Overview

Scarlett Solo 4th Gen targets solo creators with one mic pre, one Hi-Z instrument input, balanced line outs, headphone out, and system loopback. It adds re-engineered Air with two modes (Presence and Harmonic Drive) and uses converters derived from Focusrite’s RedNet line. Specified support spans 24-bit/192kHz and class-compliant USB-C operation. [1][2]

Scientific Validity

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Manufacturer specifications indicate transparency in normal use: mic input frequency response 20Hz–20kHz ±0.06dB; mic input dynamic range 113dB (A-weighted); THD+N −100dB (@ min gain); EIN −127dBu; balanced line-out dynamic range 120dB; headphone dynamic range 112–115dB depending on load. These values imply inaudible coloration/noise under typical conditions, with audibility limited by transducers and room rather than the interface. Large-sample third-party measurements on Solo (4th Gen) remain sparse; figures here are manufacturer specifications. [1][2]

Technology Level

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Two Air modes (Presence, Harmonic Drive) and loopback are practical, but Solo’s preamp gain range is 57dB, lower than the 69dB front ends and added Auto Gain/Clip Safe on 2i2/4i4 of the same generation. Hardware and app integration are contemporary; omission of assisted-gain features keeps ambition below class leaders. [2][3]

Cost-Performance

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Market price at review: 149 USD (Focusrite US store). Among interfaces we can verify as equal-or-better in measured transparency, the cheapest widely available alternative is Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII at ~179 USD (monitor outputs dynamic range 120dB). MOTU M2 is another equal-or-better option at ~199 USD (120dB output DR, −129dBu EIN). In contrast, Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD is cheaper (86.90 USD) but publishes 110dB (A-weighted) system dynamic range, which is below Solo’s output DR and mic/line specs; it therefore does not meet the “equal-or-better measurement” requirement for the comparator, even though it is likely transparent for many uses. [2][4][5][6][7]

Reliability & Support

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Focusrite provides a three-year warranty and global support. Scarlett has broad DAW compatibility and ongoing driver/app updates via Focusrite Control 2. Construction is robust with few wear-out parts, aligning with low inherent failure risk. [2]

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The design prioritizes measurable transparency (flat FR, low THD+N, high DR) and workflow features (loopback, Air). Choosing a 57dB preamp without Auto Gain/Clip Safe is conservative versus sibling models, but the engineering targets audible outcomes rather than boutique myths. [1][2][3]

Advice

Choose Solo if you want a compact, simple interface with loopback and two Air modes at low complexity. If you need more gain on very low-output mics or want Auto Gain/Clip Safe, the Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is safer. If your priority is the absolute lowest price, UMC202HD is a workable budget alternative but falls short of Solo’s published measurement performance; if you want equal-or-better measurements, look to SSL 2 MKII or MOTU M2 (both cost more). [2][3][4][5][6][7]

References

[1] Focusrite User Guides, “Scarlett Solo Specifications,” updated Aug 7, 2025. https://userguides.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/17505454908562-Scarlett-Solo-Specifications
[2] Focusrite, “Scarlett Solo (4th Generation)” product page (features/specs, warranty, price). https://us.focusrite.com/products/scarlett-solo
[3] Focusrite, “Scarlett 2i2 (4th Generation)” (69dB gain, Auto Gain/Clip Safe). https://us.focusrite.com/products/scarlett-2i2
[4] Solid State Logic, “SSL 2 MKII” (120dB monitor output dynamic range). https://solidstatelogic.com/products/ssl-2-mkii
[5] MOTU, “M2” (120dB output DR; −129dBu EIN). https://motu.com/products/m-series/m2
[6] Sweetwater, “Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD” (US price). https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UMC202HD–behringer-u-phoria-umc202hd-usb-audio-interface
[7] Behringer/Music Tribe Quick Start/Specs (system DR 110dB A-weighted; FR). https://www.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/374154.pdf

(2025.8.23)