The Focusrite Scarlett Solo and 2i2 are the best-selling audio interfaces in the world. They show up on every beginner recommendation list, and for good reason — they’re reliable, they sound great, and Focusrite’s driver support is unmatched.
But if you’re deciding between them, the choice isn’t always obvious. The specs look nearly identical and the price difference is only about $60. So what do you actually get for that extra money?
I’ve owned both. Here’s the real breakdown.
The Short Answer
- Get the Solo if you record by yourself and only ever need one mic at a time.
- Get the 2i2 if you podcast, collaborate, record guitar and vocals simultaneously, or just want room to grow.
For most people, the 2i2 is the better long-term buy. The $60 difference is small compared to the frustration of outgrowing a Solo six months in.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Scarlett Solo | Scarlett 2i2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$120 | ~$180 |
| Mic inputs | 1 | 2 |
| Instrument inputs | 1 | 2 |
| Independent gain controls | Yes (separate) | Yes (separate) |
| Headphone output | 1 | 1 |
| Headphone amp | Standard | Improved (louder) |
| Air mode | Yes | Yes |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| Bus powered | Yes | Yes |
| Software bundle | Same | Same |
The Preamps: Are They Different?
Here’s something most reviews gloss over: the preamps in the Solo and 2i2 are not identical.
The 2i2 (4th Gen) has slightly higher-quality preamps with more headroom. In practice, this means the 2i2 handles louder sources — like a dynamic mic on a loud singer or electric guitar — without clipping as easily. For quiet sources like an acoustic guitar in a treated room, you’re unlikely to hear a difference.
The 2i2’s headphone amp is also meaningfully louder, which matters if you use higher-impedance headphones like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (250 ohm).
The Real Decision: Inputs
The main practical difference is inputs.
The Solo gives you:
- 1 XLR mic input (with phantom power)
- 1 instrument (TS/TRS) input
- You can use one or the other, but not both XLR at once
The 2i2 gives you:
- 2 combo XLR/TRS inputs
- Both can accept mics simultaneously
- Independent gain controls per channel
If you ever want to:
- Record a podcast with a guest in the same room
- Record your vocals and acoustic guitar at the same time
- Run two microphones on one instrument (stereo recording)
- Use a second mic as a room mic
…you need the 2i2. The Solo simply cannot do these things.
Who Should Get the Solo
- You record vocals or one instrument at a time, always solo
- You’re on a tight budget and $60 genuinely matters right now
- You mostly use the interface for a podcast where you’re the only host
The Solo is not a lesser product — it’s a great interface. It’s just more limited in scope.
Who Should Get the 2i2
- You co-host a podcast or might want to interview guests in person
- You record guitar and want to sing at the same time
- You produce music and want the flexibility to mic up a drum kit or amp
- You’re buying once and don’t want to upgrade in 6 months
The 2i2 is my default recommendation for most people. The extra $60 buys you flexibility that’s hard to put a price on when you actually need it.
Software Bundle
Both come with the exact same software bundle — there’s no difference here. You get:
- Ableton Live Lite
- Pro Tools Artist (3 months)
- A selection of plugins from various companies
It’s a genuinely good bundle worth several hundred dollars at retail. Don’t let this factor into the decision.
Bottom Line
Focusrite Scarlett Solo on Amazon →
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 on Amazon →
If budget is tight: get the Solo. It’s excellent for what it does.
If you have the $60 to spare: get the 2i2. You’ll appreciate the flexibility.
Either way, you’re buying one of the most reliable beginner interfaces on the market. You won’t regret either choice.
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