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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 17 2020, 03:07 AM
I have a single channel 3rd Generation Scarlett interface on the way to me. After researching wads of interfaces, it came down to just the scarlett. I love the interface I had been using for years, the iconnectivity 4+, but it seems to have gotten lost in the move!! After diving deep in to the reviews/specs, the scarlett came out as the best price/performance option as far as I could tell. Can't find much in the way of CONs on this unit. It's mostly all PROs in the reviews. I'll let you guys know what i think. I could use my 11 rack or toneshifter as my interface, but I wanted to try one of these third gen units after seeing all the vids and reviews about them. They come bundled with handy plugins, the specs look great, etc. These units can be had for a about $110 which is a killer price for a nice interface. The guts of the interface are pretty much the same as the pricey units in the same line, just fewer channels. Some interfaces use cheaper bits on their single/double channel units. Not focusrite. Far as I can tell, same preamp path, etc. Which is as it should be imho.
QUESTION: ANYONE ELSE USING A SCARLETT?
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 17 2020, 07:19 AM
Very nice, I have been looking for something with more inputs than my duet usb, but it seems most options with similar A/D quality get very expensive.
It would be very interesting to know how yours compares!
Posted by: PosterBoy May 17 2020, 11:53 AM
2nd Generation 2i4 user here. I often need the two inputs and midi
Posted by: Phil66 May 17 2020, 01:20 PM
Love my 2nd Gen 18i8 
Posted by: jstcrsn May 17 2020, 01:31 PM
I can't even imagine you having a USB 2.0
https://www.amazon.com/Steinberg-UR22C-Interface-Cubase-Cubasis/dp/B07YFH671V/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=usb%2B3%2Baudio%2Binterface&qid=1587245211&sr=8-1&th=1
Posted by: Steve Gilfield May 17 2020, 07:54 PM
I have the 2i2 second generation.
It works perfectly.
I had no issues.
I could have done my job with the solo, to be honest, but sometimes friends come by my place, and it's super fun to play together at the same time (2 guitars, or 1 guitar and 1 bass) 
Posted by: Caelumamittendum May 18 2020, 09:30 AM
I have a 6i6 second gen, and I have been considering upgrading, as I'm using all the inputs of the one I have. Will have to look into what could be interesting to get, but I'm probably sticking to Focusrite
Posted by: Mertay May 18 2020, 10:47 AM
USB 3 really doesn't help with soundcards like it does with harddisks etc. .
USB 3 transfers more data than 2 but it isn't faster. So if you have and use lots of inputs at the same time it helps, but for example your guitar signal doesn't arrive faster than usb-2.
My only curiosity on affordable soundcards are audient offerings, the reviews are very mixed regarding the JFET input thats specifically designed for guitar.
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 18 2020, 12:25 PM
What do you mean with audient offerings?
Posted by: jstcrsn May 18 2020, 01:29 PM
USB 3 transfers more data than 2 but it isn't faster. So if you have and use lots of inputs at the same time it helps, but for example your guitar signal doesn't arrive faster than usb-2.
ya , thats what I read too , and then I bought one , the "box" size is the same and goes at the same speed , but with usb 3 there are ten times more boxes moving data at the same time ..I have come to conclude that is a BS selling point so they can still sell you what their factories are set up to make , but it is out dated..are they fast enough for most yes , but not for the 'new musician", and I mean programmed everything , if you fill your "box" , you have to wait for the next box to bring it and that is the clicking and popping , so usb 3 puts it in the next box and delivers it at the same time rather than the following box
experiment: get a box and drop it, then get ten same size boxes and drop them, are you going to tell the one box can even come close to transferring the same volume ..once you fill your box full you are screwed
Posted by: Mertay May 18 2020, 02:09 PM
https://audient.com
Specifically the iD series, these also are quite popular
I think I understand what you mean but you are referring to HQ recording samples like 24 bit 96khz right?
