Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen - USB Audio Interface Review (Air Mode Audio Samples)

In this video I’m having a look at the 4th generation of the Scarlett Solo interface from Focusrite and check out the air mode.
Amazon US | Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen: amzn.to/44vRFtF *
Thomann EU | Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen: www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_solo_4th_gen.htm?offid=1&affid=1188 *
Sweetwater US | sweetwater.sjv.io/c/4899587/937020/11319?prodsku=ScarSoG4&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FScarSoG4--focusrite-scarlett-solo-4th-gen-usb-audio-interface&intsrc=APIG_7338 *
Support the channel on Patreon: www.patreon.com/juliankrause **
Follow me on Twitter: thejuliankrause
00:00 Intro
00:48 Hardware Overview
02:02 Internals
02:20 Mic Input Performance
03:39 Mic Preamp Performance
05:01 Air Mode Explained
05:48 Line Input Performance
06:05 Main Output Performance
06:30 HP Output Performance
07:09 Output Impedance
08:15 Software Overview
09:21 Direct Monitoring Latency
09:32 Round Trip Latency
09:57 Software Difference Solo and 2i2
10:47 Verdict
* Affiliate links from which I receive a commission for sales. This doesn't generate any additional cost for you. As an Amazon and Thomann Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
** Patreon is a platform where you can choose to support the channel by purchasing a monthly subscription.

[@alpenglow4243]

I’ve used Julian’s reviews to help me make a couple of purchases in the past. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@wstrake]

Finding myself in need of a new USB audio interface and your videos are INVALUABLE. Can't emphasise just how incredibly useful it is to have such consistent, in-depth, and reliable comparisons between hardware, and you've looked at nearly everything I'm interested in. Thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

ALWAYS the best reviews! Thanks for sharing Julian!

[@tombuck]

I’m so glad there are so many options out there to use mics like the SM7B without a booster. Incredible review as always 🙌

[@JulianKrause]

Totally agree, it’s nice to not be forced to spend the extra money today 😃

[@Breakbeats92.5]

I have my MOTU interface to this day because of your reviews. It has been reliable and sturdy the entire time.

[@znoozaros]

Me too but sadly i'm having issues with my DCA Aeon headphones with other side going mute every couple of days

[@ketai3]

same here i got the mk5 ultralite after watching Julian Krause !!!!

[@miaLDN]

Mark of the Unicorn FTW

[@rickyh527]

Wake up babe, new Julian Krause video just dropped

[@VirtuelleWeltenMitKhan]

haha true

[@8020Alive]

Cringe 😬

[@tonejunkeee]

I had the Revive mod performed on mine which affects the entire analog I/O path (Burr Brown/ Linear Tech components, power supply mod, etc). resulting in bandwidth/headroom improvements and surpassing that of all the higher Scarlett models. Spec'd to the moon and still the lightest interface in the game.

[@vicentcarro]

How to do the mod, have a link for ref.?

[@tonejunkeee]

​@@vicentcarro It's Revive Audio (YT stripped the actual url of the mod service. They offer mods of several popular interfaces. There is also Black Lion Audio

[@DJMotavirust]

Great review, as usual. In the other hand, I would love to see a review of the ESI usb interfaces: Amber i1 and ESI U22 XT. The seem to be great products with good audio quality. It's a German brand, although I'm sure you already know it. The Direct Wire driver routing system is also impressive. Please make a test of the main products of this brand. Greetings.

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke! Excellent work, as always, Julian.

[@JulianKrause]

Danke as well :)

[@meistudiony]

I just went down a rabbit hole with this device and 9 others... Sometimes i think we get caught up in all the technical details, when just about anything from a reputable name is more than usable. Im glad to see i got the same results curve wise as you. Guess i did it right! lol

[@BrianAz]

Excellent! I am just getting started building my beginners studio and this was beyond comprehensive and answered all of my questions. Subscribed!

[@bob-hn8kz]

You’re incredibly good at reviewing everything I want to buy.

[@HEATHfromOZ]

Hey Julian, brilliant as always! Are you going to test the new PreSonus ES range??

[@misanthropicmusings4596]

Best review I've seen on this product. Thanks!

[@walterworry]

Love your reviews! Are you checking out the Presonus Quantum stuff anytime soon? Once i saw it i was like "wait for Julian.."

[@pouyabaharifar6778]

Just what is was looking for The best review out there

[@SENSEIJASON]

Have you ever tested recording voice over directly in fcpx? Does it differ in quality between other DAW?

