Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen - USB Audio Interface Review (new AIR mode!!)
Рет қаралды 162,855
Күн бұрынIn this video I test the 4th generation Scarlett 4i4 interface to see which kind of improvements this generation brings.
Sweetwater US | Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen: sweetwater.sjv.io/9gxbKy *
Thomann EU | Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen: www.thomann.de/de/focusrite_s... *
Thomann EU | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen: www.thomann.de/de/focusrite_s... *
Thomann EU | Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen: www.thomann.de/de/focusrite_s... *
Support the channel on Patreon: / juliankrause **
Follow me on Twitter: / thejuliankrause
00:00 Intro
00:41 Hardware Overview
04:06 Internals
05:03 Mic Input and Air Mode
08:27 Mic Preamp Performance
10:06 Mic Input Performance
10:46 Line Input Performance
11:50 Main Output Performance
12:54 HP Output Performance
15:10 Software Overview
18:02 Direct Monitoring Latency
18:17 Round Trip Latency
19:03 Driver Development
19:30 Verdict
* Affiliate links from which I receive a commission for sales. This doesn't generate any additional cost for you. As an Amazon and Thomann Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
** Patreon is a platform where you can choose to support the channel by purchasing a monthly subscription.
@dk2428 10 ай бұрын
Julian, your channel is the reference when it comes to detailed audio reviews. Many thanks for doing things differently!
@ceorandom 10 ай бұрын
That's so true. Eve me with a bad English always check his reviews
@julianflammenherz5066 10 ай бұрын
bin fast eingeschlafen ...
@moddaudio 10 ай бұрын
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.
@lamaisonrockduprocrastinat6395 10 ай бұрын
Julian don't comment your own video please !
@Purrrelll 10 ай бұрын
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.
@AZisk 10 ай бұрын
I really appreciate your extremely thorough reviews.
@KCinSD84 10 ай бұрын
100K! Congrats brotha. Well deserved.
@thatguyreiji1045 10 ай бұрын
The GOAT returns. Love your reviews, been looking for a new interface since Im getting started with my music journey
@dwftube 10 ай бұрын
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.
@Simon_Hawkshaw 10 ай бұрын
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.
@lennykravitz212 10 ай бұрын
Every your video is a great pleasure to watch!! Thank you, Julian!!!
@edmrussia 10 ай бұрын
I thought Focusrite wouldn't surprise me with the new Scarlett line, but they did!
@EdThorne 10 ай бұрын
Congratulations on hitting 100k, Julian! Very much deserved!
@JulianKrause 10 ай бұрын
Thank you Ed! :)
@TheGaragebandGuide 10 ай бұрын
Great breakdown Julian and congrats on hitting 100k subscribers!
@JulianKrause 10 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!
@picksalot1 10 ай бұрын
Focusrite is wise to listen to you, as your thoughtful, thorough, and insightful videos have established you as the go to KZfaq reviewer of Audio Interfaces. Thanks
@WattSounds 6 ай бұрын
Thank you, I've really struggled to get my head around audio and what to look out for, your videos have / are helping loads!
@CarstenGoeke 10 ай бұрын
Super Kanal. Danke für Deine Reviews und herzlichen Glückwunsch zu 100k. Verdient. Liebe Grüße. Carsten ✌🏼
@PawFromTheBroons 10 ай бұрын
Congrats on your 100K. Much deserved!
@AudioGuy1990 9 ай бұрын
Julia Krause you continue to put out great content for us audio nerds. Keep it coming!!
@Decenium 10 ай бұрын
oh excellent, was thinking og getting the 2i2, love that you are doing this review
@user-xj5uc2be9h 3 ай бұрын
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
@shawnandrewusic 10 ай бұрын
Hi Julian! Your interface reviews are awesome! Thank you for sharing!
@framebuyframe2493 5 ай бұрын
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.
@jackraymond5009 10 ай бұрын
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.
@h_e_x_a_g_r_a_m 10 ай бұрын
“But MOST importantly, a HIGHLY secure Kensington locking point” 😎 made me giggle hahaha
@wwlittlejOfficial 10 ай бұрын
Congrats for 100k, Julian!
@EliasUribeDrums 10 ай бұрын
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!!!
@D3V1LR1D3R 9 ай бұрын
I hope all the reviews about any type of thing in the world are as thorough as you do. Thanks to that and having better understanding, I bought a good board a while ago contemplating everything as it should be done, thanks to that also, you gained a subscriber. I really appreciate your attention to detail. Greetings from Argentina
@D3V1LR1D3R 9 ай бұрын
hi,no have telegram :(
@christopherkouri2317 9 ай бұрын
Spectacular review as always. Thank you for all your efforts. Bravo sir!
