In the EVO 4 vs Scarlett Solo matchup you are choosing between two of the most popular entry-level USB interfaces. The short version: the Audient EVO 4 gives you two inputs and clever auto-gain, while the Focusrite Scarlett Solo offers one mic preamp in an extremely well-supported, no-frills package. Both record clean, professional audio at home.
Quick answer: Pick the EVO 4 if you want two inputs and beginner-friendly Smartgain. Pick the Scarlett Solo if you only record one source at a time and value the largest support community and software ecosystem.
| Audient EVO 4 | Focusrite Scarlett Solo | |
|---|---|---|
| Mic inputs | Two combo inputs, records two mics at once | One XLR mic input plus one instrument input |
| Gain setting | Smartgain sets input levels automatically | Manual knobs with a green-to-red gain halo |
| Loopback | Yes, useful for streaming | No |
| Build and controls | Compact and light, single encoder with channel-select buttons | Sturdy metal chassis, knob-per-function layout |
| Power | Bus-powered, no external supply | Bus-powered, no external supply |
| Best for | Two sources, beginners, streamers | Single-source recording with the largest support community |
EVO 4 vs Scarlett Solo at a glance
| Feature | Audient EVO 4 | Focusrite Scarlett Solo |
|---|---|---|
| Inputs | 2 (combo), shared | 1 mic (XLR) + 1 instrument |
| Auto-gain | Yes (Smartgain) | No |
| Phantom power | Yes (+48V) | Yes (+48V) |
| Outputs | Stereo + headphone | Stereo + headphone |
| Loopback | Yes | No |
| Best for | Two sources, beginners | Single-source simplicity |
Inputs and I/O
This is the biggest practical difference. The EVO 4 has two combo inputs, so you can record a vocal and a guitar, or two people, at the same time. The Scarlett Solo has a single XLR mic input plus a separate instrument input, but only one can be a microphone — it is built for tracking one source at a time. If you ever want to record two mics together, the EVO 4 wins outright. Both have stereo outputs for studio monitors and a headphone jack.
Preamps and sound quality
Both interfaces deliver clean, transparent preamps that are far better than their size and price suggest, with plenty of gain for most condenser and many dynamic mics. Differences in conversion are subtle and unlikely to be audible in a typical home recording. Neither adds colour by default; the Scarlett line offers an Air mode on some models for a high-end lift, though the Solo’s implementation is a simple analogue voicing. In real use, both will capture a professional vocal in a treated room.
Auto-gain vs manual control
The EVO 4’s standout feature is Smartgain: press the button, perform, and it sets a sensible input level automatically. For beginners who find gain staging intimidating, this genuinely removes a hurdle. The Scarlett Solo uses traditional manual gain knobs with a gain-halo indicator that turns from green to red as you approach clipping — clear, but you set the level yourself.
Latency, drivers and software
Both achieve low round-trip latency suitable for tracking, and both offer direct monitoring so you hear yourself with no delay. Focusrite’s drivers and the Scarlett ecosystem are extremely mature, with a huge user base and abundant tutorials — handy if you are completely new. Audient’s drivers are also solid and stable. The EVO 4 adds loopback, which is useful for streaming and recording computer audio; the Solo does not. For background, see what is audio latency.
Build and usability
The Scarlett Solo has a sturdy metal chassis and a familiar, knob-per-function layout. The EVO 4 is lighter and more compact, using a single encoder and channel-select buttons to keep the footprint tiny — great for small desks and travel, though it means a little more menu-style interaction. Both are bus-powered and need no external supply.
How to choose for your setup
The right pick comes down to honestly mapping each interface to how you actually record, rather than to the longer spec sheet. Work through these questions before you decide.
How many sources do you record at once? If you only ever sing or play one part at a time and overdub the rest, a single preamp is all you need and the Solo is purpose-built for it. If you regularly capture a singer-guitarist live, interview a second person, or want to mic a cabinet with two mics, the EVO 4’s pair of inputs saves you from upgrading later.
How confident are you with levels? If the idea of dialling in input gain by ear still feels daunting, Smartgain on the EVO 4 is a real safety net while you learn. If you are comfortable watching a meter and prefer the immediacy of a physical knob, the Solo’s manual control will feel more direct.
