plus your internal DAW routings are set up in the latter
tab, with outputs – line, headphones Loopback and S/
PDIF – running top to bottom and inputs left to right,
plus your software and DAW connectivity options shown
at the bottom. You can also bring the Air option in the
Input Settings tab and also switch between input line and
instrument levels and the Pad option (to prevent clipping
with hotter signals). Overall, the Control software is very
easy to use and configure – setting up Custom Mixes is also
made really simple.
All the units are adequately well built, light and compact.
Easy to throw in a back pack with your laptop and take
around. Especially the Solo - which features a mic input
around the front, with a preamp common to the entire third
generation of Scarletts that Focusrite say are the best-
performing Scarlett preamps. There’s also a high-impedance
instrument input (for guitar or bass) which can also take
line-level signals from drum machines and synths, etc, with
the flick of the switch to its right. The unit features useful
‘gain halos’ around the front gain dials that light green
when levels are good, orange for just okay or red when they
clip. Finally, on the front panel there is a Direct Monitor
button so you can hear what you are playing and recording
latency free. These front-panel controls are very similar
in layout to the last-gen Solo – as all the third-generation
IK Multimedia - Signature Brian May gear
collection for AmpliTube
AmpliTube - A popular starter amp sim for a lot of guitars
looking to get their guitar sounds into a computer. This
one is a tasty offering for anyone who is chasing the elusive
classic rock tones of the likes of Brian May. It runs within
the AmpliTube Custom Shop and adds some extra fun to the
experience. It features 11 new models including 2 amps, 3
cabinets, and up to 6 stompbox effects. Included are unique
offerings such as a new pedal modeling Brian's Red Special
guitar and a model of the one-of-a-kind, home-built "Deacy"
Amp (with user adjustable battery power) originally created
by Queen bassist John Deacon, after modifying an old
radio. Other highlights incorporate his famous triple-amp
live setup; tone-shaping effects; and even a harmonizer for
controls are – so if you are familiar with, or upgrading
from that range, you’ll be right at home here. One last Solo
upgrade includes two balanced TRS speaker outs around the
back – previously, these were RCA connections.
The overall sound has certainly improved a little bit. They
operate a little cleaner than before. As a playback interface,
Scarlett is top notch. The preamps are really clean and fuss
free. The Air feature provides marginal improvement on
some sources more than others, but when it does work it is a
nice addition to have.
Overall at entry level, the Solo maintains its predecessor’s
easy portability and compact and mobile form and will
easily suit singer-songwriters wanting good-quality
recording and playback on the move. The 8i6 will also suit
newcomers and those branching out into more hardware
realms, perhaps those with a smaller synth setup or a small-
to medium-sized hybrid hardware/software studio. It’s a
great option for small-scale instrument recording too. The
top-end 18i20 crams more I/O into a compact unit and has
all the connectivity that one may need. The gap to the more
expensive Clarett series has become smaller with the added
ease of USB connectivity. It looks like Scarlett will certainly
continue to hold dominance over starter interfaces with this
range.
nailing those Queen stacked leads. The Amps are based on
the classic triple VOX AC30 setup,the BM 30 offers three
amps with the effects chain in a Wet-Dry-Wet configuration
to match Brian May's iconic setup. The triple cabinet is also
heavily based on the cab section of a VOX AC30 equipped
with with Celestion Alnico Blue speakers. The stomp box
features The Red Special, created from a detailed study
of Brian May's famous guitar. It helps to add its unique
tonality and controls and the Treble Booster enriches guitar
tone similar to Brian May's by boosting it before it reaches
the amp.
Its certainly a fun addition to play around with. Quite useful
for people looking to nail some Queen covers and sound as
close to Brian May while doing so.
The
Score Magazine
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