Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen USB Audio Interface

Purchased due to its loopback features, used it so far, it works.However, I noticed that, when recording into DAW from YouTube using loop playback slight glitch/drag occur (the glitch that is similar to the one that is experienced in a DAW, when the buffer size settings of a session is too low and insufficient to playback, making the playback slow down and glitches).Although, I noticed this short glitch/dragging happens for only about 1 seconds, and then the recording/playback resumes normally.Otherwise, it’s a great product for the money.

Good upgrade

I replaced my 2nd generation Scarlett 2i2 with the 3rd generation 4i4. I was a bit skeptical of the software application required to set the inputs to line/instrument, but it turned out to be fairly intuitive. The unit comes with a pad and air feature. Pad is self explanatory (gain reduction for loud recordings), the air setting is supposed to model some classic microphone preamp or something to that effect. I'm not totally sure what the difference is, but I've left the Air feature on anyways while recording and I've been pleased with the results, how much of that satisfaction is a result of the Air setting is hard to say since I haven't actually done any objective testing but it certainly doesn't seem to hurt anything by having it on. Initially, when I got the ... MoreI replaced my 2nd generation Scarlett 2i2 with the 3rd generation 4i4. I was a bit skeptical of the software application required to set the inputs to line/instrument, but it turned out to be fairly intuitive. The unit comes with a pad and air feature. Pad is self explanatory (gain reduction for loud recordings), the air setting is supposed to model some classic microphone preamp or something to that effect. I'm not totally sure what the difference is, but I've left the Air feature on anyways while recording and I've been pleased with the results, how much of that satisfaction is a result of the Air setting is hard to say since I haven't actually done any objective testing but it certainly doesn't seem to hurt anything by having it on. Initially, when I got the hardware going on my iMac I experienced significant lag while using Logic at various times, particularly when I was trying to copy logic drum tracks or expand the timeline but also while trying to do basic functions as well. I was concerned that I would have to get more RAM for my Mac which is problematic because the model I have makes it both difficult and expensive to increase RAM. However, after a few repeated uses the issue seems to have subsided, so I don't really know what that was about or whether the change in hardware even had anything to do with it, however it definitely was not an issue while I used my 2i2 so it's something to consider. I mainly upgraded because I wanted to start using midi with my electronic drum kit and that was basically as easy as plug and play (aside from a couple added steps in Logic which didn't have anything to do with the 4i4). However, for some reason the midi tracks seem to cause Logic to experience errors during playback when I close and then reopen a project. Again, can't say that this is a result of the 4i4 but I've been able to resolve the issue by simply quitting Logic entirely before reopening a project which isn't much of an inconvenience at all.

Great Product... Not For Me

I've been using Focusrite Scarlett Interfaces since their 2i4 (Second Generation) first came out, and I have to say that the 2i4 was an AMAZING Interface. Unfortunately, the headphone jack broke, and with the Pro Coverage I was able to buy this 4i4. I was very excited to get it since I had to buy it right when the pandemic hit, meaning I had to wait a few months to receive it because of back ordering. My first day using it, I was very disappointed only with the Pre-Amps. Everything else was perfectly fine: Software is Easy to Use, Minimalistic, Simplistic. When plugging in my bass or guitar in any of the front pre-amps, it sounded VERY distorted, almost to the point where I couldn't record or even play along with music properly. I sent it to get it fixed by Pro ... MoreI've been using Focusrite Scarlett Interfaces since their 2i4 (Second Generation) first came out, and I have to say that the 2i4 was an AMAZING Interface. Unfortunately, the headphone jack broke, and with the Pro Coverage I was able to buy this 4i4. I was very excited to get it since I had to buy it right when the pandemic hit, meaning I had to wait a few months to receive it because of back ordering. My first day using it, I was very disappointed only with the Pre-Amps. Everything else was perfectly fine: Software is Easy to Use, Minimalistic, Simplistic. When plugging in my bass or guitar in any of the front pre-amps, it sounded VERY distorted, almost to the point where I couldn't record or even play along with music properly. I sent it to get it fixed by Pro Coverage, they sent it back saying that it was fixed, only to find out that it sounded the same. I also considered anything else that could've affected the sound: Cable, Earphones, etc. Even by changing those things, nothing worked. I sent it back, they gave me my money back, and I am currently now using a new interface from a different company.The only reason I put three stars was because I may be one of the few that received a defective one. It has the potential of being an AMAZING interface, but my experience with this hasn't been great. Maybe it'll be good for someone else, but not for me this time.

Hardware good, software not so much...

