Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre Rackmount 18x20 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface

The Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre rackmount 18x20 USB Type-C audio/MIDI interface is equally adept in both studio settings and mobile configurations. It features enhanced 24-bit / 192 kHz AD/DA conversion, low-latency monitoring, and eight Air-enabled microphone preamps capable of emulating the sound of the renowned ISA preamps. With an impressive low noise level of -129 dB EIN, a substantial dynamic range, and reduced distortion, these high-performance mic preamps provide a clean, open, and transparent audio quality, ensuring precise reproduction of the original performance.

The interface is equipped with eight mic/line preamps, including two that support Hi-Z functionality. It also features ADAT and S/PDIF I/O for expanded digital input and output options, as well as MIDI I/O for connecting MIDI devices such as keyboards or drum machines. Additionally, a BNC wordclock output is available for synchronizing other digital equipment. The interface provides stereo monitor outputs, two headphone outputs, and eight line outputs, facilitating the connection of monitors, headphones, and external processors. The Clarett+ 8Pre comes with a software suite that includes Focusrite Red plug-ins and a channel strip that faithfully emulates the rare Focusrite Studio Console. Furthermore, the Focusrite Control software allows users to manage routing and monitor mixes from Mac and Windows computers, as well as from mobile devices like iPads, iPhones, and iPod touches.

New to the Clarett+

Standalone A/D and D/A converters enhance your musical experience, allowing you to perceive the authenticity of sound, whether in a studio setting or while traveling. The significantly enhanced dynamic range of the D/A converters allows for the discernment of intricate details and provides improved control over your mixing process. Additionally, the reduced distortion in the A/D converters facilitates the capture of signals with increased clarity, resulting in superior transparency and sonic precision.

Great for Expanding Home Studios

The Clarett+ 8Pre, featuring a 1 RU size, USB Type-C connectivity, and AC power supply through the provided power cable, is ideally designed for bands, project studios, and expansive home configurations that require a substantial amount of analog and digital input/output in a rackmountable format.

Pristine, High-Resolution Conversion

The Clarett+ 8Pre is meticulously designed to capture unprecedented detail, delivering exceptional results. With a remarkable dynamic range of 124 dB, the ultra-low-noise 24-bit / 192 kHz converters ensure that your recordings possess both clarity and subtlety.

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, featuring an exceptionally broad audio bandwidth, replicate the characteristics of guitar amplifier inputs to maintain the authentic tone of guitars and accurately capture their inherent qualities.

Software Instrument/Line Input Switches

With a simple press of a button in the control software, each 1/4" input can accommodate line-level sources, such as the stereo output from a mixer or the line outputs from guitar and bass amplifiers. Additionally, these inputs can be directly connected to instruments, including electric guitars, basses, synthesizers, or drum machines, eliminating the necessity for DI boxes.

Rear-Panel Line Inputs

The Clarett+ 8Pre features six XLR-1/4" combo mic/line inputs located on its rear panel, allowing for the connection of line-level sources such as external microphone preamps, outboard mixers, or synthesizer sound modules. This design enables the front-panel inputs to remain available for the direct connection of microphones, instruments, or additional 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 rear panel features two balanced 1/4" TRS monitor outputs, facilitating connection to active studio monitors. Additionally, the front panel is equipped with two 1/4" headphone jacks, powered by a robust and tonally consistent headphone amplifier, enabling critical listening for two individuals. Independent volume control is made possible through separate knobs for both the monitor and headphone outputs, while dedicated dim and mute buttons are included to enhance monitor management.

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 Digital Input

The Clarett+ 8Pre not only features versatile analog I/O but also includes a TOSLINK optical input capable of receiving an 8-channel ADAT input at sampling rates of up to 48 kHz (or four channels at 88.2 / 96 kHz) as well as a stereo S/PDIF source. This optical input allows for the connection of any external microphone preamp that has an ADAT or S/PDIF output, enabling the recording of additional microphones. Furthermore, an ADAT optical output is available, allowing for the digital transmission of tracks directly to a headphone distribution system, an external converter, or a digital mixer, thereby bypassing the D/A conversion stage.

Stereo S/PDIF Digital I/O

The interface is equipped with S/PDIF stereo digital input and output ports that utilize coaxial jacks. The S/PDIF input can be employed to capture the output from a digital DJ mixer or an external microphone preamplifier that is fitted with an A/D converter and S/PDIF output. Connect the S/PDIF output of the Clarett to a premium D/A converter for enhanced processing or mastering with analog equipment.

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

Direct your audio, cue mix, loopback, and monitor mixes from your Mac or Windows computer using the Focusrite Control desktop software. Enhance your convenience further by utilizing the Focusrite Control iOS application on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to remotely manage your Clarett+ 8Pre when it is connected to Focusrite Control Desktop.

All the Tools You Need to Start Recording

The Clarett line of interfaces comes with some of the best loved software tools in the business.