Features of 2-channel USB 2.0 audio interface with USB-C connection:
Dimensions (W x H x D): 143 x 45.4 x 96 mm
Weight: 0.382 kg
Hitmaker Expansion Plugins:
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio 4th Generation – a USB-C audio interface for Mac and PC – comes with a balanced line input for connecting synthesizers or other line-level audio device and two balanced outputs, which will most often be used for monitoring purposes. The second input at the rear of the device is designed as an XLR combo socket, making it ideal for microphones. The Scarlett microphone preamp offers superior sound quality, 48V of phantom power, and (as a new addition to the 4th Generation) a re-engineered Air mode comprising the Presence and Harmonic Drive functions. Electric guitars and electric basses can also be connected directly to the jack input and the impedance adjusted accordingly. The Scarlett Solo Studio bundle also includes a condenser microphone, a pair of studio headphones, and a 3m XLR cable. All in all, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio 4th Generation delivers a superb overall package at an attractive price.
Focusrite has earned an excellent reputation during its thirty years of building microphone preamps and, with the addition of the Presence and Harmonic Drive functions, has now succeeded in making the 4th Generation version even more appealing. The optional Air mode Presence adds treble when recording, delivering – in Focusrite's own words – "high-end details for vocals, acoustic guitar or cymbals", and emulating the sound of this traditional British manufacturer's legendary studio console. The Harmonic Drive function boosts mid-range harmonics, making it ideal not only for electric guitars, among other instruments, but also for certain vocals.
As a desktop interface with compact dimensions, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo is primarily suited to singers and songwriters. Powered by USB, the device is lightweight, despite its robust construction, and therefore portable. Simply connect a guitar to the first input, a microphone to the second, and then the recording session can begin! The newly revised Gain Halos (coloured LED rings around the gain controller) make it even easier to manage input levels. Unlike some of the larger models in the Scarlett series, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio 4th Generation is not equipped with a MIDI input and output; however, as many keyboards available today already come with a built-in USB interface allowing direct connection to a computer, this should not pose too much of a problem.
Founded in 1985 by Rupert Neve, Focusrite quickly made a name for itself with high-quality analogue consoles. Today, the company markets audio interfaces, mic preamps, consoles, analogue EQs, and channel strips as well as hardware and software for digital audio processing. The company is based in High Wycombe, England, and has won numerous industry awards. In addition to the Focusrite Pro line, the company also has subsidiaries that include Adam Audio, Novation, and iOS app creator Ampify Music.
For aspiring producers who are looking to start recording immediately after purchasing the interface, Focusrite has also included an Easy Start tool and put together a comprehensive software package comprising Ableton Live Lite, a three-month subscription to Pro Tools Artist, and the Hitmaker Expansion bundle, which includes guitar sounds from the Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555, pitch adjustment options for vocals from Antares Auto-Tune, reverb effects from Relab LX480 Essentials, and the "Addictive Drums 2: Studio Rock" virtual drumming instrument from XLN Audio. The Studio Grand Piano from XLN Audio Addictive Keys is also accessible and the Focusrite Red Plug-in Suite provides an entire channel strip complete with EQ, de-esser, compressor, limiter, gate, and expander. And the icing on the cake: The package also comes with a two-month subscription to Landr Studio mastering tools, allowing those final touches to be added to any project.