Scarlett 2i2 or Scarlett Solo? The Ultimate Comparison and Review

[@lehntube]

Wow. I didn’t know the difference in features and was just about to buy the solo. Gonna go with the 2i2 now. Auto gain and safe are worth it.

[@Guanjyn]

Solo looks suitable for me but I'll go for the 2i2 because I'd rather have more than I need than less.

[@AustnTok]

I almost got the Scarlett Solo but the 57db of gain wasn't gonna be enough, so I went with the 2i2 4th gen. Loving it so far. I use it to talk over my video edits. I also use it for any general voice chatting like discord while I'm gaming with friends. I love it.

[@sameric3935]

I have 3rd Gen solo. Works great but I had to get a fethead to get enough headroom with my SM7B.

[@AustnTok]

@sameric3935 that's what they did right with the 4th Gen. Has more than enough for the SM7B. I enjoy mine

[@trevorgxp]

I had the solo in my cart…went with the 2i2 due to the increased gain

[@AustnTok]

@trevorgxp it was the exact same for me. Had the solo in my cart too. Glad I did research first. I have the SM7B and it's a gain hog fs

[@kunimitanaka1079]

This video answered every question I had and a number more that I didn't know I had about the differences between these two devices. I can now make a purchase decision with confidence. Much appreciated.

[@PureGlide]

Needing only 1 input for a mic, I bought the Solo v3, for about $80USD. Personally I needed something as small as possible, and a front XLR input was preferable for my situation. The only differences I can see: - The solo v3 can't be powered without a computer. A powerbank or PD delivery doesn't work. :( - The solo v3 has continuous (any level i.e not notched) input gain knobs, so was surprised the v4 doesn't. - The solo v4 has nicer level meters around the input gain knob. But that's the only advantage I can see! So my advice is save the money and get the v3! It sounds VERY clean.

[@kettnercreative]

I agree. There’s no reason to spend $$ to upgrade your V3 to a V4.

[@Kuncalek]

Yes, this new Solo seems to be rather "3,5" Gen only...

[@yundon8182]

didn't the sound and recording quality improve in the 4th generation?

[@nathangothan601]

This is why I went with the UA Volt lineup. My Volt 1 has the same technical specifications as the Volt 2, Volt 3, and Volt 4.

[@labrow]

Top-notch comparison. Answered every question I had.

[@realnanodude]

My man! Straight got all my questions answered in the first 3 minutes of the video. Thanks!

[@kettnercreative]

Happy to hear!

[@TomislavIvanFlis]

Great comparison! You've addressed all the main differences. Thanks! 2i2 looks far better investment.

[@kettnercreative]

100%. I don't understand why they even bothered refreshing the Solo.

[@GraphicJ]

Yep, I only use one channel but I went for the 2i2 because of the higher db Pre Amp. Much more gain.

[@kettnercreative]

Makes sense. Way more future proof.

[@yundon8182]

but this does not affect the quality of the recording?

[@jimilove7773]

Got 4 gen 2i2 ....great review the best on these two and their differences!

[@BananaRaccoon]

Great review. Almost bought the solo as I thought they were the same. Gone for the 2i2 now!

[@bxbbyxx]

same!

[@rcstricklin]

Another outstanding review and contrast and comparisons. Thank you for putting this together.

[@tiobic1445]

Hey buddy, awesome video, may i ask you between this 4th generation and the vocaster one, which would you prefer personally, thanks 😊

[@kettnercreative]

Ahhh, I need to make a video on that. That would be a good one. The Vocaster has better tools for podcasting/streaming/conferencing: Voice Presets, remote callers, etc. THe 2i2 is more flexible for general studio use with the 1/4" inputs.

[@tiobic1445]

@@kettnercreative thanks for your time, I appreciate, cheers

[@AndrewAmadorVoiceover]

Excellent assessment. As a voiceover guy, I think the 2i2 is the way to go. The Apollo series from UA is appealing, too---but I'm just a Focusrite fan.

