Cloudlifter CL-1 vs Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)

Cloudlifter CL-1
Inline preamp that adds about 25dB of clean gain for quiet XLR dynamics like the SM7B.
Trade-off: An add-on, not a replacement. It needs phantom power from your interface or mixer.
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Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)
Single-mic version of the 2i2. All most streamers need to run one XLR mic.
Buy on AmazonWhere they differ
| Spec | Cloudlifter CL-1 | Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 | $140 |
| Rating | 4.7 (3,990) | 4.6 (2,579) |
| Inputs | 1x XLR boost | 1x XLR |
| Connection | XLR inline | USB-C |
Frequently asked
Is the Cloudlifter CL-1 or the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) better for streaming?
The Cloudlifter CL-1 costs more and earns it, with a stronger rating across a meaningful number of reviews. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) remains the sensible pick if the budget is the binding constraint. At current tracked prices the Cloudlifter CL-1 is $150 and the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) is $140.
What is the price difference between the Cloudlifter CL-1 and the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)?
The Cloudlifter CL-1 tracks around $150 and the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) around $140, a difference of $10. Prices here are tracked estimates, so check the retailer listing before buying.
How do owner ratings compare for the Cloudlifter CL-1 and the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)?
The Cloudlifter CL-1 rates 4.7 out of 5 across 3,990 retailer reviews, and the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) rates 4.6 across 2,579. Both figures come from the retailer listing rather than our own testing, and review volume matters as much as the score.
Neither of these is the whole decision. What quality your stream holds depends on the encoder, uplink, and platform around this part, which is what the configurator works out. Ratings are from retailer listings, not our own testing.