MOTU M2 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

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In this video I review the MOTU M2 audio interface and compare it with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. I demo the features and provide audio samples for both the MOTU M2 and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. The MOTU M2 is a budget interface with two XLR and 1/4” inputs for microphone, guitar, or line. It also has MIDI inputs as well. The MOTU M2 also has a screen which acts as a meter for input and output monitoring. The Focusrite has similar ins and outs and also features the “Air” feature for the preamps. This video contains audio samples - vocals, guitar, and spoken word to help you decide which is right for you.

#SanjayC #MOTU #Focusrite

Timestamps
0:00 About this video
1:05 Specs
2:54 Preamp demos
3:42 Latency
4:25 M2 screen
5:18 Build quality
5:39 Focusrite Air
6:10 Software
6:33 Final thoughts
7:29 Audio samples

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[PrathamBhatia]

I have MOTU M2. I love this interface totally; sturdy build quality, and does the job. Perfect for a singer-songwriter like me.

[cocompi]

The M2 is an amazing product, I’m so happy I got it as my first interface. Loopback function and metering is what I love the most. Everything is great!

[KazKasoziComposer]

The Motu doesn't have a slight edge, it has a massive edge. Loop back feature alone just does laps around the scarlet.

[abishekplaysflute]

Thank you Sanjay! This review video was one of the reason which helped me to buy the Motu M2 when I was confused to choose between Motu M2 and Focusrite Scarlet 2i2. Motu M2 is my first audio interface and I'm using it for the past 6 months now. Below are some of the things from my experience with the interface, I like to share here if anyone is looking for .
1.The interface is sturdy.
2.The colourful readings on the interface is much helpful as a newbie in music recording. If you are new to recording, you should really consider getting this.
3.The software "Performer Lite" which comes with the MotuM2 had some bugs/issues . But I must say this, the MotuM2 Tech team was so active and helpful and they solved the issues with the DAW. Their response was so fast . Kudos to their team!! In fact you will also receive Ableton live DAW. But I personally liked the "Perfomer Lite" DAW and I'm using the same DAW for the last 6 months.
4.I use a dynamic mic for recording my audio since my room is not acoustic treated .You will notice much noise once the gain is kept more than 2"0" Clock. And I guess this is normal with every interface .
5.Finally regarding the sound quality. I find it Top Notch and there is no latency issues .Just go for it!!!I love this interface!

[rinteck]

I switched to the Motu from the Scarlett a few months ago and I'm a huge huge fan. The meters and the dedicated on/off switch are so helpful

[HDGHOLD]

Just a word of warning. For nvidia card users please use the studio drivers and not the game ready drivers. I had constant issues with audio drop out and crackle but once I experimented with different studio drivers my issues went away. There is also a tool called latencymon which helps pinpoint the source of any drop outs or delay.

[nvghtime]

I ordered the Motu M2 and waited about 6 months, and it never got in stock. So we started researching it and found out there was a brand new one in a music store 10 minutes away the whole time! What luck :)

[yarilolipop]

i've been watching sanjay's videos for a while and this is actually the first time i heard him sing! great content btw :)

[MisterQueeb]

After hours of comparing specs reading reviews, I wasn't anywhere near making up my mind on which interface is the better device for my needs. After watching your ''How to CHOOSE an audio interface'', ''Top 7 budget interfaces'' and now this comparison, I feel pretty confident the M2 is the way to go. Thanks

[filippetrucha]

M2 is absolute winner from these two as far as I'm concerned.

[diprojyotiroy]

Hey Sanjay! I own the M4 and its the best I've ever had..

[BSBurgess]

I have the Focusrite 2i2, and am looking at the M2 now. A common issue with the Focusrite 2i2 that people (including myself) have is that it outputs one stereo channel (i.e left or right) as louder than the other. I was also recommended the Motu M2 from a worker at an electrical music equipment store, and he previously owned a Focusrite 2i2 and said the audio quality improvement into the Motu M2 was definitely noticeable

[emilotting]

Oh my god, that's what EXACTLY what I needed today, I was surfing through the internet hoping to find a comparison like thissss

[AdMBandLeader]

MOT🦄 has always been a serious company with excellent hardware. The first digital sound card that I began working with was a MOTU 828 MKII interface and I loved it's performance, back in 2003. I still miss that awesome FireWire card.
It's present day upgrade of the 828 MKIII is yet another blazing interface, kills most competetors in it's range.
And this one here M2 really looks no less a card that means business, even in this low end range.
Thanks for the review, it was clean, no-nonsense and well articulated.

[TheSerenityVortex]

I have the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (USB C) and it a hot steaming pile of trash:
- Windows Drivers are terrible
- After just 2 months volume knob static and crackles when adjusted

Been waiting on the MOTU M2 to be in stock for months. Guessing Covid hit production.

[jonkthompson]

I preordered the Motu M2 when it came out and love it. The Loopback feature is the biggest plus!

[andrewwunrow]

I think the MOTU sounds better for spoken word, but for instruments and vocals (when using the AIR option) the Scarlett sounds better to me. Add to that the software included, and I think the Scarlett is better choice. However, as someone else mentioned, the Scarlett's volume knob does start to crackle after a while, and the meters on the MOTU do look great.
Whichever you like better, great video as always!

[HurveyJones]

Hey Brother thanks for doing this review. You know I've had the Motu M2 since around June. This is definitely my favorite interface. I had the second generation Scarlett 2i2, and the only reason why I had to look elsewhere was because after 2 years I stopped hearing sound out of my left headset, and Focusrite would not replace it. Great video!!

[albertorocha]

At this level of quality you could basically flip a coin between both interfaces. Both do more than enough and if you're using one of them and are unhappy with your recordings, there are probably 10 other places where you can improve and fix things before bothering with with the interface itself.

[RKGonzo]

MOTU has amazing customer service! After almost 4 years, the USB-C port of my M2 began acting up. I went online with MOTU support to find a way to fix it. They asked for my invoice and told me they'd replace the unit, even if it's that old! I'm totally blown away. They earned a loyal customer for life!