Why is EVERYONE Buying THIS Audio Interface? Focusrite Scarlett Solo 

Thanks for taking the time to create this! Rest assured, we have plans to replace the plastic bag that's supplied in the box, with a recyclable alternative in the near future.

As a newbie, the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen meets my needs musically, financially and aesthetically (looks cool peeking out from below my computer monitor). It makes me look (and feel) like I know what I'm doing. Never knew $100 could buy confidence and encouragement. Now if I could just find a talent generator for my setup.

We're living in a time where anyone can have access to pro level recording for less than £100, it's amazing

I thought about this one but ended up getting the Mackie Producer 2*2, since I wanted MIDI ports too. About the same price for two combo input preamps, very happy so far.

I got the 18i20 and it’s been wonderful. Plenty of inputs and ADAT compatibility if my GAS gets out of hand. The two headphone outputs are great for mixing with my open back and closed headphones. I’ve got 2 sets of studio monitors and room for more.

I've got the Steinberg UR12 which seems to be the same thing. Required interface that I've used with iOS and now the Mac. Flawless.

I have the soloV2 that ive had a few years and it's been great piece of kit. Especially when you want to record on the go.

Thanx Patrick for the review. I went the solo route just for use with amp software works great, I am sure thunderbolt will be faster but this just works. I spent way too much time reading the comments, we are lucky we have the options we do. I definitely believe the solo headphone amp sounds better than my 424. 🤓👍

By far the best review out there on the solo, and that full mix though! 🤝👍

I've been weighing whether to purchase one of these. Your pitch was persuasive. Thx much.

I´ve just bought the Scarlett 4i4 yesterday. I´m very happy. The sound quality , the construction materials, all the software included... Simply perfect and it is so beatiful... I love it!!

The sound quality is great, it’s one of the cheapest interfaces that offer mono direct monitoring (both channels to both ears instead of 1->L and 2->R) and it comes with a whole host of software. What’s there not to like?

My bro kindly gifted me a Focusrite recently for my new iPadPro and it’s bloody brilliant. It was so easy to plug into GarageBand and ping: it immediately took the signal from my SM58 just for a “One, two!” test. Gorgeous sound just off the SM58. Zero latency. Zero worries.

I have a 2i2, 2nd gen. I picked it over the Behrenger mostly because it was red. That matters more then you might think.

I love the “if you’re a musician who is on the move”. Like i am constantly on the move from my room to the garage if I’m tracking or jamming. 😂

I have use the Scarlet Solo for over 2 years and it's just a very good solid dac and headphone amp and works great, can't say anything bad about it, it just works.

mine is over 10 years oldScarlett 18, is left on all day 24/7 and it still delivers, the pre amps records grand headroom!

I just got myself a 2i2. Nice little piece of kit. A couple of things I wish these came with are a built-in USB hub, and optional external power.

Great video, thanks for putting these in depth looks for us! I’m on the hunt for my first interface and I’m highly considering the Solo, Evo 4 and the M-Audio air/4. I’m pretty much exclusive to iPad creation at this point and just wondering your opinion as to which of the 3 is better suited for iPad/GarageBand production? I’ve also watched your Evo 4 video which is why I’m considering it. Thanks for your time! 🤘🏼

I came very close to buying the Scarlet 2i2 but went with the comparable Presonus 24c because I like their DAW, Studio One. The upgrade to the pro version was extremely reasonable. If Focusrite had a similar deal with Ableton Live I might have chosen differently.

I had bought the Scarlet 18i20 2nd gen. Love it and use it with my iPad Pro 2020

My gen1 Scarlett is still going strong. Can vouch for the sturdy build quality

Absolutely on the money! Love my solo and no reason in my opinion to upgrade. For me, it comes into its own with recording acoustic guitars and using one channel xlr and one channel for Jack input. Gives you options to blend the sound as you want!

Thanks for a great video, I’ve dabbled with using an old rockband guitar interface and Apple camera / usb adapter to my iPad Air 3 and it made me want to upgrade to something a bit better so I’ve just taken the plunge on the Scarlett solo 3rd gen - can’t wait to try it out

I have the basic Steinberg UR12 and have had it for years and I love the thing. I do love those buttons that light up on this one. Maybe next time. Great review my friend.

I have the Steinberg UR12 and it works just fine too. There's not much difference between these things, as long as they work properly.

Literally, right now, as I'm watching this and was figuring out which interface to go with as an upgrade from my old Peavey Xport--the 3rd gen is on Amazon for £75. No brainer right now. Thank you for this video!

