Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface

I won't bury the lede here, this is an amazing piece of kit. With gain at maximum the level of background noise from the digitiser is effectively inaudible even when supplying 48V DC to drive a "phantom" powered microphone. I'm using mine to develop a new microphone adapter to upgrade those cheap Chinese imported microphones that make decent donor bodies. I won't ask Amazon to link to the project as it's off-site and you can't buy the board here (yet) but it's on the DIY Perks projects so it's easy to find if you're in a rush. Why would I do this? Well the problem with Phantom power is that a lot of (early) stage mixers are noisy... and I mean really noisy. Studio gear is a lot quieter (live performances are have so much background noise that no one can hear the background hiss). In the studio (or perhaps, outside recording something like birdsong when every dB counts) that hiss is going to get in the way of the really quiet stuff. I paired mine with DT990 Pro headphones and it sounds delicious. The 990's 4.5 rating on Amazon's >15,000 reviews speak for themselves. They're very, very good. While they don't seem sufficiently robust to take the abuse I'd expect in a professional studio, sound-wise, they'd be right at home. And this is where the Scarlett shines. Focusrite produces some of the world's top quality studio gear and that heritage has trickled down to the Solo. When I was into this stuff in a big way, the idea that I could get a studio-quality setup for under a couple of hundred quid (headphones, mic and digitiser) was laughable. And yet, here we are in 2025 and it's not just practical, it's here - and fully portable too! Just add a laptop (Windows, as per usual, is preferred) but it does work with Debian Linux and Audacity albeit with more limited features. And that is the only real "gotcha" that I've noticed. You really have to use a computer to power this little fella or you won't get full functionality - including 48V phantom which is... odd but Waveshare clearly knows what its doing so I'll forgive it that. Getting 48V at up to 12mA (the P48 standard is limiting and demanding) from 5V is no mean feat I can tell you but Focusrite has achieved that without the hideous squeal from a simple Schmitt-trigger inverter and voltage multiplier. (That's technical detail of course, but there ARE cheaper 48V pre-amps that run from little wall warts from the Chinese that add a lovely background whine, replete with harmonics up the wazoo to every recording you make.) So ... bad. Yes. It's details like this that make the Focusrite an absolute MUST BUY for anyone serious about their recording particularly where that instruments like acoustic guitars and human voice is concerned. For rock where volume is the name of the game, a cheaper unit will suffice but most people would outgrow it. But there's more! The Focusrite is beautiful to use too. It just "feels" like a quality product that's going to last. The ability to monitor what you've recorded while recording a new track is an essential for many solo musicians but it's baked in! And better yet (for duffers like me who don't pay anywhere near as much attention to the level meters as I should) the gain control has a VU meter built in. You just set the level by running a test and setting it so the average is just flashing a green ring and you're good. As the level exceeds 3dB the ring goes amber and then red - which means the recording is clipping. A feature that doesn't make sense to me (but will to others) is "Air" which appears to be a treble boost. Something that former Rode chief designer Doug Ford calls "whoohoo" - for "flat" microphones. Focusrite has an excellent reputation and if the rest of its products are as good as this *budget* model that's clearly well-deserved.

This is a perfect interface for someone who needs something small and light, easy to use, and gets the job done, this is the perfect audio interface for them. Its on the cheaper side of interfaces, if you are on a tight budget this does the job but if you have a few quid more, I recommend buying a newer version. It has 48v (Phantom Power) for condenser microphones, one XLR input and one Jack input with 2 jack outputs on the back. There is a headphone jack input however can be a big difficult to use if you have monitors (speakers) plugged into the back as the volume is controlled by the same volume dial. The LEDs can be customised on the focusrite app on computer (if you actually care) Its very easy to set up - it comes with a USB c to USB A cable. It is a good starting interface for the price, but I would recommend spending a bit more to get a newer version as this has some cons (not suitable to use headphones and monitors at the same time) That function isn't built into your interface. You'll need to incorporate an external monitor controller that has I/O switching or a mute function, you can find passive ones for fairly cheap. Google passive monitor controller

