Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Overview

Thank you for purchasing this Third Generation Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen, one of the family of Focusrite professional computer audio interfaces incorporating high quality Focusrite analogue preamps. You now have a simple and compact solution for routing high quality audio to and from your computer, and you will also be able to download some exciting new software plugins once you’ve registered the product.

In developing the Third Generation series of Scarlett interfaces, we have made further improvements to both performance and features to allow you to get the best out of your recordings. Audio specifications have been upgraded throughout the unit to give you greater dynamic range and even lower noise and distortion; additionally, the mic preamp now accepts higher input levels.

An important enhancement is the inclusion of our AIR function. Individually selectable on each channel, AIR subtly modifies the preamp’s frequency response to model the sonic characteristics of our classic transformer-based ISA microphone preamps. When recording with good quality microphones, you will notice an enhanced clarity and definition in the important mid to high frequency range, just where it is most needed for vocals and many acoustic instruments.

You can also plug a guitar or bass straight into the dedicated instrument input: its high headroom will let you record without distortion or clipping. Both of the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen's inputs have Gain Halo meters, which makes it easy to set input levels. Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen now has balanced outputs, which means when you connect them to monitors or an amplifier with balanced inputs, your audio will be protected from any hum or interference.

Third Generation Scarlett interfaces are class compliant on macOS: this means they are plug-and- play, so no need to install a driver if you are a Mac user.

This User Guide provides a detailed explanation of the hardware to help you achieve a thorough understanding of the product’s features. We recommend both users who are new to computer-based recording, and more experienced users, take the time to read through the User Guide so you are fully aware of all the possibilities the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen and accompanying software have to offer. If the main User Guide sections do not provide the information you need, be sure to consult support.focusrite.com, which contains a comprehensive collection of common technical support queries.

The Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen hardware interface provides the means for connecting a microphone and an instrument or line level audio signal to a computer running macOS or Windows. The signals at the physical inputs can be routed to your audio recording software / digital audio workstation (referred to throughout this user guide as the “DAW”) at up to 24-bit, 192 kHz resolution; similarly, the DAW’s monitor or recorded output will appear at the unit’s physical outputs.

This lets you record “real-world” instruments into your recording software (DAW) along with – or instead of – any “native” sounds already available within your computer. Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen’s Direct Monitoring feature lets you hear what you are playing in “real-time”, without the effects of computer latency.

The physical outputs can be connected to an amplifier and speakers, powered monitors, headphones, analogue mixer or any other analogue audio equipment you wish to use.

Along with your Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen you should find:

The easiest way to check your computer’s operating system (OS) is compatible with your device is to use our Help Centre’s compatibility articles:

Focusrite Help Centre: Compatibility

As new OS versions become available, you can check for further compatibility information by searching our Help Centre at support.focusrite.com.