With USB speed/latency, I remember reading data on 2.0 vs 3.0 and what was also surprising is not all 2.0 soundcards have the same speed.
RME (German brand, one of the best) for example though using USB 2.0 surpassed USB 3.0 in speed cause of high quality (and higher cost) components.
Posted by: jstcrsn May 18 2020, 03:08 PM
I think I understand what you mean but you are referring to HQ recording samples like 24 bit 96khz right?
With USB speed/latency, I remember reading data on 2.0 vs 3.0 and what was also surprising is not all 2.0 soundcards have the same speed.
RME (German brand, one of the best) for example though using USB 2.0 surpassed USB 3.0 in speed cause of high quality (and higher cost) components.
I.E. multiple channels with plugins all running simultaneously
Box size means the amount of data usb can send before it gets full and has to get moved to another box , i am using it for a visual
usb 2 480 MBPS
usb 3 4800 MBPS
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 18 2020, 11:39 PM
Your information is incorrect on USB 3 vs 2. Please read this article. Bottom line, there is no benefit in round trip latency for using USB 3.0 vs 2.0. In practical terms it just doesn't help.
https://support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/208095469-USB-2-0-vs-USB-3-0
From the aricle
"Firstly, although USB 3.0 offers greater bandwidth than USB 2.0, it will deliver no round trip latency benefits over USB 2.0. This is due to the architecture of the host computer driver stack and its handling of USB audio (isochronous) data. The stack schedules data transfers to and from audio drivers at millisecond frame intervals which means that, no matter how fast the data moves over the USB bus, this defines the limit on minimum latency achievable."
I'm only recording one channel at a time and the latency on this unit is the reason I bought it. It's got a super low latency compared with units in a similar price range and has better components inside. It's got the same parts as the more expensive versions, just has fewer inputts. So for the price, it's just unbeatable imho. The latency is lower than any of my other interfaces and it's so quick there is no audible latency or any artifacting/popping etc. I pulled uup a huge logic project with 32 tracks of midi and guitars and it plays perfectly. USB 2 is more than fast enough for music applications. The Third Gen of Scarlett
I.E. multiple channels with plugins all running simultaneously
Box size means the amount of data usb can send before it gets full and has to get moved to another box , i am using it for a visual
usb 2 480 MBPS
usb 3 4800 MBPS
Posted by: jstcrsn May 19 2020, 01:49 AM
https://support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/208095469-USB-2-0-vs-USB-3-0
. This is due to the architecture of the host computer driver stack and its handling of USB audio (isochronous) data. The stack schedules data transfers to and from audio drivers at millisecond frame intervals which means that, no matter how fast the data moves over the USB bus, this defines the limit on minimum latency achievable."
[/i]The Third Gen of Scarlett
have read this many times and others in my attempt to understand USB 2, C ,3,2c, 3c and thunderbolt and am not incorrect ,it is just as fast unless you exceed 480 MBPS
Focusrite has "focused 'on USB 2 , do you think they will put out an article saying their product is inferior
once again usb 2 480MBPS vs USB3 at 4800 MBPS , do you see what that article did , it sold you on the fact that 480 is equal to 4,800
This article is BS read that quote it says the host computer is responsible if that were true gen 3 would not work any better than gen 1 on the same computer..so is it the computer or the interface
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 19 2020, 02:28 AM
Here is another article from MASTERS OF SOUND about USB 3.0 OFFERINGING NO BENEFITS. If I'd have discovered USB 3 was a big factor, I'd have bought a usb 3 interface. All of my research showed that it was sorta pointless to be honest. But whatever floats your boat You'll probably say this article is B.S. as well?
https://masters-of-music.com/stop-asking-for-usb-3-0-on-audio-interfaces-it-offers-no-benefits/
Here is an article from AUDIENT saying the same thing.
https://audient.com/tutorial/usb-in-audio/
And another article from AUDIO MASTER CLASS saying the same thing. USB 3 is pointless for audio.
https://www.audiomasterclass.com/newsletter/is-your-audio-interface-fast-enough
"As exciting as it might seem, USB 3.0 might just not be the future of audio interfaces. Of course it is faster than USB 2.0, but only in the sense that it can carry more data traffic and therefore more channels. It doesn't get the data there any quicker so there is no advantage in latency over USB 2.0. For general computer use the higher bandwidth of USB 3.0 is great, but for we specialized audio users it's a bit of a disappointment. The tiny number of USB 3.0 audio interfaces that are available seems to support this conclusion."
