Last Updated: November 25, 2018 (Refresh Now)
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools First
Last Updated: November 25, 2018 (Refresh Now)
8.0
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
880
Old Reviews
176
Unverified
131
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2048 GB
MEMORY
Review Analysis - 573 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Sound Quality
122sound quality, interface, latency, distortion, robotic
+70%
-30%
" ... Even though the control software wasn't immediately intuitive and some programs needed some finicking to interface properly the build quality, sound quality, and overall experience have been very positive. ... "
" ... The included plugins sound awesome in Reaper. ... "
" ... good for producing music ... "
" ... The sound it delivers is pristine, and the construction quality is superb. ... "
" ... (he is also loves their high end interfaces) Is it professional/studio level sound quality? ... Irig HD is surprisingly good for what it is, but this definitely has a much better sound quality and way more adjustability/capability. ... Has a lot of adjustability for the inputs and sound output. ... Very good sound quality with guitars, haven't really tried anything else. ... "
" ... Or is if use my old preamp (and its phantom power) and then use instrument input, I can hear it. ... "
" ... I can't get over the color indicator for optimal sound level / avoiding clipping. ... "
" ... I just upgraded from an m audio interface and the difference is remarkable in the sound quality not to mention the improved latency. ... "
Software Platform
76interface, windows 10, windows, driver, focusrite
+53%
-47%
" ... You simply won't go wrong with this interface. ... "
" ... Excellent interface, completely satisfied with it. ... "
" ... It's a very solid interface, very easy to use, works well on Mac OS. ... "
" ... Configures nicely with all my software. ... "
" ... In windows 10 are rare glitches, please update or upload a patch ... "
" ... You will need to download the 'management' software because you can't customize things like monitor feeds and such without it . ... "
" ... Using it with a Linux Ubuntu OS in a Lenovo X220 laptop. ... "
" ... I thought this came with the full version on Ableton Live . ... "
Ease of Use
67easy to use, software, user, easy to set, focusrite
+91%
-9%
" ... You simply won't go wrong with this interface. ... It's very easy to set up and to use. ... "
" ... Excellent interface, completely satisfied with it. ... Overall, I highly recommend this interface. ... "
" ... It is relatively simple to set up and use. ... "
" ... For the price, you won't find a better 8 mic pre interface. ... "
" ... This is my first experience with an audio interface. ... "
" ... If you want a system that is easy to use and can make flawless recordings, this is the one to get. ... "
" ... It's perfect for home studios and beginners. ... "
" ... BEST INTERFACE TO ORDER!! ... "
Product Reliability
61years, interface, focusrite, scarlett, defective
+39%
-61%
" ... This little box has caused me nothing but a headache. ... "
" ... It's 2017, not 2007. ... "
" ... This is My second Focusrite because my first new one failed also. ... "
" ... However, my Scarlett Solo started failing within 2 days. ... I wanted to like this product because I've used Scarlett interfaces before but this one died on me within 2 days of using it. ... "
" ... It just broke and stopped working if you want it for a month its fine but any longer it wont work ... "
" ... My Scarlett has been nothing but horrible issues. ... "
" ... This unit has not worked properly since day one. ... This INTERMITTENTLY CRASHES EVERY COMPUTER I TRIED IT ON. ... AND IT CORRUPTED FILES ON MY COMPUTER CAUSING CRASHES. ... After a month of wondering why my computer keeps crashing, I finally had to get my IT guy to figure out what was going on with this and he told me he has seen many problems just like mine with this unit. ... Whenever I bought anything from Amazon, I NEVER had an issue returning defective products. ... "
" ... Recently Purchased krk 8 speakers & I can't even listen to music when my setup is plugged in headphones works great but after 4 months I was able to purchase Studio monitors & this happens I have an old kompleteAudio interface & works perfect bought this for nothing I don't recommend if you are planning to connect studio monitors ... "
Drivers
58driver, windows, focusrite, windows 10, download
+24%
-76%
" ... Their drivers are useless and the "fixes" they suggest leave your system wide open (disabling antivirus, disabling DAP, etc). ... "
" ... Not sure if it's a compatability/driver issue with Windows like so many other people also have or just a lemon. ... "
" ... 3> No dedicated driver instead relying on Microsoft's generic Windows drivers. ... "
" ... Drivers re-installations haven't fixed a thing and the product just does not perform to expectations. ... "
" ... Windows drivers will limit this to 48Khz/24-Bit. ... "
