If you are shopping for a scarlett audio interface, the hard part is not sound quality, it is picking the right amount of I/O and routing for how you actually record. One mic today can turn into a mic, guitar, and a couple of synths fast.
In this comparison, we break down the differences between the Solo, 2i2, 4i4, 16i16, and 18i20. We looked at core workflow stuff like simultaneous inputs, monitor and headphone control, routing flexibility, and how well each model fits common bedroom-producer and project-studio setups.
Start with the quick lens below, then jump to the model that matches your recording and streaming needs.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo USB Interface – Clean vocal and guitar recording
- Pick by I/O Choose based on how many mics, instruments and stereo sources you record at once, not on marketing specs.
- Routing matters If you stream, use outboard, or need separate cue mixes, prioritize models with deeper software routing.
- Future proofing If you plan to add synths or outboard later, stepping up one tier now can save a second purchase.
- Simple setup For a first home setup, the smallest model that fits your “simultaneous inputs” is usually the easiest to live with.
How We Chose These Scarlett Audio Interface Picks
We compared each scarlett audio interface model on paper for real-world home recording needs: simultaneous inputs, output options, routing flexibility, and day-to-day usability for vocals, guitar, and small hardware rigs.
We also considered broad user feedback and common setup scenarios, then matched each pick to the kind of creator it fits best, from a simple bedroom recording chain to a project studio that needs deeper I/O and routing.
What to Look for in a Scarlett Audio Interface
Your daily workflow depends on how many sources you can record at once, which is more important than total I/O on the back.
If you stream, use external FX, or need separate cue mixes, flexible routing saves time and avoids messy workarounds in your DAW.
Good monitor and headphone control makes recording smoother, especially when you switch between speakers, headphones, and different listening levels.
A small step up can cover future synths, drum machines, or outboard without forcing an upgrade when your setup expands.
Count the inputs you need at the same time, not “total inputs.” If you only ever record one mic and one guitar, bigger I/O will not improve your sound.
01
Clean vocal and guitar recording
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen is a simple 2-in, 2-out USB interface for mic and guitar. You get a low-noise preamp, Air mode for extra presence, and a solid software bundle to start recording fast.
- Air mode adds presence
- Low-noise mic preamp
- Strong included software bundle
- Only one mic input
- No MIDI I/O
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen is built for singer-songwriters and bedroom producers who want reliable, studio-clean capture without a complicated setup. It gives you one mic preamp plus an instrument input, with a big dynamic-range converter design and an Air mode that can push vocals and guitars forward in a mix. We also like that the package includes a practical set of DAW and plugin options and an Easy Start setup flow to get recording quickly.
Prior-generation value note: The older Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen still turns up in stock and usually sells for noticeably less than the current 4th Gen. It records vocals and guitar cleanly and remains a legitimate budget entry point, but it uses the previous converter and preamp design and skips the 4th Gen refinements: the wider dynamic range, the updated Air mode with a Harmonic Drive option, and the newer gain-halo metering that makes level-setting easier. If you find a good deal and only ever record one source at a time, the 3rd Gen Solo is a sensible way to save; if you can stretch to the 4th Gen Solo, the newer conversion and smarter gain tools are worth the small premium.
02
Clean recordings with easy level help
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is a straightforward 2-in, 2-out USB interface with upgraded 4th Gen mic pres, 120 dB dynamic range, and smart gain tools. Great for recording vocals, guitar, and streaming.
- Auto Gain and Clip Safe
- 120 dB dynamic range
- Air mode adds presence
- Driver setup can be finicky
- Only two inputs
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is the kind of interface we recommend when you want pro-sounding capture without babysitting levels. You get two ultra-low-noise mic pres, studio-grade conversion with 120 dB dynamic range, and helpful Auto Gain plus Clip Safe to avoid ruined takes. Air mode is there when you want a bit more vocal or guitar presence. It also comes with a solid starter bundle of recording software and plugins, and an Easy Start setup flow.
03
Studio hub for multiple inputs
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen is a flexible USB interface for mics, guitars, synths, and MIDI. You get two mic pres, extra line I/O, and smart gain tools that help you track cleanly.
- Plenty of I/O and MIDI
- Auto Gain and Clip Safe
- Air mode for presence
- Only two mic preamps
- USB-C power can be picky
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen makes sense if your setup goes beyond a single mic and guitar. It gives you two mic preamps plus Hi-Z instruments, extra line inputs and outputs, and MIDI I/O for keys and drum machines. We like that Auto Gain and Clip Safe take the stress out of setting levels, while Air mode can add a bit of forward presence on vocals or guitars. It also includes Cubase LE after registration.
