Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) vs Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface

Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) vs Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface compared — specs, features, and which one to buy for your setup. See the full breakdown on CreatorConfig.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)
Focusrite
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)
$139.99
Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface
Universal Audio
Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface
$189

The Ruling

Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) or Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface? Get the Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface, narrowly.

The Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface wins Mic Inputs and Connectivity — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $189, so the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) stays the pick if $49.01 matters more than those specs.

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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.

CategoryFocusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface
Audio Resolution10/1010/10
Preamps10/109.6/10
Mic Inputs5/1010/10
Monitoring10/1010/10
Creator Features10/105/10
Connectivity5/1010/10

The Split

What each one wins

Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)

Compact 1-mic USB-C interface for solo creators who need clean voice and instrument input.

On paper the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) takes loopback (Yes) and preamp gain (57dB, +2dB). It gives up XLR inputs and TRS outputs to the Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface. It is the cheaper of the two, by $49.01.

Leads on

  • Loopback
    Yes
    No

    Loopback routes computer audio back into the stream without a second interface or cable.

  • Preamp Gain +2dB
    57dB
    55dB

    More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.

Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface

Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.

On paper the Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface takes XLR inputs (2, +1) and TRS outputs (4, +2). It gives up loopback and preamp gain to the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen). That costs $49.01 more than the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen).

Leads on

  • XLR Inputs +1
    2
    1

    More XLR inputs let you record multiple microphones simultaneously.

  • TRS Outputs +2
    4
    2

    More TRS outputs allow routing to studio monitors and outboard gear.

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
  • Max Sample Rate 192kHz
  • Phantom Power Yes
  • Headphone Outputs 1
  • Direct Monitoring Yes
  • ADAT Expansion No
  • Bus Powered Yes

The Record

19 specs, grouped by area

Full specification comparison of Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) and Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface, grouped by area.
Specification
Focusrite
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)
Universal Audio
Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface
Audio ResolutionEven
Sample Rate192kHz192kHz
Max Sample Rate192kHz192kHz
Bit Depth24-bit24-bit
PreampsFocusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)
Preamp Gain✓ 57dB55dB
Dynamic Range120dBno data
Mic InputsUniversal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface
XLR Inputs1✓ 2
MonitoringEven
Headphone Outputs11
Direct MonitoringYesYes
Creator FeaturesFocusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)
Loopback✓ YesNo
ADAT ExpansionNoNo
MIDI I/ONoneIn/Out
Bundled SoftwareHitmaker Expansion, Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, Cubase LEno data
ConnectivityUniversal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface
TRS Outputs2✓ 4
Connection Typeusb-c, xlr, trsusb-c, xlr, trs
PowerEven
Bus PoweredYesYes
Phantom PowerYesYes
BuildNot enough data
Dimensions143 x 96 x 46.5 mmno data
Weight0.382 kgno data
CompatibilityNot enough data
Operating Systemno datawindows, macos

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 Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C 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.

The alternative
Best ValuePortability Pick

At $139.99, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) is the most affordable option — 26% less than the priciest pick. It leads in preamp gain (57dB) and loopback (Yes). Offers the most spec advantages per dollar in this comparison.

  • + Better preamp gain (57dB vs 55dB)
  • + Better loopback (Yes vs No)
  • × Fewer XLR inputs (1 vs 2)
  • × Fewer TRS outputs (2 vs 4)

Also worth knowing

  • ✓ You want the stronger preamp gain (57dB)
  • ✓ You want the stronger loopback (Yes)
  • ✓ Budget is your top priority — $49.01 less than the priciest option
  • ✓ You need gear you can easily take on the go

Look elsewhere if

  • × You plan to record multiple microphones simultaneously
  • × You need the best TRS outputs available

Best for value-focused buyers, mobile creators, space-constrained setups.

Our pick
Most ConnectivityBest for Multi-mic

At $189.00, the Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface is the priciest option — a premium pick if brand, build, or specific features matter to you. It leads in XLR inputs (2) and TRS outputs (4). More I/O options for complex setups.

  • + More XLR inputs (2 vs 1)
  • + More TRS outputs (4 vs 2)
  • × Weaker preamp gain (55dB vs 57dB)
  • × Weaker loopback (No vs Yes)

Also worth knowing

  • ✓ You need 2 XLR inputs for recording multiple sources
  • ✓ You want the stronger TRS outputs (4)
  • ✓ You have MIDI gear to plug in without a separate adapter

Look elsewhere if

  • × You need the best preamp gain available
  • × You need the best loopback available

Best for complex setup builders, multi-person podcasts, multi-mic setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) and Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface?

The clearest difference is loopback, which the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) has and the Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface does not. 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 Universal Audio, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.

Which is better for streaming, Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) or Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface?

Get the Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface, narrowly. The Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface wins Mic Inputs and Connectivity — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $189, so the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) stays the pick if $49.01 matters more than those specs.

What do the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) and Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C 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 max sample rate (192kHz), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.

Is the Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface worth the extra $49 over the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)?

The Universal Audio Volt 276 USB-C Interface costs $189.00 against $139.99, a difference of $49. The premium buys XLR inputs (2) and TRS outputs (4). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.

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