So you want to get started recording in your home recording studio setup? You may be asking yourself some questions like: What is the easiest way to get started? What is the best audio interface? How much does a good audio interface cost?
These are all great questions and I’m going to help answer these questions for you. Today we will be doing a Focusrite Scarlett Solo Review. This will be the quickest way to answer all of your questions.
What Is The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface?
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd generation USB Audio Interface is a USB audio interface. Meaning, it is a audio interface that connects to your computer via a USB connection.
What Is A Audio Interface?
A audio interface is a device, (Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen), that allows you to connect your microphone, guitar, keyboard, bass, or drum machine, etc. to your computer for recording purposes.
The Easiest Way To Get Started
The easiest way to get started recording your own tracks is with an audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd gen audio interface. Simply plug the Focusrite Scarlett Solo audio interface into your computer through the USB connection and you are ready to start recording your own music.
This is great if you want to record your guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, or vocal tracks into your DAW software so you can create your own songs.
Getting studio-quality recordings at home has never been easier.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Specs
| Supported Sample Rates: 24 Bit / | 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz |
| Microphone Inputs: 1 XLR With Phantom Power | Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Line Inputs: 1 1/4 inch Instrument Line Input | Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Instrument Inputs: 1 1/4 Instrument Line Input | Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Line Monitor Outputs: 2 TRS Outputs | Dynamic Range (Line Outputs) 108db |
| Headphone Outputs: 1 Headphone Output | Dynamic Range 104db |
How Does The Focusrite Scarlett Solo Audio Interface Work?
As I mentioned above, you just simply plug the Focusrite Scarlett Solo Audio Interface into your computers USB connection to get started. Be sure and follow the Easy Start Instructions included with the Focusrite Scarlett Solo.
Once you have the Focusrite Scarlett Solo connected to your computer via the USB connection you can hook up your studio monitor speakers on the back of the unit. Simply come out of the left and right rear connectors and go straight into your studio monitors.
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo audio interface also has a head phone connection on the front so you can listen with your headphones if you want.
Plug your microphone into the XLR connection on the front of the Focusrite Scarlett Solo interface. If you have a condenser microphone be sure and turn on the phantom power by pushing the phantom power button.
Plug your guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, mixer, etc. into the 1/4 inch line in.
That’s it! You are now ready to start recording your own tracks.
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Generation audio interface is super easy to use and set up.
Can You Make Good Quality Recordings With The Focusrite Scarlett Solo?
Absolutely Yes! If you are capturing your sample rates at 24bit / 44.1kHz -192kHz you will be able to create clean recordings with clarity and detail.
The A/D and D/A converters built into the Focusrite Scarlett Solo audio interface are good quality and will give you very clean recordings.
Engage the Air Mode to breathe extra high end detail into your vocals or miked up acoustic guitar.
What Comes With The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2×2 USB Audio Interface 3rd Generation?
| Avid Pro Tools First / Focusrite Creative Pack: | Hundreds Of Virtual Instrument Sounds, Great Sounding Effects, And 500MB Of Loops |
| Ableton Live Lite: | Industry-Leading Music-Making Software |
| Three Month Splice Sounds Subscription: | Access To Millions Of High-Quality, Royalty-Free Loops, One Shots, & Presets |
| XLN Audio Addictive Keys: | Access To One Of Four Virtual Keyboards When You Register Your Focusrite Product |
| Softube Time And Tone Bundle: | Three Of Softubes Famous Reverb, Delay, and Distortion Plug-ins With A Easy To Use Mastering Tool |
| Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite: | Accurately Models Focusrites Classic Red 2 Equalizer And Red 3 Compressor |
| Focusrite Plug-In Collective: | Receive Free Versions Of The Most Innovative Software, As Well As Benefiting From Discounts. |
I’ve got to give credit to Focusrite here for giving us the hook up on some great free products and software. If you do not have DAW software, well, you do now. You can try out Avid Pro Tools First for free. Or, you may prefer to try out Ableton Live Lite.
If you want to learn more about using royalty-free loops or one shots now is your chance.
Be sure and check out Focusrites Red Plug-In Suite also.
All of the software listed in this starter bundle will probably come in handy for you. Just be sure and sign up with the Easy Start Instructions to get started.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Pros
- Well Built Product – The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is built with a very strong and durable housing. This will ensure long life.
