Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen – USB Audio Interface Review (Air Mode Audio Samples)

Summary

In this review of the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen), the video explores its hardware design, audio performance, and new software features. The Solo, aimed at entry-level users, delivers excellent audio quality with low preamp noise and solid dynamic range. Key updates include separate volume controls for headphones and main output, along with a revamped software interface. While the Solo shines in terms of functionality and ease of use, its analog gain control limits certain features like software gain adjustments and auto-gain. The high output impedance may also alter sound reproduction for low-impedance headphones, making it less ideal for precise monitoring.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) is a compact, entry-level interface ideal for solo musicians and podcasters needing a single mic input and one additional line/instrument input.
• 🎧 The mic input features ultra-low noise, with a dynamic range of around 113 dBA, making it suitable for a wide range of recordings, including spoken word and singing.
• 🎤 The preamp of the Scarlett Solo outperforms other Focusrite interfaces (2i2 and 4i4) in terms of preamp noise, providing a cleaner signal for dynamic microphones like the SM7B.
• 🔊 The Solo includes an 'Air Mode' with two settings: Presence Mode (brightens sound) and Presence Plus Drive (adds saturation), but it is limited to the mic input only.
• 📶 The device has separate volume controls for main output and headphone output, improving usability and allowing for more precise audio monitoring.
• 🔌 The Solo uses a USB-C connection for reliable data transfer, alongside balanced quarter-inch outputs and an XLR mic input, offering a solid set of I/O options for basic setups.
• 🎚️ The gain control is analog, which provides high-quality audio, but it also means the gain cannot be adjusted via software like the 2i2 or 4i4, and lacks Auto Gain or Save Mode features.
• 📉 While the mic input offers a flat frequency response with condenser mics, dynamic mics may experience slight high and low-frequency roll-off at high gain levels, which is not typically noticeable in practice.
• 🎧 The headphone output has improved power and reduced distortion compared to previous models, but high-output impedance may change the sound of low-impedance headphones.
• 💻 Focusrite Control software allows for easy control of input levels, phantom power, and direct monitoring mix, although the channel labeling can be a bit confusing (mic input labeled as Channel 2).

Q & A

What is the main target audience for the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)?

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) is mainly aimed at beginners in music production or content creation who only need one mic input and an additional line or instrument input. It's designed as an affordable and simple solution for those just starting out.

What new feature does the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) offer in terms of volume control?

The Solo now features dedicated knobs for both the headphone and main output volumes, which was an improvement over previous models that only had a single volume knob.

How does the Scarlett Solo perform in terms of dynamic range?

The Solo has a solid dynamic range of 113 dBA, which is sufficient for most recording needs, including spoken word and singing. It allows for plenty of headroom without introducing unwanted noise.

Does the Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) include an analog or digital gain control?

The Solo uses analog gain control, which means that the gain adjustments must be made directly on the device, not through software. This is different from models like the Scarlett 2i2 and 4i4, which use digital gain control.

How does the preamp noise performance of the Scarlett Solo compare to other interfaces?

The Solo excels in preamp noise performance, particularly with dynamic microphones like the SM7B. Its preamps generate very low noise, making it one of the top performers in this category.

What is the Air Mode on the Scarlett Solo, and how does it affect recordings?

The Air Mode enhances higher frequencies, giving the audio a brighter, more airy quality. It can be toggled on and off, and there are two settings: 'Air Mode' and 'Presence Plus Drive,' the latter adding some saturation and a V-shaped frequency boost.

Is the Scarlett Solo's headphone output suitable for all types of headphones?

While the headphone output is improved over previous generations, the high output impedance may alter the sound signature, especially with low-impedance headphones. Headphones with an impedance of at least 80 ohms are recommended for accurate sound reproduction.

What is a significant downside of the Scarlett Solo’s analog gain control?

The key downside of the analog gain control is that users cannot adjust the gain through software, which limits flexibility. Additionally, the Solo lacks features like 'safe mode' and 'auto gain' that are available in the 2i2 and 4i4.

How does the Scarlett Solo's software compare to other Focusrite interfaces?

The Scarlett Solo uses the Focusrite Control 2 software, which offers useful features like monitoring input levels and managing direct monitoring. However, some users may find the channel labeling confusing, as the mic input is on channel 2 instead of channel 1.

How does the Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) compare to the previous generation?

The 4th Gen Scarlett Solo brings improvements like separate volume knobs for headphone and main output, better preamp noise performance, and enhanced headphone power output. However, it still lacks features like auto gain and save mode, which are present in higher-end models like the 2i2 and 4i4.