Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo [2023 Review]

When it comes to simple home recording setups, a USB audio interface is one of the most convenient options. Because of how simple a solution they give, the market for bus-powered plug and play interfaces is oversaturated.

Finding the proper piece of equipment for you can be difficult with such a big variety of products available, all of which are reasonably priced. As far as USB interfaces go, Focusrite’s entire Scarlett line is quite impressive.

Their third-generation models have been updated to reflect all of the company’s recent advances and innovations since it initially entered the market. If you are interested in these models, keep reading our Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo review for more information below.

Winner of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

We had a really hard time deciding between these two Winner of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo because we really cannot see much difference.

The distinctions are in their functionality. If you knew how you preferred to work and had created your own procedures and techniques, it would be simple to make a decision. You’d just consider whether the 2i2’s extra features make those tasks easier.

However, because you’re probably new to the realm of home recording, you don’t have any set procedures. You are unsure of what you want or how you want to work. We truly believe that the 2i2’s additional features are well worth the slightly higher price tag.

That concludes our Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo review with Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 being the winner.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

Features: If you’ve ever plugged in a USB device, you’ll be able to set up the 2i2 in less than a minute and have it ready to record. It’s a compact, simple-looking mixer that’s devoid of the plethora of knobs and faders that often make mixers scary to newcomers.

Connect the Scarlett 2i2 to your computer or laptop by using the USB connection supplied, then use your XLR cable to connect your mic to the interface. Keep reading for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo.

Podcasting using a USB mic is a terrific way to get your show started, but after a while, you might want to consider upgrading to a more professional setup. This is when purchasing an interface such as the Scarlett 2i2 comes into play.

In most of our home studio setups, recording pro-quality voices can be a problem, but the Scarlett 2i2’s Air function captures clarity, atmosphere, and a true sense of space that we previously could only get by leasing tens of thousands of dollars’ value of preamps and other gear.

Even your low-cost mics can sound like they have been upgraded significantly. It all adds up to a genuine high-end performance for entry-level pricing, thanks to the Scarlett’s Air feature, stunning resolution and purity, and the unit’s exceptionally low delay.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo

Features: You can’t really go wrong with a Focusrite Scarlett AI if you’re just getting started in the world of home recording. The business offers a number of devices that do the job well. Over the previous five years, they’ve progressed to a professional level.

Their Solo series, as the name implies, is geared toward solo singers who also play an instrument. It provides professional-level resolutions, low-latency direct viewing, and easy setup. Keep reading for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo.

Because the Scarlett line is geared for beginners, it also sells a variety of accessories to help you expand your recording possibilities. The offers change on a regular basis and may vary depending on which supplier you purchase from.

A great-sounding guitar audio connection from a reputable company that offers outstanding value for money. There are a few good alternatives in this pricing range if you want to record your guitar.

Scarlett Solo, despite her petite stature, is a complete professional. The device’s red anodized finish belongs to Focusrite, and it screams quality.

Anything you’ll ever need is right on the front panel when you connect it to your computer via USB and run matched cables (an upgrade over the 2nd Gen’s RCA jacks) to your displays.

The 1/4-inch input can be switched among instrument and line settings, and the gain knob has a wide range of settings to handle both hot active pickups and faint vintage signals.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo Build

The robust structure of any recording gear is the first thing you should observe if you want it to last a long time. Scarlett Solo and Scarlett 2i2 are unquestionably durable.

The top and sides of both audio interfaces are made of machined metal. Composite material is used in the front and back. This combination assures that the casing is never an issue.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo Switches, Inputs, Outputs

In front of the gadget, there are three lights: a green light that indicates whether the USB cable is connected, and rings of light surrounding the gain knobs for each channel.

Channel 1 has a green light, while channel 2 has a red
light. When the gain level approaches the maximum, these lights illuminate. Scarlett Solo has two inputs, one of which is an XLR input on the left. That’s where the majority of your microphones end up. A 14-inch jack port serves as the other input.

It’s typically used for instrument recording. The guitar sign that stands directly above the port makes it easy to spot.

There are two outputs on Solo: left and right. Both of them have RCA outputs. If you’re going to acquire this version, make sure you have the right cables.

If you prefer a 14-inch output, the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is the way to go. The 2nd Gen is the only one with an RCA output.

In the front, Scarlett 2i2 has two dynamic inputs. They’re called dynamic because they can be used with 14-inch jack cables as well as XLR connections.

You can also utilize either of the two inputs for voice or instrument. Two outputs are also located at the back of the 2i2. It’s a 14-inch jack port.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo Power Supply

If you’re like me, you’re always running out of plugs. All of the main sockets are taken up by your amplifiers, studio monitors, effects power supplies, and mixers.

Both of these gleaming red boxes are bus-powered audio interfaces, which should please you. This means they get their power through a USB connection from your computer.

Bus-powered interfaces are extremely convenient and portable, yet they fall short of mains-powered devices in some aspects.

Because USB ports have a restricted power source, interfaces must moderate their performance criteria. The headphone output and mic current capacities are usually harmed as a result of this.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo Headphone Jacks

Because it includes a single headphone jack with separate volume control, the 2i2 has the Solo beat in this category.

There is a headphone connector on the Solo, but no dedicated control. This simply implies that the volume of your display determines the volume of your headphones. It’s not a big deal; you’ll just have to
adjust the volume settings as you transition from cans to monitors.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo Preamps

Both the Solo and the 2i2 feature excellent preamps. The proprietary Focusrite Air technology has been added to the original design.

This provides them tonal attributes reminiscent of superb analog preamps and adds an optional brightness to their warm and dynamic sound profile. The main distinction is that the 2i2 has two preamps whereas the Solo has only one.

Because the Solo’s two inputs are molded by a single preamp, you won’t get as much clarity between them as you would with the 2i2 according to this Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo review.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo Inputs

The largest difference between the two interfaces is this and the second preamp, which accounts for the pricing differences.

One microphone input and one instrument-level input are available on the solo. Mic level signals, balanced line-level signals, and instrument level signals can all be received via the 2i2 inputs. This gives the 2i2 a lot more versatility and offers up a lot of cool recording possibilities.

Conclusion: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo [2023 Review]

You’ve probably heard of Focusrite if you’re looking for an audio interface. They provide some of the best user interfaces, and today we compared Scarlett 2i2 and Solo. Both Focusrite interfaces are second-generation models that have a few enhancements.

According to our Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo review, the winner is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. We hope you liked our Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo review and it was helpful.