Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) vs SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) vs SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface compared — specs, features, and which one to buy for your setup. See the full breakdown on CreatorConfig.
The Ruling
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) or SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface? Get the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface, narrowly.
The SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface wins Monitoring and Connectivity — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $199, so the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) stays the pick if $49.01 matters more than those specs.
Unless…
- You need preamps — get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen).
At a Glance
Where each one actually leads
Every axis is scored out of 10 from the catalog specs below. The scores are relative to the products on this page, so a 10 means “best of these”, not “perfect”, and two identical columns mean the catalog genuinely cannot separate them. Axes the catalog holds no figure for on both sides are left off entirely rather than guessed at.
| Category | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) | SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Preamps | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 7.5/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Connectivity | 5/10 | 10/10 |
The Split
What each one wins
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
Popular 2-in/2-out USB audio interface with low-noise preamps and direct monitoring.
On paper the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) takes dynamic range (111dB, +0.5dB). It gives up headphone outputs and TRS outputs to the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface. It is the cheaper of the two, by $49.01.
Leads on
-
Dynamic Range +0.5dB111dB110.5dB
Wider converter dynamic range means less noise between the quietest and loudest parts of a take.
SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface
Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.
On paper the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface takes headphone outputs (2, +1), TRS outputs (4, +2) and preamp gain (62dB, +6dB). It gives up dynamic range to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen). That costs $49.01 more than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen).
Leads on
-
Headphone Outputs +121
A second headphone output lets a guest monitor without a splitter.
-
TRS Outputs +242
More TRS outputs allow routing to studio monitors and outboard gear.
-
Preamp Gain +6dB62dB56dB
More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.
Where they’re identical
These 9 specs are the same on both of them, so none of it is part of the decision.
- Connection Type usb-c, xlr, trs
- Sample Rate 192kHz
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Phantom Power Yes
- XLR Inputs 2
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- Loopback No
- ADAT Expansion No
- Bus Powered Yes
The Record
19 specs, grouped by area
A group is won by whoever takes more of its rows outright. Specs the catalog cannot rank are shown but never decide a group.
Bottom Line
Who each one is for
The SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface is the pick on the specs the catalog holds, but “better on paper” and “right for you” are different questions. Each case below names what the product is actually good at and who that suits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) and SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface?
The largest gap is headphone outputs, where the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface leads — 2 against 1. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 4 specs. They match on 9 specs, including connection type, sample rate and bit depth. Two audio interfaces from Focusrite and SSL, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) or SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface?
Get the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface, narrowly. The SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface wins Monitoring and Connectivity — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $199, so the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) stays the pick if $49.01 matters more than those specs.
What do the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) and SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface have in common?
Both share 9 specifications in the catalog, including connection type (usb-c, xlr, trs), sample rate (192kHz), bit depth (24-bit) and phantom power (Yes), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface worth the extra $49 over the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)?
The SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface costs $199.00 against $149.99, a difference of $49. The premium buys headphone outputs (2), TRS outputs (4) and preamp gain (62dB). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.