I wanted to find a device that let me record easily when at a gig, or just in my office. I did a LOT of research into devices that were USB only, even other ones that Focusrite sold. The main reason I picked this one was its versatility in being both iPad and USB compatible.
The complaints about the iPad connector cable are valid - it's too stiff and short. I feel like I might accidently break it off if I'm not too careful. Why it uses a proprietary connector on the back of the unit, I'll never know. To combat the included 30-pin cable I bought a
$10 3ft 30-pin extension cable
, which seems to do the job nicely. The GarageBand software on the iPad is simple enough to use, and while it can only record one of the 2 input channels at a time, that's fine for what I expected. To record from a live sound-board, I just use the XLR input, set the gain (with the awesome colored halo ring), and save the recording as a mono track.
Being small and solidly built, I've got no problem tossing this in the milk-crate with the rest of my cables and peddles.
In regards to how it records when plugging into a computer via USB (an iMac in this case), it's even better than I expected. The GarageBand software on the Mac does have the ability to record both input channels at the time time. The on-board monitor volume and headphone is fantastic. I thought it only would play back what was being input at that moment, but it does more than that. It's a real monitor (the GarageBand software recognizes it's the monitor output), and when you have a multi-track recording that you're working on, the software allows you to pass back other tracks from the computer while recording a new track.
For example, I recorded a track with just the guitar (track 1), I was using the 1/4" input channel, and laid down that track. Then I created a second guitar track and recorded a second guitar part (headphones plugged into iTrack Solo) and I was able to hear both the current track I was recording, and the first track. Lastly, I plugged in a mic into the first input, and created a 3rd vocal only track. When I was singing, I was able to hear both guitar parts with the headphones still plugged into the iTrack Solo as well as my vocals recording in real-time. I wasn't expecting this level of capability, and was very impressed by the lack of any noticeable latency in both the backing tracks and the vocals I was recording with all 3 going at the same time.
The last thing I want to mention is the XLR pre-amp. Focusrite has been making high-end professional recording equipment for a long time, and the thing they're most well-known for is the mic pre-amp. I have to say, it is spectacular. There is absolutely no noise (no hiss, or clicks) of any kind. The gain staging nobs with the color halos make it so easy to setup, it's almost too easy. The sound it captures is exactly what you expect, and you'll notice right away if you're using a low quality microphone. It definitely stands up to their reputation. Having 48v phantom power to use those top dollar condenser mics is also a really nice thing to have. The demos on their website show how simple it is to use. Once you start playing with it, you'll realize it is a really nice tool for a solo artist, or someone who wants high portability, but great sound quality.
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This Item  Focusrite iTrack Solo LIghtning Audio Interface for iPad/Mac |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | — | $189.00 | -7% $129.99 Typical: $139.99 | $149.00 | -33% $119.99 List: $179.99 | $79.99 |
| Delivery | — | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jun 11 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Jun 5 | — | — |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Tech Support | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Easy to use | ||||||
| Volume control | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Amazon.com | AudioDeluxe | Focus Camera LLC | Electronics Expo (Authorized Dealer) | Amazon.com |
| number of channels | 2 | 2 | — | 2 | — | 2 |
| hardware interface | usb | usb2.0 | — | usb | — | usb c |
| connectivity tech | USB | USB | USB, XLN | USB | Type-C, USB 2.0 | XLR |
| model year | 2014 | 2021 | — | 2021 | — | 2022 |
| style | 30 Pin | 2-in/2-out | — | Reliable | 4th Gen | AudioBox GO |
Reviews with images
Super easy to set up, portable, iPad compatible!
While the FocusRite Scarlett 2i2 is perfect for those needing 2 microphone inputs, sometimes you’re just going solo.If you’re looking for a high quality, portable, easy-to-use USB audio interface for 1 XLR input and 1 Line In input, the FocusRite iTrack Solo might just be for you.The FocusRite iTrack Solo is a USB, RCA, and iPad-compatible interface.This device features a durable, premium-feeling metal case with 4 rubber non-slip feet on the bottom.It has 1 XLR input with 48v Phantom Power (USB power required) and a 1/4" Line In input, both with gain knobs. The iTrack Solo also has a 1/4" headphone output for monitoring.Like the Scarlett 2i2, you can use the iTrack Solo as a DAC to listen to audio playback via USB from your PC, and you can use it for direct monitoring of your inputs.The back of the device features a Kensington lock, USB 2.0 output, White and Red RCA-style line out for monitoring or running to an audio system, and a “Device Link” port for iPad.The main target audience for the iTrack Solo seems to be those looking to record and mix music with their iPads. While this is a handy capability, this isn’t something I would ever use. I do not own an iPad so I cannot test this feature.What I was able to test and use was the audio recording and playback. I originally purchased this interface for a small voiceover booth I put together for my voiceover work. I had an Audio Technica AT 2020 condenser microphone, this and a laptop. It was very, very easy to set up, and the quality was amazing.The sheer ease and quality of recording with this interface from my microphone to Adobe Audition is what convinced me to try out the Scarlett 2i2 on my main studio setup, and I love them both.I even tested the Line In input with my Casio keyboard’s line out, and the quality of that recording blew me away, as well.Audio playback is very straightforward, just set the iTrack Solo as your default audio device and you’re good to go. However, since this interface is smaller than the Scarlett 2i2, it does not have an audio playback volume knob, so your playback volume comes in at line level. Be careful; this can get quite loud if you’re not careful.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2013
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2013
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2013
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2016
If you’re looking for a high quality, portable, easy-to-use USB audio interface for 1 XLR input and 1 Line In input, the FocusRite iTrack Solo might just be for you.
