Short answer: the Arturia MiniFuse 2. It ranks #11 of 17 audio interfaces by measured performance, rated 3.3/5, at $199; the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen ranks #15, rated 2.3/5, and costs $224.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Arturia MiniFuse 2 is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured 101 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: Audio Science Review found it performs a little behind a well known rival at the same price and only marginally recommended it on cost.
What the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen does well: It offers two combo XLR and TRS mic, line and instrument inputs in a compact box. Watch for: Its headphone output is rated at only 32 mW into 33 ohms, enough for in ear monitors and easy headphones only, and Audio Science Review found it outperformed by some cheap dongles and did not recommend the unit.
Buy the Arturia MiniFuse 2. It is rated higher than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Arturia MiniFuse 2 | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 | $224.99 |
| Ranked | #11 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #15 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 101 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | 2 combo XLR/TRS mic/inst/line, MIDI in, USB-A hub port | 2 XLR/TRS combo mic/line/instrument |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4 in TRS balanced | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm | - |
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS outs) | - |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | - |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 1.7” x 3.9” (200 x 43 x 100 mm) | 7.1” x 1.8” x 3.9” (180 x 45.4 x 99 mm) |
| Weight | 1 lbs (431 g) | 1.3 lbs (571.5 g) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 137 mW into 33 ohms (manufacturer rated) | 32 mW into 33 ohms (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 22 mW (manufacturer rated) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
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- Topping M62 vs Arturia MiniFuse 2
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- MOTU M6 vs Arturia MiniFuse 2
- MOTU M2 vs Arturia MiniFuse 2
- MOTU M4 vs Arturia MiniFuse 2
Prices on this page were last checked October 13, 2026 at 3:17 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Arturia MiniFuse 2: $199.00 Amazon $199.00 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 101 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. Its rated 137 mW into 33 ohms drives most headphones, and it adds two combo mic and instrument inputs, balanced TRS monitor outputs, MIDI in and a USB hub port. It rates higher than the Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII for a similar price.
Cons: Audio Science Review found it performs a little behind a well known rival at the same price and only marginally recommended it on cost. The MOTU M2 costs about the same yet measured a higher SINAD and rates higher. There is only one headphone output.
Full Arturia MiniFuse 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS outs) |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 1.7” x 3.9” (200 x 43 x 100 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 2 combo XLR/TRS mic/inst/line, MIDI in, USB-A hub port |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 137 mW into 33 ohms (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4 in TRS balanced |
| SINAD | 101 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1 lbs (431 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Arturia MiniFuse 2 vs Tascam Series 102i
- Arturia MiniFuse 2 vs Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD
- Arturia MiniFuse 2 vs Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII
- Arturia MiniFuse 2 vs MOTU 624
- Arturia MiniFuse 2 vs MOTU M4
- Arturia MiniFuse 2 vs MOTU M2
- Arturia MiniFuse 2 vs Behringer Studio XL
- Arturia MiniFuse 2 vs MOTU M6
- See all 10 comparisons
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen: $224.99 Amazon $224.99 eBay
Pros: It offers two combo XLR and TRS mic, line and instrument inputs in a compact box. Audio Science Review measured 94 dB SINAD, fine for most headphones, and judged its ADC good enough for consumer use.
Cons: Its headphone output is rated at only 32 mW into 33 ohms, enough for in ear monitors and easy headphones only, and Audio Science Review found it outperformed by some cheap dongles and did not recommend the unit. Sensitive in ear monitors may reveal hiss at 94 dB SINAD. The Tascam Series 102i rates higher and costs less.
Full Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 1.8” x 3.9” (180 x 45.4 x 99 mm) |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo mic/line/instrument |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 22 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 32 mW into 33 ohms (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (571.5 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons