Skip to main content
DJ Tech Reviews

Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)

A one-mic, one-instrument USB-C interface that is easy to start on; no stereo line input and no Auto Gain.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) at an angle

Photos: Focusrite Audio Engineering

All retailers and the price history

We may earn commission from links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence.

6 of 6 professional reviews recommend it
Best for
Recording one mic or one guitar into a computer, iPhone or iPad.
Skip it if
You need a stereo line input for a DJ mixer, or Auto Gain.

The Internet’s Opinion

From 6 professional reviews and 66 owner reviews: plenty of evidence.

All six professional reviews recommend it as a simple, good-sounding interface for one mic and one instrument, and owners repeat the easy setup, clean sound and solid build. The repeated reservations are that it keeps an older preamp without Auto Gain or Clip Safe, has no stereo line input, and a minority of owners report dropouts that need a reconnect.

6 recommend0 mixed0 avoid

What people praise

  • Easy to set up and use; owners were recording within minutes
  • Clean, quiet recordings for the price
  • Solid metal case that travels well
Show 3 more
  • The Hi-Z input works well for guitar into amp simulators
  • Bundled software is enough to start recording
  • Air mode adds presence to vocals and acoustic guitar

What to know first

  • Audio dropouts, freezes or noise that need a reconnect; a few units failed early
  • One mic input and one mono line input, so no stereo recording
  • Keeps the older preamp, without the 2i2 and 4i4's Auto Gain and Clip Safe
Show 5 more
  • Air works on the mic input only, not the instrument input
  • Instrument input overloads easily with hot pickups or active basses
  • Volume knobs turned scratchy within months
  • No printed manual
  • Powered only over USB, with no power switch or separate power input
See the 6 reviews behind this

6 professional reviews (6 recommend, 0 mixed, 0 avoid; three cover the Solo, 2i2 and 4i4 together); 66 owner reviews read at Thomann (50, English and German) and Guitar Center (16)Compiled 2026-10-14How this is compiled

Prices

Before you buy

Released
August 2023
Status
Current

Works with

  • Focusrite Control 2 (Mac/Windows)Free

    Free app that registers the Solo, updates its firmware and unlocks sample rates above 48 kHz; on Windows it installs the driver, and an iOS and Android app works as a remote Manufacturer spec sheet (Focusrite (Solo 4th Gen user guide)), checked 2026-10-14

  • Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+ and Cubase LEIncluded

    Bundled recording software, with the Hitmaker Expansion plug-in bundle, as licence codes after registration Manufacturer spec sheet (Focusrite), checked 2026-10-14

  • iPhone and iPadOfficially supported

    Focusrite supports the Solo 4th Gen on iPhone and iPad; some USB-C models cannot power it directly and need a USB-C hub with Power Delivery Manufacturer spec sheet (Focusrite Help Centre), checked 2026-10-14

  • Streaming and recording softwareLoopback built in

    Loopback inputs 3-4 return the computer's own audio, or the Direct Monitor mix, to recording or streaming software without cables Manufacturer spec sheet (Focusrite (Solo 4th Gen user guide)), checked 2026-10-14

  • Line-level sourcesOne mono input

    The front 1/4" jack takes one line or instrument source and is mono; the second input is the XLR mic input, so a stereo mixer output needs an interface with two line inputs Manufacturer spec sheet (Focusrite (Solo 4th Gen user guide)), checked 2026-10-14

You’ll also need

  • Speakers or headphonesNot in the box

    The box holds the interface, a USB-C to USB-A cable and paperwork; outputs are two 1/4" TRS line outputs and a 1/4" headphone jack Manufacturer spec sheet (Focusrite (Solo 4th Gen user guide)), checked 2026-10-14

  • A 3.5 mm to 1/4" headphone adaptorFor 3.5 mm plugs

    The headphone output is a 6.35 mm TRS jack; headphones with a 3.5 mm plug need a TRS adaptor, and TRRS headset plugs are unlikely to work properly Manufacturer spec sheet (Focusrite (Solo 4th Gen user guide)), checked 2026-10-14

  • A microphone and XLR cableNot in the box

    Only the Scarlett Solo Studio bundle adds a CM25 MkIII condenser mic and SH-450 headphones Manufacturer spec sheet (Focusrite (press release)), checked 2026-10-14

Key specs

Inputs
1 x XLR mic (rear), 1 x 1/4" TRS line/instrument (front, mono)
Outputs
2 x 1/4" TRS balanced line outputs, 1 x 1/4" TRS headphone output
Audio interface
24-bit/192 kHz; 4 in x 2 out over USB, including 2 loopback inputs
USB
1 x USB-C (USB 2.0) for power and data
Power
USB bus power, 900 mA
Mic preamp
57 dB gain range; EIN -127 dBu (A-weighted); 48 V phantom power; Air mode
All 13 specifications
Dynamic range
Line outputs 120 dB; mic input 113 dB (A-weighted)
Maximum input level
Mic +9.5 dBu, line +22 dBu, instrument +12 dBu
Headphone output
32 mW into 33 ohms, 22 mW into 300 ohms; 50 ohm output impedance
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz ± 0.06 dB (mic input)
Software
Focusrite Control 2 (Mac/Windows); Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+ and Cubase LE included
Dimensions (W x D x H)
143 x 96 x 46.5 mm (5.63 x 3.78 x 1.83 in)
Weight
382 g (0.84 lb)

13 of 13 figures sourced; hover one for its source

Our take

Rory TassellWritten from the sources on this page, not from a loan unit.

All six professional reviews recommend it, and owners repeat the easy setup, clean sound and solid metal build. The reservations are that it keeps an older preamp without the 2i2's Auto Gain and Clip Safe, and its two inputs are one mic and one mono line, so a DJ mixer's stereo output does not fit; a minority of owners report dropouts that need a reconnect. Buy it for one mic or one instrument; for a stereo feed, get the 2i2.

What it is

Status, October 2026: current. Focusrite still sells the Scarlett Solo (4th Gen).

What it is

The Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) is the smallest USB audio interface in Focusrite's Scarlett range (Focusrite product page). Focusrite announced it on 31 August 2023 alongside the Scarlett 2i2 and Scarlett 4i4, and MusicRadar describes it as a direct replacement for the third-generation Solo.

It has two inputs. An XLR mic input on the back has 48 V phantom power, Air mode and a 57 dB gain range, and a 1/4" jack on the front takes one mono line or instrument signal. The newer remote-controlled preamps, Auto Gain and Clip Safe are on the 2i2 and 4i4 only. Outputs are two balanced 1/4" TRS line outputs and a 1/4" headphone jack, each with its own level control.

It records at up to 24-bit/192 kHz over USB-C and takes its power from the same port, drawing 900 mA. Two loopback inputs return the computer's own audio for streaming or recording. Focusrite Control 2 for Mac and Windows sets it up and updates its firmware, and Focusrite supports the Solo on iPhone and iPad. Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+ and Cubase LE come with it as licence codes after registration.

It measures 143 x 96 x 46.5 mm and weighs 382 g. The box holds the interface, a USB-C to USB-A cable and paperwork; the Solo Studio bundle adds a CM25 MkIII condenser mic and SH-450 headphones.

If not this

All audio interfaces reviews

Compared in