The Focusrite Scarlett bundles come with everything you need to start recording and producing your own music, including an Easy Start mode to get you going right away. Here’s everything you need to know about these top-notch bundles, plus our top recommendation.
Focusrite has produced some of the most popular audio interfaces and studio bundles on the market today. In fact, the company boasts that its Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 bundle has been used to create more records than any other interface, ever. That’s a pretty stellar testimonial if you ask us!
Focusrite’s Scarlett bundles are priced low enough for the at-home amateur. Yet they’re packed with quality and performance sufficient for very high-level recording work, including some deeply respectable preamps. If you’re worried about getting a beginner or entry-level product that can’t deliver in terms of quality, you have nothing to fear. That may be a valid fear with some brands or bundles, but not these.
What’s In Focusrite Bundles?
Focusrite sells a Studio Bundle for both the Scarlett Solo and the Scarlett 2i2. Both first-party bundles include the relevant audio interface, plus a CM25 MkIII condenser microphone, a pair of HP60 MkIII pro-grade closed-back headphones, and the needed XLR and USB cables.
Who Should Buy a Focusrite Studio Bundle
One question that’s worth answering is who exactly these Focusrite studio bundles are for. Both bundles contain the same gear, with the only difference being which audio interface is included.
If you’re starting a home studio from scratch, a studio bundle is the easiest way to get going. You’ll get all the main stuff you need to start recording, all in one box. (Well, sort of. You’ll still need a microphone stand, and maybe a pop filter.)
Essentially, the studio bundle is the right call for someone that doesn’t have much gear yet. You might also go for the bundle if you want to build out a portable kit or a kit for a second space.
Who Should Build Their Own
That said, not everyone needs to buy a studio bundle. For instance, you might already have some high-quality headphones and a good condenser microphone or two. Or you might already know you want to invest in some higher-end components.
The headphones and microphone included in these bundles are awfully good for the price, but simple math says there are much nicer models out there. In other words, given that both bundles sell for less than $300, the headphones and microphone can’t be all that high in cost.
If you’ll use all the pieces of the bundle, buy it. It’s a great value. But if the headphones or the microphone (or both) are just going to sit on your shelf, save some cash and buy the standalone audio interface. Want to see our recommendations of standalone audio interfaces? Check out the article below:
Affordable Audio Interfaces: The Best 6 Choices For Your Home Studio
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio Bundle
The simplest and most affordable Scarlett studio bundle is the Scarlet Solo Studio Bundle. The bundle packs a real punch — especially considering the surprisingly low price. For many solo musicians, the Solo Studio Bundle is a great starting place. And for some, it’s everything they’ll ever need.
As mentioned previously, the microphone and headphones included here are certainly decent as far as beginner equipment goes. If you’ve never listened to studio-grade headphones before, you’ll be blown away by how clear the sound is through these Scarlett headphones. But on the flipside, if you’ve spent time in a pro studio, you’ve certainly heard better.
The same goes for the microphone: it’s worlds better than your headset mic or even your inexpensive USB microphone. But it’s no $3,000 Neumann, nor is it pretending to be.
The real value in this bundle (aside from getting everything you need to get started in a single box) is the audio interface itself.
Check current prices on Amazon for the Scarlett Solo Studio Bundle
The Scarlett Solo: A Deeply Impressive (But Limited) Audio Interface
Focusrite’s intent behind the Scarlett Studio was to create a high-performance audio interface that’s both simple and affordable enough for recording beginners. And by all accounts, they’ve succeeded.
This audio interface features two inputs: one XLR input with both phantom power and the Scarlett Air preamp, and one high headroom instrument (quarter-inch) input with a toggle switch to take both instrument- and line-level inputs.
Use cases for the Scarlett Solo include miking up your guitar, plugging your guitar or bass straight in, or a combination of the two if you’re using an acoustic-electric instrument. You can also use the XLR input to record vocals using the included CM25 condenser microphone. Thanks to the INST switch, you can also record line-level sources on the second input.
You can record two sources at once with the Scarlett Solo — provided one is over XLR and one is over quarter-inch. If you’re a guitar-playing singer-songwriter and want to record both at once, you can.
