The “Air” Button on Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Gen. Interfaces

The Air mode on Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Gen. interfaces emulates the famous boost in the mid-high frequency range of Focusrite’s original ISA mic preamps at the famous AIR Studios, adding unique high-end detail which was a renowned characteristic.

Basically it adds some nice, smooth high frequency clarity which sounds tremendous on audio that needs more clarity.

“Air mode breathes life into vocals, adding unique high-end detail.” (from the Focusrite website)

“Brightening Up” Podcast Guests

When recording podcasts, guests will often use a non-professional microphone like earbuds or the built-in computer microphone because they don’t own any other microphones. In some of those cases the Air button can make the guest sound less muffled by adding clarity.

Even some “darker sounding” professional microphones like the Shure SM7b can sound much better after activating Air mode on a Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Gen. interface.

Choices on the Number of Inputs

Focusrite’s 3rd Generation Scarlett interfaces include input/output configurations to suit almost any situation; choose from Solo, 2i2, 4i4 8i6, 18i8 or 18i20, which range from 1-8 XLR inputs.

Want to receive the Daily Goody in your email, daily or weekly? Subscribe free here.

And please keep in mind, the Daily Goody is only a tiny little tip, fact or lesson everyday. Please don’t expect any of these posts to be long, earth-shattering masterpieces that instantly answer every single question you can think of and completely transform you into a world class podcast engineer. “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”

.

Comments

8 responses to “The “Air” Button on Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Gen. Interfaces”

  1. Mike Thomas Avatar

    The same facility is on the Focusrite Clarett (like my 2Pre).

    It certainly helps.

  2. GregMan69 Avatar
    GregMan69

    works good with my blue yeti pro

  3. Jim Fry Avatar
    Jim Fry

    Does the “Air” feature on solo 3rd only function with the XLR (mic) input?

    1. Chris Curran Avatar
      Chris Curran

      I believe so, but I recommend verifying with Focusrite.

  4. marcelo puente Avatar
    marcelo puente

    What does Air and Inst. mean? when do I use them
    I have a Scarlett 2i2

    1. Chris Curran Avatar
      Chris Curran

      The Air button adds clarity – use it if you want more clarity. The instrument input is for directly plugging in instruments like electric guitars and basses, etc.

  5. Harry King Avatar
    Harry King

    What’s the difference between LINE and INSTRUMENT?

    1. Chris Curran Avatar
      Chris Curran

      INSTRUMENT is expecting an electric guitar, etc. plugged directly into it.
      LINE is expecting any signal which is already at line level, like a microphone which has already been preamplified or the output of other audio equipment, etc.

Leave a Reply to Jim Fry Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. More information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close