In the Studio 24c vs Scarlett 2i2 comparison you are looking at two of the most popular two-input home studio interfaces. Both give you two clean preamps, phantom power, low-latency monitoring, and a generous software bundle. The PreSonus Studio 24c leans on slightly higher gain and Studio One integration, while the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 leans on the largest support ecosystem and the Air mode.
Quick answer: Choose the Studio 24c for extra clean gain, full-size LED metering, and a deep Studio One bundle. Choose the Scarlett 2i2 for the broadest community support, the Air mode, and Focusrite’s mature drivers. Both record professional results at home.
Studio 24c vs Scarlett 2i2 at a glance
| Feature | PreSonus Studio 24c | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 |
|---|---|---|
| Inputs | 2 combo (XLR/TRS) | 2 combo (XLR/TRS) |
| Phantom power | Yes (+48V) | Yes (+48V) |
| Tone mode | — | Air mode |
| Metering | Multi-segment LED meters | Gain halos |
| MIDI | Yes (in/out) | No (on standard model) |
| Bundle | Studio One Artist + plugins | Hitmaker / Focusrite bundle |
Preamps and gain
Both deliver clean, transparent preamps that punch well above their class. The Studio 24c is often noted for a touch more available gain, which helps with quieter dynamic microphones, while the Scarlett 2i2’s preamps are equally clean and add the optional Air mode for a brighter, more open top end on vocals and acoustic guitar. For most condenser mics, either has more than enough headroom. If you track a low-output dynamic like the SM7B, the extra gain on the Studio 24c is a small but real advantage.
Converters and sound
Conversion quality on both is excellent and the audible differences are minimal in a home setting. Both support high sample rates and bit depths — see sample rate and bit depth explained if you are unsure what to record at. In practice, your microphone, room treatment, and technique will shape your sound far more than the choice between these two converters.
Metering and workflow
The Studio 24c includes multi-segment LED input meters on the front panel, which make it easy to see your levels at a glance — a genuine convenience while tracking. The Scarlett 2i2 uses gain-halo rings that change colour as you approach clipping; clear and clean, but less granular. The Studio 24c also includes MIDI in/out on the standard model, useful for connecting a keyboard or hardware synth, whereas the standard Scarlett 2i2 omits MIDI. For accurate setup, follow our gain staging guide regardless of which you choose.
Latency and drivers
Both achieve low round-trip latency and offer direct monitoring for delay-free tracking. Focusrite’s drivers and Scarlett ecosystem are extremely mature with a vast community and abundant tutorials, which can make troubleshooting easier for beginners. PreSonus drivers are stable and well-supported too. Read what is audio latency for how to keep monitoring tight on either.
Connectivity, power and headphones
Both interfaces connect over USB-C and are bus-powered, so a single cable carries audio and power — no external adapter to lose. That keeps your desk tidy and makes either one easy to take to a friend’s place or a different room. Each has two combo inputs on the front, a stereo monitor output on the back for studio monitors, and a headphone output with its own level control. The practical difference is the extras: the Studio 24c adds MIDI in/out and its LED meters, while the Scarlett keeps the front panel minimal. Check that your computer has a spare USB port of the right shape, or budget for a simple adapter — neither interface needs a powered hub for normal two-channel use.
How to choose between them
Rather than chasing spec sheets, work backwards from what you actually record. If most of your work is vocals and acoustic guitar and you like a ready-made “air” lift, the Scarlett’s Air mode is a genuine, repeatable tool. If you sing or podcast into a low-output dynamic, or you want to plug a MIDI keyboard straight into the interface, the Studio 24c covers those cases without add-ons. If you are completely new and value the largest pool of beginner tutorials and forum answers, the Scarlett ecosystem is hard to beat. And if you already lean towards Studio One as your DAW, the Studio 24c bundle slots in neatly. There is no wrong answer here — both are dependable two-input interfaces — so let your microphone, your software preference, and whether you need MIDI break the tie.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common errors with either interface have nothing to do with which badge is on the front. First, forgetting to engage +48V phantom power for a condenser mic (or leaving it on when plugging in a ribbon, which can damage some ribbons) — always check the input type before flipping the switch. Second, setting input gain too hot and clipping the converter; aim for healthy peaks with headroom to spare rather than pushing the meters into the red. Third, monitoring through your DAW instead of using the hardware direct-monitor control, which adds the round-trip latency you can otherwise avoid. Finally, expecting the interface to fix a poor recording space — a treated corner and good mic placement will do more for your sound than swapping between these two units ever could.
Software bundles
The Studio 24c bundles Studio One Artist, PreSonus’s own DAW, plus a plugin and loop package — a strong, cohesive starter kit, especially if you plan to use Studio One. The Scarlett 2i2 includes Focusrite’s bundle with DAW options and a collection of plugins and instruments. Both get you recording the day you unbox them; the deciding factor is whether you prefer Studio One or want the flexibility of Focusrite’s choices.
Which should you choose?
Choose the PreSonus Studio 24c if you want a little more clean gain, like front-panel LED metering, need built-in MIDI, or plan to build around Studio One.
Choose the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 if you want the largest support community, the Air mode for brighter vocals, and Focusrite’s very mature drivers.
Both are top picks for a two-input home studio, and you will not be disappointed with either. For more options, see our best 2-channel audio interfaces roundup, the USB mic vs audio interface comparison, and the full audio interfaces hub.
Frequently asked questions
Which has more gain, the Studio 24c or the Scarlett 2i2?
The Studio 24c is generally credited with slightly more available preamp gain, which can help when recording quiet dynamic microphones. For typical condensers, both have ample headroom.
Does the Scarlett 2i2 have MIDI?
The standard Scarlett 2i2 does not include MIDI in/out, while the Studio 24c does. If you need to connect a MIDI keyboard or hardware synth directly to your interface, that favours the Studio 24c.
Are they both good for beginners?
Yes. Both are simple to set up, include starter software, and offer direct monitoring. The Scarlett’s larger community can make finding tutorials and troubleshooting answers a little easier.
Do I need an external power supply for either one?
No. Both are bus-powered over USB-C, so the same cable that carries audio also powers the interface. As long as your computer’s USB port supplies normal power, you do not need a separate adapter for standard two-channel recording.
Is the Air mode worth it on the Scarlett?
Air mode adds a subtle high-frequency lift that can make vocals and acoustic instruments sound brighter and more open. It is a nice creative option, but it is not essential — you can achieve a similar result with EQ later, and the Studio 24c records a clean, neutral signal you can shape however you like.