As far as other front controls go, you have gain knobs for both inputs, plus a monitor volume knob and a headphone jack for monitoring. There’s also a direct monitoring button, which you should use if you want to hear yourself in real time.
Around back, there’s a lock slot, a USB-C port for connecting to your computer at ultra-low latency, and right and left line outputs for your external studio monitors.
Let’s talk a little more about USB-C. First, USB-C means that the Scarlett Solo is fully compatible with newer iPad Pros that share this connection type. You can get pro-level audio interfacing on the go, using apps like Garageband, Cubasis 2, various Amplify apps, and FL Studio.
Is your computer a little too old to accept USB-C cables? No problem: Focusrite included a USB-C to USB-A cable in the box as well as the USB-C cable.
The preamp included here is worth discussing, too. Honestly, for a device this inexpensive, the preamp is really, really good. Yes, you can pay a lot more for higher-end preamps and get a better sound. But compared to other entry-level audio interfaces, you’re not going to do much better than the preamp here.
Not completely sure what a preamp is? That’s OK. In very simple terms, preamps pre-amplify the signal, boosting a weak signal (say, from a condenser microphone) into a stronger line-level signal. That said, every preamp has a slightly different sonic quality, so finding the right preamp can make a massive difference to your end product.
Focusrite makes it clear that the 3rd-gen preamp is much improved on previous models, and the Air toggle adds in more shimmer and detail on the high end.
Want to understand more about preamps? Check out this guide from Sweetwater.
Check current prices on Amazon for the Scarlett Solo Studio Bundle
Impressive Software Bundle
Great hardware is one thing, but you’re going to need software to make music. This Focusrite studio bundle includes a great mix of starter software:
- Avid Pro Tools First Focusrite Creative Pack
- Ableton Live Lite
- Splice Sounds (3-month subscription)
- XLN Audio Addictive Keys
- Softube Time and Tone Bundle
- Focusrite Red Plug-in Suite
- Focusrite Plug-in Collective (freemium package)
Trade-offs and Downsides
There’s very little to complain about here, and pretty much all downsides boil down to this: The Scarlett Solo isn’t the Scarlett 2i2. The single XLR and single quarter-inch inputs simply aren’t as flexible, and they really end up limiting what the Scarlett Solo can do.
Still, if you want the beauty and quality of a Scarlett device at a stunningly low price, the Scarlett Solo Studio Bundle is a tremendous value.
Check current prices on Amazon for the Scarlett Solo Studio Bundle
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Bundle
The Scarlett 2i2 Studio Bundle takes everything that’s great about the Solo and adds even more functionality and flexibility. We won’t rehash everything we said about the Solo, but it’s all true here as well. You get the same CM25 MkIII condenser microphone and HP60 MkIII headphones in the 2i2 Scarlett bundle, plus the same software suite.
On the hardware side, everything from the Solo is here, plus more. Both inputs on the Scarlett 2i2 are combo jacks that can accept either an XLR or a quarter-inch input. Because of this crucial upgrade, you also get independent switches for both an instrument boost and adding Air to the microphone preamp, for both inputs.
You also gain independent volume controls for both the headphones and external monitors, as well as dual-toggle direct monitoring.
In short, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Bundle adds a massive flexibility upgrade with its two combo input jacks and a few other hardware upgrades. But since it’s similar if not identical to the Solo in every other way, there’s not a lot to add here. All the things that made the Solo great make the 2i2 even better.
Check current prices on Amazon for the Scarlett 2i2 Studio Bundle*** (Our Top Recommendation)
Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB Bundles
Focusrite offers one additional family of USB audio interfaces: the Clarett family. These interfaces build on the successes of the Scarlett family of devices and add even more pro-level features and functionality.
Despite the higher cost of Clarett devices, more advanced or sonically discerning users may prefer what the Clarett 2Pre USB has to offer.
There’s significantly more I/O, with four line outputs and MIDI IN/OUT around back. There’s also an optical input port for ADAT expansion, giving you up to 10 inputs and four simultaneous outputs (with the right additional hardware).