I researched this quite in depth before my purchase. However, if you have any information/links you'd like to share that supports your point, I'd love to read them. So far, you entire argument is unsupported and anecdotal. Please do provide any links you may have that lead you to this view. I'm very curious to see them. Or is your view based just on your own "common sense" approach?
Your assertion that gen "it's based on the host is BS" doesn't track either to be honest as we know that gen 1 is very restricted in terms of bandwidth. Gen 2 is NOT restricted in the same way and has plenty of bandwidth for audio. So those two specs are wildly different. And yes, computer speed does have a lot to do with usb 2and usb 3 performance since processing is done by the host machine, not by USB which is just about data transfer and leans on the host cpu for most of it's work. Having worked in tech support for several years, I always look carefully at new specs to determine what they might mean for my music poduction. I don't rely on "common sense" for this as it's often misleading. I do the research and go by the facts.
Focusrite has "focused 'on USB 2 , do you think they will put out an article saying their product is inferior
once again usb 2 480MBPS vs USB3 at 4800 MBPS , do you see what that article did , it sold you on the fact that 480 is equal to 4,800
This article is BS read that quote it says the host computer is responsible if that were true gen 3 would not work any better than gen 1 on the same computer..so is it the computer or the interface
You are spot on Mertay. USB 3.0 offers no benefits in terms of recording music. I shared 3 of the article I found about this with him in my reply post. I've read many people saying what he is saying in vairous online forums. It seems like it would be true, but sadly, its just not. It's a case where common sense actually leads to the wrong conclusion.
RME (German brand, one of the best) for example though using USB 2.0 surpassed USB 3.0 in speed cause of high quality (and higher cost) components.
The GEN 3 has great specs and great parts especially for the price. I researched quite a bit and even looked at usb 3 based units. My research indicated the usb 3 spec didn't really help at all for audio, but was being pitched as "future proof" with nothing other than that slogan to support it. The new scarlett has a bigger version of course, just like the last gen. They all use the same preamp/electronics and have great headroom/low noise/low latency. For the price they are the ones to beat.
It would be very interesting to know how yours compares!
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 19 2020, 07:17 AM
Specifically the iD series, these also are quite popular
Thanks, I didn't know the brand. Both EV8 and the id series could be interesting. It will all boil down to their A/D quality - and I need to try to find some comparative reviews.
Posted by: Mertay May 19 2020, 10:57 AM
The list goes like focusrite for affordable, audient id series if one wants to up the quality but still stay in affordable area, then RME (babyface) for a small but HQ option.
The evo's are fairly new and likely to compete with focusrite but I'm not sure of their quality. You could also check RME cause it should be much cheaper in EU than it is in USA.
Your logic is correct but the only thing is for guitar playing (only 1 input, maybe 2) as in your example "1 box" is enough data to be transferred. Thats why in such use usb-2 or 3 doesn't matter, but as said if there were more inputs involved then usb-3 will be needed.
The real argument is the stenberg soundcard you shared offers 32-bit recording, this is likely why they prefered usb 3.0 for that soundcard. 32-bit recording benefits though is a whole different argument...
https://www.amazon.com/Steinberg-UR22C-Interface-Cubase-Cubasis/dp/B07YFH671V/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=usb%2B3%2Baudio%2Binterface&qid=1587245211&sr=8-1&th=1
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 19 2020, 11:37 AM
The evo's are fairly new and likely to compete with focusrite but I'm not sure of their quality. You could also check RME cause it should be much cheaper in EU than it is in USA.
