If you are a musician, podcaster, or content creator who wants to record high-quality audio on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you might be interested in getting a portable and versatile audio interface.

Two of the most popular ones are the iRig Pro Duo I/O and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. Both of these devices offer two inputs and two outputs, phantom power for condenser microphones, direct monitoring for latency-free playback, and USB connections that can work with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices.

A Quick Look

If you want the best sound quality possible and don’t mind a slightly larger and heavier device, you may want to choose the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. It has a higher resolution, balanced outputs, and LED halo indicators that make it easy to set the optimal input level. It also comes with a generous software bundle that includes Pro Tools First, Ableton Live Lite, and many plugins and virtual instruments.

If you want more versatility and portability and don’t mind a slightly lower resolution and unbalanced output, you may want to choose the iRig Pro Duo I/O. It has MIDI input and output, a headphone output with preamp and level control, and a switch for selecting between instrument or line level input. It also comes with a comprehensive software bundle that includes AmpliTube 4 Deluxe, SampleTank 4 SE, T-RackS 5 SE, and many other apps and plugins.

Common Features

The iRig Pro Duo I/O and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 are both compact and portable audio interfaces that offer two inputs and two outputs. They both have:

• XLR/TRS combo jacks that can accept either a microphone or an instrument cable.
• Phantom power for condenser microphones and direct monitoring for latency-free playback.
• USB connections that can work with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices.
• Software bundles that include digital audio workstations (DAWs), plugins, effects, and virtual instruments.

iRig Pro Duo I/O Detailed Features

• MIDI input and output: The iRig Pro Duo I/O has MIDI input and output for connecting keyboards, controllers, or other MIDI devices. This can expand your creative possibilities by allowing you to use MIDI instruments or software synths with your guitar recordings. You can also sync your devices with MIDI clock or send MIDI program changes to switch presets on the fly.

• Headphone output with preamp and level control: Has a 1/4 inch headphone output. This can let you monitor your recording with any compatible device in real-time. You can also adjust the volume of your headphones independently from the main output. The headphone output has a dedicated amplifier that can drive high-impedance headphones for optimal sound quality.

• Switch for selecting between instrument or line level input: This can allow you to use different types of sources with your audio interface, such as guitars, keyboards, mixers, or other audio devices. You can also adjust the input impedance to match your instrument for optimal sound quality. The switch also enables a direct connection to an amplifier or PA system without the need for a DI box.

• Battery-powered operation: The iRig Pro Duo I/O can run on two AA batteries, which are included in the package. This means that you can use it anywhere without the need for an external power source. This can be very convenient if you are recording on the go, in remote locations, or in places where power outlets are not available. You can also use a USB power supply or an optional DC adapter to power the device.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Detailed Features

• High-resolution audio: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 can deliver up to 192 kHz/24-bit resolution, which is higher than most audio interfaces in its price range. This means that it can capture more information from your analog signal and produce more accurate digital audio. This can result in better sound quality, especially if you are recording acoustic instruments or vocals.

• Balanced outputs: Has two balanced TRS outputs that can connect to studio monitors or speakers. Balanced outputs can reduce noise and interference from external sources, such as power cables or other devices. This can result in cleaner and clearer sound reproduction, especially if you are using long cables or working in noisy environments.

• LED halo indicators: Has two independent gain knobs with LED halo indicators that show the input level and clipping status. The LED halos change color from green to red depending on how loud your signal is. This can help you adjust your gain settings easily and avoid distortion or clipping.

• Third-generation Scarlett preamps: Has two third-generation Scarlett preamps that are designed to provide natural sounding results with low distortion and high headroom. The preamps have up to 56 dB of gain range, which can accommodate a wide variety of microphones and instruments. The preamps also have a switchable Air mode that emulates the legendary effect of Focusrite’s ISA mic preamp, giving your vocals and acoustic instruments a brighter and more open sound.

• USB-C connectivity: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has a USB-C connection that can work with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. The USB-C connection provides fast and reliable data transfer and power supply, eliminating the need for an external adapter. The USB-C connection also allows for low-latency monitoring and recording, which can improve your performance and workflow.