Will you stream or capture computer audio? Loopback lets you route system sound back into your recording without extra cabling, which matters for podcasts with remote guests, reaction content, or screen captures. Only the EVO 4 offers it here, so if streaming is on your roadmap it tips the balance — see our pick of the best audio interfaces for streaming for more options.
How much do you lean on tutorials and community help? Both brands are well documented, but the Scarlett range is one of the most widely used interface families in the world, so almost any troubleshooting question has already been answered somewhere. If you like learning from a deep pool of guides, that ecosystem has value.
How tight is your budget? If the Solo still feels like a stretch and you only need one input, it is worth weighing it against a cheaper single-channel rival in our Behringer UMC22 vs Focusrite Scarlett Solo comparison before you commit.
Common mistakes to avoid
Whichever interface you land on, a few avoidable errors trip up most beginners and have nothing to do with the box itself:
- Buying for inputs you will never use. A second input is only an advantage if you actually record two sources together. If you overdub everything, paying for channels you leave empty is not future-proofing — it is just clutter.
- Expecting the interface to fix the room. Neither preamp can undo a boxy, untreated space. Basic acoustic treatment and good mic placement will improve your recordings far more than the difference between these two units.
- Forgetting phantom power. A condenser mic stays silent until you switch on +48V. Both interfaces provide it, but it is easy to overlook and then assume the gear is faulty.
- Leaning on auto-gain forever. Smartgain is a brilliant starting point, but understanding gain staging yourself gives you control in situations where automatic levelling guesses wrong, such as very dynamic vocals.
- Cranking gain to chase a quiet mic. Pushing a preamp to its limit to feed a low-output dynamic adds hiss. Match the mic to the interface, or add clean gain, rather than maxing the knob.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Audient EVO 4 if you want two inputs, value automatic gain setting as a beginner, or want loopback for streaming. It is the more flexible and more beginner-forgiving box.
Choose the Focusrite Scarlett Solo if you only ever record one source at a time, want the most rock-solid driver support and the largest community, and prefer simple, tactile knob control.
For solo vocalists, both are excellent — the decision is really about input count and whether auto-gain appeals. If you think you will eventually record two sources, the EVO 4 future-proofs you. Compare more options in our best 2-channel audio interfaces guide and the wider audio interfaces hub.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Scarlett Solo record two microphones at once?
No. The Solo has a single mic preamp, so it records one microphone at a time. If you need two mics simultaneously, choose the EVO 4 or a 2-mic interface like the Scarlett 2i2.
Is the EVO 4 good for the Shure SM7B?
The EVO 4 has decent gain, but the SM7B is very quiet and benefits from extra headroom. You may need to push the gain hard or add an inline booster to drive it comfortably.
Do both interfaces include recording software?
Yes. Both bundle DAW software and plugin packages to get you recording immediately, and both work with any major DAW you prefer to use instead.
Do I need a separate interface if my mic is USB?
No. A USB microphone has its own converter built in and plugs straight into your computer, so it does not need either of these interfaces. You would only add an interface like the EVO 4 or Scarlett Solo if you move to an XLR microphone, which is the usual step up for better sound and flexibility.
Will either interface work with a phone or tablet?
Both can work with mobile devices given the right adapter, but bus power can be a limitation, and phantom-powered condensers in particular may need a powered connection. For reliable results, treat them primarily as computer interfaces and check current device compatibility before relying on a mobile setup.
Is the Audient EVO 4 better than the Scarlett Solo?
For flexibility, yes: the EVO 4 gives you two combo inputs, Smartgain auto-leveling, and loopback for streaming, so it does more for the same class of buyer. The Scarlett Solo counters with a sturdy metal build, simple knob-per-function control, and the biggest driver and tutorial ecosystem. If you only ever record one source at a time, the Solo is every bit as capable.
Which is better for beginners, the EVO 4 or the Scarlett Solo?
We lean toward the EVO 4 for complete beginners, because Smartgain sets your input level automatically and removes the most intimidating first step in recording. The Scarlett Solo suits beginners who prefer a physical knob and want the reassurance of the largest user community, where nearly every setup question has already been answered. Either way, learn gain staging yourself as you progress.
