MOTU M4 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen

What published reviews say about each, where the two differ, and who each one suits.

Summed up from 15 published reviews

MOTU

M4

The MOTU M4 delivers excellent sound, very low latency, and strong connectivity in a compact package, but its premium entry-level pricing and limited expansion may deter buyers.

Best for: Solo producers, podcasters, and compact home or mobile studios
Skip it if: You need digital inputs, larger channel counts, or advanced software routing

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the MOTU M4

Focusrite

Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen

The Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is a well-priced, compact home-recording interface with clean converters, versatile inputs, and helpful gain tools, but limited software monitor mixing.

Best for: Beginners and home studio users recording vocals, guitars, or instruments.
Skip it if: You need four mic preamps or advanced software monitor mixing.

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen

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Specs side by side

Spec	MOTU M4	Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
MIDI	Yes	No
Mic inputs	2	2
Type	Audio interface	Audio interface
Best for	Podcasts, Streaming, Music	Podcasts, Streaming, Music
Phantom power	Yes	Yes
Guitar input	Yes	Yes
Loopback	Yes	Yes
Built-in effects	No	No
USB-C	Yes	Yes

Rows where the two differ come first.

What reviewers like, and what they don't

MOTU M4

Exceptionally low latency suits real-time tracking and monitoring 1 2 4 5
Clean, low-noise preamps deliver strong dynamic range 1 2 4 5
Bright color LCD supports visual gain staging and monitoring 1 2 5
Extensive I/O includes MIDI, loopback, and DC-coupled outputs 1 2 6 8
Rugged, compact metal build suits studio and mobile use 1 3 4 5
Premium pricing conflicts with its entry-level positioning 1 2 8
Missing digital input limits expansion and inline capture 4 5
Four-channel I/O may constrain larger recording sessions 5 8
Software routing and plugin monitoring remain limited 2 3 7

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen

Excellent preamps and converters support clean, low-noise recordings. 1 3 4 5
Two combination inputs accept microphones, instruments, and line-level sources. 1 3 5
Two-stage Air modes add presence and optional harmonic character. 1 2 5 7
Auto Gain and Clip Safe help simplify gain staging. 1 2 4 5
Low latency supports practical live monitoring during recording. 1 2 4
Flexible DAW-return mixing is limited compared with hardware cue controls. 1 2
Clip Safe still depends on sensible initial gain settings. 2 5
Two microphone preamps limit multi-microphone recording flexibility. 1 3
Third-generation owners may find the improvements incremental. 5 6

Ranked in our guides

Guide	M4	Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
Best audio interfaces	–	#1

Sources

We don't test products ourselves. This page sums up 15 published reviews, read on October 21, 2026; each point above links to the reviews that make it.