This review is mostly about the Focusrite Control app, not the hardware. Everything works together very well once one figures out how to configure the inputs and outputs in the app, but that is not easy to do. In my case, I have a line input from a loadbox (connected to an amp) which I use when I want all effects from my pedal board and none from the DAW, and a guitar cable (wireless as it happens) when I want all the effects to come from the DAW. The instructions don't at all make it clear how to setup for those use cases, so I basically ended up guessing until it worked. I'm still not entirely sure I have it correctly configured - in the case of the line input, sound comes out of only one speaker rather than both.

I highly recommend!

A great high quality product!Design-I love the sleek and compact design. The red matte metal contrasts well with the glossy black front and back panels. It has more than enough Jack inputs and contains two ports that function as both XLR and Jack inputs- awesome!It has LED’s on the panels which indicate the selected inputs (INST, AIR, PAD) which can be changed via the focusrite interface.Sound and preformance-Amazing sound quality covering a full range of frequencies! There is also pretty much zero latency so it sounds great and is very much a joy to record with.Handling-For the past couple weeks of use, this audio interface has been very intuitive to use, I’m a novice producer yet I’ve barely had to touch the manual!It also comes with its own interface ... MoreA great high quality product!Design-I love the sleek and compact design. The red matte metal contrasts well with the glossy black front and back panels. It has more than enough Jack inputs and contains two ports that function as both XLR and Jack inputs- awesome!It has LED’s on the panels which indicate the selected inputs (INST, AIR, PAD) which can be changed via the focusrite interface.Sound and preformance-Amazing sound quality covering a full range of frequencies! There is also pretty much zero latency so it sounds great and is very much a joy to record with.Handling-For the past couple weeks of use, this audio interface has been very intuitive to use, I’m a novice producer yet I’ve barely had to touch the manual!It also comes with its own interface which allows you to change the inputs and their volumes. The box has a light around the volume knobs which advises you on the correct volume to have the instrument at (green, orange or red). This interface is also great for troubleshooting when you don’t know whether there’s an issue with the setup or the DAW.

It’s a focusrite, it’s excellent

It’s a focusrite scarlet. What more do I need to say? Like everything in their range, it’s exceptional. Excellent design and quality. Only negative is that the air and pad are not buttons but need to be turned on and off with the provided software. I couldn’t find anything online about this before I bought it and that may have influenced my purchase but luckily for me I rarely use these features so it’s not a big issue

Review of Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 USB-C Audio Interface

The Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 USB-C Audio Interface is a versatile and high-quality piece of gear. It's perfect for home studio enthusiasts and professionals on a budget. Its sound quality, connectivity, and bundled software make it a top choice for musicians, podcasters, and content creators. While there's always room for improvement, the Scarlett 4i4 is a solid investment for anyone looking to upgrade their audio interface.

So Far So Good

So I’m a 50 year old who decided to try something new. Took awhile to install everything on my computer, and even taking a longer time trying to learn Ableton. Seems like a great interface, and got to say for acoustic guitar it sounds amazing. Very cool so far and really enjoying learning something new. Also, great product support and user forums to get very valuable information. Never tried recording yet, but one step at a time I guess….not bad for a fat older guy…lol.

Very nice product, software is a little underdocumented

Great build quality, compact and pretty. Useful range of IO, overall happy with it.I just wish the software was a little clearer - setting up custom mixes is strange. Instead of going to each output and selecting which inputs you want on it, you add inputs to _every_ output, then set the volume to 0 for any you don't want broadcasting.Also, enabling more than a single software input in windows requires using a secondary little setttings menu by right clicking the task tray icon, not using the in-software big cog button.It would also be cool if you could change the mix presets with binds of some sort, but I understand this product was not designed for this usecase.

too many problems with windows

I bought the 4i which was on sale in October. I got it at GC near me and was told that they hadn't heard of any problems. as soon as I plugged it in the popping sounds started and this was before I started downloading the drivers. the interface started turning itself on and off and locked up my PC. when I started to download the drivers my PC gave me all kinds of warning then locked up again and won't restart. Windows had to restart from a pervious saved point causing me to loose several plug-ins that I had download a few days earlier. I must of had the PC lock up and restart a half a dozen times and spent a couple of hours trying to get everything back up and running after deleting any of the driver's files that were installed. I return the 4I and got a UA Volt 2 ... MoreI bought the 4i which was on sale in October. I got it at GC near me and was told that they hadn't heard of any problems. as soon as I plugged it in the popping sounds started and this was before I started downloading the drivers. the interface started turning itself on and off and locked up my PC. when I started to download the drivers my PC gave me all kinds of warning then locked up again and won't restart. Windows had to restart from a pervious saved point causing me to loose several plug-ins that I had download a few days earlier. I must of had the PC lock up and restart a half a dozen times and spent a couple of hours trying to get everything back up and running after deleting any of the driver's files that were installed. I return the 4I and got a UA Volt 2 interface and had no problems with downloading the drivers. it worked right away and sounded great. don't waste your time with the Scarlett, there's a major problem with the software at this time.