" ... I received the device and tried to register in order to download drivers. ... Otherwise a one star is assigned because the device does not work without drivers. ... "
" ... No driver update helped, nothing. ... "
" ... Very little customer support, the drivers are terrible. ... "
Device Compatibility
57windows 10, macbook pro, logic, windows, protools
+68%
-32%
" ... It's a very solid interface, very easy to use, works well on Mac OS. ... "
" ... - Apple/Mac compatible ... "
" ... Well, we gave it our first run yesterday and it worked like a dream through my iMac. ... "
" ... Works flawlessly with my MacBook Pro running logic. ... "
" ... my go to device when I'm recording into my laptop or computers. ... "
" ... Pretty much a plug-and-play with my MacBook Pro! ... "
" ... I use this to to connect my mic to my surface pro. ... "
" ... Works in Mac and Linux at ridiculously low latency out of the box. ... "
Apps
46interface, pro tools, daw, free software, focusrite
+57%
-43%
" ... It came with Alberton Live 9 which is way more than what I need and like more DAW apps, they take time to learn. ... "
" ... I think there are better products on the market for those applications. ... "
" ... You will need to download the 'management' software because you can't customize things like monitor feeds and such without it . ... "
" ... Comes with a ton of music-related software. ... "
" ... looking into simpler compatible software. ... "
" ... Compatible with all DAW Software! ... "
" ... Works with Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Amplitube 3, Reaper, and Garageband. ... "
" ... Very good interface! ... "
Price
41price point, interface, studio, price range, budget
+85%
-15%
" ... I highly recommend this unit if you're looking for an audio interface in this price range. ... "
" ... Just the software alone is worth the price. ... "
" ... Probably not, but it's also not hundreds or thousands of dollars. ... I paired it with some JBL LSR305s and now I have a very nice set up for very little money. ... "
" ... It has a good reputation and the sale price was fantastic, so overall all I am pleased. ... "
" ... It's a steal at the list price. ... "
" ... For me this product as been a great deal for the price given the value that I get from them in my small home studio. ... "
" ... Great Product for the price! ... "
" ... All in all a magnificent bundle of hardware and software at this price point. ... "
Setup
39install, focusrite, plug and play, easy to use, support
+79%
-21%
" ... It took an hour or two to set everything up and it will take someone with some technical knowledge to do it all correctly. ... "
" ... The setup took longer than I expected but that was just getting the free included stuff installed. ... "
" ... Pretty fast delivery, and product is as expected, easy setup. ... "
" ... Great little set up! ... "
" ... Setup for some of the software bundle was kinda a pain but it is a great unit. ... "
" ... versatile and easy to use, plug n play pretty much, any one could figure it out, beyond that it powers my mic and has an input for my guitar . ... "
" ... The whole set was well packaged and looked brand new no doubt. ... "
" ... Was easy to connect and now I have 8 pre's at 5ms latency. ... Motu has great directions on the web how to setup their devices for ADAT, a bit more complicated but they work, follow them exactly. ... "
Ports
36focusrite, input, xlr, usb 2 0, inputs
+72%
-28%
" ... Best device for turning XLR into USB. ... Recommend using Y adapter XLR cable ... "
" ... I replaced another USB interface (a mixer) with this unit and I'm glad I did. ... "
" ... Focusrite USB Audio Sound Card: A great product overall, nice pre-amps and a good assortment of inputs and outputs.on the Scarlett 6i6 model. ... "
" ... This is because the device records Stereo imaging through a Mono port. ... Additionally, I have found that after using a XLR Y splitter cable to make a single input play through both XLR channels that my audio has improved for those listening on the other end as well as allowing me to hear myself in Stereo mode (trust me, it drives you nuts). ... 3) Using an AUX to Phono adapter will allow you place headphones directly into the balanced phono port on the front of the Focusrite. ... This device with plug directly into your Focusrite and use the red USB type B cable that came with your Focusrite to plug directly into your Purifier 2 (sandwich style). ... "
" ... Plenty of ports that I'd probably never use, but good to have regardless. ... "
" ... You can either route the mixer through voice meter banana or a virtual audio cable OR you can unplug it and plug it back in when your friends cry about the static. ... "
" ... 2 inputs, one for a mic and one for whatever you can connect with a 1/4 inch jack. ... "
" ... USB Charging Adapter ... Computer with drivers through USB hub. ... Computer with drivers through powered USB hub. ... "
USB
28usb 3 0, usb 2 0, interface, plug and play, focusrite
+64%
-36%
" ... Best device for turning XLR into USB. ... "
" ... I replaced another USB interface (a mixer) with this unit and I'm glad I did. ... "
