I recently bought a Scarlett interface to see if there is an improvement over my Steinberg UR22C.
Its really hard to quantify yet whether it is more transparent recording wise. The UR22C is a more solid beast compared to the scarlett. I did like the ease of downloading Focusrite software and drivers to get it up and running quickly. I think Steinberg needs to take a leaf out of their book.
The softube software that came as a free download has some really good plugins. Love the Drawmer Compressor which I used on this track on drums and master bus.
All the guitars and Bass were recorded using a SM57 against my 1x12 and Pignose 40w Tube amp which I converted to a head many years ago and fitted an FX in and out for my pedal board.