Who needs which setup?

Headphone-first solo editors

If you mainly cut and adjust existing introductions while someone else shares the desk, start with a practical headphone connection and a size that fits your workspace. Speaker outputs may matter less for this workflow.

Editors who also re-record introductions

If you regularly capture a corrected line or a revised opening, check that the interface has the microphone inputs and gain controls your recording setup needs.

Two-person desk collaborators

If a presenter and editor need to listen together without using speakers, check the number of physical headphone outputs before choosing on size alone.

What matters when choosing?

For editing spoken introductions at a shared desk, settle the headphone arrangement first, then check recording needs and available desk space.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Contained listening Check the physical headphone outputs and connector type, then measure where the interface will sit. If I replay edits repeatedly beside a colleague, I want to listen through headphones rather than use speakers; around 40% of consumers put contained listening first.
Replacement-line recording Check the required microphone input, whether your microphone needs 48 V phantom power, and how gain is set. If I need to correct a name or opening line, I want a recording setup I can return to easily; around 30% of consumers prioritise repeatable recording setup.
Two-person review Check for two headphone outputs and confirm volume-control behaviour and any adapter needs. When a presenter reviews an edit beside me, we need a practical way to listen together without speakers; around 30% of consumers put simultaneous two-person listening first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming two inputs mean two headphone sockets

    Recording inputs and headphone outputs serve different purposes. Focusrite lists one front-panel headphone output on the Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen, while Solid State Logic lists two on the SSL 2 MKII.

    Count the headphone sockets and check the current manual for volume-control behaviour if two people will listen regularly.

    With a single headphone socket, a splitter, headphone amplifier, adapters or different cables may be needed for two listeners.

  • Prioritising loopback when you only edit existing audio

    Loopback routes computer audio into recording software; it is not required simply to edit a file and listen on headphones. Focusrite also warns that incorrect loopback routing can create feedback.

    Check whether you need to record computer playback or remote audio. If you do, follow the interface guidance for routing and muting loopback channels.

  • Choosing by a compact appearance without measuring

    Audient lists the EVO 4 at 140 mm × 67 mm × 67 mm, while Solid State Logic lists the SSL 2 MKII at 234 mm × 159 mm × 70 mm.

    Measure the available space, allowing room for cables, the keyboard and any microphone arm.

  • Assuming one product-marking process covers the whole UK

    GOV.UK guidance distinguishes the product-marking processes for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. A listing intended for another market also warrants a check of the supplied connections and accessories.

    Confirm the intended destination, applicable product marking and supplied USB or power accessories before ordering an imported interface.

Relevant brands and models

These models offer different approaches to recording and shared-desk listening; their features should not be assumed to apply across each brand’s range.

Focusrite

The Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is relevant when editing is regularly paired with recording replacement lines.

  • Focusrite lists two XLR microphone inputs, Auto Gain, Clip Safe and stereo loopback for this model.
  • Its specification lists one front-panel headphone output, so two listeners need a separate arrangement.

Audient

The EVO 4 offers a compact option for a solo editor who may also record spoken material.

  • Audient lists two microphone preamps, Smartgain, loopback and a 140 mm × 67 mm × 67 mm body.
  • Its published features list one headphone output; plan how a second listener would connect.

Solid State Logic

The SSL 2 MKII is worth considering when two people regularly monitor at the same desk.

  • Solid State Logic lists two front-panel headphone outputs, two analogue preamps and stereo loopback.
  • At a listed 234 mm × 159 mm × 70 mm, it needs more desk space than the EVO 4; measure before choosing it for a crowded setup.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Do I need two microphone inputs to edit spoken introductions?

No, not if you only edit existing recordings. Two microphone inputs become useful when your setup needs to capture two microphones or other input sources; check the connections required by the people and equipment you record.

Can two people listen through one audio interface?

Yes, if the interface provides two suitable headphone outputs: Solid State Logic lists two front-panel outputs on the SSL 2 MKII. For an interface with one socket, confirm a suitable sharing arrangement, volume-control behaviour and any accessories before buying.

Do spoken-word editors need loopback?

Loopback is useful when you need to capture computer audio in recording software alongside a microphone, but it is not needed for ordinary editing and headphone playback. If you use it, follow the routing guidance: Focusrite warns that loopback channels can cause feedback when they are not muted appropriately in recording software.

Do product-marking rules differ between Great Britain and Northern Ireland?

Yes. GOV.UK guidance dated 21 August 2026 says CE marking continues to be recognised alongside or instead of UKCA marking in Great Britain under applicable conditions, and identifies different processes for Northern Ireland. Check the requirements for the exact product and destination rather than assuming one marking conclusion covers both.