Best Audio Interfaces · head-to-head

Scarlett Solo 4th Generation vs Volt 2 USB Audio Interface

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 Volt 2 USB Audio Interface?

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 Volt 2 USB Audio Interface
US price $159.99 $249
BrandFocusriteUniversal Audio
Released2023-082021-11
Inputs analog 2 2
Outputs analog 2 2
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 2021

Sources — Scarlett Solo 4th Generation: sweetwater.com (verified 2026-06-19). Volt 2 USB Audio Interface: uaudio.com (verified 2026-06-19).

What's the difference between the Scarlett Solo 4th Generation and Volt 2 USB Audio Interface?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (2 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Mic preamps: Scarlett Solo 4th Generation 1 vs Volt 2 USB Audio Interface 2
  • Midi io: Scarlett Solo 4th Generation false vs Volt 2 USB Audio Interface 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.

Volt 2 USB Audio Interface

Only one whitelisted tester, SoundGuys, covers the Volt 2, and only as a pick inside a buying guide rather than a dedicated lab review, so there are no measured numbers. It endorses the Volt 2 as a capable sub-$200 Focusrite Scarlett alternative with 610-style preamps. No cross-source corroboration exists on the whitelist. (1 sourced review.)

Praised: Capable, well-priced sub-$200 alternative to the dominant Focusrite Scarlett; 610-style vintage preamp emulation adds switchable warmth/color; iPad compatibility, USB-C, and MIDI connectivity with 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA.

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