Bundle offer comprising
2-Channel USB2.0 Audio Interface with USB-C Connection
Hitmaker Expansion Plugins:
Dynamic Broadcast Microphone
Headphones
Compact Desktop Microphone Stand
XLR Patch cable
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo, now in its third edition, is the most compact and portable model in the UK manufacturer's acclaimed Scarlett series of USB audio interfaces for Mac and PC. It features an XLR mic input, a balanced line input for synthesizers and other line-level audio sources, and a pair of balanced outputs for monitoring. The Scarlett's high-quality mic preamp provides 48V phantom power and is also equipped with the third generation's major new addition: Air Mode. This Podcast Bundle combines this beautiful little audio interface with a dynamic microphone from the t.bone (the MB 7 Beta), alongside a table mic stand, a mic cable, and a set of studio headphones – all at a very fair price.
For over three decades now, Focusrite has had an outstanding reputation for building high-quality mic preamps, and all this expertise has gone into the third generation of Scarlett interfaces. The newest innovation here is Air Mode, which when activated adds brightness and clarity to a signal's high frequencies in a way that's intended to emulate Focusrite's classic ISA preamp: Or, as the British manufacturer puts it, to provide "unique high-end detail for vocals and acoustic guitar". Decades of experience really do speak for quality in this case, and the AD/DA converters provide optimum clarity and detail with a maximum bit depth of 24 bits and frequency rates of up to 192kHz. The design of the MB 7 Beta microphone also echoes an illustrious predecessor, one famous for vocal recordings in particular – its shape and indeed specs are very similar.
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is a compact desktop interface ideally suited to singer-songwriters and podcasters. It's sturdily built, yet lightweight, portable, and USB-powered. Just plug a vocal mic into the first input and a guitar into the second – and let the recording session begin. Unlike other members of the Scarlett family, the Solo lacks MIDI connectivity, and has fewer I/Os as a result of its compact dimensions. And when it comes to vocal mics, the t.bone MB 7 Beta is a great choice, with its integrated pop shield and a shock mount to reduce handling noise. There is also an even more affordable version of this Podcast Bundle based around the t.bone MB 85 Beta, which is a great mic for live stage work, but perhaps not as well suited to purely spoken recordings.
Since 1994, the t.bone has been one of Thomann's in-house brands, and its name can be found on devices such as headphones, wireless systems, in-ear equipment, and various microphones and matching accessories. "the t.bone" products are made exclusively by renowned companies who also manufacture products for other well-known brands. This provides a clear advantage: Brand-quality products at very reasonable prices. And word gets around: One in seven Thomann customers has already bought at least one product from the t.bone.
Another new feature on the third-generation Scarlett Solo are the "gain halos" (the red and green LED rings around the gain controls on the front panel): These are intended to make it easier to adjust gain settings, so that budding producers and podcasters can start recording immediately after unboxing their new gear. To make things simpler still, Focusrite has included a Quick Start Tool and put together an impressive and comprehensive package of free software, some in the box and some available for download: The huge software bundle is of course part of this Podcast Bundle too, and includes Ableton Live Lite, the Hitmaker Expansion suite (Brainworx, Softube, XLN Audio, etc.) and the Focusrite plugin Collective, to name but a few. With Ableton and this top range of plugins, it's easy to turn the quality recordings this bundle is capable of into release-ready podcasts, both in terms of editing the material and doing post-production on the audio itself.