Short answer: the Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #14 of 17 audio interfaces by measured performance, rated 2.9/5, at $199.99; the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen ranks #15, rated 2.3/5, and costs $224.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 17 audio interfaces, so if measured performance matters, consider the Topping M62 instead, ranked #1 at $249.
The Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII is the better-sounding pick. It runs entirely on USB C bus power while providing two mic, line and instrument inputs, balanced monitor outputs and two headphone jacks. The tradeoff: At 94 dB SINAD, sensitive in ear monitors may reveal hiss or noise, and Audio Science Review found distortion in both the DAC and ADC rising with level and frequency, so it did not recommend it.
The case for the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen: It offers two combo XLR and TRS mic, line and instrument inputs in a compact box. The catch: Its headphone output is rated at only 32 mW into 33 ohms, enough for in ear monitors and easy headphones only, and Audio Science Review found it outperformed by some cheap dongles and did not recommend the unit.
Buy the Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII. It is rated higher than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $224.99 |
| Ranked | #14 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #15 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | 2 mic/line/instrument, USB-C | 2 XLR/TRS combo mic/line/instrument |
| Outputs | 2 balanced monitor outs, headphone | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 (same mix) | - |
| Balanced Output | Yes (balanced monitor outs) | - |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | - |
| Dimensions | 9.2” x 2.8” x 6.2” (234 x 70 x 157 mm) | 7.1” x 1.8” x 3.9” (180 x 45.4 x 99 mm) |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (880 g) | 1.3 lbs (571.5 g) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | - | 32 mW into 33 ohms (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 22 mW (manufacturer rated) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII compares with other leading options:
- Topping M62 vs Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII
- Topping E2x2 vs Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII
- MOTU M2 vs Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII
- MOTU M4 vs Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII
- Arturia MiniFuse 2 vs Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII
Prices on this page were last checked October 13, 2026 at 3:17 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII: $199.99 Amazon $199.99 eBay
Pros: It runs entirely on USB C bus power while providing two mic, line and instrument inputs, balanced monitor outputs and two headphone jacks. Audio Science Review measured 94 dB SINAD, fine for most headphones, and liked its appearance and ergonomics.
Cons: At 94 dB SINAD, sensitive in ear monitors may reveal hiss or noise, and Audio Science Review found distortion in both the DAC and ADC rising with level and frequency, so it did not recommend it. SSL doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure. The Arturia MiniFuse 2 rates higher for a similar price.
Full Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII review and specifications →
| Released | 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (balanced monitor outs) |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 9.2” x 2.8” x 6.2” (234 x 70 x 157 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 (same mix) |
| Inputs | 2 mic/line/instrument, USB-C |
| Outputs | 2 balanced monitor outs, headphone |
| SINAD | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (880 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Tascam Series 102i
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Arturia MiniFuse 2
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Behringer Studio XL
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs MOTU M4
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs MOTU M2
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Topping E2x2
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Topping M62
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen: $224.99 Amazon $224.99 eBay
Pros: It offers two combo XLR and TRS mic, line and instrument inputs in a compact box. Audio Science Review measured 94 dB SINAD, fine for most headphones, and judged its ADC good enough for consumer use.
Cons: Its headphone output is rated at only 32 mW into 33 ohms, enough for in ear monitors and easy headphones only, and Audio Science Review found it outperformed by some cheap dongles and did not recommend the unit. Sensitive in ear monitors may reveal hiss at 94 dB SINAD. The Tascam Series 102i rates higher and costs less.
Full Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 1.8” x 3.9” (180 x 45.4 x 99 mm) |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo mic/line/instrument |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 22 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 32 mW into 33 ohms (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (571.5 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons