Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Review

Are you in search of a professional-level audio interface without the hefty price tag? Look no further than the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen!

Featuring 24-bit depth and 192kHz sample rate, this audio interface packs a punch with XLR input, TRS input, LED gain dials, illuminated switches, and a USB-C port.

Plus, it’s available at an affordable price – so you can get studio-quality sound without breaking the bank.

Get ready to experience exceptional sound with the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen!

Key Takeaways

  • The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen features 24-bit depth and a sample rate of 192kHz, providing high-quality audio recording.
  • It includes an XLR input with 48V phantom power and Air mode, as well as a TRS input with a line and instrument level switch.
  • The LED gain dials and illuminated switches make it easy to control and switch between different modes.
  • The USB-C port allows for quick and convenient connection to a computer.

I/O and Controls

With its XLR input, TRS input, LED gain dials, and illuminated switches, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen offers a wide range of I/O and controls. The XLR input is equipped with 48V phantom power and Air mode, while the TRS input has a line and instrument level switch. The LED gain dials on the front panel provide an accurate visual indication of your signal levels, and the illuminated switches allow for easy mode switching. The master control dial lets you set the overall output level, and the headphone output provides a convenient way to monitor your recordings. Additionally, the USB-C port offers a quick and easy connection to your computer, while the balanced studio monitor outputs on the rear panel provide a clean output signal.

Recording Quality

The Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen’s recording quality is top notch. It features a 24-bit A/D converter, allowing for a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz. The dynamic range measured for XLR-in, line input, and instrument input is 111 dB, 110.5 dB, and 110 dB respectively, which makes for excellent sound clarity and accuracy.

The advanced preamps designed by Rupert Neve boost mids and highs of the recording signal, adding life and brightness to the track. All of these features combine to make the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen an excellent choice for any recording situation.

Preamps

Building on the excellent recording quality, the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen also features Focusrite’s signature Air mode on the preamp. This custom-made design by Rupert Neve boosts the mids and highs of the recording signal, adding life and brightness to the track.

The Air mode enhances the audio, making it sound crisp and clear. It’s perfect for boosting signal and making recordings stand out. With the Air mode, the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen offers an even higher level of recording quality than before.

Whether you’re recording vocals or instruments, the preamp helps make your recordings sound their best.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is an excellent choice for recording with its superior audio quality, solid preamps, and affordable price point.

Pros include its 24-bit depth, 192 kHz sample rate, and 111 dB dynamic range. The preamps feature Focusrite’s signature Air mode, designed by Rupert Neve, which adds life and brightness to the track.

Its range of inputs and outputs make it suitable for both home and studio use. It’s also a great option for those upgrading from a previous Scarlett Solo model, as the 3rd Gen offers improved preamps and a USB-C port.

However, some may be disappointed by its lack of MIDI I/O.

Nevertheless, with its impressive specs and features, the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is an attractive choice for recording.

Availability

You can purchase the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen from both Sweetwater and Amazon. Pricing is very reasonable at just over $150 and customers have given it a lot of positive reviews.

Sweetwater offers a one-year warranty, free shipping, and a 30-day return policy.

Amazon customers have rated the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen 4.7 out of 5 stars and have commented on its great sound quality and ease of use. They also appreciate its affordable price tag.

With all these features combined, you get a lot of bang for your buck. The Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is an excellent choice for those on a budget who want great sound quality and reliable performance.

Author’s Experience

As the producer and audio engineer with over a decade of experience, I’ve worked with a wide range of gear and recording techniques ranging from Focusrite to Neve to Universal Audio and more. My expertise allows me to offer precise equipment recommendations for the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen.

The preamps feature Focusrite’s signature Air mode, custom-made by Rupert Neve, which boosts mids and highs, adding life and brightness to recordings.

The A/D converter captures audio at 24-bit depth, with a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz, and a dynamic range of 111 dB, 110.5 dB, and 110 dB on the XLR-in, line input, and instrument input respectively.

Background

Building on my experience with a wide range of recording gear and techniques, I’m well-suited to offer insight into the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen.

The latest in Focusrite’s line of audio interfaces, the Scarlett Solo boasts key features such as an XLR input with 48V phantom power and Air mode, a TRS input with instrument and line level switch, LED gain dials and illuminated switches, and a USB-C port.

Compared to previous generations, the Solo 3rd Gen offers an improved dynamic range of 111 dB, 110.5 dB, and 110 dB for XLR-in, line input, and instrument input respectively.

Additionally, Focusrite’s signature Air mode on the preamp adds life and brightness to the track, which enhances the overall recording quality.

With all of these features, the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is an excellent choice for musicians, producers, and audio engineers looking for a solid preamp and quality recording.

Conclusion

Overall, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality audio interface that won’t break the bank.

Its extensive I/O and controls, great recording quality, and Rupert Neve’s custom-made preamps make it a great investment.

Plus, it’s available for an affordable price at Sweetwater and Amazon.

If you’re looking for a professional sound without the hefty price tag, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is the perfect choice.

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