Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen main image

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen

^# 7

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$50.00 to $149.99 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (98)

1 Critic Review

13 Reviews

Newer option

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen

$85.00 - $391.13

4.5 (64)

Find out who is using Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen

7 community setups

10 wishlisted

245 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 2, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.6 (3686)

Used

View Deal

5.0 (45)

$50.00 7 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $100

Budget/Beginner

$150

$501+

Price Tier

In the Audio Interfaces category, Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Dive into the realm of crisp, detailed audio with the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen - a compact powerhouse designed for the solo artist in mind. Whether you're laying down your latest track or hosting a podcast, this audio interface combines ultra low-latency performance with supreme ease of use. It's the perfect companion for those seeking quality without complexity, making it an ideal choice for your studio or on-the-go recording setups. With the Scarlett Solo, you're not just purchasing an audio interface; you're unlocking a new level of sonic clarity and flexibility.

Key Features:

Ultra low-latency performance ensures real-time monitoring and recording without delay.
Sleek two-in and two-out design, optimized for single instrument or voice recording.
High-quality preamps deliver crystal-clear audio capture, bringing out the best in your microphone.
Direct monitor function allows for a seamless blend of playback and live sound.
USB-powered for ultimate portability and convenience, making it perfect for mobile setups.
Compatible with all major DAWs, offering flexibility in your recording software choice.
Robust build quality, designed to withstand the demands of both studio and on-the-road use.

Product specs

Brand	Focusrite
Model	Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface
Finish	Red / Black
Year	2016 - 2018
Made In	United Kingdom
Categories	Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth	24-bit
Bus-Powered	Yes
Compatibility	Windows, macOS
Computer Connectivity	USB
Electronics	Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format	Desktop Standalone
Number of Analog Inputs	2
Number of Analog Outputs	2
Number of Channels	4
Number of Digital Inputs	0
Number of Digital Outputs	0
Number of Headphone Outputs	1
Number of MIDI Inputs	0
Number of MIDI Outputs	0
Number of Mic Preamps	1
Sample Rate	192 khz
Simultaneous I/O	2 x 2

FAQs

What are the main connectivity options for the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen?: The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen connects to your computer via USB and features two analog inputs, including one XLR mic input and one 1/4" instrument input, as well as two analog outputs for speakers or monitors.
Is the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live and Pro Tools?: Yes, the Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen is compatible with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live and Pro Tools, and it comes bundled with Pro Tools | First.
Can the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen be used for high-resolution audio recording?: Yes, the Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen supports high-resolution audio recording with a sample rate of up to 192kHz and 24-bit depth, ensuring professional-quality sound capture.
Does the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen require an external power source?: No, the Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen is bus-powered, meaning it draws power directly from your computer via the USB connection, eliminating the need for an external power source.
How many mic preamps does the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen have?: The Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen features one high-quality mic preamp, ideal for recording vocals or instruments with clarity and detail.

Videos

Add video

David Di Franco

Setting Up Audio-Technica AT2035 w/ Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen Preamp

David Di Franco

Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Gen vs 2 Gen Interface Comparison (Scarlett Solo Gen 2 vs Gen 3)

Music Bliss Malaysia

FOCUSRITE SCARLETT SOLO 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface

Moonrunner Music

Focusrite Scarlett Solo - Audio Interface Review (USB 2nd gen)

Review Tech TV

Focusrite Scarlett solo 2nd Gen unboxing (refurbished)

optical20

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Solid and rugged build quality
Great sound with no compatibility issues across different OS
Plug-and-play functionality with Linux
Superior preamps, no need for DI or mic booster
Noticeable clarity, crispness, and depth in recordings
Reliable performance, no glitches or problems reported
Ideal for beginners in mixing, mastering, and recording
Affordable, offers quality on a budget
Portable and easy to use for on-the-go recordings
Supports direct instrument input without needing additional gear

CONS

Some units may experience durability issues, with reports of distortion or failure within a year
Limited connectivity; requires unplugging speakers to use headphones
RCA output may require adapters for certain studio monitors
Only one mic preamp and one line in, which might be limiting for some users
Reported latency issues and noise that requires unplugging and restarting to resolve

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen.

