Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen Series Compared: Scarlett Solo 4th, Scarlett 2i2 4th, Scarlett 4i4 4th by Official Specs

Focusrite’s “Scarlett 4th Gen” is a 4th-generation design in three models, Solo, 2i2 and 4i4, which differ in the number of inputs and outputs. In this article we compare the 3 models using only the specifications the manufacturer publishes, and rank them on the same criteria as the other 18 audio interfaces on this site.

Disclosure: This site takes part in affiliate programs. Specifications are as of the date we checked them and can change.

In short: which one to choose

• Scarlett Solo 4th (rank B): a USB audio interface with 2 inputs and 2 outputs. Strong on ease of streaming.
• Scarlett 2i2 4th (rank B): a USB audio interface with 2 inputs and 2 outputs. Strong on ease of streaming and ease of recording guitar and other instruments.
• Scarlett 4i4 4th (rank A): a USB audio interface with 4 inputs and 4 outputs. Strong on ease of streaming, ease of recording guitar and other instruments and number of inputs and outputs.

The highest score among the 3 models is Scarlett 4i4 4th (rank A, average 4.0). But the model you need depends on how many things you record at once and which features you use. You do not need to choose a higher model for inputs, outputs or features you will not use.

Main features of the Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen series

The three models differ in the number of inputs and in MIDI

The Solo has one microphone input and one input for guitar. The 2i2 has two inputs that can be used for microphone, line and guitar. The 4i4 has those two, plus two line inputs and MIDI in and out. Line outputs: two on the Solo and 2i2, four on the 4i4.

Air mode adds brightness and body

Every model has two “Air” modes. Presence mode emphasizes the highs to bring a voice or instrument forward, and Harmonic Drive mode adds midrange harmonics for presence. You switch between them with one button, to suit the sound you record.

Auto Gain and Clip Safe (2i2 and 4i4)

The 2i2 and 4i4 have “Auto Gain”, which sets the input level automatically, and “Clip Safe”, which lowers the gain slightly when the sound is about to distort. The Solo does not have them, but it makes level-setting easy by having the light around the knob (Halo) change from red to green as you turn it.

Loopback and included software

Every model has loopback (a function that sends the computer’s sound back to the recording or streaming input), and “Loopback” is listed among the input channels in the specifications. Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, Cubase LE and the “Hitmaker Expansion” collection of instruments and effects are included.

Where it is useful

• Recording a cover or voice-and-guitar by yourself (Solo)
• Recording two microphones or a guitar and a voice at the same time (2i2)
• Making songs with synths and MIDI gear connected too (4i4)
• Streaming the computer sound and your voice together (all models)

Differences in specifications (comparison table)

Model	Rank	Microphone input quality	Ease of streaming	Ease of recording guitar and other instruments	Number of inputs and outputs	Features for production
Scarlett Solo 4th	B (3.0)	EIN -127dBu / Gain 57dB / DR 113dB (3 points)	loopback: yes (5 points)	1 Hi-Z input (3 points)	4 analog inputs and outputs (3 points)	0 of 3 (1 point)
Scarlett 2i2 4th	B (3.2)	EIN -127dBu / Gain 69dB / DR 116dB (3 points)	loopback: yes (5 points)	2 Hi-Z inputs (4 points)	4 analog inputs and outputs (3 points)	0 of 3 (1 point)
Scarlett 4i4 4th	A (4.0)	EIN -127dBu / Gain 69dB / DR 116dB (3 points)	loopback: yes (5 points)	2 Hi-Z inputs (4 points)	8 analog inputs and outputs (5 points)	1 of 3 (3 points)

How we score (Audio interfaces)

Criterion	Basis	5 pt	4 pt	3 pt	2 pt	1 pt
Microphone input quality	Quietness (EIN), gain range and dynamic range	Average 4.5 or more	3.5 or more	2.5 or more	1.5 or more	Under 1.5
Ease of streaming	Loopback (send the computer's sound together with the microphone for streaming or recording)	Yes	—	—	—	No
Ease of recording guitar and other instruments	Number of inputs that take a guitar or bass directly (Hi-Z)	3 or more	2	1	—	None
Number of inputs and outputs	Analog inputs plus outputs (headphones excluded)	≥8	≥6	≥4	≥3	<3
Features for production	Built-in DSP, MIDI ports and digital I/O	All 3	2	1	—	None

Scored only on the body specifications published by the manufacturer and the functions listed on the product page. Price and bundled software are not part of the score. "Microphone input quality" is the average of three scores: quietness (EIN: 5 points at -130 dBu or lower, 4 at -129, 3 at -128, 2 at -127), gain range (5 at 72 dB or more, 4 at 65, 3 at 57, 2 at 54) and dynamic range (5 at 118 dB or more, 4 at 116, 3 at 112, 2 at 108). It is scored when two or more numbers are published. "Ease of streaming" depends on whether the interface has loopback, which sends the BGM or game sound playing on the computer to the streaming software together with your voice.

Rating of each model

Scarlett Solo 4th

• It has loopback. When streaming, you can send the computer’s sound and your microphone voice together.
• It has 2 inputs in total for microphones and instruments. Check that the number you want to record at the same time does not exceed the number of inputs.
• It has 1 Hi-Z input that take a guitar or bass directly. When you record without effects pedals or an amplifier, you plug into a Hi-Z input.

Scarlett 2i2 4th

• It has loopback. When streaming, you can send the computer’s sound and your microphone voice together.
• It has 2 inputs in total for microphones and instruments. Check that the number you want to record at the same time does not exceed the number of inputs.
• It has 2 Hi-Z inputs that take a guitar or bass directly. When you record without effects pedals or an amplifier, you plug into a Hi-Z input.

Scarlett 4i4 4th

• It has loopback. When streaming, you can send the computer’s sound and your microphone voice together.
• It has 4 inputs in total for microphones and instruments. Check that the number you want to record at the same time does not exceed the number of inputs.
• It has 2 Hi-Z inputs that take a guitar or bass directly. When you record without effects pedals or an amplifier, you plug into a Hi-Z input.
• It has MIDI ports. You can connect keyboards and gear that have MIDI jacks directly.

Compared with other audio interfaces

Click a heading to sort. On a phone, the table scrolls sideways.

Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen series: connection and getting started

Connection	USB-C (USB 2.0) to a computer
Power	Runs on USB power (the 2i2 and 4i4 also have a USB-C jack for power)
Other	Settings app: Focusrite Control 2 (Windows and macOS). Included software: Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, Cubase LE, Hitmaker Expansion

Checked on the manufacturer’s official pages on September 27, 2026.

Related reading

• Audio interfaces compared
• USB microphone or XLR with an audio interface: which should you choose?
• How to choose an audio interface
• How we rate specifications