Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen

The third generation of Scarlett audio interfaces

In 2019, Focusrite introduced the third update of audio interfaces from its massive Scarlett line. In addition to the improved hardware, the new Scarletts have added an Air button that activates a rather interesting emulation of ISA transformer microphone preamps. When recording in this mode, the readability and purity of the mid- and high-frequency spectrum are slightly improved. Useful for recording vocals, guitars and other acoustic instruments. The considered model Scarlett Solo is the junior representative of this line.

Compact sound card with high-quality sound

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is a compact sound card designed for mobile and home use. It features an updated Focusrite preamp that supports up to 24-bit 192kHz sampling rates and up to 56dB of gain. As the model name suggests, there is only one line input for connecting instruments (6.35 / XLR), but with support for three different operating modes (line, microphone, instrument). Plus, the card has been modernized in terms of connection - instead of the old USB A, USB-C is now used, and the card works without problems with MacOS laptops and computers and iOS tablets. However in the latter case, we are talking only about iPad Pro models.

Ace up the sleeve

In recent years, the game on the market of low-cost sound cards has reached a new level: the cards began to sound more interesting than the low-cost analogs of 10-15 years ago, and the quality of preamps has completely increased. Therefore, additional weapons go into battle, most often in the format of a serious software package. For example, the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen comes with 2 DAWs in the basic version at once - Avid Pro Tools First and Ableton Live Lite. The first is respected by sound engineers and directors, the second is adored by electronic musicians. Both, in fact, are the gold standard and in many ways cover the needs of a novice musician. In addition to both DAWs, the bundle includes a package of sound processing plugins from Focusrite itself, Softube, Relab, Brainworx and other famous plugin manufacturers, several guitar amp emulations, Auto-Tune, a couple of synthesizers, as well as excellent keyboards XLN Addictive Keys and a popular virtual drum kit XLN Addictive Drums.