" ... This device with plug directly into your Focusrite and use the red USB type B cable that came with your Focusrite to plug directly into your Purifier 2 (sandwich style). ... "
" ... A well-made product for a USB audio interface, which includes some free software and sample downloads with it. ... "
" ... Computer with drivers through USB hub. ... Computer with drivers through powered USB hub. ... "
" ... It connects via usb. ... "
" ... I was hesitant to try out another USB Audio Interface, but so far this little unit has worked surprisingly well for VST instruments. ... "
" ... Honestly, this is the first time using a USB audio interface and hence I can't compare with other products. ... "
Returns
26returning, going, back, returned, rma
-100%
" ... I have now returned and reordered this product and it still does not work. ... "
" ... Cant find a way to get this returned . ... "
" ... Either way, I'm going to be returning this and picking up an Audient ID4 instead. ... "
" ... I've had it 4 months so I'm outside my return window. ... "
" ... I regret not selecting that one, and not returning this one before discarding the box, lesson learned. ... "
" ... They have a 30 day return policy. ... "
" ... Bought it on Amazon and returned it. ... "
" ... i'd return it but i waited too long while trying to fix it. ... "
Build Quality
24knobs, build, scarlett, metal, preamps
+88%
-13%
" ... Came packaged tight and without any surface blemishes. ... "
" ... High quality build too, it's quite heavy and durable for those who would bring it out to practice spaces or mobile studio owners. ... "
" ... First, quality is excellent with sturdy yet flexible cabling. ... "
" ... The best course of action is to make sure that your equipment is A) grounded, B) securely outfitted with surge protection, helps as a first defense against ground loop when using utilizing a quality product, C) invest in the iFi Purifier 2, this not only helps by correcting any major frequency imbalances by offsetting them with the necessary frequency to cancel the effects altogether, but also improves the quality of your sound simultaneously. ... "
" ... It feels very dense/solid/durable. ... "
" ... It is a quality piece of hardware. ... "
" ... Finally, the build itself is good and has a stable bottom grip. ... "
" ... The knobs all feel great. ... "
Marketplace
23thank, seller, focusrite, amazon, service
+74%
-26%
" ... Great item, but seller VitaBeaut ain't that great . ... "
" ... Thank Focusrite for this bundle! ... "
" ... I got a "special hidden deal" and found this brand new for only $200. ... "
" ... It works as advertised. ... "
" ... Thank you for the awesome service! ... "
" ... where can you go wrong here . ... "
" ... Excellent and love this seller ... "
" ... Have not used Amazon for many musical related purchases. ... Overall VERY satisfied with the interface and the seller. ... "
Design
22knobs, build quality, build, brushed, red
+100%
" ... The level of utility I have found from this piece of equipment has brought me countless hours of enjoyment so far, and from the look/feel of it many more to come. ... "
" ... It feels very dense/solid/durable. ... "
" ... Not going to say mean things because mine was defective, it was a decent mixer and aesthetically pleasing . ... "
" ... Finally, the build itself is good and has a stable bottom grip. ... "
" ... The knobs all feel great. ... "
" ... But, the plastic knobs do the job, and they look reasonably good, so there are really no issues here. ... "
" ... The metal case is strong, and the bright red, brushed finish is striking. ... "
" ... Feels like a quality unit and looks outstanding. ... "
Controls
20knobs, focusrite, knob, instrument, input
+60%
-40%
" ... make sure to enable the recording button under the track options and push play. ... "
" ... I can monitor my voice either with phones to the Scarlett, or if you use Voicemeeter you can hear the mic as a digital input. ... "
" ... Only Focusrite Control setup was to set the Sample Rate and Clock Source correctly. ... "
" ... The light indicator around the input knobs is extremely helpful to decide on the right level. ... This lets you listen to the audio using your headphone and you get to control the volume levels as well. ... "
" ... I would have preferred (and would have paid for) aluminum knobs for a superior tactile experience when turning the knobs. ... "
" ... All of the knobs and buttons feel well built and the labels are big enough to read from 1 foot away. ... "
" ... I love the mute button and the two head phone outs. ... "
" ... The gain functions quickly tell you if your instrument is clipping. ... "
Delivery
19came, condition, delivery, package, delivered
+84%
-16%
" ... I found package decent, i love small boxes. ... "
" ... Worked right of the box. ... "
" ... Awesome, came on time and in perfect condition! ... "
" ... Came in awesome condition. ... "
" ... Worked right out of the box. ... "
" ... Was delivered faster than expected. ... "
" ... I received a brand new unit in a very good condition!!! ... "
