SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface vs Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen
SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface vs Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen compared — specs, features, and which one to buy for your setup. See the full breakdown on CreatorConfig.
The Ruling
SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface or Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen? Get the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen, narrowly.
The Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen wins Preamps and Creator Features — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $199.99, so the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface stays the pick if $0.99 matters more than those specs.
Unless…
- You need monitoring — get the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface.
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 | SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface | Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Preamps | 9.1/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 10/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Creator Features | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Connectivity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
The Split
What each one wins
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). It gives up loopback and preamp gain to the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen. The two are priced the same, so price does not decide it.
Leads on
-
Headphone Outputs +121
A second headphone output lets a guest monitor without a splitter.
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen
Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.
On paper the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen takes loopback (Yes), preamp gain (69dB, +7dB) and dynamic range (120dB, +9.5dB). It gives up headphone outputs to the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface. The two are priced the same, so price does not decide it.
Leads on
-
LoopbackYesNo
Loopback routes computer audio back into the stream without a second interface or cable.
-
Preamp Gain +7dB69dB62dB
More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.
-
Dynamic Range +9.5dB120dB110.5dB
Wider converter dynamic range means less noise between the quietest and loudest parts of a take.
Where they’re identical
These 11 specs are the same on both of them, so none of it is part of the decision.
- Connection Type usb-c, xlr, trs
- Operating System windows, macos
- Sample Rate 192kHz
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Phantom Power Yes
- XLR Inputs 2
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- ADAT Expansion No
- MIDI I/O In/Out
- Bus Powered Yes
- TRS Outputs 4
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 Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen 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 SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface and Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen?
The clearest difference is loopback, which the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen has and the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 4 specs. They match on 11 specs, including connection type, operating system and sample rate. Two audio interfaces from SSL and Focusrite, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface or Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen?
Get the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen, narrowly. The Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen wins Preamps and Creator Features — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $199.99, so the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface stays the pick if $0.99 matters more than those specs.
What do the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface and Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen have in common?
Both share 11 specifications in the catalog, including connection type (usb-c, xlr, trs), operating system (windows, macos), sample rate (192kHz) and bit depth (24-bit), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.