For example I want to run stereo left and right signal into the DAW on my laptop. The Focusrite Scarlette 2i2 Gen 3 fits that description perfectly.

Bought the 8i lately, no regrets. Great device. Thanks for your reviews.

The main reason Focusrite is ahead of competition is because of their control software that comes with the box. You can route virtually any input to any output. Other cheaper audio interfaces and USB mixers can't do that despite providing more inputs/outputs. You can even save and load your favorite configuration. This is a hidden feature that I discovered recently and totally blown by it!

Had one now for 18+ months - though only used the line in for electric guitar - very happy with for the price

I got this brand because it was recommended to me in the beginning. It was the beginning of me trying to upgrade my own RU-vid channel. It was cheap and had good reviews so I bought it. I’m definitely not disappointed with it but I’m sure that there are better options that cost more money but why spend more when I’m happy with what I got? Definitely a really cool video and I appreciate you making it.

I've got one. Worked with Windows no issues. Whereas the Audient ID14 I had previously had massive driver headaches (and their customer service sucked). I play guitar and this works well with amp sims like Helix Native etc. No chirping or cutouts which can happen with bad drivers (or ancient CPUs). I am sure there are higher end interfaces but this one has been fine at my level.

I tried the Scarlet interface but wasn't too happy with it. The Claret was really good for the price though and I can use the ADAT cable to get 8 more XLR preamps from my Midas stage box. I wish it had two ADAT inputs so I could take advantage of the 2 ADAT inputs on the Midas stage box.

Thank you for the excellent video and great audio examples! Could you please provide your feedback on the audio drivers performance (Windows 11 here) and an example of a latency value with a particular buffer setting?

Your videos are informative, I'm looking for an audio interface to use my PC as a guitar amp , record and all that fun stuff, I'm just thinking of getting a decent used second gen Focusrite instead of the budget alternatives are the second gen still good for my purposes cheers

I’ve had my eye on these for sometime, need to upgrade my outdated interface. You just confirmed the quality is there Patrick 👍Great review sir🎸🎸

Also worth mentioning, if used with a regular iPad/GarageBand that you a) because you don’t need to plug the Scarlett into the wall (it takes bus power from the iPad) and b) you can’t plug your iPad into the wall either (without adding a power hub into the chain) because the Scarlett is already using the USB C port, you are completely mobile. Free of any need for wall power. Fabulous for recording environmentals outdoors for example. And I find my iPad battery runs for well over ten hours even ruining the Scarlett. Its the easiest and most mobile recording set up I’ve ever had. Even if you have a fancier interface this is so cheap and versatile, and easy to use, that it’s worth having one just for back up and field work. Looking back had I been able to buy an interface like this when I was starting out I wouldn’t have known I was born!

Still rocking my Focusrite 2i2 2nd gen!

Nothing wrong with the 212 3rd Gen, it's my first interface and i love the sound quality. It's a great hardware and very good priced aswell

I’ve got a solo and a 2i2 both bought 2nd hand for about £40 - £50 . They just work great and are simple to use with my Mac

This is undoubtedly a great interface. Unfortunately, the lack of independent volume controls for the headphones and monitors means that you have to disconnect the monitors when using headphones for recording. If this is an issue, then the 2i2 would be a better bet. Otherwise highly recommended.

There is a wally market down my street that's selling a focus rite and a swell fret dressing. Believe you must buy both immediately.

I had to give up on my 2i2, because I began getting a delay effect which would not go away, no matter whether I restarted my PC, unplugged then restarted the PC, I tried everything. My local music store, miraculously, had some Mackie Onyx interfaces (mom and pop store in a small town), so I bought one. Getting the driver was effortless from their site, and I'm glad I got it. There's no perceivable latency, even under a buffer setting of about 500. The Focusrite, I was forced to use settings to the edge of clicking and wobbling, and there was still a bit of obvious latency. Where has Not Focusrite been all my life?

I've been using a Gen 2 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 at home for almost 4 years now. Coming from a weeny 1st Gen Presonus Audiobox USB? It was a chalk & cheese gamechanger. The preamps on the Scarlett are just fantastic IMO. Not sterile, but not over colored either. Even though I initially cut my old teeth upon the analog gear of yore, and personally experienced the sometimes tumultuous rise of the "affordable" AD/DA interface market for the masses? This interface was, without hesitation, exactly what I needed when I first purchased it. Full Stop. Color me shamelessly "brand loyal" henceforth. Haha! Cheers! Excellent content BTW Mi Amigo : )

I got the Solo with the Studio bundle, great value for money. Both the headphones and the microphone are much better than what would be expected at the price.

