Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly audio interface with good sound quality. The preamps are clean, and it delivers a rich, clear sound that’s perfect for home recording, podcasting, or streaming. For its price, it offers excellent audio performance, making it a great entry-level interface.

However, there are a few downsides that should be considered. One of the more frustrating issues is that it occasionally disconnects from MIDI devices without warning, which can be a hassle during recording sessions. This random disconnect means having to reconnect and sometimes restart the software, which can disrupt the creative flow.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the Scarlett Solo doesn’t come with XLR outputs. For users looking for more versatile connectivity, this could be a limitation. However, given the price point, it’s understandable, and the interface still provides great value for what it offers.

Overall, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is a reliable, high-quality interface with some minor flaws. If you can overlook the occasional MIDI disconnect and the lack of XLR outs, it’s a great option for anyone starting out or looking for a simple yet effective audio interface.

To be honest, I don't really have that much to say about the interface. It looks, feels and sounds pretty high-quality, performs well and if you're only looking to record vocals and one instrument at a time chances are you're going to enjoy this interface as much as I did for the longest time.

Two things I'd like to add, however, are that FIRSTLY, if you own headphones with an impendance >100 ohm, I would urge you to maybe look for other interfaces with an integrated amplifier, as the solo doesn't come with a potent enough headphone amp (at least not for my 250 ohm dt770 pros) and, SECONDLY, a problem I DID have with the interface after about a year of using it, is a certain crackle in my monitors when i turn the volume knob, coming from a buildup of dirt behind the volume knob itself. I've reported this to Focusrite and until now they've been very happy to help, I might even get a replacement free of charge because I still am eligible for one due to their warranty. I still felt like including this.

Overall though, pretty decent interface. Would recommend to anybody looking to buy their first or (as in my case) second audio interface. Does it's job very well with no limitations and compromises in audio quality.

I got this interface as an addition to my home studio; I mainly use it to track bass and guitars. All I can really say is that I have no complaints whatsoever!

The design is very nice, the device itself feels very sturdy. The free software perks that are included are very nice as well. Focusrite provides several detailed instructional videos, so installation is also a walk in the park.

PROS:
- Beautiful and sturdy design;
- Easy to install, thanks to Focusrite's instructions;

CONS:
- I guess that a con for some people can be that you can only hook up one instrument and one microphone at the same time. For me this is no problem, since I'm only tracking one instrument at a time.