- Excellent Converters – The A/D and D/A converters are high quality 24bit / 44.1kHz – 192 kHz for studio quality.
- Portable and Easy To Use – The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is portable and easy to use. Take it with you wherever you go.
- Awesome Included Software Bundle – Be sure and take advantage of the free software bundled with the Scarlett Solo.
- 3 Year Warranty – Incredibly reliable, Focusrite hardware won’t let you down.
- Compatible With IPAD Pro – Scarlett Solo is officially supported in use with USB-C IPAD Pros.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Cons
- Some Confusion On Setup – According to the reviews, some people have a little trouble getting set up. No worries, just follow the Easy Start Tool to get started.
- No Midi In / Out – Not a deal breaker but if you like to work with midi it would be nice to have some options here. If you are into midi you can still use the Focusrite Scarlett Solo. You will just need to use your midi keyboard USB out and plug into your computer USB port.
Be Aware That The Focusrite Scarlett Solo May Not Require Drivers For Your Setup
Apparently there is a little confusion as to whether or not you will need to install the drivers for the Focusrite Scarlett Solo audio interface.
I recommend that you follow the included directions for an easy setup. Be sure and read through the instructions before beginning your setup process.
I personally have never had any problems setting up an audio interface with my computer or DAW software.
Often times we get in a hurry because we are excited to try out our new cool gadgets and simply overlook the simple instructions.
Just follow the Easy Start Instructions.
Is The Focusrite Scarlett Solo Audio Interface Legit?
Yes! The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is about as Legit As You Can Get. Especially, in this price range. You get studio quality converters and easy portability so you can record wherever you need to go.
I think it’s safe to say the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Generation Audio Interface is a good and safe bet that will serve you well.
My Final Thoughts
If you want to get started recording your own music the Focusrite Scarlett Solo is a great choice. I really like the quality of this product. This is the perfect interface for singer-songwriters, beat makers, and pod-cast artist.
The simplicity of hook up and getting started could not be easier. If you are a beginner this audio interface is perfect and at a very affordable price.
If you want to learn more about what an audio interface is check out my article: What Is A Audio Interface?
The Focusrite Scarlett is not just for beginners. The quality of the converters will attract the professionals also. Like I said, this is a very durable, portable, studio quality audio interface. Be sure and check it out.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Generation USB Audio Interface
$120
Pros
- 24bit / 44.1 kHz - 192kHz sample rate
- Supported On IPAD Pro
- Comes With Pro Software Package
Cons
- Some Confusion On If You Need The Driver
- No Midi In / Out
This is good as I’m actually looking more into streaming, which I’d prefer to deliver as close to professionally as possible. What you’re showing on your site is pretty decent and am now looking into the Scarlett Solo. Also, I’ve shared this with a friend of mine who does music recordings with his family and is looking to upgrade his own recording studio so that he can send better demos to some record labels he hopes will give him a contract.
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo audio interface will certainly give you professional quality tracks. I wish you and your friend good luck in all you are doing with your streaming and his music. This is why I enjoy doing what I do. It’s fun to share stories, hopes, and dreams.
I have another article you might find helpful: Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitor Review. If you need some great studio monitors for an excellent price this may be helpful.
You can record yourself with a guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, or vocal tracks. If I were to start recording music for myself i’d definitely use this its a 3-1 content. It’s usable on a guitar and bass which is perfect and even the drums. This is absolutely a great product and I should definitely get it.
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo Audio Interface is a great place to get started recording your own tracks. I know you will love it!
You may be interested in a good pair of studio monitors as well. Be sure and Check out my article: Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitor Review. This is a great pair of studio monitors that will serve you well. Be sure and check it out!
Hey thanks for the great write-up on this home recording studio interface. I like that it’s so portable and versatile enough to use with guitar or vocals. Ideally, it would be able to handle MIDI as well, but that isn’t a dealbreaker for my current project. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo really looks like a solid choice for the price point!
Hi Aly, I couldn’t have said it better. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is a great little audio interface and perfect for some singer songwriters. like you, I also enjoy using midi and think this would be a welcome feature with the scarlett solo audio interface.
I did put together an article all about home recording studio audio interfaces that you may find helpful. All of the audio interfaces in this review have midi in and out puts. It’s called: The Best Audio Interface For A Home Studio. I think you will find this article very helpful. Be sure and check it out!