Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface

The Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen sits above the 2i2 in the Scarlett range, adding more I/O, MIDI connectivity, and independent output routing for producers and musicians who need to connect more gear simultaneously. It suits home studio owners who work with synthesisers, grooveboxes, outboard equipment, or anything that benefits from having dedicated line inputs and outputs beyond the standard two.

Two Ultra-Low-Noise Preamps

The 4i4 carries two redesigned mic preamps, shared with the 2i2, delivering a gain range of 69dB, an EIN of -127dBu, and a dynamic range of 116dB. Both preamps are remote-controllable via Focusrite Control 2, and accept mic, line, or instrument signals, making them flexible enough to handle microphones, guitars, and line-level sources on the same input.

Auto Gain and Clip Safe

Auto Gain analyses an input signal and sets an appropriate gain level automatically, removing the guesswork from level-setting before a take. Clip Safe works during recording, monitoring the signal continuously and adjusting gain automatically if the level is at risk of clipping. Between the two, the 4i4 handles level management with minimal manual intervention, which is particularly useful when recording alone.

Four Inputs and Four Outputs

Beyond the two preamp inputs, the 4i4 adds two additional fixed line inputs for connecting synths, grooveboxes, and other line-level sources directly. On the output side, four balanced line outputs allow monitors, outboard gear, and other destinations to be connected simultaneously, each with its own independent mix. This makes it straightforward to run a separate headphone mix for a performer alongside a monitor mix for the engineer.

MIDI I/O

Dedicated MIDI In and Out ports allow hardware synthesisers, drum machines, controllers, and other MIDI equipment to connect directly to the interface without needing a separate MIDI interface. This keeps the setup compact and the signal path clean.

Air Modes

Two re-engineered Air modes give the 4i4 access to a classic large-format console character. Presence mode adds a high-end lift that brings vocals and acoustic instruments forward in a mix. Harmonic Drive mode adds mid-range harmonic content that thickens guitars, vocals, and anything else that needs more character and punch.

Headphone Output and Monitoring

The custom-designed headphone amplifier drives high-impedance headphones with a dynamic range of up to 115dB at 300Ω. The headphone output has its own independent mix, separate from the monitor outputs, allowing different mixes to be sent to performers and engineers at the same time.

Audio Quality

The Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen uses converters drawn from Focusrite's flagship RedNet range, delivering 24-bit/192kHz recording with a 120dB dynamic range on the line outputs and a 130dB dynamic range on the DAC. THD+N on the line outputs sits at -112dB, slightly cleaner than the 2i2.

Focusrite Control 2

Focusrite Control 2 manages the 4i4 on Windows and macOS, and pairs with an iOS and Android app for remote control of the interface from anywhere in the recording space.

Software Bundle

The Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen ships with Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, and Cubase LE, alongside the Hitmaker Expansion bundle which adds a range of instruments and effects plugins from third-party developers.

KEY FEATURES: Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen

• Two ultra-low-noise mic preamps, 69dB gain range, -127dBu EIN
• Four inputs and four balanced line outputs
• Two additional fixed line inputs for synths and line-level sources
• MIDI In and Out
• Auto Gain and Clip Safe for hands-off level management
• Two Air modes: Presence and Harmonic Drive
• Independent mixes for headphones, monitors, and line outputs
• 24-bit/192kHz, 120dB dynamic range
• USB-C connectivity, bus powered (1.5A)
• Includes Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion
  

Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 User Manual