Focusrite
Scarlett Solo 4th Generation
$159.99Cheaper
Released 2023-08
Best Audio Interfaces · head-to-head
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Scarlett Solo 4th Generation is cheaper at $159.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Focusrite
$159.99Cheaper
Released 2023-08
Solid State Logic
$299.99
Released 2024-10
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Scarlett Solo 4th Generation is the cheaper at $159.99.
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✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | | |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $159.99 | $299.99 |
| Brand | Focusrite | Solid State Logic |
| Released | 2023-08 | 2024-10 |
| 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).
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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.
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.