# Which 2-channel audio interface offers the best value for money under $300? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

Which 2-channel audio interface offers the best value for money under $300?

## Products

### Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen
```yaml
product: focusrite-scarlett-8i6-3rd-gen
brand: Focusrite
price_gbp: 222.46
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
latency: 6.8 ms round-trip at 48 kHz and 32-sample buffer
bit_depth: 24-bit
input_type: 2 XLR combo mic line instrument inputs and 4 balanced 1/4in TRS line inputs
output_type: 4 balanced 1/4in TRS line outputs, 2 coaxial S/PDIF outputs and 2 1/4in TRS headphone outputs
sample_rate: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
phantom_power: +48 V
number_of_inputs: 6 analogue inputs plus 2 S/PDIF inputs
number_of_outputs: 4 analogue outputs plus 2 S/PDIF outputs and 2 headphone outputs
```

- **Price:** £222.46 [^1]
- **Summary:** 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 For:** It 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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2]

### Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Generation
```yaml
product: focusrite-scarlett-4i4-4th-generation
brand: Focusrite
price_gbp: 229.88
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bit_depth: 24-bit
input_type: 2 XLR-1/4in combo mic/line/instrument inputs and 2 1/4in line inputs
output_type: 4 1/4in balanced TRS line outputs and 1 1/4in headphone output
sample_rate: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
phantom_power: 48V
number_of_inputs: 4
number_of_outputs: 4
```

- **Price:** £229.88 [^3]
- **Summary:** 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 For:** It 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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^4], [^5]

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-09-04. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Focusrite/Scarlett-8i6-USB-Audio-Interface-Gen-3-1500000280111.gc
[^2]: Musicstores.in, accessed 2026-09-04. https://www.musicstores.in/audio-interfaces/focusrite-scarlett-8i6-3rd-gen-usb-audio-interface
[^3]: Focusrite, accessed 2026-09-04. https://focusrite.com/products/scarlett-4i4
[^4]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-09-04. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Focusrite/Scarlett-4i4-USB-C-Audio-Interface-Gen4-1500000404591.gc
[^5]: B&H Photo Video, accessed 2026-09-04. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1779668-REG/focusrite_scarlett_4i4_4g_scarlett_4i4_4th.html