Behringer UMC202HD vs Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen
A side-by-side look at Behringer UMC202HD and Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Behringer UMC202HD
MIDAS preamps at a price that makes competing brands uncomfortable
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Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen
Four inputs, MIDI I/O, and the Scarlett preamp you already trust
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Behringer UMC202HD | Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Budget-conscious podcasters who want audibly better preamps than most interfaces at this price allow | Producers or podcasters who need two clean mic preamps, room for outboard gear, and MIDI connectivity in one box |
Key features
Behringer UMC202HD
- 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with MIDAS-designed preamps and 48V phantom power
- 24-bit / 192 kHz converters, 110 dB dynamic range
- Hi-Z input mode for direct instrument connection
- USB 2.0 bus-powered, class-compliant
- Zero-latency direct monitoring
- Separate headphone and line outputs
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen
- 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with independent 48V phantom power
- 2 additional 1/4" TRS line inputs (rear)
- 4 balanced TRS outputs
- MIDI In/Out (5-pin DIN)
- USB-C, 24-bit / 192 kHz, 120 dB dynamic range
- Up to 69 dB of mic preamp gain
Pros and cons
Behringer UMC202HD
Pros
- MIDAS preamp DNA - audible step above cheaper alternatives
- 192 kHz conversion at an entry-level price
- Hi-Z switching for guitar direct input
- Class-compliant - no driver install required
Cons
- Lighter build quality than Focusrite or SSL equivalents
- Behringer support less reliable if something goes wrong
- USB-A only connector
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen
Pros
- Two clean preamps handle dual-mic podcast setups
- Four balanced outputs for flexible monitoring routing
- MIDI I/O included - less common at this price
- Independent 48V per channel (mix condensers and dynamics freely)
Cons
- Only one headphone output
- Larger footprint than the 2i2 - takes more desk space
- Line inputs are rear-panel only - not ideal for live instrument switching
The verdict
Choose Behringer UMC202HD if
Budget-conscious podcasters who want audibly better preamps than most interfaces at this price allow.
Behringer built the UMC202HD around MIDAS preamp circuits - the same company that designs consoles for major touring acts - and sold the result for less than most competitors charge for plastic-chassis interfaces with mediocre preamps. The difference is audible.…
Choose Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen if
Producers or podcasters who need two clean mic preamps, room for outboard gear, and MIDI connectivity in one box.
The 4i4 is where the Scarlett line starts making sense for more complex setups. Two XLR preamps handle a host and a guest simultaneously, the four balanced outputs let you route to two separate monitor pairs or an external headphone…