Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen vs MOTU M4
A side-by-side look at Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen and MOTU M4 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen
The best-selling starter interface just keeps getting better
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MOTU M4
Four inputs of Sabre32 quality with a metering display that earns its keep
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| Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen | MOTU M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Solo podcasters or vocalists who need one XLR mic input, solid preamp quality, and zero driver headaches | Producers and podcasters who need four simultaneous inputs with reference-grade conversion and proper hardware metering |
Key features
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen
- 1 XLR mic input with 48V phantom power
- 1 Hi-Z instrument input (front panel)
- USB-C bus powered
- 24-bit / 192 kHz converters
- Switchable Air mode for high-frequency presence boost
- 2 x 1/4" TRS monitor outputs
MOTU M4
- -129 dBu EIN mic preamp noise floor
- 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with 48V phantom power (front)
- 2 balanced TRS line inputs (rear)
- 4 balanced DC-coupled TRS outputs
- ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, 120 dB dynamic range
- Full-color LCD meters, 2.5 ms round-trip latency at 96 kHz
Pros and cons
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen
Pros
- Best-in-class preamp quality at this price point
- Air mode adds instant presence without EQ plugins
- USB-C - compatible with modern laptops without dongles
- Compact, bus-powered - takes zero desk space
Cons
- Only one XLR input - no co-host capability
- No MIDI I/O
- No direct monitoring blend knob (monitor mix is software-controlled)
MOTU M4
Pros
- Same class-leading noise specs as the M2, four inputs
- DC-coupled outputs for modular synthesis integration
- Four balanced outputs for flexible monitoring
- Full-color LCD covers all four I/O channels
Cons
- Windows drivers require more attention than on Mac
- No MIDI I/O
- Rear line inputs are less convenient for instrument switching
The verdict
Choose Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen if
Solo podcasters or vocalists who need one XLR mic input, solid preamp quality, and zero driver headaches.
The Scarlett Solo remains the interface millions of beginners start with - and for good reason. The preamp is clean, the Air mode adds useful presence on vocal-heavy content, and USB-C bus power means one cable handles everything. The hard…
Choose MOTU M4 if
Producers and podcasters who need four simultaneous inputs with reference-grade conversion and proper hardware metering.
Everything that makes the M2 exceptional applies here, plus two extra line inputs for synths, drum machines, or an outboard mixer. The four balanced outputs let you run studio monitors plus a second pair or an external headphone amp -…