Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen

The build quality is very solid, the base is from brushed metal coated in red color. The black front and back is some kind of glass imitation, does not hold well against scratches so I would recommend leaving the protective plastic on it. The knobs are very accurate and well made I have no complaints about it. Not many features are available for this interface, the app is practically useless, you cannot do much from there. It is important to mention that for people who are using studio monitors to mix their projects and also want to do recordings with this interface - it is not a great option. You don't have a separate knob for the output of headphones and studio monitors. Therefore you can't control the volume and it is really annoying when you want to record and you must turn off your studio monitors manually. The Focusrite 2i2 would be a better investment if you are ready to record vocals. The total points would be 6.5/10

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.

I just wanted a simple audio interface so I could connect and power the headphones (it should handle up to 200 ohms of impedance) and maybe put in a mic in the future, and Solo works fine for my needs. The build is solid and sturdy, knobs feel satisfying and it comes with a bunch of softwares and plugins, which are nice if you ever use them. However that Focusrite Control app is completely useless; most of the time it doesn't even launch and when it opens, there is absolutely nothing in there. Also, from what I see, there is only a knob to control the volume of both headphones and speakers, so it may be a downer for some.