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.
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.
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.
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