Description

Focusrite Clarett+ 8 Pre is a professional USB audio interface for PC, Mac and iOS devices, rack-mountable (1U) if needed, which provides 8 mic/line/instrument preamplified inputs on Combo connectors (XLR/Jack), 10 ¼" TRS jack outputs, and two headphone outputs. The digital connectivity includes coaxial S/PDIF input and output, and optical (Toslink) input and output for ADAT.

VIDEO: Tommy Graziani with Focusrite Clarett+ 8 Pre USB

There is also a BNC connector output to transmit the Word clock to synchronize any external converters. The I/O package is completed by a MIDI IN port and a MIDI OUT port on pentapolar DIN connectors.

The Clarett+ interfaces differ from previous models due to new converters and a more performant dynamic range, particularly noticeable on the line outputs - equal to 124dB (118 in old models) - and on the headphone outputs (+3dB compared to previous models). Focusrite Clarett+ 8 Pre is mains powered.

The 8 analog inputs can be used for recording microphone sources (XLR with 48v Phantom), line, or for direct connection of electric guitars and basses when activating the "Instrument" function, which relies on high-impedance JFETs with extended frequency response, allowing you to get the best from your pickups. The 8 microphone preamplifiers integrated into the Focusrite Clarett+ 8 Pre allow you to capture every detail of audio sources and, thanks to the high headroom and extremely low self-noise, prevent artifacts and distortion. The AIR circuit, integrated and individually activatable on each preamplified input, emulates the behavior of the classic and highly appreciated ISA110 preamplifier implemented in the iconic Focusrite Studio Console.

Completely analog and relay-controlled, the Air mode, once activated on individual preamps, varies the impedance of the microphone inputs from 6.2kΩ to 2.1kΩ, introducing the physiological variation in frequency response that is particularly noticeable when using dynamic microphones (ribbon or moving coil), vintage, but not only. At the same time, Air mode also adds a boost (approximately 4dB) to the mid/high frequencies and a slight saturation to the harmonics. AIR is that extra touch needed to enliven your professional recordings.

The A-D and D-A converters (24-bit/192kHz) are independent and integrated into an optimized circuit with a meticulously designed output filtering section to expand dynamic range and imperceptibly reduce background noise. This has allowed for a noticeable improvement in quality, enabling you to reproduce the slightest sonic details even in the richest and most intricate musical passages. Clarett+ series interfaces operate at 24-bit at the following sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88, 96, 176.4 or 192kHz.

The two headphone outputs of the Focusrite Clarett+ 8 Pre are powerful and extremely linear in frequency response, capable of amplifying headphones with impedances up to 600 Ohm and perfect for supporting you in all stages of music production where professional and reliable headphone monitoring is required: from tracking to mixing, up to mastering.

The TOSLINK optical input of your Focusrite Clarett+ 8 Pre allows you to expand the number of inputs by connecting any analog-to-digital converter with an ADAT output. You will benefit from 8 additional mono audio inputs with a maximum resolution of 48kHz/24-bit on a single cable. Thanks to Sample Multiplexing (SMUX II), if necessary, you can work with sample rates of 88.2 or 96kHz, but halving the number of separate channels: maximum 4 mono channels. With SMUX IV, the sampling frequency is increased up to 176.4kHz or 192kHz, but the usable channels become 2. Choose an ADAT converter from the Focusrite catalog: click here. The Clarett+ 8 Pre is the only interface in the series that also allows you to increase the number of outputs by connecting any multi-channel digital-to-analog converter to the ADAT out port.

Rich software and FREE plug-in package

In addition to Focusrite Control, the software that allows you to set up your interface and perform real-time routing and mixing for headphone monitoring or on separate outputs, by purchasing a Focusrite Clarett+ audio interface you are entitled to a free license for the BRAINWORX BX_CONSOLE FOCUSRITE SC plug-in, a virtual channel strip that emulates the historical and coveted Focusrite ISA 110 (equalizer) and ISA 130 (dynamics processor) modules: click here for more information on the plug-in. In addition, you will have two other important plug-ins: the Red 2, a 6-band equalizer (2 Hi and Low pass filters, two shelving on lows and highs, and 2 parametrics for mid-lows and mid-highs) and the Red 3 compressor/limiter. To get the software, simply create an account (click here) and register your Clarett+ interface on the manufacturer's website. By adding an interface to your account on the Focusrite website, in the "My Software" section you will find all the information (codes and download guides) to obtain free software and plug-ins, including constant offers (free or discounts) reserved for members of the Focusrite Plug-in Collective.

Features of the Focusrite Clarett+ 8 Pre:

• 18 In/20 Out USB audio interface
• 8 Combo Mic/line/Instrument inputs
• 8 Preamps with AIR mode
• 10 ¼" TRS jack outputs
• TOSLINK optical input for ADAT
• TOSLINK optical output for ADAT
• Coaxial S/PDIF In & Out
• BNC Word Clock Out
• MIDI IN & MIDI OUT ports on 5-pin DIN
• 24bit/192kHz A-D and D-A conversion

 Included in the Focusrite Clarett+ 8 Pre package:

- Clarett+ 8Pre

- 2 USB cables: one standard with USB A connector and one USB Type C

- Power cable (IEC)

- Clarett+ 8Pre dimensions and weight: 43.9x291x482.5mm; 4.08KG

Technical Specifications Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre:

Microphone Inputs

Frequency response ± < 0.03dB: 20-20kHz

Frequency response ± < 0.15dB: 20-35kHz

Dynamic range (min gain): 118dB

THD+N (-1dBFS, +20dB gain): -110dB

Noise EIN: -129dBu

Maximum Input Level: 18dBu

Gain range: +57dB

Line Inputs

Frequency Response: 20-20kHz: ± < 0.05dB

Frequency Response: 20-35kHz: ± < 0.15dB

Dynamic Range (min gain): 118dB

THD+N (-1dBFS, min gain): -100dB

Maximum input level: 26dBu

Gain range: +57dB

Instrument Inputs

Frequency Response: 20-20kHz: ± < 0.04dB

Frequency Response: 20-35kHz: ± < 0.15dB

Dynamic Range: 116dB

THD+N (-1dBFS, min gain): -96.5dB

Maximum Input Level: 15dBu

Gain range: +57dB

Line & Monitor Outputs

Frequency Response (± <0.02dB): 20-20kHz

Frequency Response (± < 0.02dB): 20-35kHz

Dynamic Range: 124dB

Maximum Output Level: 18dBu

THD+N: -106dB

Headphone Outputs

Frequency Response 20-20kHz: <0.06dB

Frequency Response 20-35kHz: <0.07dB

Dynamic Range: 118dB

THD+N: -104dB

Maximum Output Level: 16dBu