Best Audio Interfaces · head-to-head

Scarlett Solo 4th Generation vs SSL 2+ MKII

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Scarlett Solo 4th Generation is cheaper at $159.99. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Scarlett Solo 4th Generation or SSL 2+ MKII?

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 SSL 2+ MKII
US price $159.99 $299.99
BrandFocusriteSolid State Logic
Released2023-082024-10
Inputs analog 2 2
Outputs analog 2 4
Max resolution bit (kHz) 24-bit / 192 kHz 32-bit / 192 kHz
Mic preamps 1 2
Connection usb_c usb_c
Midi io No Yes
Bus powered Yes Yes
Release year 2023 2024

Sources — Scarlett Solo 4th Generation: sweetwater.com (verified 2026-06-19). SSL 2+ MKII: solidstatelogic.com (verified 2026-06-19).

What's the difference between the Scarlett Solo 4th Generation and SSL 2+ MKII?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Outputs analog: Scarlett Solo 4th Generation 2 vs SSL 2+ MKII 4
  • Max resolution bit (kHz): Scarlett Solo 4th Generation 24-bit / 192 kHz vs SSL 2+ MKII 32-bit / 192 kHz
  • Mic preamps: Scarlett Solo 4th Generation 1 vs SSL 2+ MKII 2
  • Midi io: Scarlett Solo 4th Generation false vs SSL 2+ MKII 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.

SSL 2+ MKII

Two whitelisted hands-on reviews (Sound on Sound, MusicRadar) both recommend the SSL 2+ MKII, praising its intuitive physical-controls workflow (no companion app needed) and clean, crisp preamps. Neither published its own lab measurements, so the dynamic-range gains they mention are SSL's own specs, not independently verified. MusicRadar's main gripe is the plasticky, lightweight feel versus all-metal rivals. (2 sourced reviews.)

Praised: Intuitive physical-controls workflow, everything in reach with no control-panel/companion app required; Clean, crisp, high-quality preamps — among the cleanest around; Worthwhile MkII refresh: front instrument jacks, status LEDs, extra balanced outputs.

Flagged: Plasticky, lightweight chassis and buttons lacking tactile click versus all-metal rivals; Probably overkill for a solo musician; 32-bit/192kHz spec offers little practical recording benefit over 24-bit.

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