Focusrite 3rd gen Solo vs 2nd gen 2i2

[labeledbass]

Quick question for people that have maybe tried both/one - I have an opportunity to get each for the same price, this would be mostly for personal use at my home, bass as line in and most everything else generated on PC to accompany. Would I benefit more from newer 3rd gen than the 2nd gen, or is the additional input of the 2nd gen compensate? (right now the only benefit of L/R, 1/2 inputs would be from a stereo bass synth output, other than that I don't see myself playing live with another input.

Ive just been reading about the newer 3rd gen features and they sound nice, mostly to benefit instrument headroom.

And I say same price, but the 2i2 is around 25$ less that the solo. I'm just torn to which would benefit me the most. Thanks in advance!

 

[CryingBass]

For my 2 cents, interfaces like this improve in both AD and DA conversions, and USB ( or firewire ) drivers. I have been stuck with an older Focusrite "high end" unit that they discontinued driver support when Windows 8 came out ( I believe ). Newer is better when hooking up to a PC/laptop/tablet, so I would pay the extra $25 - just for these general feelings. Good luck.

 

[bass40hz]

Only you will know what will benefit you the most.
I use a 2nd gen 2i2 on a Mac, love it, no complaints.
Rock on.

 

[Kriegs]

Quick question for people that have maybe tried both/one - I have an opportunity to get each for the same price, this would be mostly for personal use at my home, bass as line in and most everything else generated on PC to accompany. Would I benefit more from newer 3rd gen than the 2nd gen, or is the additional input of the 2nd gen compensate? (right now the only benefit of L/R, 1/2 inputs would be from a stereo bass synth output, other than that I don't see myself playing live with another input.

Ive just been reading about the newer 3rd gen features and they sound nice, mostly to benefit instrument headroom.

And I say same price, but the 2i2 is around 25$ less that the solo. I'm just torn to which would benefit me the most. Thanks in advance!

When given the choice/ opportunity, I'd recommend getting the newer version of any gear that runs software/ firmware for one simple reason: Companies will only support backward compatibility/ older tech for so long. The further you get from the release/ manufacturing date, the more likely it is that you will run into compatibility/ usability issues. Worse yet, companies go out of business and your support simply evaporates instantaneously.
I use the Focusrite 18i20 as well as a 2nd gen Focusrite Solo several times a week.

 

[4stringfarley]

Ive owned a second gen 212 and am currently using a 3rd gen solo.
Personally I shouldve stuck with the 212. The solo dosent have a monitor / mix volume blend. Ive also been having alot of issues with the sample rate switching to non computer hardware supported rates causing a blue screen. ( this could be software related) . however, the Solo does seem,to have much better latency than the 2 gen.

 

[labeledbass]

I love this community, really appreciate the comments -

Just to be clear, the Solo models, there is no way to input a stereo/ A B input simultaneously correct? even though it states 2in/2out, is that only in reference to XLR and 1/4"? sorry for the questions, back in my day well all used tape/disc

 

[4stringfarley]

Correct. One 1/4 in one xlr.

 

[BrianVengeance]

Get whatever gets you closer to 2 in and 6 outs - the final word on an interface is its routing capabilities.

Modern interfaces crossed over the “good enough” 10-15 years ago (if not longer). There is a valid argument for support and buying newer, but the differences between a gen 2 and gen 3 budget inexpensive interface won’t be what makes or breaks the recording.

Make sure your I/O needs are covered and then make some tunes!