Features and functionality

0 0

The Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen does not support recording two microphones simultaneously, making it unsuitable for multi-mic podcast setups.
Source
0 0

The Gen3 Scarlett models offer more headroom for hot pickups, reducing clipping issues compared to Gen1 and Gen2.
Source
0 0

Newer Scarlett interfaces include a feature to record computer audio directly, providing an alternative to using third-party software like Audacity.
Source
0 0

The "Air" mode in smaller Scarlett interfaces emulates a transformer effect, enhancing audio presence, though its necessity for upgrading is debated.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Behringer UMC 404 or 204 are recommended over the Scarlett Solo for more input flexibility and similar sound quality unless using high-end mics.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

On MacOS, using multiple interfaces like the Scarlett Solo and Rode AI-1 together is possible through aggregate devices.
Source
0 0

Lower latency and improved preamps are noted advantages of newer Scarlett models, particularly relevant when upgrading from much older interfaces.
Source
0 0

Users report that changing sample rate and buffer size on Linux requires additional software like qjackctl, which can be installed via the software center or repositories.
Source
0 0

For improved audio quality on Linux, it's suggested to use EQ tools like EasyEffects or JamesDSP to mimic Windows EQ settings.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

A Scarlett 2i2 can often be found on secondary markets like Facebook Marketplace for around $60, offering better versatility for similar cost.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The 2nd Gen Solo might provide better performance than M-Audio DUO, but user experiences vary, and it is considered adequate by most users.
Source
0 0

Upgrading to newer Scarlett models is mainly beneficial for users who frequently record electric guitars with high-output pickups.
Source
0 0

The Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen is used with Linux systems for listening to WAV and FLAC music files, despite reported sound quality issues compared to Windows.
Source

Critic Reviews

Focusrite Scarlett Solo (Gen2) Review - HubPages

hubpages.com

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 13 Reviews and 98 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

knife_sorrow_knife

about 1 year ago

Reliable and straight-forward for those on a budget

Decently well made product. The flaws that it has come from the very nature of the product, a small audio interface for those on a budget. If you just want to reliably record guitars or vocals, you should absolutely consider this audio interface.

Works best with a DAW, I personally use FL Studio.

Roles:

Bassist Music Producer

Genres:

Rock Hardcore punk Punk rock

norse_viking

almost 2 years ago

Best guitar interfaces

Focusrite make the best guitar interfaces, and this one works perfectly on my PC setup, it's a seamless performer.

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Electronic Rock Blues

technocinema

about 7 years ago

Not Worth the Buy

In my opinion, as go-to as the Scarlett series has been among my musician peers, it's really disappointing how hit-or-miss this one in particular can be. I used the Scarlett Solo Gen 2 alongside two other close friends, who regularly record both vocals and guitar for their songs. Three for three, they all began bugging out after a month at most, heavily distorting and ruining our recordings. Mine simply gave out after a year of use, which I assume has also happened to the other two. My best advice is to seek out another company like Behringer or Mackie for an audio interface or mixer.

gorillataylor

133

over 9 years ago

not bad

It might just be me but I do not like the fact that I have to unplug my speakers when I want to listen to my headphones and then plug them back in each time I want to use them and at time I have to unplug the scarlet to get the noise to stop. I do have unbalanced wires but I noticed that even if I moved the cables around to the point where the buzzing got less distracting the problem would not be solved until the scarlet was unplugged, computer restarted and latency increased.

My computer is new, I bought it a month or two after I got the interface and it is a mid to high end pc (it was on sale for 549) so I dont think that the computer could have something to do with this. Either way I'm going to sell it and get the apollo twin

jimmarchi1

41029

9 years ago over 9 years ago

oh man, that speaker/headphone thing would be a total deal breaker.... I have 3 sets of monitors on a switchbox already and I don't wanna touch that if I need cans. Which doesn't come up a lot as I distrust headphones, but sometimes....

jorgealb91

413

about 8 years ago

Don't Buy It

Trust me, the scarletts are great, but you will want to upgrade a month from buying this. 1 mic preamp and 1 line in doesn't cut it, unless you are one of those acoustic looper hat wearing tight ball strangling pants guitar players. I would recommend going straight to the 2i4

zackvest

150

over 7 years ago

USB Audio Interface

Great audio interface, used for vocals and guitar and can be set through your monitors.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Drummer

Genres:

Blues Indie rock Metal

dorgsan

838

almost 6 years ago

Great

Great, but unable to record guitar in stereo, so I'm getting 2i2

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Indie rock Hard rock Classic rock

robertbullin

almost 8 years ago

I love it

I use this all the time! Mainly for my bass guitar and it works great! Thank you for a quality product! I highly recommend it for any artist on a budget.