPad while using it too!

  • @Lamarro
    @Lamarro Рік тому +1

    Honestly 11 Ohm on low impedance headphones for mixing is quite a big difference in the Lowend ... at least when critical mixing. I know its not just about the Output Impedance but i was suprised how crazy different my old SSL2 sounded compared to the apogee Boom.

  • @gianpierolupoli7734
    @gianpierolupoli7734 11 місяців тому

    It seems a great audio interface, but it's much more expensive than the others in the same price category. I think I will buy the UAD Volt 2.
    This video really helped me to choose the interface!!! Thanks

  • @AZisk
    @AZisk Рік тому +1

    i wonder how the resulting sound actually compares to something from the ISA series (assuming clean AD conversion after ISA)

  • @QR_Code
    @QR_Code Рік тому

    congrats on 100k

  • @someone7565
    @someone7565 Рік тому +5

    please review MOTU M2/M4 new revision, it have completly new PCB design and new components

  • @JensHove
    @JensHove Рік тому +10

    Impressive update. If they'd only add a digital out, so you could send it to your preferred dac(/amp) for top notch low latency monitoring. It already has the adc done. Can't be that expensive to add an output.
    Great review as always.

    • @searchiemusic
      @searchiemusic Рік тому +2

      if you are at the level where you need an external dac for a 4 channel interface you probably have bigger issues, and should probably just be investing in a better interface

  • @EspeciallyCrunchy
    @EspeciallyCrunchy Рік тому

    Every company making audio interfaces needs to consult you first!

  • @paopamaki
    @paopamaki 10 місяців тому +1

    Hi , I wonder if to buy the focusrite 4i4 or UA volt 275? would you please recommend me? Thank you for doing these videos...I still dont know what to choose

  • @charlessmyth
    @charlessmyth Рік тому

    As it relates to this and other interfaces: Use an impedance matching transformer from Sowter or Lindahl, for example, and the interface will need less gain to be applied, by as much as 6db. This will make it as hot as a Shure SM58. It will also apply the proper load to the microphone and will improve its tone. The SM7B was designed at a time when mixers had input transformers, with between 4 and 10 of a step up ratio before the microphone pre-amp.

  • @vio4jesus
    @vio4jesus Рік тому

    Yes, your reviews are the BEST!!! I wish there were better 'pedalboard' mounted audio interfaces for those of us who use iPads as fx pedals or processors - in live performances. These (reviews of audio interfaces) are tailored to home recording, not live performances. We need BETTER interfaces for guitars /basses using iPads for live performances.

  • @VarunGlitz
    @VarunGlitz Рік тому +1

    Hi, Your channel is so informative. I have a request, Can you please review about Tascam series 102i & Motu M6. It would be great if you could review or compare them. They both offer more specs.

  • @Leynad778
    @Leynad778 Рік тому

    Great review, but pulled the trigger today on the Roland Rubix44, which is unfortunately not in your list. It should obviously sound better than Behringer-stuff according to reviews and the Motu M4 was my other option, but failed to deliver proper power-input. The 4th gen has it finally unlike the 3rd btw, which it quite cheap now, but I want to use my audio-interface as a mixer when the PC isn't running without re-plugging cables.

  • @danielbekteshi8584
    @danielbekteshi8584 Рік тому +1

    Would love to see the Neumann MT48 next! :)

  • @howling-wolf
    @howling-wolf Рік тому

    I have a Rode NT1A, a SM7-B (main input) and a Sm-58. Right now I use a Steinberg UR22 MKII. The 7B goes through a cloudlifter and a DBX 286S while depending on how loud the input is the other mics get a FetHead before going into the Steinberg.
    But recently I was quite frustrated by the Steinberg for the noise and the quick clipping.
    It seems the Focusrite would be a good fit to replace my Steinberg but I am wondering if there is an even better alternative for a similar price.
    Also to mention: I also use the Steinberg as audio output for my PC. But not directly as All my outputs are collected with a Palmer Monicon XL to which my Beyerdynamic DT900 ProX are connected as well as my Adam Audio T5V.

  • @mikeazmos
    @mikeazmos Рік тому +1

    Thanks for detailed review, Julian !
    Headphone output is still weak point of all scarletts, sad. 😞
    But loopback feature improved and overall mixer is pretty good !
    Finally you can switch between monitors and phones through mixer preset, instead of rotation of handles

  • @PodcastMeister
    @PodcastMeister Рік тому +1

    FetLifter & CloudHead… 😂 love it! Thank you for the review, you are the undisputed benchmark here. Thank God you‘re not into podcast recorders, that‘d be the end of my channel 🫣😂 (Just kidding, I actually would love to see your takes on the Rødecasters/ Podtraks/ Mixcasts/ Gigcasters of this world, especially when it comes to how they stack up in your wonder-charts).
    Huge congrats on the 100k subs, well deserved!

  • @waedi73
    @waedi73 Рік тому

    Great show and the moderator has a top haircut !

  • @ReneRosa
    @ReneRosa Рік тому

    Does it seem like they are doing away with their larger versions of these interfaces for the Scarlett line and saving that for only the Clarett line a a higher rice point? The lack of an optical in for an ADAT interface we used for additional inputs (i use for drumsets) is a deal-breaker for me in general.

  • @desertedmind6750
    @desertedmind6750 Рік тому +1

    Note that the new 2i2 has 50ohms output impedance. Maybe they used a different heaphone amp in the smaller model.