Laynie Hasan.

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Recording & Creator Tech Comparisons · Reviewed September 24, 2026

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen vs PreSonus AudioBox GO: Which USB Interface?

Both are bus-powered two-input interfaces for one microphone and one instrument. Scarlett Solo records up to 24-bit/192 kHz, provides 57 dB of mic gain and Air modes; AudioBox GO records up to 24-bit/96 kHz, provides 50 dB of mic gain and adds a physical mix knob for direct-input and software playback balance.

Best for

Solo musicians, voice creators and mobile recordists choosing a compact interface for one microphone plus guitar, bass or another instrument.

Probably not for

Recording two XLR microphones at once, standalone mixing, guaranteed compatibility with every phone or streaming app, or claims about audible superiority without controlled recordings.

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Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface

Scarlett Solo 4th Gen is a two-input, two-output bus-powered USB interface with one XLR microphone preamp and one dedicated Hi-Z instrument input. Focusrite specifies 57 dB of microphone gain, switchable 48V phantom power, Air Presence and Harmonic Drive modes, 24-bit conversion at sample rates up to 192 kHz and a published 120 dB converter dynamic range. It has two balanced line outputs, a headphone output with its own level control and dynamic gain halos for level indication.

Pros

  • The 57 dB mic-gain range and 24-bit/192 kHz ceiling exceed the corresponding AudioBox GO figures.
  • Air modes, gain-halo metering and separate monitor and headphone controls provide more front-panel signal guidance.

Cons

  • It does not provide the AudioBox GO physical mix knob for blending live inputs with computer playback.
  • One XLR input still limits it to a single microphone source even though two total inputs are available.

Who it’s for: Choose it for the higher gain range, higher sample-rate ceiling and Air processing options. Skip it when a hardware input-playback mix knob is the deciding workflow feature.

Check Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface on Amazon

PreSonus AudioBox GO USB-C Audio Interface

AudioBox GO is a bus-powered two-input, two-output USB-C-compatible interface. One XMAX-L combo input accepts a microphone or line source, and a separate TS instrument input supports guitar or bass, so a mic and instrument can be recorded together. PreSonus specifies 50 dB of preamp gain, switchable 48V phantom power and recording up to 24-bit/96 kHz. Two balanced quarter-inch main outputs, a stereo headphone output and a physical Mix control support monitor connections and direct-input playback blending.

Pros

  • The hardware Mix knob makes it simple to balance direct inputs against computer playback while recording.
  • Its combo mic-line input can accept a line source that the Scarlett model's microphone-only XLR path does not replace.

Cons

  • The 50 dB mic-gain range and 96 kHz ceiling are lower than the Scarlett Solo published specifications.
  • There is no Focusrite-style Air mode or multicolor gain-halo level display.

Who it’s for: Choose it for the direct-monitor mix knob, compact form and mic-line combo input. Skip it when more mic gain or 192 kHz support is a stated project requirement.

Check PreSonus AudioBox GO USB-C Audio Interface on Amazon

Two inputs do not mean two microphone preamps

Each interface can capture a microphone and an instrument at the same time, but neither has two XLR microphone preamps. Scarlett Solo separates one XLR mic input from one quarter-inch Hi-Z instrument input. AudioBox GO uses one XLR-quarter-inch combo input for mic or line and a second quarter-inch instrument input.

A two-person podcast with two XLR microphones needs a different interface. A stereo keyboard may also need two line inputs, depending on whether mono operation is acceptable. Count the connector types and simultaneous sources, not just the two-in label.

Gain range matters more than chasing the highest sample rate

Focusrite specifies 57 dB of mic gain and up to 24-bit/192 kHz conversion. PreSonus specifies 50 dB and up to 24-bit/96 kHz. The extra Focusrite gain can provide more setup flexibility for a low-output microphone, although microphone sensitivity, source distance and desired level still determine whether an inline booster is useful.

A 192 kHz option does not make every voice or guitar recording audibly better than 96 kHz. Higher sample rates increase storage and processing demands, and many final formats use lower rates. Choose a rate supported by the complete recording and delivery workflow rather than treating the largest number as a quality ranking.

Monitoring controls solve different problems

AudioBox GO has a Mix knob that blends the hardware inputs with playback returning from recording software. That is a direct way to hear the live source with less software-monitoring delay while still following an existing track. Its separate headphone control and two balanced main outputs support headphones and powered monitors.

Scarlett Solo provides direct monitoring, separate monitor and headphone level controls and dynamic gain halos, but not the same continuous input-playback blend knob. Focusrite also adds Air Presence and Harmonic Drive modes. Those modes are creative preamp choices, not proof that every source benefits from processing on the way in.

Plan for cables, phantom power and software compatibility

Both interfaces are powered from the connected USB host and can supply 48V phantom power for compatible condenser microphones. Neither includes the microphone, stand, XLR cable, headphones or powered monitors in the base product assumed here. The selected Amazon Scarlett link is the interface-only listing rather than a cable bundle, keeping the comparison like for like.

Choose Scarlett Solo for its gain range, metering and Air options. Choose AudioBox GO for the mix knob and combo mic-line input. Confirm computer, tablet or phone support, available USB power and the current driver or app requirements before buying. For USB microphones that do not need a separate interface, see the Blue Yeti and ATR2500x-USB comparison.

Official sources and further reading

Sources reviewed on September 24, 2026. Prices, availability and terms can change; recheck before buying.

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