[@helmanfrow]

Air and drive modes really bring out the sibilant tones in your voice.

[@thorstenweimar1190]

Great review! But after following your excellent reviews for a while and after I tried quite a lot interfaces from SSL 12 to Prism Sound Lyra, I have to confess that what matters the most to me is simply latency, driver support, headphone amp. I would argue that you find decent to professional conversion and preamps in most of them. To make it short: Nothing beats RME. Currently I am using a Babyface Pro FS. It shines on all the before mentioned things and on top you have got a real powerhouse in terms of connectivity.

[@SuStWind]

I sold my Babyface Pro FS and then purchased SOLO4

[@thorstenweimar1190]

@@SuStWind That’s fine 😊, if it works for you. Most important is that an interface fulfills all your needs. Greetings.

[@TudorAdrian]

Always enjoy watching your vids; have helped me make good decisions when I'm looking to upgrade my recording gear. Any chance of doing a review on the RME Fireface UCX II in the near future? Aside from a thread on the audio science review forums, I can't seem to find other review with measurements on the unit.

[@revocolor]

Thank you, great review as always 👍💯 I'm very happy with my Behringer UMC204HD which I decided to purchase after watching your videos.

[@GoWithAndy-cp8tz]

Hi Julian. I wonder if you could review Behringer STUDIO L ? Excellent video as always. Cheers!

[@johnsonolalekan7853]

Thanks for the analysis 👍 can you please recommend good headphones?

[@klaymoon1]

Great review. Looks like Focusrite did not use an auto adjusting headphone impedance output like a MacBook Pro but went with a fixed imepedance.

[@teashea1]

excellent as always Julian.

[@rezaVfx]

Great video thank you. Btw between Solo gen4 and Volt 174 which one do you recommend? I'm listening to music, sound editing for films and recording podcasts. Cheers

[@Nayah9]

Great video as always! Could you please tell us which headphone models the red and blue lines represent? That info could be useful.

[@keithklassen5320]

From what he said later, I'd assume that the blue headphones were high-impedance models.

[@Nayah9]

@@keithklassen5320 From what he said in the 2i2 gen 4 video, I assume he used 32 ohm headphones only, but they all behave differently. That's why I'm asking which 32 ohm headphones would be ok to use?

[@amine_dubs]

Let me know if you know​@@Nayah9

[@musicmax7]

Hi Julian! Love your videos!) What do you think about New PreSonus Quantum Audio Interfaces? Looking forward to see Quantum ES 4 and Quantum HD 2

[@JulianKrause]

I just ordered the ES2. The other ones from the series might come later.

[@mohamedsaad4738]

When the review is coming out?

[@NeZversSounds]

I love how detailed data points you get. I don't think I've seen you mentioning audio interface support on Linux. I'm preparing to migrate mainly to Linux. I tried before but I couldn't get more than stereo in and out of my interface (RME digiface), but it could be a skill issue. Since you have more interfaces on hands, maybe you could bring some awareness on Linux support.

[@trashformiert]

danke dir für das Video! sehr informativ 😄

[@sysxtem]

was waiting for this

[@lolilollolilol7773]

Julian already reviewed this interface 8 months ago. Not sure why he reviews it again.

[@sysxtem]

@@lolilollolilol7773 for good 'measure' :P

[@nickglover]

I'd love a dedicated video on your statement about analog gain controls having less noise, you've mentioned it a few times in different videos.

[@ysamuelarai]

Great videos! I wish you could tell us what your recording setup consists of... what mic at what distance, what preamp/interface/mixer, etc.

[@unieon]

Great review Julian :) Have you covered anything on hardware preamps such as the AMS Neve 1073LB -vs- the preamp on your audio card?

[@djl2304]

Bro this is outstanding !!! First class . German technical standards.

[@themusk6112]

Hi Julian.. thanks for all your review and will you please review Condenser mic too. Thanks

[@mycosys]

I REALLY appreciate your hardware glimpses, but i would LOVE to see the pre-amp ICs mentioned where possible as well, theyve become a much bigger differentiator than the convrters these days

Excellent review as always Julian. Thank you. Please can you review the new Presonus Quantum HD 2?

[@Lendium1337]

Hi Julian, nice video! Have you ever tried the Yamaha AG03MK2? It’s a very versatile interface with some nice features.

[@natalirivero467]

Hey, nice vid. I don't know a lot about Mic Gain so you said SM7b was challenging to power, how about a handheld dynamic like the Sm58 or SE V7, are those easier to power or same as the SM7b?