Around front, you’ll find two combo jack inputs with independently selectable 48V phantom power.
Beyond the increased I/O, there are some important internal upgrades here. The dual Clarett mic pres are the best you can get in a Focusrite USB audio interface, beating out the preamps in the Scarlett line. The included Air mode adds impedance switching for even more color and interest. And the unit offers a 119dB dynamic range so you can capture every nuance.
The Clarett 2Pre USB is a serious upgrade from the Scarlett 2i2 — as it should be, at well over double the price.
Two 3rd-Party Bundle Options
Quick note: Focusrite doesn’t sell a first-party studio bundle for its higher-end Clarett line. The assumption seems to be that if you’re buying a Clarett, you probably already have some gear and don’t need a beginner’s bundle.
So the bundles described below are decidedly third-party, and they aren’t particularly complete. If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll have to supplement these bundles. And if you already have a quality microphone and a good pair of monitoring headphones, you might be better off buying a standalone Clarett 2Pre USB and skipping these bundles.
Platinum Recording Bundle: This bundle includes a Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB interface, plus a few extras that you might find useful. In the box, you’ll find a standard USB cable and a USB Type-C cable, plus two 10-foot 16AWG gold plated XLR cables. There’s also a Deco Gear Universal Pop Filter and a generic microphone stand with boom arm.
Microphone and Cable Bundle: This bundle includes a decent Audio Technica AT2020 cardioid condenser microphone with its own carrying pouch and mount, plus an XLR cable for use with the microphone. The AT2020 sells for $99 on its own, so there’s some value in this bundle for sure.
Other Gear to Go With the Clarett 2Pre
The main reason to go with a Clarett instead of a Scarlett is the increased power and sophistication. But a close second is the expandability. Clarett interfaces support ADAT expandability, allowing you to add more inputs through hardware expansion. The Clarett 2Pre supports up to 10 inputs but has only two onboard inputs. So to make use of the 10 simultaneous inputs, you just have to add the right hardware— and Focusrite is glad to supply you with this hardware, too.
Clarett OctoPre: Featuring the same Air-enabled mic preamps as the Clarett 2Pre, the OctoPre offers an additional eight analog inputs. There are also eight line outputs and two instrument inputs on the front panel. The analog Air effect is switchable, so you can disable it when needed.
If you’re already shelling out for a Clarett 2Pre, it makes sense to get the Clarett OctoPre if you need expandability. Having that same classic ISA mic pre sound on all channels will give you the pro-quality consistency you want.
Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic: For only a little less cash, you can get the Scarlett version of the OctoPre, but I don’t recommend it. You’ll have a better experience when all inputs are using the better preamp found on the Clarett line. Also, the Scarlett OctoPre was not updated to a third generation.
Our Top Recommendation: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Bundle
After reviewing several Focusrite bundles, we’ve chosen the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 Bundle as our top recommendation for most users. It offers everything that the already-impressive Scarlett Solo Studio has, plus some key upgrades like dual combination inputs and independent monitoring controls.
The difference in price between the two Focusrite bundles usually sits at around $50. It’s a small enough difference that most buyers can afford the more robust bundle.
Why do we say the dual combination inputs matter so much? The answer is flexibility. When you’re just starting out, you may not need anything more than a single XLR and a single quarter-inch input. But there are countless scenarios where you might want to do more:
- Podcasting or streaming with two condenser microphones
- Recording two vocals or two acoustic instruments at once
- Recording with a stereo pair (piano, acoustic guitar, drums, more)
- Recording two line instruments at once (or a stereo pair, like electric piano/keyboard)
And there are plenty more.
With such a small price difference, the 2i2 Scarlett bundle is our top recommendation. With it, you’ll have much more recording freedom and flexibility if you ever want to spread your recording wings a bit.
So, why not the Clarett? Well, if you’re a more experienced recording artist with enough room in your budget, the Clarett 2Pre USB could be a worthwhile upgrade—especially if you want ADAT expandability. But if you don’t anticipate needing the expanded I/O, it’s hard to justify the extra expense.
Check current prices on Amazon for the Scarlett 2i2 Studio Bundle*** (Our Top Recommendation)