@Jylhis 10 ай бұрын
was waiting for this 🙏
@pseudoyar 10 ай бұрын
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
@Ponyslaystation8515 10 ай бұрын
100k Glückwunsch , verdient 🙂
@infiniterift 10 ай бұрын
I was waiting for this review.
@HADent777 10 ай бұрын
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 🔥
@ObscureTech 10 ай бұрын
Congrats on 100k!
@JulianKrause 10 ай бұрын
Thank you Bark!!!
@ObscureTech 10 ай бұрын
@@JulianKrause no thank you..... I was hoping for this video soon, and you delivered as always.
@RealKingOfCricket 10 ай бұрын
Congrats on 100K subs. I am listing you since you had below 10K subs.
@sunwalker2438 10 ай бұрын
Gratuliere zu 100k
@JTCPingas 9 ай бұрын
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.
@paulthiebaut 10 ай бұрын
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 KZfaq !
@LeBeautiful 9 ай бұрын
my man Julian is back with a detailed review. FTW!!!
@chrissetra 10 ай бұрын
Congratulations on your 100k Subs 🔥
@Wicks_Music 7 ай бұрын
Great video Julian. Thankyou. I purchased a 4i4 4th gen after struggling with my budget m audio duo, really the difference is staggering.
@quiksilver78 10 ай бұрын
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 😢
@Vaakoh1 10 ай бұрын
I just stumbled on your channel - thank you - great reviews!!
@reianae.smiley8573 10 ай бұрын
I wasn't expecting Focusrite to drop the fourth-generation Scarlett line, but now I want the fourth-generation Scarlett Solo!
@scarvello 10 ай бұрын
Just purchased one can’t wait for it to get here 🔥
@KiloMegaGigaTerra94 10 ай бұрын
Awesome job, awesome hair and awesome dude! As always, your content is very vauable.
@jobairahmed2517 10 ай бұрын
Congratulations on your 100k Subs !
@JulianKrause 10 ай бұрын
Thanks man :)
@reinulf656 10 ай бұрын
Yessss here we go! Danke!
@amfimoll9428 10 ай бұрын
A very good informative review. Thanks a lot!
@oskenso 10 ай бұрын
I'm so excited for the new loopback feature and improved headphone output quality. I think this will be my next interface
@Zidakuh 10 ай бұрын
"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.
@headsman2023 10 ай бұрын
I find out the 4th gen is out and I was hoping for your video Thanks
@SardiniaProudAction 10 ай бұрын
NICE" welcome back!
@Paul.The.Composer 7 ай бұрын
Thanks, Julian, for another professional and unbiased review!!! Keep up the good work! Regards from Moscow!
@dare2liv_nlove 10 ай бұрын
SMASHED THE LIKE BUTTON even before watching!! Was excitedly waiting for this, haha. 😂 (Edit: Now anxiously waiting for the 2i2 & Solo reviews, haha.)
@Crasher_Zoro 6 ай бұрын
Vielen dank für das video ich habe lange überlegt ob ich es kaufen soll
@LoftyAssertions 10 ай бұрын
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!
@jobairahmed2517 10 ай бұрын
Big fan man ! maybe i watch your videos from the beginning of your channel !
@stevem47 2 ай бұрын
Hello Julian, I'm eager to see your review of the 4th gen Solo, when you have time!
@wolfwilkopter2231 10 ай бұрын
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 8 ай бұрын
4th gen is a downgrade ... what are you talking about those effect buttons are useless for professional recording
@tporter23 10 ай бұрын
Another great video Julian. Love the dad jokes in this one.
@LizzieTheGreenLizard 10 ай бұрын
Definetly would like to know how these compare to other interfaces like the Motu M2/M4. Maybe you can dedicate a short section to a comparison of other popular interfaces in future reviews of maybe the 2i2 or the solo.
@QR_Code 10 ай бұрын
congrats on 100k
@davefiano4172 10 ай бұрын
Like to see a user guide to using MIDI with the interface. Ok there is probably many out there, but by THIS GUY👍🏻
@ryanburchett8455 10 ай бұрын
Best reviews on the internet. No competition.
@Jawh. 9 ай бұрын
been had this when it dropped its awesome!!
