Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen vs PreSonus Studio 24c
A side-by-side look at Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen and PreSonus Studio 24c 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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PreSonus Studio 24c
USB-C upgrade over the AudioBox with 192 kHz and cleaner preamps
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| Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen | PreSonus Studio 24c | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Podcasters and producers who want PreSonus preamp quality, MIDI, and a future-proof USB-C connection in one compact unit |
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
PreSonus Studio 24c
- USB-C bus powered
- MIDI In/Out (5-pin DIN)
- 2 XMAX-L combo XLR/TRS inputs with 48V phantom power
- 24-bit / 192 kHz converters, 115 dB dynamic range
- Independent headphone output with volume control
- Bundles Studio One Artist and Studio Magic plugin suite
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)
PreSonus Studio 24c
Pros
- USB-C native - works with modern laptops without adapters
- XMAX-L preamps are clean and transparent
- MIDI I/O included
- Strong software bundle for the price
Cons
- Two inputs only - same limit as AudioBox
- Plastic chassis is less durable than the AudioBox steel body
- Less brand recognition than Focusrite at the same price
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 PreSonus Studio 24c if
Podcasters and producers who want PreSonus preamp quality, MIDI, and a future-proof USB-C connection in one compact unit.
The Studio 24c is the answer to everyone who asked PreSonus to put a USB-C port on the AudioBox. The XMAX-L preamps are quieter and more transparent than the older design, 192 kHz conversion is now standard, and the 115…