[@JulietRobin]

I really appreciate this detailed review. Thanks a lot.

[@thevermin23]

WOW... you are straight forward, to the point and super informative. AWESOME VIDEO! Thank you so so so much! Looks like I'll be going for the 2i2!

[@wheninroamful]

Very good review, one of the best on these two ive seen. thanks

[@dodo21x55]

I only need a Solo but due to "low" gain/weak preamp looking at 2i2. Only need the interface to power Podmic (don't like plastic Elgato)

[@eldenreel7412]

great video, i got the 2i2. I made sure to use your link, Thanks for the help.

[@konzeptzwei]

So it seems to me if I just want to use the Inst input the Solo seems to sufficient?

[@austinmuvrin6293]

can we get a setup video with the 2i2 4th gen and a shure sm7b?

[@kettnercreative]

Sure! I'm working on another video tomorrow, but I'll film this on Thursday.

[@wayner2ll704]

Best vs review I've seen so far. Subed

[@EarnestLee711]

Ok I'm recording just for myself should I get the solo instead or the 2i2 because I was gonna go with the solo but then I thought what if I have one mic input on my interface goes out with the 2i2 I’m assuming I won’t have to worry

[@joshyepyepzo8356]

If guitar goes into the solo, wouldnt it mean its mono but coming out of two speakers as mono? Isnt the input of the 2i2 true stereo if it was 2 guitar cables

[@DaliborRasic]

Hello, thanks for the great video as always🙂can you give me some advice please? I am planning to order a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th gen, but since I have no experience, I am not sure about the microphone and headphones. I already have a BETA Shure 58A supercardioid and Sennheiser E 945 and XLR Cable Cordial CPM 3.0 FM. Should it be ok for this studio? or do I have to order a condenser mic like the one in the Focusrite CM25 MkIII kit etc and some better cable..? and the second thing is headphones - I already have a SUPERLUX HD681B - will it be good for the studio? Thanks a lot for the advice👍

[@KidRebel007]

Thx for the information lets buy the 2i2 :)

[@gerhardwasowski]

Solo doesn't have Clipsafe and Autogain because it's SOLO! Solo means "alone". You don't need those features when you record only yourself all the time.

[@joaquincuervo6943]

If you are only using the 4th Gen 2i2 with a computer, is the external power supply recommended?

[@raffaele2203]

Excellent comparison! A question if i have a modeler and I want to connect to scarlett 2i2, is possible to play the sound in stereo mode? Thanks

[@ClintonSnow]

Kettner Creative, This Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Generation can be used for Voice over? I would like to make a great commercial with my voice. Is this the correct equipment to make the commercial?

[@자끄]

This video is super helpful. Thanks!

[@AVguitarchannel]

I got the solo, i just want to play my guitar with plugins in my free time and have fun

[@soul8648]

can I use the Scarlett Solo 4th gen without a Cloudlifter or any other preamp for the Shure sm7b, or do I need the 2i2?

[@Zaedin710]

I am a streamer/content creator, should i order a 3rd gen solo or the 3rd gen 2i2 or the 4th gen solo....? I know thats not entirely what this video is about but my 6i6 is going out, it was a used purchase a few years ago, so i dont know what i should upgrade too, and i dont think i can afford the 4th gen 2i2.

[@kettnercreative]

3rd gen solo is basically the same as the 4th gen solo. Buy the 3rd gen and save your money. 3rd gen 2i2 is great if you need the extra inputs. If it was me, I'd wait until I could afford the 4th gen 2i2 though...

[@resottolamontagna904]

Hi. Talking about the line outputs for the stereo monitors, reading on the Focusrite website the model "Solo" has 200 ohm of impedance and the 2i2 model has 100 ohm of impedance. Can you explain why you didn't say anything about it? And however what it implies with studio monitors? The 2i2 model can drive speakers with more power or what? I hope you will reply. Thanks!

[@thomasg.7000]

I can get the solo gen 4 for around 150 Dollars and The Audient Id4 mkII for only 10 Dollars more. Which one should I get?

