User Manual

Scarlett Solo’s inputs are on the front panel; Input 1 uses a standard 3-pin XLR socket, and is

conﬁgured to work with microphones of most types; you will ﬁnd a mating XLR male connector on

the end of the mic cable supplied. Input 2 uses a ¼” (6.35 mm) jack socket (2-pole when in instrument

mode and 3-pole when used as a line input), and is intended to accept higher level signals from a

guitar or bass.

Recording with a microphone

The Scarlett CM25 MkII microphone supplied with the Scarlett Solo Studio package is a studio quality

condenser mic which is ideal for recording vocals and most acoustic instruments. Connect the

CM25 MkII to the Scarlett Solo’s Input 1 with the cable supplied. Note that the cable has a male

and a female connector; the female end connects to the microphone and the male end into the

Scarlett Solo.

Condenser microphones (also sometimes referred to as “capacitor” microphones) require a source

of DC power to operate. This is almost always supplied by “phantom” powering from the mic

pre-amp to which the mic is connected (early and special-purpose condenser mics might have a

separate power supply). For the CM25 MkII (or any other condenser mic) to work with the Scarlett

Solo, press the 48V button on the front panel (see front panel diagram on page 14, item [3]). We

recommend that you follow the following sequence:

• Turn the input gain [2] to minimum

• Connect the microphone

• Press the 48V button

• Increase the input gain to the required level

Other types of microphone (including the common dynamic type) do not require phantom

power, and may suffer damaged if phantom power is applied. Some cheaper condenser

microphones are able to operate from a lower phantom power voltage – typically 15 V. You

should check the mic spec to see if it is safe to operate it from 48 V; if not, obtain a suitable

external phantom power supply.