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
Universal Audio
$249
Released 2021-11
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 | $249 |
| Brand | Focusrite | Universal Audio |
| Released | 2023-08 | 2021-11 |
| 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).
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (2 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.
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.