Thanks for the tip. I did some googling and it seems my issue is the same - My Duet2 usb is still extremely competitive sound quality wise. So unless I am ready to downgrade sound quality - I am probably looking at a +$1000 interface to get more inputs.. Argh!
Posted by: Mertay May 19 2020, 12:24 PM
Yeah if you don't want to decrease quality for quantity of inputs, the RME babyface seems to be the only option from my list.
Posted by: jstcrsn May 19 2020, 06:10 PM
your duet probably has the edge sound wise , but this might be cheaper if your computer supports usb 3.0
https://www.amazon.com/Steinberg-UR22C-Interface-Cubase-Cubasis/dp/B07YFGVH5H/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=usb%2B3%2Baudio%2Binterface&qid=1587245211&sr=8-1&th=1
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 19 2020, 06:47 PM
Mertay is spot on per usual The RME unit is top notch and to get from the quality you already have to a unit that has similar specs/sound, the RME line is a great choice. These units are just top notch. You will find them in pro studios all over the world. They are bullet proof work horses. That said they are not cheap. The RME Fireface UFX has THUNDERBOLT!
The berhinger unit would be a big step down from your current unit and this one. This is a very high end unit with a high end price tag.
OPENING THE SCARLETT SOLO!!
I opened the SOLO last night and downloaded the plugin bundle which would cost more than the unit itself!
ALMOST FORGOT! It's got the "AIR BUTTON" which is meant to emulate the airy high end of very rare and expensive consoles. I am looking forward to giving this a try as well. For such a small, inexpensive unit, this thing is amazing. For anyone looking to get their first interface, I would suggest this one. It will record at 192khz if you so desire It has a huge dynamic range as a bonus.
The biggest improvement is inside the box. Compared to the GEN 2, the GEN 3 has better dynamic range etc.
The Dynamic Range figure – that is the difference between the output-level capability and the noise floor, so the bigger the better – is around 110dB across the new range for line, mic and instrument inputs. That compares to anything between 106-109dB for the 2nd-Gens. Conversely, the Total Harmonic Distortion figures (a measurement of distortion and noise, so the lower the better) is around half that of the previous generation, albeit from a pretty low starting point. The overall Gain Range has also been improved, from 50dB to 56dB, so it’s a promising set of specs.
Here is a vid demoing the AIR MODE and talking about the specs and bundled software. This is an amazing bargain imho for such high quality gear. Also, it's BUS POWERED! no power supply needed.
Posted by: Mertay May 19 2020, 07:26 PM
Cool!
I don't know of the loops but the focusrite collective had really nice offerings in the past I almost envied
The red plug-ins are really old but I remember using them in the past (on a protools HD system) and was considering them workhorse. That air mode looks interesting, could you check if it also works for di too? also even though from memory how it compares to your previous soundcard would also be nice info.
Lol!
Well I still feel tired even remembering online arguments on the 32-bit recording thing from the past
but I can say if one has enough harddisk space even if their soundcard supports 24-bit A/D recording, 32-bit float does have an advantage; https://audiohertz.com/2017/02/23/what-the-fck-is-32-bit-floating/Reaper for example freeze's (convert to audio to save ram) midi instruments to 32-bit float by default.
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 19 2020, 09:03 PM
The red plugins have been around forever, they are very solid and good workhorse plugins The AIR mode works on anything you put in to the box, including vocals, which is handy I loved my iconnectivity card. So flexible, it would let you plug in to ipads to use as instruments and could plug in a PC and Mac at the same time. Very cool box! I don't remember it sounding quite this good though. It didnt have the "air" button and the preamps were very neutral, but this one does seem to have way more headroom and it's dead quiet. Also you can use both inputs on the front for different tracks! So it's really a 2 channel interface even though it's called the "SOLO".
