User Guide Version 1.0 www.focusrite.
TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OVERVIEW Introduction Thank you for purchasing this Third Generation Scarlett Solo, 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 plug-ins once you’ve registered the product.
Box Contents Along with your Scarlett Solo you should have: • USB cable, Type ‘A’ to Type ‘C’ • Getting Started Information (printed on inside of box lid) • Important Safety Information System Requirements The easiest way to check that your computer’s operating system (OS) is compatible with the Scarlett Solo is to use our online OS Checker at https://customer.focusrite.com/downloads/os.
GETTING STARTED With the Third Generation, Scarlett interfaces introduce a new, faster way of getting up and running, using the Scarlett Quick Start tool. All you need to do is connect your Scarlett Solo to your computer. Once connected, you will see that the device is recognised by your PC or Mac and the Quick Start tool will guide you through the process from there. IMPORTANT: The Scarlett Solo has a single USB 2.0 Type C port (on the rear panel): connect it to your computer using the USB cable provided.
Double-click on the icon to open the Finder window shown below: Double-click on the “Click Here to Get Started.url” icon. This will redirect you to the Focusrite website, where we recommend that you register your device: Click on “Let’s get you started”, and you’ll be presented with a form which will be partly prefilled for you automatically.
Windows users only: On connecting your Scarlett Solo to your PC, a Scarlett icon will appear on the desktop: (Note that the drive letter may be something other than D:, depending on what other devices you have connected to your PC.) Double-click on the pop-up message to open the dialogue box shown below: Double-click on “Open folder to view files”: this will open an Explorer window: Double-click “Click Here to Get Started”.
TClick on “Let’s get you started”, and you’ll be presented with a form which will be partly prefilled for you automatically. On submitting the form, options will be presented to either go straight to the downloads to get the software for your Scarlett, or to follow a step-by-step setup guide based on your choices.
All users: Note that a second file - “More Info & FAQs” - is also available during the initial set-up process. This file contains some additional information about the Focusrite Quick Start tool which you may find helpful if you have any issues with the procedure.
Audio Setup in your DAW The Scarlett Solo is compatible with any Windows-based DAW that supports ASIO or WDM or any Mac-based DAW that uses Core Audio. After following the Getting Started procedure described above, you can start using your Scarlett Solo with the DAW of your choice.
Once the Scarlett Solo is set as the preferred Audio Device* in your DAW, its inputs and outputs will appear in your DAW’s Audio I/O preferences. Depending on your DAW, you may need to enable certain inputs or outputs before use. The two examples below show two Inputs and two outputs enabled in the Ableton Lite Audio Preferences. *Typical name. Terminology may differ slightly between DAWs.
Examples of use Scarlett Solo is an ideal audio interface for many DAW applications running on a laptop or other computer, PC or Mac. A typical set of connections is illustrated below. Connecting a microphone/instrument RIGHT LEFT This setup illustrates a typical configuration for recording using DAW software on your Mac or PC. In this case, you would record vocals through Input 1 and guitar through Input 2 into your recording application, while monitoring the playback via headphones.
other types, e.g., dynamic or ribbon, will not be damaged by the inadvertent application of phantom power, but note that some older mics may be; if you have any doubt, please check the specification of your mic to ensure that it is safe to use. Input 2 uses a ¼” (6.35 mm) jack socket which is 2-pole when in instrument mode and 3-pole when used as a mono line input. It can accept signals from an electric or electroacoustic guitar or bass, a keyboard, and most other types of audio equipment.
Connecting Scarlett Solo to loudspeakers The ¼” jack outputs on the rear panel can be used to connect monitoring speakers. Self-powered monitors incorporate internal amplifiers with a volume control, and may be connected directly. Passive loudspeakers will require a separate stereo amplifier; in this case, the rear panel outputs should be connected to the amplifier’s inputs. RIGHT LEFT Connecting active speakers RIGHT LEFT Connecting passive speakers The line outputs are 3-pole (TRS) ¼” (6.
Professional power amplifiers will generally have balanced inputs; we highly recommend using balanced cables to connect these to the outputs of the Scarlett Solo. NOTE: You run the risk of creating an audio feedback loop if loudspeakers are active at the same time as a microphone! We recommend that you always turn off (or turn down) monitoring loudspeakers while recording, and use headphones when overdubbing.
HARDWARE FEATURES Front Panel 1 2 3 5 7 4 6 8 9 10 11 The front panel includes the input connectors for mic and line/instrument signals, and the input gain and monitoring controls. 1. Input 1 – electronically balanced input via 3-pin XLR socket for microphones. 2. GAIN 1 – adjust the gain for the microphone signal at Input 1. The gain controls have concentric tri-colour LED ‘rings’ to confirm signal level: green indicates an input level of at least -24 dBFS (i.e.
Back Panel 12 RIGHT 13 LEFT 14 12. K (Kensington security lock) – secure your Scarlett Solo to a suitable structure if desired. 13. USB 2.0 port – Type C connector; connect to your laptop or computer with the USB cable supplied. 14. LINE OUTPUTS: LEFT and RIGHT – 2 x ¼” (6.35 mm) TRS jack sockets; +10 dBu output level (variable), electronically balanced. Either ¼” TRS (balanced connection) or TS (unbalanced connection) jack plugs can be used.
SPECIFICATIONS Performance Specifications NOTE: All performance figures measured in accordance with the provisions of AES17, as applicable. Clock Source Internal Supported sample rates Microphone Input Dynamic Range Frequency Response 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.
Physical and Electrical Characteristics Analogue Input 1 Connector Balanced, via female 3-pin XLR on front panel Phantom power 48 V phantom power switch AIR function Front panel switch or via Focusrite Control Analogue Input 2 Connector ¼” (6.
TROUBLESHOOTING Your Scarlett Solo has a two year warranty. Wherever you are in the world, you can rely on our warranty should any Focusrite hardware need repairing or replacing due to a manufacturing fault. For all troubleshooting queries, please visit the Focusrite Help Centre at http://support.focusrite.com/ where you will find articles covering numerous troubleshooting examples.
