[SOLVED!] Focusrite Scarlett Solo Review: Top Reasons to buy this interface

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If you’ve ever done any recording the past, whether at home or in a modern studio, chances are that you’ve already had some of your work done with the use of a Focusrite equipment. Focusrite is a leader in the industry and has created a variety of gear ranging from old designs to modern-day styles. These legendary interfaces can now be easily gotten from virtually every corner of the country.

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is the latest installment of these interfaces. The popular USB audio interface manufacturer has put quite some work into this unit and it promises some of the best features ever. The latest interface was designed from years of recording experience and tone in an affordable package. In this guide, we’ll be taking a closer look at the features and components of the Focusrite Scarlett Solo.

General Description of the Focusrite Scarlett Solo

Design

In the box of the Focusrite Scarlett Solo, you’ll find the attractive red interface. Yes, the design is attractive and features what you’ll find on every standard recording interface. This means you can easily find all relevant inputs at the front of the unit but the outputs are at the back. The exterior of the Focusrite Scarlett Solo is made up of machined aluminum with composite masks found at the front and back of the unit. Due to this, it’s quite tough and can even withstand home use.

The entire size of the unit is compact making it easy to be stored in virtually every corner. You can easily keep it anywhere on the desktop. This doesn’t matter much but the Focusrite Scarlett Solo has far better aesthetics than any other recording interface which you can find. Now, all the Scarlett series share this impressive attribute.

The design team of this unit was focused on functionality, ease of use and overall performance.

Hardware

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo packs some really impressive hardware. Despite its impressive aesthetics, it’s built to be an effective machine. Previous versions had problems with hot pickups but this has been dealt with on this model. On this machine, you’ll find a decent pre-installed microphone preamp. At the front of the unit, you’ll find the XLR input with a gain knob. Both gain knobs can be used to indicate when the signal is too strong.

Making a choice between two channels can be done by flipping the channel select switch. To the right-hand side, you’ll find a monitor level knob, headphone output port, and direct monitor switch. There’s a USB port at the back of the unit. This means that it can be used for data transfer and also to supply power. Also, you’ll find RCA line outputs for your stereo speakers.

Performance

Trying to buy studio gear without many financial resources can be quite a lot. A lot of people would rather spend so much on an audio interface to guarantee it’s quality. However, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo is a low-budget option that you can always trust.

If you need the interface to record vocals, you’ll enjoy doing so with this unit. The Scarlett’s built in the preamp is very clean. Also, it comes with the Phantom power. To do this, you would need to set it to the right gain level and make sure that the ring around the gain knob is green. This is the same thing to do for instruments.

The sample rates of the interface are also quite high; 192kHz / 24 bit. This means that you’re going to like the recording. It will be very clear and high-quality.

Who can make use of the Focusrite Scarlett Solo? 

Basically, anyone can make use of the Focusrite Scarlett Solo. It’s easy to use and is an effective machine. However, it is more suited to buyers with a low-budget option, limited resources or on the move. It’s not too costly and costs less than $200.

Features of the Focusrite Scarlett Solo

  • Attractive and aesthetic design.
  • The exterior is made from machined aluminum with composite masks at the front and back
  • Compact size
  • Pre-installed microphone preamp
  • XLR input with gain known at the front
  • Monitor level knob, headphone output or and direct monitor switch
  • Phantom power is available

Pros

  • The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is quite easy to use. There is really no difficult hardware to use. Everything is pretty straightforward
  • Durable. It’s exterior is made from durable material. This means you’ll get to use the preamp for a long time.
  • Due to the small size of the interface, it can be kept virtually anywhere on the desktop surface. It also makes it quite easy to store the interface.
  • Affordable pricing. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is affordable and offers people with a low-budget a chance to get a clean and high-quality recording.
  • Easy to use. There’s really no much learning curve about this product. Much of it will be learned as time goes on.
  • It’s an interface that you can get for the road. It’s compact and durable for you to travel with.

Cons

  • It can’t be used to set up multiple microphones or output sources. Users are restricted to the use of the available output port. It works better with a lesser load.

Conclusion

A lot has been said about the Focusrite Scarlett Solo. It’s an impressive interface. It’s one of the most consistent, effective and affordable. It’s basically everything that you’ve ever wanted. This interface is not all about the impressive exterior. It has also been designed to be an effective recording machine and it gives clear results. All of the features which are a part of the Focusrite Scarlett Solo.

Its effectiveness has made it popular since its release and people can’t seem to get enough of it. However, its an investment that is worth it. It may not be the heaviest of equipment for professional use but it would still serve a number of other basic functions.