Focusrite has just released a new audio interface – the Scarlett Solo. I have been using the Scarlett 2i2, now the big brother of the new Solo, as my primary studio interface for a couple of years now. What’s so great about the new Solo? It’s perfect for folks who want the same quality of the Focusrite preamps and and converters (analog-to-digital), but don’t need to record with two mics at the same time. The 2i2 has two microphone inputs that allow you to record two things simultaneously. But even as a musician, I almost never make use of that capability. I primarily record one thing at a time, and layer them track by track.
So if you’re like me and don’t really need to record more than one thing at a time, or if you are not a musician at all, but only record voiceovers, video narrations, podcasts, etc., then the Solo is perfect for you! And because it only has the single microphone input, it is much less expensive than the 2i2 at just under a hundred bucks.
Because of the lower cost for the same quality, we just replaced the interface in our Home Recording Starter Kit with the Scarlett Solo, lowering its price in the process.
Details
So what does the new unit pack into its smaller package? It’s easily portable and connects via USB into any Windows or Mac desktop or laptop. It has a single Focusrite microphone preamp, phantom power, along with an instrument/line input. So it’s great for singer/songwriters, or folks who only ever need to record one microphone at a time. It records 24-bit resolution and sample rates up to 96 KHz. And it comes with Ableton Live Lite software and some free loops as well.
CLICK HERE to see more in-depth specs from B&H Pro Audio, where it is very much in stock, or to order one for yourself:).
Archives for September 2014
Now Available: Zoom iQ6 Stereo Mic Newer iOS Devices
On August 28th I wrote a post about brand new recording gear at B&H – Brand New Audio Gear at B&H – Shhhh! At the time, one of the exciting new items was available only for pre-order and was not in stock. But today it is!
The item I am talking about is the Zoom iQ6 Stereo X/Y Microphone for iOS devices with lightning connectors. This means it works with the iPhone 5 and newer, and iPads Mini and 4th generation or newer. The earlier iOS devices used a 30-pin connector.
So what is this iQ6 thing? It’s a stereo microphone, so it has two capsules, as you can see in the picture. And they are arranged in what is called the “X/Y” stereo configuration (you can choose between 90 or 120 degrees). These are the same mics found in the Zoom H4n stand-alone recorder. You just stick it into your device’s lightning connector and just like that, you have a high quality, portable, stereo recorder.
It works with Zoom’s Handy Recorder app. But it also works with pretty much any other audio recording app on your device.
It has a gain dial on the front and a level meter so you can see how much signal you are recording and can adjust the dial to make sure you have enough while still avoiding overloading it. It costs $99.00, which is an awesome price. CLICK HERE to find out all the details and/or to buy one of your own!
Enjoy!