Focusrite

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen

Ranked #11 in Audio Interfaces

333 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

One preamp is a ceiling you hit fast, and the 2i2 4th Gen removes it for modestly more. Buy the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen instead.

Backed by one cited source so far - limited coverage

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Flagged as a product to avoid

3 of 8 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.

One preamp and one instrument input is a ceiling you hit in year one, and resale value collapses accordingly, while the 2i2 4th Gen removes the ceiling for only modestly more.
Flagged 23 September 2026

One preamp and one instrument input is a ceiling you hit in year one, and resale value collapses accordingly, while the 2i2 4th Gen removes the ceiling for only modestly more.
Flagged 23 September 2026
It gives up the second input and flexibility that make the 2i2 the expert pick, and is cross-shopped as a budget entry unit.
Flagged 23 September 2026
The entry-level Solo is used as a reference unit in blind-test communities, but its single mic input limits growth and the consensus advises upgrading to a higher-spec interface for better performance.
Flagged 23 September 2026

Why the boards include products to avoid

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Pros & cons

✓ Included in Audio Science Review's blind tests of budget interfaces
✓ The 4th Gen gave the Solo the converter and gain upgrades
✓ A default first-interface recommendation in the home recording community
✓ Blind testing shows budget Scarletts performing far better than their price class suggests
✓ Current-generation starter unit

✗ Only one preamp and one instrument input
✗ A capability ceiling you hit in year one
✗ Resale value collapses accordingly
✗ Single combo input is a hard ceiling the 2i2 removes for a small step up
✗ Lacks second input and flexibility of 2i2

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.

1 positive source

Audio Review Audio Review Editorial Team · reviewer · Jul 2026

For the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen, the goal is clean, reliable capture with sufficient gain and low noise. That gives a recording a usable starting point before editing or mixing, but microphone selection, room reflections and performance remain decisive. For many solo creators, stability and simple monitoring are more valuable than a long specification list. On paper, that direction should suit listeners who prefer an assured presentation over an artificially flashy one. Final results will still depend heavily on the partnering equipment and the room or listening position. Matching should therefore be treated as part of the purchase: a well-chosen source, cable or cartridge can make more difference than chasing a marginally higher specification elsewhere.

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Frequently asked questions

It ranks #11 of 15 on our audio interfaces tier list, in D tier. That placement rests on one cited source.

Only one preamp and one instrument input. A capability ceiling you hit in year one. Resale value collapses accordingly. Single combo input is a hard ceiling the 2i2 removes for a small step up. Lacks second input and flexibility of 2i2.