Big I/O for project studios
Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Gen is built for bigger setups with 16-in, 16-out USB-C, ADAT and S/PDIF expansion, plus MIDI. Handy Auto Gain and Clip Safe help you capture clean takes faster.
- 16-in, 16-out routing
- ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI I/O
- Auto Gain and Clip Safe
- Only two mic preamps
- Some reports of instability
Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Gen makes sense when your Scarlett setup needs to grow beyond a couple of inputs. You get 16-in and 16-out over USB-C, plus ADAT and S/PDIF for digital expansion and MIDI for synths and controllers. It also adds practical studio tools like A/B speaker switching, a built-in talkback mic, and flexible low-latency monitoring with internal mixers. Focusrite Control 2 and the mobile app help manage mixes and levels quickly.
Studio hub with deep routing
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is built for bigger home and project studios, with eight mic preamps, Auto Gain and Clip Safe, low-latency monitoring, and control via Focusrite Control 2 on desktop or mobile.
- Auto Gain and Clip Safe
- Low-latency routing and mixers
- Talkback and A/B switching
- Thin sound noted by some
- Pricey for home setups
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is the kind of interface you choose when your setup has outgrown simple I/O. It gives you eight 4th Gen mic preamps with up to 69 dB of gain, plus Auto Gain and Clip Safe to keep takes clean when you are moving fast. Routing is a strong point, with direct routing, six internal mixers, and Focusrite Control 2 for desktop and mobile. You also get A/B speaker switching, built-in talkback, and bundled DAW software.
| Rating | Connection | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.2/10 | USB | C $219.00 | BUY NOW | |
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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Interface
Also Great
|
9.1/10 | – | C $309.00 | BUY NOW |
|
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 Interface
All-around Pick
|
9.0/10 | – | C $445.05 | BUY NOW |
|
Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 Interface
Studio Expansion Pick
|
8.9/10 | USB-C | C $549.00 | BUY NOW |
|
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Interface
Premium Studio Hub
|
8.8/10 | USB | C $959.00 | BUY NOW |
How to Choose the Right Scarlett Audio Interface
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Inputs you record
Start with your most common session, not your “someday” setup. One source: Great for a single mic or guitar at a time, simplest cabling and fastest setup. · Two sources: Ideal for vocal plus guitar, or two mics, without repatching. · Multiple sources: If you track synths, drum machines, or a small band, you will want more line inputs ready to go.
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Outputs and monitoring
Outputs decide how easily you can run speakers, headphones, and alternate feeds. Main monitors: Make sure the interface has the outputs you need for your speaker setup. · Headphone workflow: If you record yourself, convenient headphone level control matters more than you think. · Extra sends: Additional outputs help for reamping, external FX loops, or a separate stream mix.
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Routing and streaming
Routing is the difference between “it works” and “it is smooth.” Separate mixes: Useful for giving yourself one headphone mix and your stream or collaborator another. · Loopback needs: If you capture DAW audio plus a mic for calls or content, confirm your model supports your workflow. · Outboard integration: More routing options make hardware compressors, EQ, and FX easier to patch in.
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Studio expansion
If you know you will add more hardware, plan the next step now. Extra line I/O: Keeps synths and drum machines connected so you can create without repatching. · Digital growth: Higher I/O models can make it easier to add more channels later if your setup scales up. · Rack readiness: Bigger studios often benefit from rack-style connectivity and front-panel workflow.
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Budget vs upgrade
Pay for the workflow you will use every week, not for empty sockets. Entry setup: Spend less if you only record one or two sources and mix mainly in the box. · Mid-tier sweet spot: A step up often adds the routing and extra I/O that creators hit after a few months. · Project studio: Higher tiers make sense when you regularly track multiple sources or rely on external hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Scarlett audio interface used for?
A scarlett audio interface is used to connect microphones, instruments, and other audio sources to your computer so you can record and monitor with low latency. It also gives you proper inputs for XLR mics and 1/4-inch instruments, plus dedicated outputs for studio monitors and headphones.
Scarlett Solo vs 2i2: which one should I choose?
