Focusrite lists two mic preamps and two Hi-Z instrument inputs. Audient lists one mic preamp plus an instrument input. If you need two microphones at once, for a two-person podcast, say, only the 2i2 has them. The iD4 handles one mic plus one guitar or bass.
Audient iD4 vs Scarlett 2i2: Which Audio Interface Wins? (2026)
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 wins the Audient iD4 vs Scarlett 2i2 matchup for two-input needs in 2026. The iD4 costs $25 less and has a Class-A preamp, per Audient.
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Prices change daily on Amazon. Check today's price on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) before reading the full review.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
$224.99
VS
Audient iD4 MKII
$199.66
Quick Answer
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) wins overall
Need two mic inputs? The Focusrite 2i2 is the only one of the pair with them. One mic and an instrument? The Audient iD4 MKII is $25 cheaper and rated slightly higher. I have not heard either, so this is a specs-and-listings call.
Specifications
| Feature | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) | Audient iD4 MKII |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $224.99 | $199.66 |
| Inputs | 2 mic preamps + 2 Hi-Z | 1 mic preamp + 1 instrument |
| Preamp | 4th Gen Scarlett (Focusrite) | Class-A console preamp (Audient) |
| Headphone Outputs | Not stated | 2 outputs |
| Owner Ratings | 2,661 at 4.5 | 1,471 at 4.6 |
| Price | $224.99 | $199.66 |
Inputs and Flexibility
Winner: Inputs and Flexibility
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
2i2 for two microphones. A tie if you only ever record one mic.
Preamp
Audient says its preamp is Class-A and derived from its ASP8024 HE console. Focusrite lists Auto Gain, Clip Safe and Air modes on the 2i2. Those are the makers' statements. I have not measured or listened to either, and I will not rank sound quality I cannot hear.
Winner: Preamp
Tie
No call. Read the makers' descriptions and decide which features you want.
Monitoring and Workflow
The iD4 listing names two headphone outputs and monitor mix with panning. The 2i2 listing emphasizes Auto Gain and Clip Safe, which help you set levels. If you want to share a headphone mix with a second person, the iD4 listing is the one that names two outputs.
Winner: Monitoring and Workflow
Audient iD4 MKII
iD4 for two headphone outputs. 2i2 for level-setting help.
Price and Ratings
On 5 October 2026 the 2i2 was $224.99 with 2,661 ratings at 4.5 stars, and the iD4 MKII was $199.66 with 1,471 ratings at 4.6 stars. The iD4 is $25 cheaper with a slightly higher average, on a smaller sample.
Winner: Price and Ratings
Audient iD4 MKII
iD4 on price and rating. 2i2 on the number of owners behind its score.
Final Verdict
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) takes it
Pick the 2i2 if you need two mic inputs. Pick the iD4 MKII if one mic plus an instrument is enough and you want the cheaper, slightly higher-rated option with two headphone outputs. Both are well rated; the decision is the input count.
Frequently Asked Questions
I cannot say from listening. Audient describes a Class-A console preamp and Focusrite describes its own 4th Gen preamp with Air mode. Both are well rated by owners.
Neither. Both are two-input interfaces. For more inputs look at larger models from either maker.