[@VIRODAY]

nice informative review, good job, thanx from Ukraine.

[@Jimmytohr]

Always best tech videos .Thanks . Hope you will compare the Universal audio apollo twin x VS Neve 88m

[@cefahprod]

Just saw the new presonus quantum ES series. Would love to see your review on the HD2 or the ES.

[@thias1]

Seconded.

[@carpediemearth]

I wish you reviewed interfaces for guitar too or any instrument. As a musician I'm looking for an interface to record guitar, and your in-depth reviews would be great insight into how all the features affect the sound qualities from an instrument input.

[@RamtinDidab]

Please a review of Apollos! We need your scientific analysis!

[@davidanderton2437]

Hey @julian it looks like Focusrite have added some wording to battle your comments on the headphone impedance.... Loud and clear - with any headphones. A custom-designed headphone amp design sets the stage for the best playback you've ever heard from a Scarlett interface, driving high-impedance headphones louder and clearer than ever before

[@yeowool404]

Julian, is there any audio interfaces out there which has digitally controlled output gain (other than Audient EVO 4) that you're aware of? I'm currently using Solo 4th Gen and it's an inconvenience whenever I have to reach for the physical output knob, rather than pressing Volume Up/Down keys on macOS which used to work with EVO 4 ...

[@johnvender]

I have 3rd generation Solo and have been happy with it with the exception of the headphone amplifier. I recently got Neumann NDH 30 headphones that really showed the lacking in the Solo headphone amp so I got Topping A30 Pro headphone amp which has balanced inputs and I have it connected to the balanced monitor outputs of the Solo bypassing Solo's headphone amp. The difference in sound quality of the Neumann headphones is amazing.

[@artysanmobile]

Air is a very special kind of EQ that virtually no plug-ins can accomplish, an ultra-gentle tilt right up to and beyond 20kHz. Though I rarely use it, it is well designed and, like I said, irreplaceable.

[@AlleiN]

Hi Julian, which audio interface do you think has the better A/D Converters? Im looking for a 2 input interface or a converter. I have External Preamps. Can u give me some advice about this? thanks a lot!

[@moisei3455]

Another budget interface review you can make on is ESI Neva Uno and ESI Neva Duo. They are pretty much similar like M-Audio M-Track solo and Duo 👍🏻

[@artysanmobile]

Great review, Julian. Some good, some bad, and even some ugly. Thank you specifically for pointing out latency mediocrity. Manufacturers such as Focusrite can leverage their broad range of high priced units to fix this at reasonable cost with dedicated DSP. They will only do it once they have no choice so keep the heat on.

[@christopherstorrier5560]

Hi Julian have you tested the PreSonus 1810c ?...i have bought one, seems fine but i do not know if it is a good 4 mic or 2 mic & 2 instrument interface with a theoretical 18 inputs & 10 outputs, 2 headphone inpits with own volume pots, is it alright to use Quad cable from interface to active monitors, PreSonus Eris8 XT's with class A/B analogue internal amps...any advice or knowledge you could tell me about the 1810c would be appreciated....thank you...

[@ojara]

Great video. What about the inside? What type of converters does it have?

[@FocusriteTV]

Scarlett 4th Gen features the same converters as our flagship RedNet range of audio interfaces

[@Studio22mix]

I think Focusrite could be much better with their interfaces. Also I don’t understand why they don’t have interfaces with more i/o 24 which they used to make. For small interfaces I would rather get a SSL or a Audient, better options imo. For 24 or 32 channels it’s RME and Ferrofish which are way better 😊

[@johanneszellinger232]

Hey, thanks for the review, having the 3rd gen solo I have one question about the 4th gen. Are the knobs for Monitor vs headphones completely independent? I currently use my 3rd gen with headphones only, but as far as I know you cannot turn of the line out and run the headphones only or vice versa. Is this possible with the two knows of the 4th gen?

[@HenriqueJambeiro]

Hi, which do you think is better for me to buy: Focusrite Solo 4th generation or Focusrite 2i2 3rd generation? (considering the fact that the 4th generation's headphone outputs are damaged)

[@alfonsbarcelon]

Hello!! I was wondering which one to get now. My current interface is minifuse 2. i tried focusrite 3rd gen solo, m audio 192 4 and now im thinking about getting SSL 2. Do you recommend SSL 2 as an upgrade from minifuse 2? Please help me to pick a great sounding interface. Thanks!

