Audient EVO 4 vs Focusrite Scarlett Solo (2026): Best First Interface?
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If you are buying your first audio interface, the Audient EVO 4 and Focusrite Scarlett Solo are almost certainly on your shortlist. Both are compact USB interfaces with great preamps and bundled software, but they take different approaches to making recording easy for beginners.
Compare live prices: Audient EVO 4 vs Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen). Browse all audio interfaces.
Inputs: the EVO 4 wins on flexibility
The EVO 4 has two combo inputs, so you can record two sources at once. The Scarlett Solo has one XLR mic input and one separate instrument input — great for a singer-songwriter, but you cannot record two mics. For two-input flexibility at this price, the EVO 4 is ahead.
The EVO 4's headline feature: Smartgain
Press the Smartgain button, perform for a few seconds, and the EVO 4 automatically sets the perfect input level for you — no guesswork, no clipping. For a beginner who does not yet trust their ears on gain-staging, this is genuinely useful.
The Scarlett's edge: Air mode and pedigree
The Scarlett Solo's Air mode adds a bright, airy presence lift that flatters vocals and acoustic guitar, and Focusrite's drivers and converters are proven over millions of units. If you primarily record one vocal at a time, the Solo is a beautifully focused tool.
Verdict
- Buy the EVO 4 if: you want two inputs and auto-leveling for the easiest start.
- Buy the Scarlett Solo if: you record one source and want Air mode plus Focusrite reliability.
Stepping up, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) and Audient iD4 MkII are the next tier. See our best audio interface for beginners guide.