The core of Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo: both are excellent entry-level Focusrite USB interfaces with the same clean preamps and reliable performance, but they differ in inputs. The Scarlett Solo has one XLR mic input plus one instrument input. The Scarlett 2i2 has two combo inputs, so you can record two mics — or a mic and an instrument — at the same time. If you only ever record one source at once, the Solo saves you money; if you might record two, the 2i2 is the safer buy.
Violet Recording is reader-supported — we may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Quick answer: Scarlett 2i2 vs Solo
- Scarlett Solo — one mic input + one instrument input. Cheapest, ideal for solo vocalists, voiceover and singer-guitarists who track parts separately.
- Scarlett 2i2 — two combo (XLR/jack) inputs. Records two sources at once, the better all-rounder for podcasts with two mics and most home studios.
What they share
Both are USB-C bus-powered interfaces with Focusrite’s well-regarded preamps, an “Air” mode that adds presence to vocals, 48V phantom power for condenser mics, a headphone output, and direct monitoring for low-latency tracking. They work on Mac and Windows and share the same dependable conversion. If interfaces are new to you, see how to set up an audio interface and what audio latency is.
The real difference: inputs
This is the whole decision. The Solo has a single XLR mic input and a separate instrument (jack) input — you can record a mic or a guitar, but only one mic at a time, each to its own track depending on the model’s routing. The 2i2 has two identical combo inputs, each accepting XLR or jack, so you can record two mics, two instruments, or one of each simultaneously. For a two-person podcast, an interview, or recording a vocal and guitar together, the 2i2 is the one you want — and if you need still more inputs, it’s worth browsing the best 2-channel audio interfaces to see how it stacks up against rivals.
Pros and cons
| Scarlett Solo | Scarlett 2i2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Mic inputs | One (XLR) | Two (combo XLR/jack) |
| Simultaneous sources | One mic, plus instrument | Two of any combination |
| Price | Lower | Slightly higher |
| Best for | Solo vocals, voiceover | Duos, podcasts, all-round |
| Preamps / sound | Same quality | Same quality |
How to choose between them
The honest way to decide is to map out the recordings you actually make, not the ones you imagine making. Most people overestimate how often they need a second input — and a smaller number badly underestimate it. Work through these questions before you buy.
- Do you ever capture two sound sources in the same take? Two people talking, a singer playing guitar live, a drum overhead pair, or an interview where both voices need their own track. If yes, the 2i2 is the only sensible choice. You cannot fake a second simultaneous input on the Solo.
- Can you overdub instead? If you record a vocal, then separately record a guitar to the same project, you only ever need one input at a time — and the Solo handles that perfectly. Layering parts one after another is how most solo home recordings are made anyway.
- How likely is your setup to grow? If there’s a realistic chance a bandmate, co-host or partner joins your sessions later, paying a little more now for the 2i2 saves you re-buying an interface in six months.
- How tight is the budget today? If the saving on the Solo is the difference between buying a decent microphone or not, take the Solo. A good mic into a one-input interface beats a cheap mic into a two-input one.
As a rule of thumb: choose the Solo for a fixed, single-source workflow and a tight budget, and the 2i2 whenever flexibility or a second simultaneous source is even a possibility. If you’re not wedded to Focusrite, it’s also worth weighing the Audient EVO 4 against the Scarlett Solo at the same price point.
Common mistakes when picking an interface
A few avoidable errors trip up first-time buyers comparing these two:
- Assuming more inputs means better sound. They don’t. The Solo and 2i2 use the same preamps and converters — the extra input on the 2i2 buys flexibility, not fidelity.
- Buying the Solo, then needing two mics. The single most common regret. If you’re on the fence, the modest extra for the 2i2 is cheaper than owning both.
- Ignoring the rest of the chain. The interface is only one link. Your mic, room, cables and especially your gain staging shape the result far more than the choice between these two models. Budget for the whole signal path, not just the box.
- Forgetting about phantom power needs. Both supply 48V phantom power, but it is a global switch — turning it on for a condenser also sends it down the other channel on the 2i2, which is fine for condensers but something to be aware of with ribbon mics.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Solo if you’re certain you’ll only ever record one source at a time — a solo singer, a podcaster recording alone, or a producer laying down vocals over beats. Choose the 2i2 if there’s any chance you’ll record two people or a mic and an instrument together; the modest extra cost buys real flexibility you won’t outgrow as quickly. For most home studios, the 2i2 is the recommendation. Pair either with good gain staging and the steps in how to record vocals at home.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Scarlett Solo record two microphones at once?
No. The Solo has a single XLR mic input. To record two mics simultaneously, you need the 2i2 with its two combo inputs.
Do the Solo and 2i2 sound different?
No meaningful difference. They use the same generation of Focusrite preamps and conversion, including the Air mode. The difference is input count, not sound quality.
Is the 2i2 worth the extra over the Solo?
If you might ever record two sources at once, yes — the flexibility is worth it. If you only record one source at a time and want to spend less, the Solo is perfectly capable.
Can I record a vocal and a guitar at the same time on the Solo?
Yes, but with a caveat. The Solo has one mic (XLR) input and one instrument (jack) input, so you can run a mic on the vocal and a guitar straight into the instrument input together. What you can’t do on the Solo is record two microphones at once — that needs the 2i2.
Will the 2i2 work better for podcasting?
For a solo podcast either works, but for two people in the same room the 2i2 is clearly better: each host gets their own mic and their own track, which makes editing levels and removing one person’s noise far easier. A single-input Solo forces both voices onto one channel, which is a compromise. If a podcast is your main use, our roundup of the best audio interfaces for podcasting covers the field beyond Focusrite.
Do I need any extra hardware to get started?
Just a USB-C cable (usually included), a microphone with an XLR cable, and headphones. Both interfaces are bus-powered, so there’s no separate power supply to worry about — they draw what they need from your computer. From there, follow how to set up an audio interface to get recording.
