Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo – The Ultimate Face-Off To Help You Decide (2022 Guide)

Today, I am going to be comparing two giants in the world of audio interfaces; the Scarlett 2i2 vs solo. Both of these have been produced by Focusrite, and both are amazing products that have a lot to offer. So, which one should you choose?

To help you make your decision, I am going to be looking at the key features of each interface, as well as their pros and cons. By the end of this article, you should have a much better idea of which Focusrite audio interface is right for you.

Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo – The Ultimate Face-Off To Help You Decide (2022 Guide)

Scarlett 2i2

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The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface is perfect for anyone who wants to record high-quality audio.

The interface has two inputs and two outputs, so you can connect all of your favorite recording equipment.

The Focusrite Scarlett also comes with a software bundle that includes everything you need to start recording, songwriting, streaming, and podcasting.

The software bundle includes a DAW (digital audio workstation), VST plugins, and all of the drivers you need to get started.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is a great way to get high-quality recordings without spending a lot of money.”

Scarlett Solo

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The Focusrite SCARLETT SOLO 3rd Gen 192kHz USB Audio Interface is a great addition to any home studio. It offers high-quality sound at a very affordable price.

The interface has two inputs and two outputs, and it can be used with a variety of different software programs. The Solo also comes with a software bundle that includes Pro Tools, Ableton Live Lite, and a host of other great features.

The interface is very easy to use, and it comes with a detailed instruction manual.

Overall, the Focusrite SCARLETT SOLO 3rd Gen 192kHz USB Audio Interface is a great value for the money.”

Key Similarities & Differences Between The Scarlett 2i2 And The Solo

The first thing I noticed when comparing the Scarlett 2i2 and the Scarlett Solo is that the Solo is smaller and more portable. It also has fewer features, but one key difference is that it offers direct monitoring.

This means that you can hear your recordings without latency, which is essential for recording quality audio. The Solo also has a Kensington lock slot, a line-level output, and a USB cable.

The Scarlett Solo is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use audio interface. It features a XLR mic level input, Phantom power, a Focusrite air switch, and a quarter-inch input that works for both instrument level and line-level inputs.

“Solo” Does Not Mean Solo

"Solo" Does Not Mean Solo
Scarlett Solo

Contrary to popular belief, with the Scarlett Solo, you can easily record both microphones and instruments simultaneously and multitrack record on the interface.

The Focusrite air switch allows you to add warmth and presence to your recordings, while the quarter-inch input gives you the flexibility to connect both line level and instrument level signals.

Which One Should You Buy? Scarlett 2i2 or the Scarlett Solo?

Beginner/Doing Basics/One Man/Woman Show?

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Multi-person show/Doing More/Want Room To Grow?

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Both of these interfaces offer quality sound recording capabilities and a range of features. So, which one should you choose?

The answer depends on your needs. If you're doing simple recording tasks like podcasting or singer-songwriting, the Scarlett Solo will be perfectly adequate. It has two quarter-inch inputs for mono or stereo recording, instrument level control, and an air switch to give your recordings a bit of extra presence. It's also very easy to use, making it ideal for beginners.

If you need a bit more power and flexibility, then the Scarlett 2i2 is a better option. It offers all the features of the Solo, plus two additional quarter-inch inputs and phantom power for condenser microphones. It's also slightly easier to use with multiple devices, so if you're planning on expanding your setup in the future, it's worth considering.

Ultimately, the choice between these two interfaces comes down to your specific needs. If you're just getting started with audio recording, the Solo is a great option. If you need a bit more power and flexibility, the 2i2 is a better choice.

Setting Up Your Scarlett Solo With Your DAW

Setting Up Your Scarlett Solo With Your DAW

The Scarlett Solo is a versatile piece of audio equipment that can be used with any number of different digital audio workstations, or DAWs. Whether you are a Windows user and your DAW of choice supports ASIO or WDM, or you are a Mac user and your DAW uses Core Audio, the Scarlett Solo will be compatible.

After you have physically set up your Scarlett Solo, you can begin using it with your chosen DAW. If you do not have a DAW application installed on your computer, no problem! Both Pro Tools First and Ableton Live Lite are included with the Scarlett Solo; these will be available to you once you’ve registered your product.

My Recommendation: Spoiler… It's The 2i2!

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Kit
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Kit

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The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Kit is a great all-in-one solution for podcasting, music production, and gaming. It comes with a high-quality USB audio interface, studio-grade headphones, a large-diaphragm condenser microphone, and all the cables you need to get started.

The audio interface is easy to use and sounds great, making it perfect for beginners transitioning to intermediate and advanced engineers.

The headphones are comfortable and offer great sound quality, while the microphone is ideal for capturing clear vocals. The kit also includes a software bundle with over $500 of plug-ins and instruments, making it an incredible value for the price.

Whether you're just getting started in podcasting or you're a seasoned pro, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Kit is a great choice.

I've used this thing for a few weeks now for podcasts and music production, and I'm very impressed. The interface is dead simple to use and sounds great. The headphones are also very comfortable and have great sound quality. Overall, this is an excellent all-in-one solution for podcasting, music production, and gaming. Highly recommend!

About Author

Arielle P

Arielle P

Songwriter | Music Producer | Engineer.

With a background in music production and a strong passion for education, Arielle is dedicated to helping emerging artists navigate the music industry. She has worked with a diverse range of artists, from indie rock bands to well-known hip-hop and grime artists. Arielle's unique approach to teaching focuses on empowering artists to take control of their brand, ensuring they retain creative ownership throughout their journey. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting with new sounds in her home studio and sharing her insights through music production tutorials and workshops.

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