I don't know of the loops but the focusrite collective had really nice offerings in the past I almost envied
The red plug-ins are really old but I remember using them in the past (on a protools HD system) and was considering them workhorse. That air mode looks interesting, could you check if it also works for di too? also even though from memory how it compares to your previous soundcard would also be nice info.
Lol!
Well I still feel tired even remembering online arguments on the 32-bit recording thing from the past
but I can say if one has enough harddisk space even if their soundcard supports 24-bit A/D recording, 32-bit float does have an advantage; https://audiohertz.com/2017/02/23/what-the-fck-is-32-bit-floating/Reaper for example freeze's (convert to audio to save ram) midi instruments to 32-bit float by default.
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 20 2020, 08:09 AM
Yes for me this seems to be the winner: https://www.rme-audio.de/babyface-pro-fs.html
But another option I guess would be to find a used Apogee Duet and use in conjunction with the one I already got - if the drivers support it. I already do this with an ESI24 U24XL to get some extra inputs. However since the Duet already has some driver issues I am afraid those would just multiply.
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 20 2020, 11:21 PM
The BABYFACE is a very nice unit. It's got the same quality as it's big brothers in the line with a much smaller form factor. It's so small that it's easily portable. You can take that unit, a camera, laptop, headphones and a guitar and you've got a top notch portable recording studio that's ideal for remote location recording, podcasts, live streams, etc. Good choice!
Todd
Posted by: Siinthd May 26 2020, 11:27 PM
i have focusrite scarlett 2i4 2nd gen.This card are great! only there is no support on new systems and drivers are not released. in the latest driver version 4.63, the developers did something that now the input and output are defined as separate devices and I had problems on windows 8.1, so I use version 4.36 - it is stable.
such a question, I’ll hurt my guitar if I use a microphone on the second channel with +48v?
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 27 2020, 02:54 AM
I don't see why it should? But it's worth I'd contact the vendor support directly.
such a question, I’ll hurt my guitar if I use a microphone on the second channel with +48v?
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 28 2020, 12:36 AM
I LOVE how small the new third gen solo is and I LOVE how it has the direct monitoring and the AIR switch. Best of all it's only $100! Anyone who wants a top notch interface that does mic input and guitar input can get one of these and have a great start on their home studio. However, I spent today testing it again my toneshifter 3 and my 11 rack. It sounds just as good as both of them. It's a solid unit with ZERO lag and, requires ZERO drivers, and is buss powered!!!! It's just a great unit. However, after comparing it again my other audio interfaces, I decided I just didn't need it. It's my fourth interface and I just don't need four interfaces. I really like how it's buss powered and small and will work with my iphone and pretty much anything without the need to plug it in to power. If I didn't have a stack of other interfaces I'd keep it. I was really just curious to try it. My verdict is that it's the best piece of kit to come down the pike in years and anyone looking to start a home studio should get one. I loved the bundled software as well which I intend to keep! But, amazon offered me a full refund, as since it's just a spare unit, I decided to send it back and just keep all the software. It's a great unit. I just don't need four interfaces. So I sent it back today. I hope I don't end up missing it. I'm going to use my tone shifter 3 as my portable unit since the little y adapter lets it be bus powered. Also it can work fine with my iphone as a portable recording setup. It's a killer device. I just don't really need a fourth one. My hat is off to Scarlett to making a great bit of kit!!!!
If anyone else gets a GEN 3 please do let me know what you think about it!
Todd
Posted by: Siinthd May 28 2020, 01:18 AM
If anyone else gets a GEN 3 please do let me know what you think about it!
Todd
did you connect the guitar directly, how does it sound?
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 28 2020, 02:49 AM
Yes! Sounded Great ! Especially the DIRECT MONITORING and the "AIR" button. It's a GREAT little unit that is bus powered and takes up almost no space. What's more, it works with your ipad, phone, etc. Sounds just as good as the big brother units in the same line. If I needed an interface, that would be the one I wold buy hands down. Just an amazing little unit. I just already have four interfaces. I don't really need five.
Todd
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