I bought Behringer UMC22 and believe me is working well with my SM7B and also I have SSL 2 this what I recommend.

I REALLY REALLY liked the electric guitar sound demo using GB amp sim.....could you tell us what amp and effects that you used?? Please.

I’ve had an irig 2 for about a year or so.. I think it has a short in the headphone jack but it doesn’t present itself as an issue very often

Excellent run-down of the Scarlett Solo. Bonus points for the use of the words ba’ hair and sooked. I’m still using my old Focusrite iTrack Solo. Similar to older Scarlett Solos, but with the added advantage of a lightning cable so I don’t need the camera kit. I expect I’ll upgrade someday, but for now, it works for me.

I also use the Scarlett Solo with a Rode NT1 mic. Love the quality of my recordings at such a fantastic value

I've got an 18i8 and it's awesome. Used to have a Sapphire, which was awesome too, but they discontinued it.

I went for the Presonus bundle, I’m very happy with it although I have never tried anything else PreSonus AudioBox iTwo Studio Bundle, interface, microphone, headphones & monitors with software including Studio One Artist, Ableton Live Lite DAW and more for recording, streaming and podcasting £170

I've got a bunch of interfaces. My studio has a nice, rather high-end Metric Halo. My live and streaming rigs live and die by the Focusrite Scarletts - the 18i20 and a 2i2. They just work, are cheap, easy to get, and can handle a ton of abuse. I've dragged my 18i20 all over the place and smacked it around in a variety of clubs and bars and baggage claims and it just keeps going. It's just...handy.

Thank you for the explanation. Is this device useful only while recording or does it help for live shows also.

Spent all my money on an iPad Pro M1, and the attendant hub/dock (Belkin F4U095 - both are pre-owned items). I already had a jam guitar interface, and had bought a MIDI interface iRig make. Because of this, I have struggled to find a use for this type of interface, that everyone buys! I know this particular one does not have MIDI, but I mean the ‘big brother’ ones you showed alongside. I considered carefully what money should be spent on and came to the conclusion, that with a qwerty keyboard (wired of course, for instant connection to iPad), and a USB hub, and a backup drive, and a speaker output needed, and the need for ‘thru power’ (only a single Thunderbolt connection on this M1 iPad), it became a logical inevitability I’d buy the Belkin dock, before any interface. So even though I solely buy my iPad Pros based on music creation, I still opted for an organically-grown couple of single-purpose interfaces and in the end a Thunderbolt Dock to act as my interconnection rather than a Scarlett type device. In other words, I realised, the IT side of it had to be attended to, as it facilitates backups and provides most of the I/O that a Scarlett would. There are however, tiny niche aspects I cannot resolve, but I accept these: I cannot record stereo music tracks into GarageBand, that Apple Corp and Sony UMG wouldn’t like me to (!); and I cannot easily make my actual iPad Pro M1 speakers be used, without unplugging the single connection there is, out of it (a pukka Thunderbolt cable 20/40Gbps the customary short length). These are shortcomings I live with - I can record music tracks in mono into GarageBand, and I can use earbuds or my big busker speaker/amp combo (QTX) which has the necessary electronics to turn my stereo output of the Belkin dock, into a mono, summed properly inside of it. If you have ever tried just using cables, you will have heard it’s like the track has been ‘remixed’ and this is a well-known thing, if proper ‘summing’ is not deployed in turning stereo to mono. Technically of course, every mono mix is a different mix to a stereo one anyway, as many of this community will be aware. So, these interfaces like the Scarlett, I have looked at - and even bought a 2i4 one brand new when it was a thing, but never pulled it out of the polybag. In the end, computer technology and music technology, are so intertwined in the modern way to make music - whether we choose to make ‘modern music’ or older generations of music is another matter - there is a blurring of exactly where audio signals are better or needed, instead of digital signals as opposed to digital audio per se. I struggled for the immediate week after I bought the used M1 iPad, before wrestling the concept to the ground that I MUST purchase a suitable hub or dock. I further wrestled with the research of which one - and no surprise, settled on the Belkin brand who make lots of Mac-compatible hubs/docks. Tip: do not buy the ones they say are ALSO PC compatible, they have some glitches with Apple devices! Focus, right?! One product, one job, it has to work, or you hand it back. It’s so odd, that it takes Belkin to be the best here, because they too are California based. what happened to the Global Village. Somehow, being almost next door to Apple DOES mean your kit suits it better! I think, they must talk a lot about work at these cool Cali bars. Thanks Patrick, for the demo and overview. I liked the Scarlett jangle.

