What the Solo actually does
An audio interface converts the analog signal from your XLR microphone into digital audio your computer can record. The Scarlett Solo provides one XLR/combo input with a preamp, one instrument input (6.35mm), USB-C to your computer, and a headphone output with zero-latency direct monitoring. That is every feature a solo podcaster or single-instrument home recording needs.
4th Generation improvements
- Air mode: Adds a high-frequency presence boost that emulates Focusrite's ISA transformer-based studio preamps. Genuinely useful for voices that need brightness.
- Auto Gain: Hold the button, speak for 10 seconds, the interface sets an optimal gain level automatically.
- Clip Safe: If your recording clips unexpectedly, the interface captures a second lower-gain signal and uses it to rescue the take.
- USB-C: Previous generations used USB-A/micro; the 4th Gen uses USB-C.
Preamp quality
The Scarlett Solo's preamp has 56dB of gain. This is enough for most condenser microphones, including the AT2020. For dynamic microphones with low output, like the Shure SM7B (~60dB+ gain recommended), the Solo is technically sufficient but provides limited headroom. Many engineers use a Cloudlifter or similar inline preamp with the SM7B through a Solo to add clean gain before the interface stage.
What it does not do
- Only one XLR input: you cannot record two microphones simultaneously (use the Scarlett 2i2 for that)
- No MIDI input/output (use the Scarlett 2i2 or higher for MIDI)
- No standalone operation (must be connected to a computer)
- The instrument input is on the front panel, not the rear (minor ergonomic note for permanent desk setups)
Solo vs 2i2
The Scarlett 2i2 adds a second XLR input and MIDI I/O at approximately $40 to $50 more (verify on Amazon). If you ever plan to interview guests in person, record two instruments simultaneously, or use MIDI keyboards, buy the 2i2 now rather than the Solo. If you are certain you will record only yourself on a single microphone, the Solo is the better value.
Setup
Plug into USB-C. On Windows and Mac, the Solo is class-compliant: no drivers required for basic use. Install Focusrite Control software for advanced routing and to use Auto Gain and Clip Safe. Connect your XLR microphone to the rear panel input. Connect headphones to the front headphone jack. The direct monitoring knob lets you hear your voice through headphones with zero latency while recording.
Included software
Focusrite includes a bundle of recording software with registration: Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Artist (3-month trial), and several plugins. The practical value of these depends on your workflow, but Ableton Live Lite alone is useful for many podcasters doing multi-track editing.
Check current price: Focusrite Scarlett Solo on Amazon
See also: Full Audio Interface Comparison · AT2020 Review · Complete Beginner Setup
Check Current Price on Amazon
See also: Best Podcast Setup Under $200.