Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is a one-in, one-out USB audio interface built for the simplest possible recording setup: one microphone, one instrument, one computer. It has been the best-selling audio interface in the world for over a decade, and the 4th generation — released in 2023 — is the most significant update the range has seen.

The headline change in Gen 4 is the converter upgrade. Focusrite swapped in the same Cirrus Logic converters used in their RedNet studio rack gear, improving the dynamic range to 120dB on the line outputs — a genuine step forward over the Gen 3's 110dB. The preamp now offers 69dB of gain range (up from 56dB), which matters for quieter sources like dynamic microphones. Air mode — a high-frequency enhancement that emulates the transformer character of Focusrite's classic ISA preamps — was carried over from Gen 3 and remains on the mic input only.

In practice the Solo sounds clean and neutral. There is no colouration at normal gain settings, and the instrument input handles passive guitars and active pickups without issues. The headphone output is loud enough for most monitoring needs. What the Solo does not do is record two microphones simultaneously — if that's a requirement, the 2i2 is the obvious step up.

The form factor is compact and bus-powered over USB-C. No external power supply needed, and the unit works with iPads and phones via a USB-C adapter. Build quality is solid aluminium with a brushed finish — it will survive everyday use without special care.

On the used market the Gen 3 is the most commonly traded, being several years older. Gen 4 used examples are appearing more frequently as the installed base grows. The 4th gen commands a small premium over Gen 3 on the used market — worth seeking out if audio quality is the priority.

Who Is This For?

• Singer-songwriters or podcasters who only ever record one source at a time
• Guitarists who want a clean DI and a simple recording path
• Anyone needing a compact, bus-powered interface for travel or laptop work
• First-time home studio builders who don't need MIDI or multiple inputs