Thanks Patrick for this great response to my query. I’ve pondered over the cheapies but I know I need to go for this Solo.

My focusrite 2i4 had a spurious burst of static every time the volume knob was used. The company tried to pretend there was something wrong with my setup. I bought another make, installed it the same way and have not had a problem since.

I’m looking for something small and compact can I can use for RU-vid live streaming would this fit the bill or do I need Maxwell?

Yup, I went for the Solo as well ; as a package with a mic, stand and phones (though not 100% content with the Sure PGA48 mic and might upgrade to a Rode)

Those free softwares came with the package, also a huge plus though!

Is the instrument connection stereo? I'm looking for something to record a keyboard or electronic drums with that can handle the stereo output of those line level audio devices.

Here's me today, looking at this device on the internet, for the last couple of hours, and bumping into your channel, again. Gold! 🤗 Is this gonna work using Logic pro X btw? Danke schön , Patrick!

I got the 4i4 and it does it’s job well.

do you think the metal panel helps with wireless interference? I've been using a USB microphone and a cassette to mp3 recorder , they both love recording crackling from my router's wifi signals

Hey mate, i just need some help rn. I’m interested in getting an audio interface for my electro acoustic guitar. Seems like focusrite solo might be a good choice. But my concern is will i be able to use apps like ampli tube or tonebridge with my electro acoustic guitar with this audio interface on my ipad pro to achieve the effects? Since most of the time I’m able to see people doing them on electric guitars only. As well as if I’m using the focusrite solo with the ipad pro by chance the effects do work on electro acoustic guitar, where will the audio be projected? Through my ipad speakers or do i need an amp or external inputs to hear them? Thanks in advance to whoever replying my question.

Hi, first of all thanks for the great review. I am slightly confused tbh as I do make music and usually I use my mixer. Synthesizers plugged in by left and right stereo jack to the mixer. But this box only seems to ha e one input jack. I would not be happy with mono sound. So don't understand why other people are. I have heard my synths plugged in by one jack and it certainly sounds better with two plugged in.. so I don't understand why there is only one input for a jack plug not stereo. Also I never used this XLR connection before. Would that be a better way to connect things up than jack plugs? I usually use a USB box type device to ply rca cable from the mixer to this thing and USB from this small audio device box to the pc. It sounds not bad at all. But wondering maybe I should be using XLR instead and maybe benefit me to buy one of these scarlet solo things. But as said I don't want to just plug one jack plug. As sometimes I use pan on mixer and that will be ruined by only plugging one jack plug.

I don't use mine for creation. Use mine for webex and zoom meetings because computer audio is garbage. Connect my condenser large Diaphragm Microphone and Phantom power the air mode and have the unit install, done. Works great. Perfect on the go too. Fits in the computer bag along with Microphone and cable boom arm to desk and clamp. One man show in bag along with my Sony a6400 and monopod hdmi to usb video converter and all set. Focusrite always works, sounds reasonably well, and easy on the budget. Perfect for on the go professionals looking for better sound in a small reliable package.

Get a used Focusrite 8 pre x.....I have one, and it’s almost on par with my Red.....seriously, it’s very good....

There are 2 reasons it is so popular. It's been around for a long time and there is a decent amount of brand recognition associated with the red chassis. It's also the interface I most often see bundled with headphones, cables and an entry level mic. Possibly because Novation/Focusrite is a big company with a large portfolio of products. So they get along very well with retailers. Personally I think of the Scarlet line as amateur hour stuff. I prefer MOTU M series. Much better conversion. Or the UAD Apollo line with even better conversion. But then I like features like digital IO, MIDI ports etc.

Scarlet! Solo! Scarlet! Solo! SCAAAAARRRrrrrrr LEEEeeeettt SOOOLOooooo-uhhh! Genuinely been singing this all morning! 😂

Can you use your iPad speaker as monitor when you're recording an eletric guitar (Does sound come out of your iPad?)

What about latency ? I was happy with apogee duet 2 until my MacBook needed upgrading and ever since ..

Ooh what was the second last chord on the first demo it’s was SO pretty

do you think it will work on an Electronic drum? Thanks

My friend recommended this and I owe him an espresso! Totally awesome.

The kit is beautiful and straightforward. It's not reinventing the wheel.

