Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) — Compact Audio Interface for Home Recording

 


Overview

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) is one of the most widely adopted USB audio interfaces for home recording, podcasting, and mobile music production. Designed to be simple, reliable, and great-sounding, it delivers professional-grade audio quality in a compact, bus-powered format that works equally well for both beginners and experienced users who need a clean, no-nonsense interface. The Scarlett Solo is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems, ensuring broad usability, and typically requires no additional drivers for easy plug-and-play operation.

With upgraded mic preamps, Focusrite’s Air mode, and a generous bundled software package, the Scarlett Solo remains a reference point in its category.



Key Features

  • 2-in / 2-out USB audio interface

  • Focusrite mic preamp with Air mode for added clarity

  • High-resolution 24-bit / 192kHz AD/DA conversion

  • XLR mic input with phantom power

  • High-headroom instrument input for guitar or bass

  • Balanced TRS outputs and dedicated headphone output

  • USB-C connectivity (bus powered)

  • Includes Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, Splice Sounds and more

View the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) at Gear4music

Click to open the Gear4Music Official Store (affiliate link)


Sound Quality & Performance

The third-generation Scarlett preamps offer improved dynamic range and lower noise compared to earlier versions, delivering clean and transparent recordings for vocals, guitars, and line-level sources. Activating Air mode introduces a subtle high-frequency lift inspired by Focusrite’s ISA preamps, helping vocals and acoustic instruments sit forward in a mix without sounding harsh.

Latency performance is solid and stable, allowing near real-time monitoring even on modest systems, making the Scarlett Solo suitable for tracking vocals and instruments without workflow interruptions. Setting up the Scarlett Solo for the first time is a straightforward process, with intuitive plug-and-play functionality that first-time users find reassuring. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free start to audio recording, particularly for beginners.

Software Bundle


One of the strongest value points of the Scarlett Solo is its included software:

  • Ableton Live Lite

  • Pro Tools Intro+

  • Native Instruments Massive

  • XLN Audio Addictive Keys (choice of instrument)

  • Splice Sounds subscription

  • Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite

  • LANDR mastering tools

This makes it possible to start recording, producing, and releasing music immediately, straight out of the box.

Who It’s For

  • Home studio beginners

  • Podcasters and content creators

  • Guitarists and vocalists recording solo

  • Mobile or minimalist studio setups

Who It’s Not For

  • Multi-mic recording sessions

  • Users requiring multiple simultaneous inputs

  • Advanced routing or DSP-based workflows


Alternatives for Multi-Input Users

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (4th Gen) — Higher-Capacity Studio Interface

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (4th Gen) is designed for project and professional studios that require a higher channel count and flexible routing. It features eight 4th Generation microphone preamps with up to 69 dB of gain, alongside comprehensive analogue and digital connectivity including ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock.

With Auto Gain and Clip Safe functions, the 18i20 helps maintain consistent recording levels during multi-source sessions, while the updated 24-bit / 192 kHz converters deliver wide dynamic range and accurate signal capture. This makes it well-suited to band recordings, drum tracking, and hybrid studio setups where multiple microphones and outboard gear are involved.

Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre — ADAT Expansion for Multi-Mic Recording

The Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre is an eight-channel microphone and instrument preamp designed to expand existing audio interfaces via ADAT. It provides high-headroom, low-noise analogue preamps with AIR mode, delivering clean and detailed recordings for multi-microphone applications such as drums, ensembles, and live room setups.

Two JFET instrument inputs allow direct connection of guitars and basses, while eight analogue insert points make it easy to integrate external processors. As a dedicated expansion unit, the Clarett+ OctoPre is intended for users who have outgrown basic interfaces and need additional inputs without replacing their core system.




... Back to the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen)



Specifications Snapshot

  • Resolution: 24-bit / 192kHz

  • Inputs: 1 × XLR mic, 1 × instrument/line

  • Outputs: 2 × balanced TRS

  • Headphones: 1 × headphone output

  • Power: USB bus-powered

  • Connectivity: USB-C

  • Warranty: 3 years

Availability

Condition: New
Status: In stock (at time of writing)
Delivery: Next-day delivery available

View the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) at Gear4music

Click to open the Gear4Music Official Store (affiliate link)

Images Credits

Gear4music / Focusrite

Affiliate Disclosure

This article may contain affiliate links. Purchases may earn a commission at no extra cost.

Accuracy Disclaimer

This article is based on manufacturer and retailer information available at the time of writing. Specifications, pricing, and availability may change. Always verify details on the retailer’s website before purchase.

#SAGPro #FocusriteScarlettSolo #USBaudiointerface #homestudiorecording #podcastsetup #musicproduction

Disclosure, Attribution & Accuracy: SAG Pro participates in affiliate programs with selected partners, including Gear4Music, Jackson Audio, EART Guitar, and AliExpress. This article may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, SAG Pro may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the ongoing operation and editorial independence of the platform. All images, logos, and trademarks remain the property of their respective copyright holders. If you are a content creator and wish for credit, an update, or removal of content, please contact me directly. Please note: Images used in this article may not correspond exactly to the products promoted in the affiliate links and are provided for illustrative purposes only. All transactions, product quality, shipping, and returns are the sole responsibility of the respective seller or manufacturer. SAG-Pro does not handle orders or provide after-sales support. Accuracy Disclaimer: This article is based on research and publicly available information provided by the manufacturer and/or retailer at the time of writing. Specifications, features, and availability may change. Always verify details on the official manufacturer or retailer website before purchase. If you notice any factual inaccuracies, please contact the site so corrections can be made. This site uses cookies and may contain affiliate links. By using this site, you accept the Privacy Policy. Read more. The information provided on this blog is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered as purchasing advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before making any buying decisions.

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