[@Viern1961]

Could the solo handle the rode procaster?

[@michaeldunne3379]

Thanks, that was really helpful.

[@quintijnkroesbergen5611]

I will only be using the audio interface for my studio monitors, so no recording. Is the sound quality of the scarlett solo 4th gen and scarlett 2i2 4th gen the same?

[@aldrinjimsotelo5700]

You forgot to mention, there is also a big difference on their software control, many controls on 2i2 is not in the solo.

[@upgrade2211]

just what i needed, thank you

[@ericeric3915]

Great video! In direct monitorring mode en big knop to zero and headphone knop at certain level; is that working when I record something? I want to disable my line out monitor box when I'm recording. Or is the output knob more a master knob , so when to zero then no signal on headphone?

[@ericeric3915]

knop=knob

[@joseparedes380]

going to use your link to buy the 212

[@spoonest]

Best review. Thanks

[@navdeeprahiya1675]

Can anyone answer my query, that would be helpful. Since i dont need mic i just need to record electric guitar does it matter which one should choose? Does the 1/4 jack uses the preamp?

[@coachhardgainz]

Can anyone give me an idea of the SOLO running two mics at once if it’s just talking head videos with two people (obviously one through the XLR in the back and the other through the line input on the front) Does the quality degrade at all?

[@jimilove7773]

Do both have air 1 and air 2 choice?

[@bkjimena11]

Can you do a review on the PreSonus USB 96?

[@mavinms]

Hi. I make videos for youtube using screen reocrding software an and using laptop built in camera and mic and one externam Behringer C-1U (usb) mic that directly connects to computer/laptop. Do i need xlr mic and this audio interface. Kindly suggest.

[@SeanWilliams-i1n]

Great video, thanks

[@MJ-sn9yb]

57db enough for rode nt1a to record R&B and pop vocal .im about to set up home studio but im don't have much knowledge please anyone ?

[@christianbuscema1189]

i just need to play guitar in the headphones and record it, which interface i need?

[@derekfromtauranga6012]

They will both do that. It depends on how much you want to spend. The other factor to consider if you are going to record an acoustic guitar you may want the two XLR inputs to record with two microphones 🎤 so you can pan one left and one right which gives a huge sound.

[@efficcial]

What about the 4I4?

[@slatrybartfast42]

Hello, I've just bought a Scarlet Solo Gen 3,when i have the Mic plugged in and try to record using effects in my DAW, I have a terrible latency problem unless i use Direct Monitor button,but by using that button i cant use the effects as i record,this did'nt happen with my previous interface which is a M-Audio Fast track,does the other Scarlets have the same problem?

[@BrianVu511]

Change the buffersize in ur daw

[@derekfromtauranga6012]

You can record a dry track and add plugins post recording which cuts down on cpu useage.

[@coyotelittle]

Get the 2i2. Paying a little bit extra will go A LONGGGG way. I made the mistake and of buying the solo. Without a pre-amp the gain is horrible. As a singer with a deeper more powerful voice but who loves my vocals to cut through the mix this thing is extremely lacking in that department. Bite the bullet and get the 2i2

[@fazzalad]

thanks man!

[@danav3387]

There are reports of external power trashing the new 2i2 recordings.

[@joefussner9201]

Thanks so much I guess I’m spending more money lol

[@OnafetsEnovap]

2i2 is more complete, while the Solo is cheaper. Not sure about this.

[@7171jay]

Unless the $60 difference between these interfaces is a huge sum of money to you just get the 2i2. With the Solo you may be kicking yourself eventually when you want to add a second mic. The extra gain is fairly significant in some situations and can be nice to have. Personally I'm never impressed by auto gain stuff as I can and prefer to gain things myself thanks, so those features I'd say are rather gimmicky and not really all that important except for people who don't know what they are doing. I'd suggest learning how to gainstage if you are going to record things.

[@MONTE12ax7]

you are comparing different models. apples and oranges

[@DanielPetre]

FFS your audio is -12 db !