The smallest model of the direct 3rd-generation upgrades, Scarlett Solo is packed-heavy with a high dynamic range of recording and production features that help even a total beginner deliver professional-grade audio.
With its portable yet functional design, the Scarlett Solo is designed to stay powered-up for long hours with no external power. This is great if you recording on-the-road or even in your home studio.
Pros
- Low noise, great sound
- Great build quality
- Light and portable
Cons
- A minimal set of inputs and outputs- best for personal use
- Pricey (around $200) when compared to other devices
Its high-performance resolutions help you record and produce at 24-bit/192kHz AD-DA converters.
A stellar feature with this audio interface is the Scarlett mic preamp; its switchable AIR mode button which gives you a more transparent and open sound.
Everyone hates sound distortion and humming in their audio playback. Focusrite Scarlett Solo does a clever job of preventing these unpleasant sounds with its balanced TRS outputs.
Get started right away with access to the Focusrite production bundle. It includes;
- 3-months free Splice Sounds subscription with new Splice accounts and many more.
- Focusrite Plug-in Collective.
- Ableton Live Lite music making software.
- Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack.
- A choice of 1 of 4 XLN Audio Addictive Keys virtual instruments.
- Softube Time & Tone Bundle.
You also benefit from a 2-year warranty and impressive customer support from Focusrite.
Controls
Apart from its obvious simple and clean design, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) has a functional well-built device with a +48V switchable phantom power button.
It has a large volume knob for controlling the output and the headphone Jack simultaneously. The 1/4″ headphone output is conveniently located at the front with a headphone amplifier of 30 mW per channel. A balanced XLR Microphone input with a corresponding gain knob close to it.
The switchable AIR mode button along with the direct monitoring button and a to give you a brighter and more open sound. It has 1 balanced TRS line input for connecting with synthesizers with its gain knob, this line can also be used to connect your electric guitar.
At the back of the device are 2 1/4″ channels(Main outputs L and R) interface outputs. They are balanced, which helps to prevent humming or hissing during connection. And also a more convenient USB-C connector instead of the USB type A used in past models.
Sound quality
The audio interface’s improved mic preamps, gain Halos, with total Harmonic Distortion figures kept low helps you set the input level to produce high-quality sound.
The headphone output is great, especially if you use higher impedance headphones, conversely, low impedance headphones don’t deliver a good enough sound quality with the Scarlett Solo(3rd Gen).
A video review takeaway
The audio recording capabilities of the Scarlett Solo are very good. It offers a pretty flat frequency response. The mic preamp is ultra-low noise and it provides a high dynamic range.
The Air mode can give a high-frequency boost while make come in handy. The headphone performance is great with quality, high impedance headphones.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) offers you a handy great audio interface for your recording needs.