Its very good value for the money, the recordings sound very good and it also comes with a collection of vst's that cost more then the interface itself.

Was going to buy an Audient interface, but I’ve heard so many things about issues with Windows. Went with this instead and it’s well worth it for the price tag.

I've had a fantastic experience with the scarlet 2nd generation for 7 years

I’m still rocking the 6i6 1st gen!

This is my go to. It holds up against my ssl interface. Its more convenient to move around with my laptop. Records clean enough to add ssl plugins etc and alongside a st69 tube mic that i scored for $100 it sounds pretty dang good. Even in my noisy living room. My ssl is in my main studio. But the solo is very good quality. Probably the best bang for your buck.

My homie made professional quality music with this like 8-9 years ago. I recently bought 1, and it’s pretty dope. Especially the air button

Just switched to m1 silicon. Thw first gen scarlet interfaces dont work with the new chip architecure. Just something to keep in mind.

Focusrite rules!!! I haven’t looked back since my 2i2 🤘🏻

Have been running my Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen with Garageband on my M1 Mini with great results apart from one glitch. Waves Clarity VX seems to clash with the Scarlett somehow causing sample errors on Garageband rendering Clarity useless. It works when the Scarlett is not plugged in on the mac mini speaker fine. Similarly, no issues with sample rate when Clarity plugin not engaged. Waves and Focusrite tech support each blame the other. I'd be interested to know if you can detect the same error on your setup....

because I could not use my old Line 6Toneport X1 on my new Mac mini I bought last week also the Scarlet 2i2. The sound quality is so MUCH better ! it is really amazing

I was debating between a Motu and Focusrite 2 years ago. Ended up with a Motu M2. Then upgraded to SSL 2+ last year. :)

I bought a UA volt to travel with and use a Steinberg UR242 for home. For home, the steinberg offers loopback audio so you can capture desktop audio for streaming. And stop whining, are your glasses recyclable?

I used many focusrite, Motu, m-audio , presonus, e-mu, steinberg, rme, UA, behringer, interfaces throughout past 15 years. I would highly recommend RME, UA is ok, if on a budget: MOTU M4 or M2. Stay away from focusrite and behringer. Focusrite Scarletts have unstable drivers especially on windows. the 4 XLR channel scarlet has hardware monitoring only on input 1 and 2. When every single other interface on the market has hardware monitoring for all XLR inputs. Also had one scarlet that was introducing audio pops and clicks into signal chain when the interface mixer was open. There are many more reasons, but for now that’s the only ones I can remember. But… Of course there will be some people saying “have been using scarlett interface for xx years without any issues”.. good for them.

I was going to buy this interface, but the pre amps just don’t compare to Audient. Focusrite if you’re listening, upgrade your pre amps, and add some some XLR/TRS ports to the rear of the interface and I would buy in a heartbeat.

I've had Gen 2 for years and I bought because at the time this was the one recommended by several RU-vidrs. Sure there were cheaper ones but as the adjective states, they also 'looked' cheap. Saving a few bucks here was not wise as it would compromise sound and durability.

I bought a Steinberg UR-44 because it has MIDI In & Out ports on the rear panel. Focusrite Scarletts do not have MIDI In & Out ports, which is a huge no go for me. 😘

I had one, and it’s great, but I bought a Universal Audio Volt, and the 76 compressor built into the UA Volt is far better sounding in my opinion.

Someone needs to make an instruction video on how to connect audiobus 3 with irig recorder with one of these focusrite interfaces....I can't get my setup to work....in irig recorder the audio quality is greyed out leaving me with no audio recordings. Using a IPHONE 13 with Bias FX2

Hi ,I have scarlett solo, and its not working in amplitube , theres sound output when playing on normal apps like youtube when im trying the intrument like for guitar theres no output,I have already selected asio and the focusrite as input and output and no sound still coming out from guitar

You pay your money you take your chances. I'll stick with my Apollo 8xp.Unison preamps. Plus its now native with spark. Mac mini x2. And MY EARS plys my ssl uf8. the silk button is just a high mid eq boost that you end up eq'n out in the mix anyway. I'll say it's good for getting an idea down on a tour bus or hotel room.

dont go behringer if your expecting sound quality, sure i can throw the thing against the wall and it still works but i prefer my focusrite especially since i play a single coil guitar

If I use this will it improve in background noise removal?

I think focus rites reputation is really what making them so popular. I'm stuck between getting a 2i2 or a 4i4, just hard to find a 4'4 second hand