Which 2-channel audio interface offers the best value for money under $300?
This page compares 2 2-channel audio interfaces with verified specifications and prices. Top options include Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen, Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Generation. Prices range from £222 to £230. All data is sourced from manufacturer documentation and specialist retailers.
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Number of Inputs ⇅ | Input Type ⇅ | Number of Outputs ⇅ | Output Type ⇅ | Sample Rate (kHz) ⇅ | Bit Depth (bits) ⇅ | Latency (ms) ⇅ | Phantom Power ⇅ |
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Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen
US
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£222.46 ≈ | 6 analogue inputs plus 2 S/PDIF inputs | 2 XLR combo mic line instrument inputs and 4 balanced 1/4in TRS line inputs | 4 analogue outputs plus 2 S/PDIF outputs and 2 headphone outputs | 4 balanced 1/4in TRS line outputs, 2 coaxial S/PDIF outputs and 2 1/4in TRS headphone outputs | 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz | 24-bit | 6.8 ms round-trip at 48 kHz and 32-sample buffer | ✓ |
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The Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen is a USB-C desktop audio interface with two mic preamps, four additional line inputs, four balanced outputs, two headphone outputs, MIDI, S/PDIF and Air mode. Its 24-bit/192 kHz converters and flexible routing suit home studios, producers and musicians recording several microphones, instruments or hardware devices. ★ Ideal forIt offers strong value for users needing more than two inputs under $300, with two mic or instrument inputs, four additional line inputs, four balanced outputs, 24-bit/192 kHz recording and two headphone outputs.
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Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Generation
US
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£229.88 ≈ | 4 | 2 XLR-1/4in combo mic/line/instrument inputs and 2 1/4in line inputs | 4 | 4 1/4in balanced TRS line outputs and 1 1/4in headphone output | 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz | 24-bit | — | ✓ |
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The Scarlett 4i4 4th Generation is a USB-C audio interface with four inputs, four balanced line outputs, two microphone preamps, instrument connectivity, MIDI, Auto Gain, Clip Safe, and Air modes. It suits musicians, producers, podcasters, and home studios that need more routing and simultaneous connections than a basic two-input interface. ★ Ideal forIt is a strong value choice for buyers who can stretch beyond $300 because its four inputs, four balanced outputs, 24-bit/192 kHz conversion, two preamps, MIDI, and included software provide substantially more studio flexibility than typical two-channel interfaces.
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