Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio (3rd Generation)

Features
Audio Interface
Microphone
Headphones
Specifications

Features

Overview: The Focusrite Scarlett SOLO is a 2 input/2 output audio interface that's part of the Third Generation of Scarlett series professional computer audio interfaces. It features a single XLR microphone input, with Scarlett mic-preamp, along with a 1/4" jack for either Line- or Instrument-level signals, and 2 rear-panel Line outputs. In addition to the audio interface, the Scarlett Solo Studio package also includes a CM25 MkIII studio-grade condenser microphone, a pair of HP60 MkIII professional headphones, a 10' XLR cable, and a plethora of recording software, sounds, and plug-ins to quickly get you started making music.

Audio Interface

24-Bit/192kHz DAC: The Scarlett SOLO employs a high-definition 24-bit/192kHz analog-to-digital converter for exceptional sound quality and recording with up to 111 dB dynamic range. The default sample rate of the Solo is 48kHz.

Scarlett Preamps: The Focusrite Scarlett SOLO is equipped with Focusrite's 3rd generation of microphone preamplifiers for use with all types of microphones. The net result of the Scarlett preamp design is high headroom, low noise, wide dynamic range, extended frequency response, and most importantly, musicality and transparency, with smooth highs, solid deep lows, and everything in between.

• Air: Focusrite's latest 3rd gen Scarlett mic preamps feature Air circuitry, derived from Focusrite's legendary ISA preamps. Activating Air can make guitars and vocals sound instantly brighter and more spacious, with a lustrous sheen that can make a real difference in your mix.

Focusrite Control: All setup and configuration of the Scarlett SOLO is done through the Focusrite Control software, available for Windows and Mac, found here. The Focusrite Control software allows detailed routing of all inputs and outputs with adjustable level controls for each. Many of the front-panel controls can also be selected for adjustment and offer more detailed options in the software than is available from the front panel.

Audio Inputs & Outputs: The Scarlett SOLO includes two front-panel inputs along with 2 rear panel outputs.

• Front Microphone Input 1: A balanced female XLR jack for microphone-level signals. A front-panel switch allows selection of Instrument or Line.
• Front Line/Instrument Input 2: A single 1/4" jack can be used for either Line- or Instrument-level signals (determined by the INST switch setting).
• Headphone: A 1/4" stereo headphone output. Headphone volume is determined by the Monitor dial setting.

USB 2.0 Port: The rear-panel USB port (type-C, 2.0) provides the connection to your computer. The interface is bus-powered via this connection and does not require an external power supply.

Controls: The Focusrite SOLO provides the following front-panel controls.

• Monitor: The Monitor knob adjusts the audio output level from Outputs 1 & 2 on the rear panel.
• Gain 1 & 2: These adjust the preamp gain for audio signals on Inputs 1 & 2 respectively. Both controls have concentric tri-colored LED rings to confirm signal level:
  • Green: Signal level is at least -24dBFS (i.e., signal is present)
  • Amber: The ring turns amber at -6dBFS, indicating the signal is close to clipping.
  • Red: Lights when the signal hits 0 dBFS (digital clipping)
• Phones: The Phones knob controls the volume of the headphone output on the front of the unit.
• 48V: This activates +48V phantom power to both XLR/1/4" combo jacks.
• INST (x2): Switches the corresponding input between Line and Instrument, changing both the gain and input impedance for each. INST can also be selected from the Focusrite Control software.
• Air (x2): These two switches, one for each input, can be used to activate the AIR feature for that input. AIR modifies the frequency response of the input stage to model the classic, transformer-based Focusrite ISA microphone preamps. This setting can also be selected from the Focusrite Control software.
• Direct Monitor: This switch determines how input sources are monitored, stepping between 3 Direct Monitoring modes: Off, Mono, and Stereo. When set to Off, input monitoring is done via the DAW; in Mono or Stereo, monitoring is taken directly from the preamp inputs, eliminating and latency effect. Symbols for Mono and Stereo will light green to indicate either mode.