Choose the Solo if you only ever record one mic or one instrument at a time. Choose the 2i2 if you want to record two sources at once, like vocal and guitar, or two mics. The 2i2 is also nicer when you do quick collab sessions because you repatch less.
Is the 4i4 worth it over the 2i2 for home studios?
Yes if your setup includes more than two sources or you need extra outputs. The 4i4 makes sense when you keep synths, a drum machine, or another stereo device connected, or when you want separate outputs for monitoring and other routing tasks. If you only track one or two inputs, the 2i2 stays simpler.
When does it make sense to move up to 16i16 or 18i20?
Move up when you regularly record multiple sources at once or you are building a project studio where gear stays plugged in. The 16i16 and 18i20 tiers are about workflow: more connected inputs, more outputs, and more flexible routing. If you are constantly swapping cables or running out of outputs, that is the sign.
Do I need a separate headphone amp with these interfaces?
Most people do not. Start by using the built-in headphone out and see if you can get comfortable volume without distortion. You might want a separate headphone amp if you use high-impedance headphones, you need multiple headphone feeds for performers, or you want independent volume control for more than one listener.
Can I use a Scarlett audio interface for streaming and calls?
Yes. A scarlett audio interface works well for streaming, voice chat, and content creation because you can plug in a real microphone and monitor cleanly. The key is planning your routing so you can combine your mic and computer audio the way you want. If you need separate mixes, prioritize models with more routing flexibility.
Where do Canadians buy these: Long & McQuade, Best Buy Canada, or Sweetwater?
Long & McQuade and Best Buy Canada are common options for Canadians, and Sweetwater is popular for research and bundles even if shipping and duties can change the deal. Wherever you buy, check the return policy, warranty handling in Canada, and whether the box includes the cables and software access you expect.
How do I take care of an audio interface so it lasts?
Keep it on a stable surface, avoid yanking cables, and do not hot-swap connections if you hear pops in your monitors. Use a USB cable that fits snugly, keep liquids away, and dust it occasionally so knobs and jacks stay clean. If a jack gets noisy, try a different cable first before blaming the interface.
- Recording one mic or one guitar at a time and want the simplest setup: go with Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen.
- Need two inputs for vocal plus guitar or two mics without fuss: choose Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen.
- Running extra synths, drum machines, or you want more outputs for flexible monitoring: pick Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen.
- Building a project studio with lots of connected gear and room to expand: step up to Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Gen.
- Need a central studio hub with deeper routing and lots of channels available: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen fits best.
For most bedroom producers who record vocals and one instrument at a time, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is the easiest balance of simple setup and day-to-day flexibility. If you are truly solo and want the most affordable clean recording chain, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen keeps things lean. When your sessions start involving multiple hardware sources or more complex routing, stepping up to the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen is usually the point where your workflow stops feeling cramped.
If you go with the Focusrite Scarlett Solo, what are you actually giving up vs the others? I’m trying to keep it cheap for a basic mic + headphones setup, but I don’t wanna hit a wall in a month.
Main thing I noticed is I/O and flexibility. Solo’s fine for 1 mic + 1 instrument, but you don’t get the extra line outs for routing, and only one XLR pre. If you ever want 2 mics at once (podcast, b2b vocals) you’ll wish you had 2i2.
Running a Scarlett 4i4 with my DJ setup: I use outputs 3/4 to feed my monitors and 1/2 to the mixer, so I can cue/export stuff without blasting the room. Also keep the buffer at 128 when tracking vocals, then bump it up when mixing.
Need some help: I’m buying this as a gift for my cousin who’s starting to record vocals and also mess around with Ableton. Would the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th gen be the safe pick, or is that overkill for a beginner?
Honestly I’m kinda side-eyeing this list… why only Focusrite Scarlett stuff? No Audient or SSL anywhere, and those are super common in home studios. Was the selection based on specs, popularity, or just sticking to one lineup?
Fair call. We kept it to one lineup on purpose so you can compare apples-to-apples (same driver approach, similar gain staging, same gen). The picks are basically “how many inputs/outputs do you actually need” + a couple workflow things (MIDI, extra line outs, ADAT). If you want the quick cheat: Solo/2i2 = simple two-channel rigs, 4i4 = extra outs for monitors/FX, 16i16/18i20 = bigger routing + expandability.
Update after a few weeks with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20: it’s been solid. I’ve had it on a small rack next to the controller, powering on/off a bunch, no weird disconnects. Routing’s a bit of a learning curve, but once it’s saved it just works 🙂