Let’s discuss the similarities and differences between the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface and the Focusrite Scarlett Solo Audio Interface.
Quick Answer: If you need to record two XLR microphones at the same time, then you should get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. If you only need to record one XLR microphone at a time, then you should get the Focusrite Scarlett solo.
Pricing:
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_2i2
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo Audio Interface: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_solo
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Kit: https://currentprice.io/2i2_kit
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo Kit: https://currentprice.io/solo_kit
Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo Design & Build Quality
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 & Scarlett solo both have a durable, high-quality design. Both devices have a sturdy metal construction and are designed to be durable and long-lasting.
All audio interfaces in the Scarlett lineup from Focusrite come with the iconic “red case” that makes it instantly recognizable.
The knobs and buttons are well-made and feel solid, and the overall design is sleek and professional-looking.
You won’t notice a difference between the Scarlett 2i2 and the Scarlett Solo in terms of build quality.
Physical Size
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a little bit wider than the Scarlett Solo. The Solo will be a good fit if you’re looking for maximum portability. That being said, the Scarlett 2i2 isn’t much larger.
- Scarlett 2i2 Size: 6.89 x 3.89 x 1.87″ / 17.5 x 9.88 x 4.75 cm
- Scarlett Solo Size: 5.65 x 3.77 x 1.71″ / 14.35 x 9.58 x 4.34 cm
In terms of weight, we see that the Scarlett Solo is slightly lighter than the Scarlett 2i2.
- Scarlett 2i2 Weight: 1.0 lb / 470.0 g
- Scarlett Solo Weight: 0.7 lb / 318.0 g
Preamp Quality & Gain
The microphone preamps are identical on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and Focusrite Scarlett Solo. You can expect to use the same amount of gain for your microphones.
If you’re using a Shure SM7B with the Scarlett 2i2 or Scarlett Solo, you will need a Cloudlifter to help power the microphone properly.
- Input Gain: Up to +56 dB
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.1 dB
- XLR Dynamic Range:111 dBA
- Instrument Dynamic Range: 110 dBA
- Line Dynamic Range: 110.5 dBA
Front Of Interface
Here you can see the options available on the front of each interface:
Scarlett 2i2 Front Features
- Inputs: 2 x XLR & 1/4″ Combination Jacks
- Instrument Button for 1/4″ Input
- Air Button for Air Mode
- Direct Monitoring Selection Button
- 48v Phantom Power Button
- Monitor Knob
- Headphone Knob
- 1/4″ Headphone Output
Scarlett Solo Front Features
- 1 x XLR Input
- Air Button for Air Mode
- 1 x 1/4″ Input
- Instrument Button for 1/4″ Input
- Direct Monitoring Selection Button
- 48v Phantom Power Button
- Monitor Knob
- Headphone Knob
- 1/4″ Headphone Output
Rear Of Interface
The rear of the Scarlett 2i2 and Scarlett Solo offer the same connectivity.
- Kensington Security Slot
- USB Type C Jack
- Line Outputs: Balanced 1/4″ Outputs
Scarlett 2i2 & Scarlett Solo Overview
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and Scarlett Solo audio interfaces offer great dollar value. They both include the following features:
- Preamps – Good sounding microphone preamps (for the dollar) with 57 dB of gain
- Air mode – Boost of upper frequencies
- 1/4″ Instrument Input(s)
- 1/4″ Line Level Input(s)
- Direct Monitoring
- Line Level Outputs – Left & Right
- USB Connection (24 Bit / 192 kHz)
- Headphone Jack
What is the difference between 2i2 & Solo?
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has two combination jacks (XLR & 1/4″) and the Scarlett Solo has one XLR jack and one 1/4″ jack.
Who is the Scarlett Solo For?
We recommend the Scarlett Solo for anyone looking for a small interface to connect a single microphone to their computer. It also works well for singer songwriters who want to play a single instrument (guitar or piano) while they sing.
If you do any of the following, the Scarlett Solo is perfect for you:
- Voiceover & Vocal Recording
- Single person podcast
- Live streaming
- Video Conferencing
- Singer-Songwriter
- Vocal Microphone
- Guitar with pickup, electric guitar, or electric keyboard (mono)
Who is the Scarlett 2i2 For?
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface is perfect for those who need more flexibility and may need to connect two microphones or two instruments to the interface.
- Two-person podcast recording
- Two people live streaming
- Mic’ing stereo sources (grand piano)
- Mic’ing two guitar amps at the same time, or two instruments at the same time
- People who need more flexibility and are more likely to be experimenting in the studio
Scarlett 2i2 Vs Scarlett Solo FAQ
The Scarlett Solo and Scarlett 2i2 are both audio interfaces made by Focusrite. The main difference between the two is that the Scarlett 2i2 has two of each type of input (XLR & 1/4″), while the Scarlett Solo only has one.
Both audio interfaces will let you record two tracks at the same time. On the Scarlett 2i2 you can record two XLR sources, two 1/4″ sources, or one of each. On the Scarlett Solo, you can only record one microphone and one 1/4″ source at a time.
The Scarlett Solo and the Scarlett 2i2 have the same preamp for the XLR and 1/4″ inputs. The biggest difference is that the Scarlett 2i2 will let you record two microphones at the same time, but the Scarlett solo will only let you record one XLR microphone and one 1/4″ input at the same time.
If you only need to record one XLR microphone and one 1/4″ source at a time, then the Scarlett Solo is enough for you.
If you want to record two XLR microphones at a time, or two 1/4″ inputs at the same time, then you should upgrade to the Scarlett 2i2.
The scarlett 2i2 is slightly larger than the scarlett solo. The Scarlett 2i2 is 6.89 x 3.89 x 1.87″ / 17.5 x 9.88 x 4.75 cm and the Scarlett solo is 5.65 x 3.77 x 1.71″ / 14.35 x 9.58 x 4.34 cm.
Scarlett 2i2 & Scarlett Solo Pricing
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_2i2
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo Audio Interface: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_solo
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Kit: https://currentprice.io/2i2_kit
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo Kit: https://currentprice.io/solo_kit
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
- Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
