Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface Bundle with CM25 MkIII Condenser Mic, SH-450 Headphones, and XLR Cable

Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio (4th Gen): The Single-Track Studio for the Songwriter Recording One Source at a Time

The Scarlett Solo Studio 4th Generation is the complete recording rig for the singer-songwriter, podcaster, voice-over artist, and bedroom producer who tracks one source at a time. Inside the box: a 4th-generation Scarlett Solo USB-C audio interface with one ultra-low-noise mic preamp and one dedicated Hi-Z instrument input, the CM25 MkIII large-diaphragm condenser microphone, SH-450 closed-back headphones, a 3-meter balanced XLR cable, and a software bundle headlined by Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, a 3-month FL Studio Producer Edition trial, and the Hitmaker Expansion plug-in collection. The Solo is built around the artist whose workflow is one mic, or one mic and one guitar in alternating takes — and whose first priority is to start tracking tonight.

4th-Generation Mic Preamp with -127dBu EIN

The 4th-generation Solo preamp is the clearest preamp Focusrite has ever shipped in the Solo line. -127 dBu equivalent input noise means even at the maximum useful gain the noise floor stays below what a quiet room actually contains — the artist hears the performance, not the preamp. The single XLR/line combo input on the front accepts the included CM25 MkIII condenser microphone, broadcast dynamics, and ribbon mics alike. Switchable 48V phantom power is on the front panel where it belongs, where the artist can see whether it is engaged at a glance.

Auto Gain, Clip Safe, and Air Mode: The Reason This Is the 4th-Gen Buy

Auto Gain ends the level-setting guesswork that ruins more first recordings than any other single mistake. Press the button, play or speak for ten seconds, Scarlett calibrates the gain automatically. Clip Safe takes over once recording starts — 96,000 level checks per second, and at the first sign of impending clipping the gain pulls automatically with no audible artifact. Air Mode brings two ISA-derived console sounds to the desktop: Presence boosts top-end air for the open, detailed quality that makes vocals sit in front of the mix and acoustic guitars shimmer, Harmonic Drive adds mid-range console-style harmonics for punch on guitars and vocals. Dynamic Gain Halos around the gain knob change color in real time so the artist sees their level at a glance instead of staring at a meter.

Hi-Z Instrument Input, Loopback, and Class-Compliant USB-C

The dedicated 1/4-inch Hi-Z instrument input accepts guitar or bass directly — no DI box, no amplifier, no extra converter, and no character-killing impedance mismatch. Loopback routes computer audio (browser, video call, podcast guest on Zoom, game audio) into the DAW through virtual stereo inputs, so podcasters can capture both sides of a remote interview and streamers can mix game and microphone audio in a single channel. Class-compliant USB-C connection means the Solo works on Mac, Windows, and iPad Pro with no driver install required on Mac and iPad — plug in, the interface shows up as an audio device, the DAW starts.

The CM25 MkIII Condenser Mic, SH-450 Headphones, and Hitmaker Expansion

The included CM25 MkIII is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone tuned for the bright, detailed character that flatters vocals and acoustic guitars. The SH-450 closed-back headphones use a custom-designed driver with plush pads and a soft-touch headband for accurate monitoring across long sessions without fatigue. The Hitmaker Expansion software bundle is what makes the Solo Studio the buy over a bare Solo: Antares Auto-Tune Access for pitch work, XLN Addictive Drums 2 and Addictive Keys, Native Instruments MASSIVE, Softube's Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555 amp sim, the Focusrite Red 2 and 3 plug-in suites, Brainworx Bx_console Focusrite SC, FAST Balancer for AI-assisted mix balance, and Landr Studio with five free masters when the song is done. Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, and a 3-month FL Studio Producer Edition trial cover the DAW choice.

Who the Scarlett Solo Studio Is For — Songwriter, Solo Podcaster, Voice-Over Artist

For the singer-songwriter recording vocals and acoustic guitar one take at a time. For the solo podcaster running a one-mic show with broadcast-grade preamp quality. For the voice-over artist who needs studio-grade vocal capture in a compact desktop unit with Loopback for remote sessions. For the guitar player plugging straight into the Hi-Z input and tracking demos with the Hitmaker amp sim collection. The Solo is not the bundle for the duo recording two mics at the same time — that buyer should look at the Scarlett 2i2 Studio. For everyone whose workflow is one source at a time, the Solo is the right interface and the right price.