[@alfonsbarcelon]

my current mic is the rode nt1 ss

[@mxteja]

Julian if you had to choose between two audio interfaces, uad volt 1 and audient id4 mk2, which one would you choose?

[@peanutbutterjellyjam2179]

I've had two different Scarlet Solo Gen 3 fail on me at two different locations using two completely different PCs. I'm no longer a fan of Focusrite. Otherwise, great review as always, Julian.

[@FocusriteTV]

We're very sorry to hear that! Hardware failures certainly aren't common. We'd love to hear more about this. Did you raise a ticket with our Support Team at all?

[@priyaranjanmishra9874]

very informative thanks

[@MarceloLaraM]

Thank you Julian!

[@stephenr2434]

Julian, could you please review the recently released (new) PreSonus Quantum ES series audio interface, thank you very much.

[@silviumihai0]

will you look at TEYUN audio interfaces?

[@Wizbrokun]

Too bad you can't seem to disable the LEDs blasting in your face.

[@JohnStone616]

Shouldn't be impossible with software update

[@Wizbrokun]

@@JohnStone616 No, but will it ever come?

[@FocusriteTV]

What kind of thing did you have in mind? Are you hoping to be able to disable all metering?

[@Wizbrokun]

@@FocusriteTV Yes, disable all distracting LEDs :)

[@OMPTraxxs]

The big reason why i decide me for the moto m4 were the reports that focusrite did not run stable in the past vesions. With my motu i have no problems. Still happy with it. I know it is hard to give evaluations about quality and hardware and software stability. So it would good if you could integrate these result into your testing.

[@righteousone8454]

Julian, can you please test Motu 828 (2024 edition)? I really trust your reviews and MK5 was a hit out of the ballpark in terms of output quality I want your opinion in comparison of Motu 828, and see if it is just a bigger version of 828

[@jaredmcnamee1570]

Julian, do you have an idea of how much bass increase 250 ohm headphones will receive? Thank you for the review.

[@lolilollolilol7773]

I'm not sure why Julian reviewed this interface again, it was reviewed 8 months ago. What's new ?

[@Jutti01]

Ist gut gemacht 😃👍 das Video.... wie immer er....ist halt primär für den Mic Betrieb gedacht.....schade nur mit dem Kopfhörer Amp....also 80 Ohm plus+...... schönes übersichtliches Video....Lg

[@lumpichu]

I didn't understand your advice regarding latency. If we consider that we need to use four times as much samples at 192kHz than 48kHz to cover the same time window, it didn't look that much better at the higher sample rate.

[@chrismai1889]

this is not the first review of the 4th gen focusrite range that mentions how they have 'added' a separate volume control for the headphones. I have a second gen 2i2 which is sitting right besides me, and I can guarantee that it already has separate volume controls, otherwise I would be unable to play electric guitar without unplugging the speakers first ... maybe I just misunderstood what you are actually saying, because it really makes no sense.

[@TheTsili1]

I have seen a lot of your videos and i feel i have this question that i would ask someone like you who seems to know so much... and maybe you could make a video about it. The question would be "which brand or model of interface you would choose if the most important factor for you was reliability(not to fail in any way and force you to troubleshoot or die) and life span of the an interface" My Scarlett failed few days ago(Actually i don't know if it was the interface or the microphone or the cable i don't have gear to troubleshoot the costumer service will deal with it) i had to ship it to the dealer cause it is within warranty for check and repair. I want my next interface and gear(mic, headphones and cable) to be trustworthy cause i don't want to get in this kind of trouble again. I am looking at Yamaha AG03 what is your opinion about it? I haven't seen anything from Yamaha in your content( I consider Japanese manufacturers very trustworthy but i am a complete noob regarding interfaces). So you could make a video about the most reliable gear instead of only comparing features and quality that may be interesting but i think there is plenty of that everybody does that. I admit not so deep as you do it but still nobody has yet covered the question i have. Assuming always that there is an answer for that because i know that in some cases there is not a straight answer. Keep up the great work!

[@AlexProgOfficial]

I would like to see audio interfaces like Apogee Symphony Desktop, Neuman MT48, how do they compare against all interfaces you have reviewed. Presonus also released new Quantum audio interfaces (ES and HD), would be nice to have it in your channel!

[@OffbeatParadoxTV]

@JulianKrause Any viable alternatives with similarity to Focusrite, for low impedance headphones? Thanks so much for all the hard work!