Price Comparison

The iRig Pro Duo I/O and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 have similar prices, but they may vary depending on where you buy them and whether they are on sale or not. The average prices for these devices are:

• iRig Pro Duo I/O: $199.99
• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: $159.99

The iRig Pro Duo I/O is slightly more expensive than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, but it also offers some additional features that may justify the extra cost. Let’s take a look at what these features are.

iRig Pro Duo I/O vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Sound Quality

One of the most important aspects of an audio interface is the sound quality it can deliver. This depends on several factors, such as the resolution, the dynamic range, the noise level, and the preamps of the device. The resolution refers to the number of bits and samples per second that the device can record or play back. The higher the resolution, the more details and accuracy the device can capture from the analog signal.

• The iRig Pro Duo I/O can deliver up to 96 kHz/24-bit resolution, while the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 can deliver up to 192 kHz/24-bit resolution. This means that the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 can record more details from your analog signal and produce more accurate digital audio.

The dynamic range refers to the difference between the loudest and quietest sounds that the device can handle without distortion or noise. The higher the dynamic range, the more headroom and clarity the device can offer.

• The iRig Pro Duo I/O has a dynamic range of 100 dB (A-weighted), while the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has a dynamic range of 111 dB (A-weighted). This means that the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 can handle louder signals without clipping and quieter signals without hissing.

The noise level refers to the amount of unwanted sound that the device adds to the signal. The lower the noise level, the cleaner and smoother the sound quality.

• The iRig Pro Duo I/O has a noise level of -100 dBu (A-weighted), while the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has a noise level of -128 dBu (A-weighted). This means that the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has a much lower noise floor than the iRig Pro Duo I/O.

The preamps refer to the circuits that amplify the signal from your microphone or instrument before it reaches the converter. The quality of the preamps affects how well they capture the tone and character of your source.

• The iRig Pro Duo I/O has Class-A preamps with up to 48 dB of gain range, while the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has third-generation Scarlett preamps with up to 56 dB of gain range. Both preamps are designed to provide natural sounding results with low distortion and high headroom.

Overall, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has a better sound quality than the iRig Pro Duo I/O, as it has a higher resolution, a higher dynamic range, a lower noise level, and more gain range than the iRig Pro Duo I/O.

Compatibility

Another important aspect of an audio interface is the compatibility with different devices and software. Both the iRig Pro Duo I/O and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 are compatible with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices, but they have some differences in how they connect and what software they include.

The iRig Pro Duo I/O has a mini-DIN connection that can be used with different cables to connect to your device. It comes with a USB-A cable, a USB-C cable, a Lightning cable, and two 2.5mm to MIDI cables. It also comes with a comprehensive software bundle that includes AmpliTube 4 Deluxe, SampleTank 4 SE, T-RackS 5 SE, and many other apps and plugins for guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards, drums, and more.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has a USB-C connection that can be used with a USB-A or USB-C cable to connect to your device. It comes with a USB-A to USB-C cable. It also comes with a generous software bundle that includes Pro Tools First, Ableton Live Lite, and many plugins and virtual instruments from Focusrite, Softube, XLN Audio, and more.

Based on these factors, we can conclude that the iRig Pro Duo I/O has more versatility than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, as it has more connection options and more software choices than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.

Final Thoughts

The iRig Pro Duo I/O and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 are both great audio interfaces that can help you record high-quality audio on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. They have some common features, such as two inputs and two outputs, phantom power for condenser microphones, direct monitoring for latency-free playback, and USB connections that can work with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. They also have some differences in terms of sound quality, compatibility, price, and additional features.

The iRig Pro Duo I/O is slightly more expensive than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 ($199.99 vs $159.99), but it also offers some additional features that may justify the extra cost.

The iRig Pro Duo I/O is more portable and versatile than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, as it has MIDI input and output, a headphone output with preamp and level control, a switch for selecting between instrument or line level input, and a comprehensive software bundle that includes AmpliTube 4 Deluxe and SampleTank 4.