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.
The Scarlett 2i2 has a much more powerful preamp than the 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 larger and heavier 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 | Scarlett Solo | |
Dimensions | 7.1 x 4.6 x 1.87″ | 5.63 x 3.78 x 1.79″ |
Weight | 1.3 lb / 595.0 g | 0.8 lb / 363.0 g |
Preamp Quality & Gain
The microphone preamps are not the same on the 4th gen Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and Focusrite Scarlett Solo.
There is a MASSIVE difference in preamp quality between both audio interfaces.
If you’re using a Shure SM7B with the Scarlett Solo, you will need an inline preamp to help power the microphone properly.
Both XLR Microphone Preamps are located on the back of the 4th Gen Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Scarlett 2i2 | Scarlett Solo | |
XLR Inputs | 2 | 1 |
XLR Input Gain | 69 dB | 57 dB |
Instrument & Line Level Inputs
The Scarlett 2i2 and Scarlett Solo both allow you to connect a 1/4″ instrument to the interface or a 1/4″ line level input.
This is perfect for musicians wanting to record an instrument or line level source.
Again, we see a huge difference in the input gain between the Scarlett 2i2 and Scarlett Solo.
Scarlett 2i2 | Scarlett Solo | |
1/4″ Inputs | 2 | 1 |
Instrument Input Gain | 62 dB | 57 dB |
Line Level Gain | 69 dB | 57 dB |
Outputs
The outputs are very similar between the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and Focusrite Scarlett Solo. Both have been upgraded massively from the previous 3rd generation to offer more output and more dynamic range.
For an in-depth review, check out:
Scarlett 2i2 | Scarlett Solo | |
Headphone Output | 10 dBu | 10 dBu |
Headphone Dynamic Range | 115 dB | 115 dB |
Stereo Output | 16 dBu | 16 dBu |
Stereo Output Dynamic Range | 120 dB | 120 dB |
Processing & Control
This is another area where both audio interfaces vary wildly.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has been upgraded significantly and includes new features like auto gain, clip safe, infinity knobs, and more.
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is missing these new features.
Both Audio interfaces continue to have Inst/Line Mode, and Air Mode.
Scarlett 2i2 | Scarlett Solo | |
Auto Gain | Yes | No |
Clip Safe | Yes | No |
Rotary Knobs | Infinite | Fixed |
Air Mode | Two Stage | Two Stage |
Direct Monitoring | Off/Mono/Stereo | Off/Mono |
Power & Connectivity
The Scarlett 2i2 and Scarlett Solo both have USB-C Connectivity.
The Scarlett 2i2 has an extra 5v USB-C input so you can use a battery bank to power the Scarlett 2i2 if you’re connecting the interface to your phone. The Scarlett Solo doesn’t have this option.
Scarlett 2i2 | Scarlett Solo | |
USB-C | Yes | Yes |
USB Power Input | Yes | No |
Front Of Interface
Here you can see the options available on the front of each interface:
Scarlett 2i2 Front Features
- Inputs: 2x 1/4″ Combination Jacks
- Instrument Button for 1/4″ Input
- 2 x Infinate Rotary Knobs For Volume Control
- Two-Stage Air Button for Air Mode
- Input Select Button
- Auto Gain
- Clip Safe
- Direct Monitoring Selection Button
- 48v Phantom Power Button
- Monitor Knob
- Headphone Knob
- 1/4″ Headphone Output
Scarlett Solo Front Features
- Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ Combination Jacks
- Instrument Button for 1/4″ Input
- Two-Stage Air Button for Air Mode
- 2 x Rotary Knobs for Volume Control
- 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 varied connectivity as well.
Scarlett 2i2
- 2 x XLR Input
- 2 x Stereo Line Outputs (Left and Right)
- USB-C Jack
- USB-C Power Input (optional)
- Kensington Security Slot
Scarlett Solo
- 1 x XLR Input
- 2 x Stereo Line Outputs (Left and Right)
- USB-C Jack
- Kensington Security Slot
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)
- 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 better preamps and more flexibility with the inputs than the Scarlett Solo. The Scarlett 2i2 allows you to mix/match the 2 x XLR inputs and 2 x 1/4″ inputs while the Scarlett solo only gives you one XLR input and one 1/4″ input.
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
Which is better Scarlett Solo or 2i2?
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.
The Scarlett 2i2 has better microphone preamps and will allow you to connect more microphones without the need for additional hardware.
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.
Does Scarlett Solo have the same preamp as 2i2?
No! The 4th Generation of Scarlett Solo has a significantly worse preamp than the Scarlett 2i2. The Scarlett Solo provides 57dB of gain and the Scarlett 2i2 provides 69dB of gain.
Is Scarlett Solo enough?
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.
Scarlett 2i2 & Scarlett Solo Pricing
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_2i2
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_solo
- Shure SM7B Microphone: https://currentprice.io/shure_sm7b
- Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro Headphones: https://currentprice.io/beyer_dt_990
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
- TRS Cable: https://currentprice.io/trs_cable
- Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
- Rode PSA1+ Boom Arm: http://currentprice.io/psa1_plus
- Quality Acoustic Treatment Panels: http://currentprice.io/soundpanels
Scarlett 2i2 VS Scarlett Solo Topics
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:58 – Pricing & Specs
- 1:32 – Size & Weight
- 1:42 – XLR Inputs
- 2:22 – XLR Preamps
- 3:42 – 1/4″ Inputs
- 4:26 – 1/4″ Preamps
- 4:58 – Rotary Knobs / Auto Gain
- 6:10 – Clipsafe
- 6:30 – Outputs
- 6:40 – Direct Monitoring
- 7:40 – Headphone Jack
- 8:00 – Stereo Output
- 8:20 – Analog To Digital Conversion
- 8:35 – USB-C Connectivity / Power
- 9:39 – Overall Thoughts
- 10:25 – Recommendation
- 11:45 – Final Thoughts
