Short answer: the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen for better measured performance, the ESI Maya22 USB for the lower price, though neither ranks well in its class. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen ranks #15 of 17 audio interfaces, rated 2.3/5, at $224.99. The ESI Maya22 USB ranks #16, rated 2.2/5, at $59.99, $165 cheaper. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 17 audio interfaces, and the Topping M62, ranked #1 at $249, is a better place to start if measured performance matters.
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. The catch: 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.
Why pick the ESI Maya22 USB: It is very inexpensive and compact, with an XLR mic input with phantom power, a Hi Z instrument input, an RCA line input, balanced TRS outputs and a headphone jack with a hardware volume knob. The catch: Audio Science Review measured only 80 dB SINAD, low enough that noise and distortion are a real audible weakness.
Buy the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen if measured performance matters more than the price. Buy the ESI Maya22 USB if the price matters more than measured performance.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen | ESI Maya22 USB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $224.99 | $59.99 |
| Ranked | #15 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #16 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 80 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo mic/line/instrument | XLR mic (48V), 6.35 mm Hi-Z instrument, RCA line |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 1.8” x 3.9” (180 x 45.4 x 99 mm) | 3.9” x 1.5” x 4.1” (100 x 37 x 105 mm) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (571.5 g) | - |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 32 mW into 33 ohms (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 22 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Outputs | - | 2 balanced 6.35 mm TRS, 6.35 mm headphone |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob |
| Balanced Output | - | Yes (TRS outs) |
| Headphone Outputs | - | 1 x 6.35 mm |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen:
- Topping M62 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
- MOTU M2 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
- MOTU M4 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
- Arturia MiniFuse 2 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Amps and DACs In Full
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
ESI Maya22 USB: $59.99 Amazon $59.99 eBay
Pros: It is very inexpensive and compact, with an XLR mic input with phantom power, a Hi Z instrument input, an RCA line input, balanced TRS outputs and a headphone jack with a hardware volume knob.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured only 80 dB SINAD, low enough that noise and distortion are a real audible weakness. ESI doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure. The Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD rates higher and measured far cleaner for not much more.
Full ESI Maya22 USB review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS outs) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 1.5” x 4.1” (100 x 37 x 105 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | XLR mic (48V), 6.35 mm Hi-Z instrument, RCA line |
| Outputs | 2 balanced 6.35 mm TRS, 6.35 mm headphone |
| SINAD | 80 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples