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Channel: @CloudRunners
If you want to know what the two best audio interfaces under $500 sound like, this is the video for you. Chris from CloudRunners gives you a comprehensive A/B between the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Generation and Solid State Logic SSL 2+ using acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and vocal takes so you can decide which unit is right for your home studio.
TL:DR - The CloudRunners are keeping the 2+. The normal recording mode sounded a little more full especially in the mid-range frequencies, and the 4K mode put just a little more shine on the vocals to make them really stand out in the mix.
The majority of the differences could probably be added/corrected in post with a fairly simple equalizer, but you won't be able to get them 100%.
All in all both boxes performed very similarly and extremely well. You can't go wrong with either unit. The Scarlett audio was smoother and would be perfect for piano ballads, singer-songwriter styles, and R&B or jazzy productions. The 2+ was a little harsher and what we would consider more energetic, so it fits better for pop, rock, and rap tracks.
Headphones are strongly encouraged to get the most out of this video. The difference between the two boxes is pretty subtle and can be hard to hear without over-the-ear headphones.
0:00 - Intro 2:26 - Set Up 5:12 - Normal Acoustic Comparison 7:22 - Acoustic Flair Comparison 9:24 - Normal Electric Comparison 11:20 - Electric Flair Comparison 14:20 - Normal Vocal Comparison 16:12 - Vocal Flair Comparison 18:03 - Vocal Scarlett vs. Scarlett AIR Comparison 19:55 - Vocal SSL 2+ vs. SSL 2+ 4K Comparison 22:05 - Normal "Full" Song Comparison 24:11 - "Full" Song Flair Comparison 26:12 - Closing Thoughts