Two initial disclaimers before I go onto my review: Firstly, that I have nothing added additionally to the interface (such as a cloud lifter) other than the XLR cables which connect my Shure SM7B, to my interface and into my computer. Secondly, it should be know that although I do like to consider myself to be relatively 'tech savvy', this won't be the most technical review but more so my experience with the affordable interface and the little bits and bobs that could be beneficial to you having understood. Hardware: As expected, there is a rather niche amount of hardware within this product, especially when you're comparing it to the later editions such as the 4th gen. With this said, it still consists of everything that you need and expect to get started as a beginner using an XLR microphone! -XLR input (corresponding gain dial besides it) -phantom power and air mode on the XLR input -TRS input (corresponding gain dial besides it) -0.25 inch headphone jack (large corresponding gain dial besides it) -direct monitoring button Audio Quality: The headphone output within the Solo delivers a quite significant amount of power and allows for good recording capabilities; offering a flat frequency response and having an ultra-low noise from the mic preamp, along with the 'air mode' allowing for an easier high-frequency boost that could be beneficial to some people. Overall, the product is definitely on the more affordable side and although it does slightly show, the demographic being on the beginner end, the product is wonderfully fitting. The product offers a wide array of different technical features that are greatly beneficial to you as a user and, once used, it becomes really self-explanatory why this is used amongst many independent musicians and YouTube/Twitch live streamers to get the most out of their microphones. I hope this helps!

Good product. Easy to connect. No information that I need to install drivers or anything. Would be nice to have had that. Light and portable. Compatible with my OS. Yet to record. Looking forward to seeing how well it does.

If you’re looking for a quality, no-nonsense audio interface then the Focusrite Scarlett absolutely has to be at the top of your list. This is a handy little audio interface that feels well built, has 48v phantom power for condenser microphones, an instrument input jack and a monitoring section to plug your headphones into. It’s bus powered, too, so you can just plug it straight into your laptop and get cracking. It’s best used with a Digital Audio Workstation like Pro Tools, Ableton or GarageBand (for Mac users) but it’s brilliant when used with video conferencing software like Zoom. As a guitar tutor I’ve had to move all of my lessons to an online format, and using this little Scarlett has been fantastic. I plug my Rode NT1A and guitar into their respective inputs and change the preferences on Zoom to utilise the Scarlett and the sound is perfect. It’s crystal clear for vocals and guitar, and allows my students to hear exactly what I’m trying to teach without Zoom’s noise suppression software drowning out the music. In this Solo form, it’s the perfect size for portability and life on the road, and doesn’t take up a lot of space on your desk or in your studio space. The controls are really easy to use and it’s easy to get plugged in and start using it right away; if you’re using it in your DAW, however, you’ll need to do a few extra things. These are detailed by Focusrite on their website and once it’s done, you’re set up for recording music with your interface. Focusrite have pioneered the home recording revolution over the last few years and have made it accessible to so many people, and as an industry professional I can highly recommend this Scarlett Solo. It’s a neat, tidy and intuitive little interface that opens up a whole world of recording possibilities and makes sure your instruments, vocals and equipment sound their best in whatever context you’re working in.

Incredible device. Full practical functionality and professional recording studio results in your home! Monitor direct function essential and using a MacBook works seamlessly with GarageBand. It seems to be quite a lot of money to an amateur but it’s really worth every penny if you value the results which of course are what we are all after. Negligible if not non existent background noise or hum and if you want to get the best out of your dynamic microphone this is it. I haven’t got a condenser mic and frankly with this I don’t need one. It seems well Screwed together and feels like it’s going to last. The only issue that could be improved is it could come with a hard case to protect it when not in use. Don’t buy cheap and be disappointed buy this and be happy!

Great little piece of gear. I use this to connect my guitar to my laptop and use amp Sims.

The only music interface you should ever get! It is worth paying for, even if it is more expensive than other brands. I initially bought another brand at half the price, and it transmitted crackles every time I recorded a phrase. I returned that one, bought this one, and have had no issues whatsoever. A very lovely red colour, with enough ports to record vocals and instrumentals simultaneously. The ports also light up green when it detects sound, making sound-testing easier. Easy to connect up to a PC, and comes with the right cable already. The monitor dial is a useful addition - the burn turns smoothly, and makes adjusting volume a lot easier than doing it on the PC using a mouse or keys.

Brilliant

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ممتاز

Excellent product. High quality preamps

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