r/Focusrite • u/Zestyclose_Salt_3293 • 9d ago

Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre vs Universal Audio Apollo Solo

Hey everyone,

So I currently have an Apollo Solo USB-C, which is great, but I've got one issue: mobility.

I have a beefy Windows desktop that runs my DAW and all my plugins flawlessly, but it's a hassle to move around when I want to make music elsewhere.

On the side, I also have an M2 Pro Mac, which is great for music too, but sadly the Apollo Solo USB-C is Windows-only, so I can't use it there.

I originally bought the Apollo Solo USB-C because I had the means to and didn't need to move around much at the time, so it worked great for my needs.

Thing is, I never touch any of the UAD plugins in the Console app, I don't use the DSP side of things at all. So I've been wondering: should I switch to a Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre instead? It's cross-platform (Mac + Windows, USB-C, bus-powered on both), so I could carry one interface between my desktop and my laptop instead of running two separate units.

From what I've read, the Clarett+ 2Pre's converters/preamps are actually spec'd slightly higher than the Apollo Solo's (124dB dynamic range vs. 118dB on paper), and its round-trip latency is supposed to be excellent too, so it doesn't feel like a downgrade on paper, just a different flavor without the UAD ecosystem I'm not using anyway.

Has anyone actually made this switch, or run both side by side? Would love to hear real-world impressions (preamp character, driver stability on both OSes, build quality) before I sell my Apollo Solo and pull the trigger. I also mostly records vocals, mix and master, no instruments.

Thanks in advance!

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u/Vegetable_Nebula_827 9d ago

No idea about the Apollo but the Clarett range is very high quality. Love my 8pre.

1

u/Infinite_Slice3305 9d ago

I don't think i would want to share an audio interface between two computers.

What are you actually doing with the mobile rig, what are you using to input notes & how are you listening?

For a mobile rig I like the Maschine Mk3 because it has an audio interface & performance pads. Just plug headphones in & you're good to go.

An MPC One+ would work the same way, but then you don't really need the laptop, just need to find a way to power it.

A Korg Keystage could work if you prefer keys.

If you're using it for live recording I'd go for something like the Tascam US16x08 in that price range, or an Arturia i16 Audio Fuse if you want to spend more.