Music & Instruments

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB Audio Interface

Name: Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB Audio Interface
Rating: 9.1 (1 reviews)

Best Single-Input Audio Interface for Vocalists and Guitarists

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen offers the same Scarlett preamp quality as the 2i2 in a single-input package — one XLR for mics and one instrument input for guitar, all you need for solo recording at home.

ClearPick Score

9.1 / 10

Excellent

Preamp Quality

9.5

Ease of Use

9.5

Driver Stability

9.5

Value for Money

9.5

Software Bundle

9.0

Full Specs

Inputs	1 x XLR (mic) + 1 x 1/4-inch instrument input (simultaneous)
Outputs	2 x RCA line outputs + headphone output
Preamps	1 x Scarlett 4th Gen preamp
Sample Rate	Up to 192kHz / 24-bit
Air Mode	High-frequency presence enhancement
Phantom Power	48V phantom power for condenser mics
Direct Monitoring	Blend knob for zero-latency monitoring
Bus Powered	Yes — USB-C
Software	Ableton Live Lite + Pro Tools Artist

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🏆 Best Single-Input Audio Interface for Vocalists and Guitarists

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB Audio Interface

~$179 CAD est. on Amazon.ca

View on Amazon.ca → Opens Amazon.ca · Affiliate link

✅ Ships to Canada

✅ Prime eligible (most orders)

✅ 30-day Amazon returns

✅ No extra cost to you

✅ What Works

Same 4th Gen Scarlett preamp as the 2i2 at $50 less — the Solo's single microphone preamp is identical in quality to the 2i2. For solo recording artists who only ever record one microphone at a time, the Solo offers identical audio quality at a lower price.
Simultaneous mic + instrument recording for singer-guitarists — the Solo can record a microphone through the XLR and a guitar through the 1/4-inch instrument input at the same time. Live solo performers who want to capture voice and guitar simultaneously can do so.
Air mode for vocal presence — same as the 2i2, the 4th Gen Solo includes an Air button that adds transformer-style high-frequency enhancement. Particularly useful for vocals that need brightness and presence added during tracking.
Direct monitoring blend knob for real-time performance feedback — the blend knob lets you mix between the direct (zero-latency) mic input signal and the DAW output (which may include reverb and effects), giving performers the experience of hearing themselves with effects during recording.

⚠️ Worth Knowing

Only one XLR microphone input — the Solo cannot record two microphones simultaneously. For users who need two independent mic channels (e.g., two vocalists, mic + room mic), the Scarlett 2i2 is necessary.
The instrument input is 1/4-inch TS, not combo XLR — the guitar/bass input on the Solo is a separate 1/4-inch jack, not a combo XLR/TRS. This is cleaner for guitar use but means you can't use a second XLR microphone.
RCA outputs instead of TRS — the 2 outputs on the Solo are RCA rather than the TRS balanced outputs on the 2i2. For connecting to studio monitor speakers with balanced TRS inputs, an RCA-to-TRS cable or adapter is needed.
For most home recording needs, the Solo is sufficient — the vast majority of home recording hobbyists, podcasters, and home studio musicians record one source at a time. The Solo is the smarter buy unless you specifically need two simultaneous XLR inputs.

What Real Buyers Are Saying

What buyers love

"I'm a singer-songwriter. I record guitar and vocals, but never simultaneously. The Solo does everything I need at $50 less than the 2i2."
Source: Reddit (r/homerecording)

"Air mode on my AT2020 is something I can't go back from. The voice sounds finished without needing EQ in the DAW."
Source: Amazon.ca reviewer

"As a podcast host recording solo, this is genuinely more interface than I need. It's excellent. USB-C, great preamp, done."
Source: Amazon.ca reviewer

Common complaints

Only one XLR mic input limits…

Only one XLR mic input limits recording to single microphone sources — any scenario requiring two simultaneous microphones (duo vocal recording, stereo mic pair, room + close mic) requires upgrading to the 2i2.

Source: Reddit (r/homerecording)

RCA outputs instead of balanced TRS…

RCA outputs instead of balanced TRS — connecting studio monitors with TRS inputs requires an RCA-to-TRS cable or adapter, adding minor complexity vs. the 2i2's direct TRS connection.

Source: Reddit (r/audioengineering)

No second instrument input means no…

No second instrument input means no stereo guitar recording — recording acoustic guitar in stereo using two inputs simultaneously requires the 2i2 or larger interface.

Source: Amazon.ca reviewer

ClearPick Verdict

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen is the right audio interface for solo recording artists — vocalists, guitarists, and podcasters who record one source at a time. It delivers the same legendary Scarlett preamp quality as the 2i2 at a lower price. Only upgrade to the 2i2 if you specifically need two simultaneous XLR inputs.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB Audio Interface

✅ What Works

⚠️ Worth Knowing

What Real Buyers Are Saying

What buyers love

Common complaints

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