The FocusRite iTrack Solo is a USB, RCA, and iPad-compatible interface.
This device features a durable, premium-feeling metal case with 4 rubber non-slip feet on the bottom.
It has 1 XLR input with 48v Phantom Power (USB power required) and a 1/4" Line In input, both with gain knobs. The iTrack Solo also has a 1/4" headphone output for monitoring.
Like the Scarlett 2i2, you can use the iTrack Solo as a DAC to listen to audio playback via USB from your PC, and you can use it for direct monitoring of your inputs.
The back of the device features a Kensington lock, USB 2.0 output, White and Red RCA-style line out for monitoring or running to an audio system, and a “Device Link” port for iPad.
The main target audience for the iTrack Solo seems to be those looking to record and mix music with their iPads. While this is a handy capability, this isn’t something I would ever use. I do not own an iPad so I cannot test this feature.
What I was able to test and use was the audio recording and playback. I originally purchased this interface for a small voiceover booth I put together for my voiceover work. I had an Audio Technica AT 2020 condenser microphone, this and a laptop. It was very, very easy to set up, and the quality was amazing.
The sheer ease and quality of recording with this interface from my microphone to Adobe Audition is what convinced me to try out the Scarlett 2i2 on my main studio setup, and I love them both.
I even tested the Line In input with my Casio keyboard’s line out, and the quality of that recording blew me away, as well.
Audio playback is very straightforward, just set the iTrack Solo as your default audio device and you’re good to go. However, since this interface is smaller than the Scarlett 2i2, it does not have an audio playback volume knob, so your playback volume comes in at line level. Be careful; this can get quite loud if you’re not careful.
Super easy to set up, portable, iPad compatible!
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2016
While the FocusRite Scarlett 2i2 is perfect for those needing 2 microphone inputs, sometimes you’re just going solo.Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2016
If you’re looking for a high quality, portable, easy-to-use USB audio interface for 1 XLR input and 1 Line In input, the FocusRite iTrack Solo might just be for you.
The FocusRite iTrack Solo is a USB, RCA, and iPad-compatible interface.
This device features a durable, premium-feeling metal case with 4 rubber non-slip feet on the bottom.
It has 1 XLR input with 48v Phantom Power (USB power required) and a 1/4" Line In input, both with gain knobs. The iTrack Solo also has a 1/4" headphone output for monitoring.
Like the Scarlett 2i2, you can use the iTrack Solo as a DAC to listen to audio playback via USB from your PC, and you can use it for direct monitoring of your inputs.
The back of the device features a Kensington lock, USB 2.0 output, White and Red RCA-style line out for monitoring or running to an audio system, and a “Device Link” port for iPad.
The main target audience for the iTrack Solo seems to be those looking to record and mix music with their iPads. While this is a handy capability, this isn’t something I would ever use. I do not own an iPad so I cannot test this feature.
What I was able to test and use was the audio recording and playback. I originally purchased this interface for a small voiceover booth I put together for my voiceover work. I had an Audio Technica AT 2020 condenser microphone, this and a laptop. It was very, very easy to set up, and the quality was amazing.
The sheer ease and quality of recording with this interface from my microphone to Adobe Audition is what convinced me to try out the Scarlett 2i2 on my main studio setup, and I love them both.
I even tested the Line In input with my Casio keyboard’s line out, and the quality of that recording blew me away, as well.
Audio playback is very straightforward, just set the iTrack Solo as your default audio device and you’re good to go. However, since this interface is smaller than the Scarlett 2i2, it does not have an audio playback volume knob, so your playback volume comes in at line level. Be careful; this can get quite loud if you’re not careful.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Adam
1 on Snow Leopard and runs just fine just plug in and go use it as my ...
Reviewed in Canada on December 30, 2016
Biraj Kumar Das
I-pad recording and Playback via Focusrite Itrack Solo
Reviewed in India on March 28, 2017
Biraj Kumar Das
Reviewed in India on March 28, 2017
Images in this review
Richard Arnold
Great addition to my iPad and iPhone
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 30, 2013