Included Software Bundle: The Focusrite Scarlett SOLO comes with a powerful software bundle that provides everything you need to record, mix, and master your next project. This software package includes:

• Ableton Live Lite: The Focusrite Scarlett SOLO includes Ableton Live Lite, the industry-leading music-making software. Key features include:
  • Up to 16 audio and MIDI tracks.
  • 4 Software Instruments.
  • Over 1500 sounds (5+ GB)
  • 21 Audio effects
  • 8 MIDI effects
  • VST2, VST3, and Audio Unit support
• Hitmaker Expansion: Features exclusive content from legendary Auto-Tune creators Antares, as well as Brainworx, Softube, XLN Audio, Relab, and more.
• Focusrite Plugin Collective: This lets you receive free versions of the most innovative software as well as discounts.
• Splice Sounds: A three month subscription to Splice Sounds gives you access to millions of high-quality, royalty-free sounds and loops.

OS Requirements: Below are the minimum operating system requirements for the Focusrite Scarlett Solo audio interface.

• Windows 7, 8, and 10
• Mac® OS X 10.12 Sierra, 10.13 High Sierra, 10.14 Mojave, 10.15 Catalina, 11 Big Sur

Specifications:

Supported Sample Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz

Microphone

CM25 MkIII: The included CM25 MkIII microphone is a studio-quality condenser microphone which is ideal for recording vocals and most acoustic instruments. It features a cardioid pickup pattern, allowing it to pick up sounds in front and on the sides of it, while rejecting sounds from behind it. The CM25 MkIII is a condenser type microphone, requiring phantom power to operate. The Scarlett Solo Studio package includes an adjustable microphone stand-adapter that comes with a pre-attached 5/8" to 3/8" thread-adapter for attaching to most microphone stands (not included).

Headphones

HP60 MkIII: The Scarlett SOLO Studio package includes a pair of high-quality professional HP60 MkIII headphones. Featuring an adjustable headband, the HP60 MkIII's are lightweight, durable, and designed to remain comfortable, even when wearing them for long periods of time. The studio-grade headphones include a low-noise, oxygen-free copper cable, fitted with a 1/4" TRS (stereo) jack. A 1/8" - 1/4" adapter is included for use with either type of headphone output.

Specifications

Inputs:

• Front: 1 x XLR, balanced, Microphone-level
• Front: 1 x 1/4", balanced, Line-level
• Microphone Input 1:
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.1dB)
  • Dynamic Range: 111 dB (A-weighted)
  • Gain Range: 56dB
  • THD+N: <0.0012% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
  • Noise EIN: -128dBu (A-weighted)
  • Maximum Input Level: +9 dBu
  • Input Impedance: 3kΩ
• Line Input 2:
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.1dB)
  • Dynamic Range: 110.5 dB (A-weighted)
  • THD+N: <0.002% (minimum gain, -1 dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
  • Gain Range: 56dB
  • Maximum Input Level: +22 dBu @ minimum gain
  • Input Impedance: 60kΩ
• Instrument Input 2:
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.1dB)
  • Dynamic Range: 110 dB (A-weighted)
  • THD+N:  <0.003% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
  • Gain Range: 56dB
  • Maximum Input Level: +12.5dBu @ minimum gain
  • Input Impedance: 1.5MΩ

Line Outputs:

• Type: 2 x 1/4" TRS (balanced)
• Dynamic Range: 108.5 dB (A-weighted)
• Maximum Output Level (0 dBFS): +15.5 dBu (balanced)
• THD+N: <0.002% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Output Impedance: 430Ω

Headphone Output:

• Type: 1 x 1/4" stereo
• Dynamic Range: 104 dB (A-weighted)
• Maximum Output Level: 7 dBu
• THD+N: <0.002% (measured at +6dBu with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Output Impedance: <1Ω

Other I/O:

• USB: 1 x USB Type-C, 2.0

Dimensions: Width = 5.625", Height = 1.750", Depth = 5.250"

Weight: 0.71 lbs.

CM25 MkIII Microphone:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Capsule: Condenser
• Sensitivity: -36 dB ±2dB (0dB = 1 V/Pa @ 1kHz)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Impedance: 200Ω ±30% (@ 1kHz)
• Recommended Load Impedance: >10kΩ
• Equivalent Noise Level: 16dBA (A-weighted IEC651)
• S/N Ratio: 74dB
• Power Requirement: 48V phantom power
• Current: 3mA
• Dimensions: Diameter = 1.80", Length = 6.28"

HP60 MkIII Headphones:

• Type: Closed-back
• Driver Diameter: 50mm (1.97")
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Sensitivity: 98dB ±3dB
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Maximum Power Rating: 1.2W
• Cable Length: 115"
• Connector: 1/8" Stereo (includes 1/8"-1/4" adapter)
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.