MOTU M2 vs Scarlett 2i2 - Comparison and Review
Feb 12, 2022
Are you looking for a comparison of the MOTU M2 vs Scarlett 2i2? If you are, you've come to the right place.
Two of the most popular audio interfaces on the market today are the MOTU M2 and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. But which of these two interfaces is the best option for someone looking to capture high-quality audio?
In this article, you will learn:
Scarlett 2i2 vs MOTU M2
Which One Should You Choose?
Read on and get a comparison and review of both the Motu M2 and Scarlett 2i2.
Scarlett 2i2 vs MOTU M2
The Scarlett 2i2 and MOTU M2 are both great audio interfaces. However, there are a few differences between each product that may sway you towards one or the other. Being aware of these differences is key when it comes to selecting the right product for your needs.
MOTU M2
There are many budget audio interfaces available on the market, and the MOTU M2 is one of the most popular options. It is widely recommended to beginners for its ease of use and cost. However, this interface is not perfect- there are some issues present.
Specifications and Features:
- 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz sample rates
- 2x XLR/TRS inputs
- 1x MIDI in/out
- 48V phantom power
Is It Good?
Upon taking the MOTU M2 out of the box, it became apparent quickly that the build quality of the product is stellar. The only issue when it comes to the build quality is the knobs- they do wobble in some instances.
Sound-wise, this interface is fantastic. There is next to no latency present, which is an issue that many budget audio interfaces suffer. So, the M2 is definitely at the top of its class on this front.
The biggest issue with this product is the USB connectivity. Many people find that the interface disconnects randomly during recording sessions after turning off their computer while it's plugged in. Since this is the case, the USB input can become loose after a while.
Pros
- Extremely low latency
- Build quality
- MIDI input/output
Cons
- USB connectivity issues
- Knobs wobble
- Drivers needed
Scarlett 2i2
The Scarlett 2i2 is an incredibly popular budget audio interface. Ask anyone online, and they'll tell you that it's a great option for beginners. With this said, there are some issues that you should be aware of before purchasing it for yourself.
Specifications and Features:
- 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz sample rates
- 2x XLR/TRS inputs
- 48V phantom power
Is It Good?
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a budget-friendly audio interface with a premium feel. Design-wise, it is compact and sturdy, making it a device that can be placed on a desk and moved around with no issues.
While the 2i2 is a beginner-friendly interface, it's important to note that the bundled software is difficult to use. Owners of the 2i2 are much better off using external software, such as Adobe Audition or Audacity to record audio.
The biggest issue present with the Scarlett 2i2 is the latency. Specifically, many people have had latency issues when using this interface. However, for the average person, this issue might not be a big deal. It's just something to be aware of.
Pros
- Compact design
Cons
- No MIDI
- Confusing bundled software
- Latency issues
Which One Should You Choose?
At this point, you might be wondering- which product should you choose? Should you choose the MOTU M2 or the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2? Is one product better than the other, or are they both decent purchase options?
While both the M2 and 2i2 are great budget interfaces, the MOTU M2 is the better product by a slim margin. The low latency makes it a better audio recording device, which is the most important factor when picking an interface to use.
With this said, the Scarlett 2i2 is not a bad audio interface. It beats out the M2 by not requiring drivers to use it and not having any known USB connectivity issues. So, it's not a terrible option either.
The audio interface you choose will come down to your budget and needs. The 2i2 is slightly cheaper than the M2. So, if the price is a big factor for you, consider looking into purchasing it over the M2.
Conclusion
You now know the main differences between the MOTU M2 and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, along with which interface is the better product. Be sure to select the interface that serves your needs the best.
