Focusrite
Scarlett Solo 4th Generation
$159.99Cheaper
Released 2023-08
Best Audio Interfaces · head-to-head
Scarlett Solo 4th Generation vs M2
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Scarlett Solo 4th Generation is cheaper at $159.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
MOTU
M2
$199.95
Released 2019-11
Which is better: the Scarlett Solo 4th Generation or M2?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Scarlett Solo 4th Generation is the cheaper at $159.99.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Scarlett Solo 4th Generation | M2 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $159.99 | $199.95 |
| Brand | Focusrite | MOTU |
| Released | 2023-08 | 2019-11 |
| Inputs analog | 2 | 2 |
| Outputs analog | 2 | 4 |
| Max resolution bit (kHz) | 24-bit / 192 kHz | 24-bit / 192 kHz |
| Mic preamps | 1 | 2 |
| Connection | usb_c | usb_c |
| Midi io | No | Yes |
| Bus powered | Yes | Yes |
| Release year | 2023 | 2019 |
Sources — Scarlett Solo 4th Generation: sweetwater.com (verified 2026-06-19). M2: motu.com (verified 2026-06-19).
What's the difference between the Scarlett Solo 4th Generation and M2?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Outputs analog: Scarlett Solo 4th Generation 2 vs M2 4
- Mic preamps: Scarlett Solo 4th Generation 1 vs M2 2
- Midi io: Scarlett Solo 4th Generation false vs M2 true
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Scarlett Solo 4th Generation
Only one whitelisted tester, SoundGuys, published a hands-on review of this exact model (Scarlett Solo 4th Gen), testing it over one week. It calls the unit a safe, affordable, easy plug-and-play entry interface with quality mic preamps, while flagging the missing output meter, Auto Gain and Clip Safe. No lab measurements were taken. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Easy plug-and-play setup, recording into any major DAW within minutes; Quality mic preamp produces clean recordings even with affordable mics; Compact, durable aluminum chassis that travels well.
Flagged: No output metering; Lacks Auto Gain and Clip Safe found on the 2i2/4i4; Air mode only works over the XLR input, not the instrument input.
M2
No sourced tester review yet.