Focusrite Clarett + 8 Pre USB-C Audio Interface

Equally comfortable in the studio or as part of a mobile rig, the Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre rackmount 18×20 USB Type-C audio/MIDI interface combines upgraded 24-bit / 192 kHz AD/DA conversion with low-latency monitoring and eight Air-enabled microphone preamps that can model the sound of the company’s classic ISA preamps. With low noise (-129 dB EIN), massive dynamic range, and even less distortion than before, the high-performance mic preamps deliver a clean, open, and transparent sound, for accurate reproduction of the original performance.

In addition to the eight mic/line preamps (two with Hi-Z capability), the interface offers ADAT and S/PDIF I/O for digital input and output expansion, MIDI I/O for integration of MIDI equipment such as a keyboard or drum machine, and a BNC wordclock output for syncing other digital gear. Stereo monitor outputs, two headphone outs, and eight line outputs let you properly hook up monitors, headphones, and outboard processors. The Clarett+ 8Pre includes a software package featuring Focusrite Red plug-ins and a channel strip that accurately models the rare Focusrite Studio Console. Also provided is the Focusrite Control software that enables you to configure routing and monitor mixes from Mac and Windows computers, or iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch mobile devices.

New to the Clarett+

Independent A/D and D/A converters bring you closer than ever to your music and let you hear the truth, whether you’re in the studio or on the road. Greatly improved D/A dynamic range enables you to hear every detail and have greater control over your mix. Lower A/D converter distortion lets you capture signals with more clarity, for greater transparency and sonic accuracy.

Great for Bands, Project Studios, and Large Home Setups

With its 1 RU size, USB Type-C connectivity, and AC powering (via the included power cable), the Clarett+ 8Pre is well suited for bands, project studios, and large home setups in need of plenty of analog and digital I/O in a rackmountable form factor.

Pristine, High-Resolution Conversion

Capture more detail than ever before; the carefully engineered design means the Clarett+ 8Pre gives you stunning results. At a class-leading 124 dB dynamic range, the ultralow-noise 24-bit / 192 kHz converters give your recordings clarity and nuance.

Clarett+ Mic Preamps

Capture clear and powerful recordings with preamps that bring masses of headroom, low distortion, and ultralow noise. Phantom power is switchable for channels 1-4 and 5-8, so you can use dynamic or condenser microphones as you desire.

Tone-Enhancing Analog Air Circuitry

Premium, relay-controlled analog circuitry on every preamp emulates the classic Focusrite ISA 110 by switching the impedance to 2.2 kilohms and adding two cumulative high shelves, totaling a 4 dB boost in the high frequencies.

JFET Instrument Inputs

Dedicated, ultrahigh-impedance JFET instrument inputs, with extremely wide audio bandwidth, mimic guitar-amp inputs to preserve the natural tone of guitars and capture their true character.

Software Instrument/Line Input Switches

At the press of a button in the control software, the first two 1/4″ inputs can be used for line-level sources (like a mixer’s stereo output or the line outs from guitar and bass amps) or direct connection of instruments such as electric guitar and bass, synthesizers, or drum machines—no need for DI boxes.

Rear-Panel Line Inputs

With six XLR-1/4″ combo mic/line inputs on the back of the Clarett+ 8Pre, you can patch in line-level sources such as external mic preamps, an outboard mixer, or synthesizer sound modules while leaving the front-panel inputs free for direct connection of mics, instruments, or other line-level sources.

Straightforward Controls and Level Indication

The Clarett+ 8Pre’s eight independent gain knobs and 10 multi-segment meters mean that you’ll have no trouble getting set up and dialing in the perfect levels.

Dual Independent Headphone and Monitor Outputs

The two balanced 1/4″ TRS monitor outputs on the rear panel enable connectivity with active studio monitors, while two front-panel 1/4″ headphone jacks fed by a powerful and tonally linear headphone amp allow critical listening through headphones for two people. Separate knobs are provided for quick and independent adjustment of the monitor and headphone volumes, and dedicated dim and mute buttons are present for effective monitor control.

Eight Line Outputs

Eight additional balanced 1/4″ TRS line outputs can be found on the rear panel of the Clarett+ 8Pre. Use these to route tracks from your session into separate analog inputs on a console or summing mixer, or to feed outboard effects processors.

MIDI I/O

Spin the Clarett+ 8Pre around, and you’ll find traditional 5-pin MIDI I/O ports, perfect for hooking up a MIDI keyboard controller, a synthesizer/workstation, or a sound module, for MIDI recording, editing, and sequencing.

8-Channel ADAT Optical I/O

In addition to having flexible analog I/O, the Clarett+ 8Pre offers a TOSLINK optical input, which can accept an 8-channel ADAT input at up to 48 kHz (four channels at 88.2 / 96 kHz) or a stereo S/PDIF source. Connect any external microphone preamp equipped with an ADAT or S/PDIF output to this optical input to record additional microphones.

An ADAT optical output is also present, should you wish to send tracks digitally (skipping a D/A stage) to a headphone distribution system, an external converter, or a digital mixer.

Stereo S/PDIF Digital I/O

The interface also includes S/PDIF stereo digital input and output ports via coaxial jacks. Use the S/PDIF input to record the output of a digital DJ mixer or an external mic preamp outfitted with an A/D converter and S/PDIF output. Run the Clarett’s S/PDIF output to a high-end D/A converter for extra processing or mastering with analog gear.

Wordclock Output

A BNC output provides a stable wordclock signal for synchronizing external digital equipment such as other audio interfaces or a digital mixing console.

Universal Power Supply

The Clarett+ 8Pre utilizes an internal universal power supply and a supplied power cable to ensure its proper operation. The interface can be connected to your Mac/Windows computer with either of the two supplied USB cables (one USB Type-C and one USB Type-C to Type-A).

Powerful Software Control

Route your audio, cue mix, loopback, and monitor mixes from your Mac or Windows computer via the Focusrite Control desktop software. Tap into even more convenience by using the Focusrite Control iOS app on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to remotely control your Clarett+ 8Pre when connected to Focusrite Control Desktop.

Included Plug-Ins

The Clarett+ 8Pre comes with a powerful bundle of plug-ins.

• Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC: Channel strip plug-in modeled on the ISA 110 module found in the original Focusrite Studio Console
• Focusrite Red 2 and Red 3 Plug-In Suite: Accurate models of Focusrite’s classic Red 2 equalizer and Red 3 compressor
• Access to the Focusrite Plug-In Collective: Receive free versions of innovative software and benefit from discounts