When it comes to audio interfaces, Universal Audio and Focusrite are two industry-leading brands known for their exceptional audio gear. The UA Volt 1 and the Scarlett Solo are no exception, offering high-quality recording capabilities and versatile features for beginner music producers or audio engineers on a budget.
In this guide, we will dive into a comparison between the UA Volt 1 and the Focusrite Scarlett Solo, two popular budget audio interface options. Join us as we explore their similarities and differences, shedding light on their distinctive features, user experience, and overall value.
UA Volt vs Scarlett: Which is Interface is Best?
Which interface is better really comes down to your specific needs, your budget, and what you're looking for from your interface, so continue reading to dive deeper into what each of these products has to offer.
In this guide, we'll go over 6 categories of comparison: Design and Build Quality, Audio Quality and Performance, Connectivity and I/O, Software and Plugins, System Compatibility, and Price and Value.
With all that said, let's get into our comparison of UA Volt vs Scarlett.
After you’re done reading, don’t forget to check out our Bedroom Producer Essentials guide where you'll learn about all the necessary gear you need to get started on your music production journey.
Design and Build Quality
The UA Volt 1 and Scarlett Solo both boast sturdy and reliable construction. The UA Volt 1 features a sleek and modern design with a metal chassis, ensuring durability and shielding against electromagnetic interference. Its ergonomic layout and tactile controls offer easy access to essential functions, making it user-friendly for both beginners and experienced users.
Similarly, the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen sports a compact and lightweight design, making it suitable for on-the-go recordings or small studio setups. The interface comes with a durable anodized aluminum unibody, designed to withstand daily use and provide stability during recording and monitoring sessions.
Audio Quality and Performance
Both audio interfaces offer excellent sound quality, but their underlying technologies and audio characteristics differ slightly. The UA Volt 1 utilizes Universal Audio's renowned audio conversion technology (24-bit/192kHz resolution) plus a built-in Vintage Mic Preamp, which can be enabled with the "Vintage" button. This mode gives your recordings a warm and classic feel when toggled on, giving you more flexibility over your sound.
The Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen, on the other hand, features Focusrite's high-quality preamps and conversion technology, offering transparent and clean audio capture. With its 24-bit/192kHz resolution (the same resolution as the Volt), it delivers a wide dynamic range and low noise floor, suitable for capturing intricate audio details.
Connectivity and I/O
The UA Volt 1 USB Audio Interface offers a comprehensive set of inputs and outputs, making it a versatile tool for various recording and monitoring setups. It includes one XLR/TRS combo input with switchable +48V phantom power, allowing you to connect microphones or line-level instruments. Additionally, it features two balanced line outputs, MIDI I/O, and a high-resolution headphone output for accurate monitoring.
Conversely, the Scarlett Solo comes with one XLR input and one TRS/instrument input, accommodating microphones and instruments. It offers a switchable +48V phantom power and a direct monitor switch for latency-free monitoring. The interface also provides a headphone output and balanced TRS outputs, allowing you to monitor your audio.
Software and Plugins
One of the highlights of the UA Volt 1 is its existence within the Universal Audio ecosystem of digital gear. With your purchase you receive $400 worth of UAD plugins, allowing you to dip your toes into the vast world of UAD plugins. However, unlike the Apollo series of audio interfaces, the Volt does not offer onboard DSP, meaning you will have to run the plugins using your computer's processing power.
Your Scarlett Solo purchase, on the other hand, includes Ableton Live Lite, three months of Pro Tools Artist, and the Hitmaker Expansion, with plugins from Antares, Softube, Landr, XLN Audio and more, offering a complete software package for beginners and seasoned producers alike.
System Compatibility
Both audio interfaces are compatible with major digital audio workstations (DAWs) across multiple operating systems. The UA Volt 1 works seamlessly with Mac and Windows systems, supporting popular DAWs such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, and Cubase.
Similarly, the Scarlett Solo is fully compatible with Mac and Windows computers, supporting leading DAWs like Ableton Live, Pro Tools, FL Studio, and Studio One. Its user-friendly setup and driver installation process ensure hassle-free integration into your existing recording setup.
Price and Value
The UA Volt 1 and Scarlett Solo are offered at different price points, making them accessible to users with varying budgets. The UA Volt 1 falls into the slightly higher price range (currently listed at $139 on Amazon), appealing to producers seeking top-tier audio processing capabilities at a reasonable price.
On the other hand, the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is positioned in a more affordable range (currently listed at $119 on Amazon), making it an attractive choice for beginners and producers on a tighter budget. Its versatile software bundle adds significant value, providing essential tools for recording and production tasks.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the UA Volt 1and Scarlett Solo are both exceptional choices that cater to different user preferences and budgetary considerations. The UA Volt 1 excels with its high quality audio conversion, Vintage preamp option, and association with a respected audio gear manufacturer in Universal Audio.
Meanwhile, the Scarlett Solo offers a clean and reliable recording solution, ideal for beginners and musicians seeking a budget-friendly yet high-quality audio interface. Whether you prioritize authentic analog emulations or pristine audio capture at a fair price, both interfaces deliver reliable performance and excellent sound quality for all your recording and production needs.
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