What Does a Focusrite Do?
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A Focusrite audio interface sits between a microphone or instrument and a computer. It turns the mic or instrument signal into digital audio the computer can record, and it sends computer audio back out to headphones or speakers. The two Scarlett Solo models here each list 1 XLR mic preamp and 1 Hi-Z instrument input at 24-bit/192kHz.
What the interface does
An audio interface converts the signal from a microphone or instrument into digital audio, and converts computer audio back into a signal for headphones or speakers. The mic preamp lifts a microphone signal to a level the computer can use, and the gain control sets how much lift it gets. The Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen lists a 56dB gain range on its mic preamp.
Plug in a mic and an instrument
Plug a microphone into the XLR input and an instrument into the Hi-Z input. The Scarlett Solo models each list 1 XLR mic preamp and 1 Hi-Z instrument input, while the MOTU M2 lists 2 preamps and the M-Track Duo lists two combo XLR, line and instrument inputs. Connect the interface to the computer with the USB cable, then pick the interface as the input and output in the recording software.
Set gain and switch on phantom power
Turn the gain down, plug in the microphone, then raise the gain until the level sits where the software meters show it clearly. The M-Track Duo lists 48V phantom power for condenser microphones, and the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen lists a switchable Air mode on its mic preamp. Switch phantom power on only for a microphone that lists 48V as its power source, and switch it off before you unplug the cable.
Listen back and record
Plug headphones into the headphone output to hear the recording as it goes in, or send the sound to speakers from the line outputs. The Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen lists 2 low-noise balanced outputs for playback, and the MOTU M2 lists hardware monitoring with LCD meters for all inputs and outputs. The interface software that comes in the box, such as Pro Tools Intro and Ableton Live Lite, gives a place to record once the interface is picked as the input.
What you need
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio
A USB-C interface with 1 XLR mic preamp, 1 Hi-Z instrument input, 24-bit/192kHz recording, a 56dB gain range and a switchable Air mode.
- Inputs: 2
- Mic preamps: 1
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- Software named in listing: Pro Tools Intro
- 3-year warranty stated
MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface
A USB-C interface with 2 mic preamps, 2-in/2-out, 24-bit/192kHz recording, hardware monitoring and LCD meters for all inputs and outputs.
- Inputs: 2
- Mic preamps: 2, the most here
- Outputs: 2
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- 2-year warranty stated
M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface Dual
A USB interface with two combo XLR, line and instrument inputs, 48kHz audio, 48V phantom power and a USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring.
- Inputs: 2
- Max sample rate: 48 kHz
- 48V phantom power
- Software named in listing: Ableton Live Lite
- 0.7 lb, the lightest here
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio
A USB-C interface with 1 XLR mic preamp, 1 Hi-Z instrument input, 24-bit/192kHz recording, a 120dB dynamic range and Air modes.
- Inputs: 2
- Mic preamps: 1
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- Software named in listing: Pro Tools Intro
These come from our ranked list Best Audio Interface, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Focusrite audio interface do?
It sits between a microphone or instrument and a computer, turning the mic or instrument signal into digital audio for recording, and sending computer audio back to headphones or speakers.
Do I need phantom power for my microphone?
Only if the microphone lists 48V phantom power as its power source, as condenser microphones do. The M-Track Duo lists 48V phantom power, while dynamic microphones make their signal without outside power.
Can a Focusrite interface record guitar and vocals?
Yes. The Scarlett Solo models each list 1 XLR mic preamp for a microphone and 1 Hi-Z instrument input for guitar, and the 4th Gen lists Air modes that lift vocals and guitars to the front of the mix.
Ranked audio interfaces lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.