Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen): Specs, Inputs, Reviews & Who It's For (2026)

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The Scarlett Solo is the smallest interface in Focusrite's Scarlett range, and the usual first purchase for anyone moving from a USB microphone to an XLR mic. The 4th generation was announced on August 31, 2023 at $139.99 [3]; Focusrite currently lists it at $169.99 [1]. This page is based on Focusrite's published specifications and independent reviews; we don't test audio gear in-house.

Quick verdict

If you have (or plan to buy) one XLR microphone and want clean, simple recording for calls, podcasts, or voiceover — optionally with a guitar at the same time — the Solo is a well-established, compact choice. If you want the interface to set your levels for you, it's the wrong model: Auto Gain and Clip Safe are on the Scarlett 2i2, not the Solo [2].

Full specs

Inputs: what "Solo" actually means

"Solo" refers to the single microphone preamp, not a single input. The Solo has two inputs — an XLR mic input and a separate 1/4" instrument/line input — and Focusrite confirms both can record at the same time [1][2]. So you can record a vocal and a guitar together. What you can't do is plug in two XLR microphones: for two mics (an interview podcast, for example) you need the Scarlett 2i2, where both inputs accept either XLR or 1/4" [2].

What reviewers highlight

• Small and simple. Best Buy Canada's reviewer calls it "impressively small" and notes the easy USB setup [2].
• Upgraded preamp sound. The 4th generation uses improved preamps and a revamped Air mode, which MusicRadar describes as adding "high-frequency sheen and presence to vocals" [3]. The Solo's Air mode has a Presence setting and a new Harmonic Drive setting [1].
• Software bundle. It ships with entry versions of Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and Cubase [1], so you can record without buying software.

What to know before buying

• No Auto Gain or Clip Safe. The 2i2 can set your input level automatically and protect against clipping; the Solo can't. Best Buy Canada's reviewer says outright, "the Solo does not feature Auto Gain and Clip Safe," and recommends the 2i2 over the Solo for that reason [2]. You set the gain knob yourself.
• One mic only. Two XLR microphones need a 2i2 or bigger [2].
• You need an XLR mic. An interface only helps if your microphone has an XLR output. If you want one plug-and-play USB mic for calls, a USB mic skips the interface entirely — see our best USB microphones guide.
• Price has risen. It launched at $139.99 [3]; Focusrite now lists it at $169.99 [1]. Check the current price before buying.

FAQ

How many inputs does the Scarlett Solo 4th Gen have? Two: one XLR mic input and one 1/4" instrument/line input. Both can record at the same time [1].

Can I use two microphones with the Scarlett Solo? No — it has one XLR mic preamp. For two mics, use the Scarlett 2i2 [2].

Does the Scarlett Solo have phantom power? Yes, so it can power condenser microphones [1].

When did the Scarlett Solo 4th Gen come out? Focusrite announced the 4th-gen range on August 31, 2023 [3].

Does the Solo 4th Gen have Auto Gain? No. Auto Gain and Clip Safe are on the 2i2, not the Solo [2].

Bottom line

For one XLR mic — with room for an instrument alongside it — the Scarlett Solo 4th Gen is a compact, well-specified first interface with a useful software bundle. If you'd rather not manage gain yourself, or you need two mics, spend the extra on the 2i2.

Check the current price on the Focusrite Scarlett Solo →

See also

• Best USB microphones for podcasting and remote work (2026)
• Shure MV7+ — USB and XLR in one mic

Sources

1. Inputs, simultaneous recording, gain, EIN, dynamic range, Air modes, phantom power, sample rate, outputs, USB, bus power, dimensions, weight, software bundle, current price — Focusrite, Scarlett Solo product page
2. Input layout vs 2i2, Air on mic channel only, no Auto Gain or Clip Safe on the Solo, reviewer pros/cons — Best Buy Canada blog, Focusrite 4th Gen Scarlett Solo and 2i2 review
3. 4th Gen announcement date, Solo launch price, Air mode description — MusicRadar, Focusrite launches Scarlett 4th Gen

The Workflow Guide publishes independent research on tech tools and gear. We do not test audio gear in-house; this page is based on manufacturer specifications and published professional reviews.