" ... Product came fast and as described! ... "
Lagging
17issues, every time, unplug, lag, recording
+24%
-76%
" ... No offline recording available. ... "
" ... Had a lot of DAW switching issues ... "
" ... This INTERMITTENTLY CRASHES EVERY COMPUTER I TRIED IT ON. ... "
" ... Has some lag from when you record, to when its placed on the wave table. ... I've tried different settings still get lag and a little latecy. ... "
" ... this is causing my windows to have to boot twice every time i start . ... "
" ... Not only that, but the audio drops after prolonged use and several seconds at a time. ... "
" ... I have to unplug the device to reset it every time. ... "
" ... When it happens, the only way to fix it (temporarily) is to unplug and sometimes even reboot my computer, which has no other issues with anything but this interface. ... "
Cables
17usb cable, rca, usb cord, rca jacks, instrument
+53%
-47%
" ... Recommend using Y adapter XLR cable ... "
" ... First, quality is excellent with sturdy yet flexible cabling. ... "
" ... Additionally, I have found that after using a XLR Y splitter cable to make a single input play through both XLR channels that my audio has improved for those listening on the other end as well as allowing me to hear myself in Stereo mode (trust me, it drives you nuts). ... This device with plug directly into your Focusrite and use the red USB type B cable that came with your Focusrite to plug directly into your Purifier 2 (sandwich style). ... "
" ... It came with a 3.5 male to female cable, excellent sounding microphone, a nice starting pair of studio quality headphones and a sound interface to make the mic quality that much better. ... "
" ... You can either route the mixer through voice meter banana or a virtual audio cable OR you can unplug it and plug it back in when your friends cry about the static. ... "
" ... Apart from a promised red USB cable that ended up black, everything works as advertised ... "
" ... The multi-cable inputs are incredibly useful. ... "
" ... Once I used the right cable, everything came out great. ... "
Microphone
15studio, scarlett, record, audio, quality
+93%
-7%
" ... If any component is lacking it's the headphones but they do the job for recording. ... "
" ... I just do some singing that i record nothing professional but this thing works great! ... "
" ... I love recording backtracks on it and then soloing. ... "
" ... Recording quality is a major noticeable difference! ... "
" ... The Scarlett is awesome for recording. ... "
" ... Definitely love the Scarlett Solo's recording quality! ... "
" ... I am not a professional recording engineer or studio professional. ... I bought this device to improve my results recording voiceovers for instructional videos I produce. ... "
" ... Best recording equipment ever!! ... "
Headphones
12headphone, headphones, headphone amp, xlr, 3 5 mm
+58%
-42%
" ... 3) Using an AUX to Phono adapter will allow you place headphones directly into the balanced phono port on the front of the Focusrite. ... "
" ... i have a $20 headphone amp that sounds better than this. ... "
" ... The individual monitor/headphone adjustment and flexibility to have either line or instrument input in either jack is worth the $50 extra. ... "
" ... 1) Obtain a Behringer HA-400 headphone amp. ... "
" ... Only thing to note: buy a 1/4" to 3.5mm adapter so you can use headphones! ... "
Capacity
11small, perfect, good, family, something
+100%
" ... For home studio work, it's perfect. ... "
" ... For me this product as been a great deal for the price given the value that I get from them in my small home studio. ... "
" ... I use it for my home studio ... "
" ... It has just what you need for a basic home studio. ... "
" ... Purchased two as gifts for the musicians in the family. ... "
" ... ordered for a family member ... "
" ... Perfect for any home studio set up. ... "
" ... I live in a small dorm, so i needed something small. ... "
Comfort
11pain, alone, 2i2, output, knobs
+73%
-27%
" ... But a month in to it, I still have not figured it out enough to be comfortable using it. ... "
" ... I will say up front that the recordings I'm getting are, hands down, warmer and much more pleasant since I started working with the focusrite 2i2. ... "
" ... No problems in a few short sessions so far. ... The knobs all feel great. ... "
" ... After further digging, I've found most of the stuff which needs ILOK I don't want anyway. ... "
" ... Feels like it'll last a long time ... "
" ... It works as intended with no pain. ... "
Cleaning
10gain, sound, audio, recordings, provided
+100%
" ... Very clean preamps. ... "
" ... Clean pure audio. ... "
" ... Pretty clean interface, noise floor is low on a few microphones i've tried out. ... "
" ... Other than that it provided a lot of clean gain and left me sounding like a boss in local recordings / OBS. ... "
" ... It is so clean! ... "
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Specifications
Memory
Memory: 2048 GB
Recommendations
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