@bielzenef 10 ай бұрын
you know he had to do it 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@TheSilent006 10 ай бұрын
Hey julian, great review as always. While i am glad to see the gen 4 has improved i am sad to see that it retains the high output impedance headphone out. Also on my setup I could pretty clearly hear the noise with the SM7B
@mattd2001 10 ай бұрын
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.
@kerryewen3624 4 ай бұрын
Excellent review, thank you
@alpenglow4243 10 ай бұрын
Great review! I can’t decide to get this or the Clarett 2 pre.
@rjb7569 10 ай бұрын
Doctor J... Another excellent examination. I'm glad the patient will live, becoming even more healthier than before! I suspect the next model above this one when released will have an ADAT connection. Any chance of reviewing the SSL 12?
@christopherkiyui8071 6 ай бұрын
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.
@helmanfrow 10 ай бұрын
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.
@saroroot7535 10 ай бұрын
Great work.
@andiarrazakamir8642 10 ай бұрын
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 👍🏻😊👍🏻
@allvano 9 ай бұрын
Thank you for the review. Just ordered a Gen 4 (also because of Linux support).
@Andy-Kach 9 ай бұрын
Great video. It would be interesting to see NEUMANN MT 48 on your tests.
@dvespa 10 ай бұрын
Are you planning on doing a video on the Neumann MT 48? (This vid was awesome as always!)
@JPPBOX 9 ай бұрын
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!
@artun42 21 күн бұрын
Just bought this yesterday, I’m shocked with how powerful this thing is
@Yosoypascal 6 ай бұрын
"Let's focus on focus rite, right? Alright" ahaha loved it Great review!
@dyarau5315 5 ай бұрын
Tooooiiing !!! jajaja
@edclevel402 10 ай бұрын
Finally, the 'reference' review!
@johnsch8634 10 ай бұрын
I like the fancy buttons and the meters around the knobs...
@torugonza 10 ай бұрын
Hola Julian. Más allá de la calidad de tus micrófonos y preams que pruebas, tu eres uno de los pocos youtubers, que transcribes esa calidad del canal de audio, al producto final, el video que estamos viendo. Me gustaría saber como haces. Gracias. Sigo tus videos.
@FadiTerro 10 ай бұрын
Thanks man!
@thanqol 10 ай бұрын
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 9 ай бұрын
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 9 ай бұрын
@@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 9 ай бұрын
@@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 9 ай бұрын
@@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.
@vio4jesus 10 ай бұрын
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.
@thetylersherman 10 ай бұрын
Not bad from Focusrite. I switched to MOTU after 2nd and 3rd generation performance looked a bit middling for their 2/4 input line. As someone who occasionally does production sessions with a vocalist live monitoring their takes, 2x headphone outs would be CLUTCH. I understand that's more of a luxury feature though and they're trying to give you bang for your buck. That being said, that might be the reason I reach for an SSL 2+ or something of that nature next time around... excellent review as always.
@tjnathan 10 ай бұрын
Wake up babe, new Julian video
@furiobisotti8150 10 ай бұрын
As usual, a very detailed and competent set of measures. I agree on one matter: I desperately need two potentiometers to drive output couples. I play keyboards live using virtual instruments. That way I could drive outputs to mixer (theater) and my personal monitors in a flexible way. This feature is absent on nearly all audio boards. I would pay a lot for that.
@mikeazmos 10 ай бұрын
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
@MIHAO 10 ай бұрын
great review
@AZisk 10 ай бұрын
i wonder how the resulting sound actually compares to something from the ISA series (assuming clean AD conversion after ISA)
@danielbekteshi8584 10 ай бұрын
Would love to see the Neumann MT48 next! :)
@charlessmyth 7 ай бұрын
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.
@ronnyskaar3737 10 ай бұрын
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 10 ай бұрын
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 10 ай бұрын
@@bassyey Yes. It is no big problem. I have the Clarett 8pre in a rack. Allways a solution...
@noiseconnector 10 ай бұрын
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.
@user-jn7ud7cu5w 10 ай бұрын
Every company making audio interfaces needs to consult you first!
@gianpierolupoli7734 4 ай бұрын
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
@abhijyansanfui9435 9 ай бұрын
Mr. Julian , eagerly waiting scarlet "SOLO 4th Gen" review ....thanks
@charls.the.composer 10 ай бұрын
YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!
@charls.the.composer 10 ай бұрын
Thank you!!
@uwebaganz5144 10 ай бұрын
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
@thomaswidter 10 ай бұрын
Love your videos. Not sure everyone is catching the irony in your comments about the Kensington locking point ;-)
@JulianKrause 10 ай бұрын
It's as secure as plastic can be 🙃
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