Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen 2-In 2-Out USB-C Audio Interface
The Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is a compact USB-C audio interface that connects a mic and a guitar to your computer: a mic preamp with phantom power on one side, a line or instrument input on the other. Sold on its own, with no mic or headphones, it is for people who already own their gear and finally want to record it properly.
What sets it apart
- 3rd Gen mic preamp with 56 dB of gain
- Switchable line or instrument input, 1.5 MΩ in instrument mode
- Air mode for vocals and acoustic instruments
- Illuminated Gain Halos to read your level at a glance
- Direct Monitor: latency-free listening at the press of a button
- USB-C bus powered, 48 V phantom power
For people who already have a mic and headphones
Plenty of people own a dynamic vocal mic or a good pair of headphones and are only missing the link to the computer. The Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is that link, without paying twice for accessories. Its XLR input takes a dynamic mic as easily as a condenser, thanks to 48 V phantom power.
Direct Monitor and Gain Halos
When you sing while listening through the computer, the slight delay is distracting. Direct Monitor sends the signal straight to your headphones without a detour through the software. Around the gain knob, an illuminated ring shows your level, so you can tell right away whether it is right.
Guitar, bass or keyboard
The second input is switchable: in instrument mode its high impedance suits a guitar or bass plugged in direct; in line mode it takes a keyboard or a drum machine.
Specifications
| Inputs | 1 mic preamp, 1 switchable line/instrument input |
|---|---|
| Outputs | 2 analogue outputs, 1 headphone output |
| Mic gain range | 56 dB, 3 kΩ impedance |
| Equivalent input noise | −128 dBu (A-weighted) |
| Instrument input | 1.5 MΩ impedance |
| Line input | 110.5 dB dynamic range (A-weighted), 22 dBu maximum level |
| Headphone output | 104 dB dynamic range (A-weighted) |
| Resolution | 24-bit / 192 kHz |
| Connection | USB-C, bus powered |
| Software | Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, Cubase LE |
What it's for
- Connecting a mic you already own to the computer
- Guitar or bass direct with an amp simulator
- Recording on a USB-C iPad Pro
- Vocals for video or live streaming
- A second interface for a mobile setup
Compared with other manufacturers
Compact single-mic-input interfaces from other manufacturers:
| Manufacturer | Model | What differs |
|---|---|---|
| Focusrite | Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen | Direct Monitor, Air mode, line/instrument input |
| Universal Audio | Volt 1 | Vintage mode on the preamp |
| Steinberg | UR12 | D-PRE preamp, separate Hi-Z input |
| Audient | EVO 4 | Two mic inputs and Smartgain automatic level setting |
| Behringer | UMC22 | Midas preamp, simpler layout |
Frequently asked questions
- Does the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen work with an iPad?
- Focusrite officially supports it on the USB-C iPad Pro. iPads with a Lightning connector are not officially supported.
- Does it have loopback for recording computer audio?
- No. According to Focusrite, loopback in the 3rd Gen range starts with the Scarlett 4i4.
- Do I need to install a driver?
- Not on a Mac. On Windows the Focusrite driver is required; download it from Focusrite before you first plug in.
- Can I use a dynamic mic with it?
- Yes. The XLR input takes a dynamic mic without 48 V, or a condenser mic with 48 V switched on.
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