Scarlett Solo, 2i2 or Clarett+ 2Pre?
Audio Guru / Connections
For voice and guitar, the deciding detail is whether the guitar plugs in or needs a second microphone.
Why these? These compact interfaces can record a microphone and guitar together, but differ in second-input flexibility, output routing and expansion.
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Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen
Choose for One voice and one instrumentAn analog-to-digital USB interface known for simple songwriting setups, with one microphone input and one instrument input for recording voice and guitar together.
- Simple gain controls
- Small recording footprint
- Firm-feeling knobs
- Only one microphone input
- No monitor mute button
- Small headphones need an adapter
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
Choose for Two microphones or one stereo synthAn analog-to-digital USB interface known for automatic gain setting, with two microphone inputs so you can record singing beside a mic’d acoustic guitar.
- Quick initial setup
- Clear recordings
- Useful hands-on gain knobs
- Only two simultaneous inputs
- Shared microphone phantom power
- Bundled software takes setup
Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre
Choose for Two inputs with digital expansionAn analog-to-digital USB interface known for expandable recording, with two microphone inputs and ADAT input for adding more preamps later.
- Quiet recording path
- Solid metal housing
- Flexible output routing
- Limited gain for quiet mics
- Output knob can feel abrupt
- Clock changes need software
| Equipment | Microphone inputs | Guitar jack inputs | Automatic gain | Input expansion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) | 1 | 1 | No | None |
| Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) | 2 | 2; share mic channels | Yes | None |
| Clarett+ 2Pre | 2 | 2; share mic channels | No | ADAT, up to 8 channels at 44.1/48kHz |
A plugged-in acoustic guitar needs a pickup; recording voice and an acoustic guitar with two microphones requires two microphone preamps.
Sources & image credits
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen specifications · Manufacturer press image — Focusrite / Clyne Media
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen specifications · Manufacturer press image — Focusrite / Clyne Media
Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre specifications · Manufacturer press image — Focusrite / Clyne Media
Pros and cons summarize selected owner reports, not our own testing or a consensus; fit and computer setup can change the experience.