[@Audio-guy]

Topping E2x2

[@tokyogamer5825]

Right now the Presonus Quantum ES2 is looking really good!

[@v0ldy54]

Hey, been exploring a bit of audio stuff and found out your channel. I've recently heard about audiophile switches and knowing how ethernet works I'm pretty sure they are complete BS. Definitely the digital signal quality has zero impact on the audio quality as long as all the bits are transmitted, but another part of the praise for audiophile switches is the fact that they also have have less electronical noise which could interfere with the audio... now, that to me seems at least plausible, but I doubt we're talking about perceivable difference (unlike what some people hear claiming au switches improve sound stage, claritiy and all that), but wouldn't it be possible to measure if there is any difference by simply feeding the output of various lan connected DACs to an input and record it?

[@sinceredagod8528]

Anything on the Quantum HD8? thanks

[@shApYT]

I am all for digital gain control. Scratchy pots are a nightmare.

[@nordicomsystems8841]

Any word on a possible software update to turn off the LEDs? Maybe an on/off switch for the entire front panel? My 4th Gen 2i2 is in my bedroom and I hate to have to keep unplugging it every night (or putting a dark washcloth over it 😂).

[@Marshall12AX7]

It does provide better audio for recording. Have been disappointed with mine. Had to buy it because my 8i6 died. Don't like that they took away the power switch. For me, the audio output clips at much lower volumes so I've had to reduce levels and crank the monitors to get the volume back. Ended up having to buy higher watt monitors.

[@Anton-Hadar]

When did the 4th come out?

[@BatteryAz1z]

31 aug 2023

[@Anton-Hadar]

@@BatteryAz1z Thank you!

[@henninghoefer]

August 2023

[@arijevacgaming921]

Can you maybe review RME Fireface UCX II by any chance! Would really like to see your video on that one :)

[@defaultnormiz]

Julian, can you tell me why the air mode does not turn on in the Focusrite Control 2 program?

[@FawadZaidi-v3t]

Hey there, love your videos. Please review esi audio interfaces. They have been present in the european market for more than a decade now and now they are entering north american market. They are quite cheap and everything seems fine up till now. please would love to see a review by you.

[@ThomasHope73]

Hey Julian, any chance you could do a review of the IK MULTIMEDIA AXE I/O ?

[@bluetopia42]

Yeah, did they at least fix the stuttering issues when using Focusrite official drivers on Win11?

[@nidhijhawer756]

Could you make an audio guide for youtube? Budget preferably? That would be of huge help!

[@rjb7569]

I'm aiming a little higher for the interface purchase...Considering the MOTU 828 @ $995. Lots of in/outs, bypassable pres, USB3, low latency, etc.

[@lumpichu]

To me, some boost of bass and treble with low impedance headphones wouldn't hurt :) On the larger interfaces, where you have enough outputs, I don't consider it as much a problem, because to me the internal headphone amps on these devices sound audibly worse than even lower range proper headphone amp.

[@youtube改名也太難了吧]

the dirac live cannot see channel 2 is really bothering. My motu m4 interface's input 1 broke and they don't have the mix 1/2 input function. good to see focusrite has this function.

[@lambda7652]

Your voice sounds different in this video specially in some voice over parts.... did you change microphones?

[@JulianKrause]

No, I had a cold the last week😅

[@kilosierraalpha]

Hey Julian, any thoughts on CAD CX2 Connect II?

[@gluijk]

hahahhaha lovely in 0:38, a German robot making a joke and quickly realizing himself that German robots are incompatible with jokes 😅 Just making a bit of fun Julian, your review is superb as always and I learnt a lot, thanks. I own a Solo 3rd Gen and needed to renounce to high impedance headphones because 3rd Gen cannot produce enough signal on the headphone output. This seems to have changed.

[@bogdanbro5814]

I wonder when the new audient audio cards will come out?

[@donyignazio1544]

hai Julian please review IK multimedia I/O AXE Solo/one, this audio interface for guitar looks good but how the performance??

[@alisondasilva8888]

Good timing

[@tonybeatbutcher]

Hey, is it possible to review some build'in audio interfaces from Laptops like MacBooks etc...? Tnx 😊

[@nuclearmonster]

I think I have a similar issue with OBS and the tascam 2x2HR where it sees both inputs as the same line, not sure why but it’s frustrating to try and use with a music device and having my voice at different levels, which afaik you can’t do.

[@anpan7880]

Is it possible for you to make an updated room correction tutorial?