Focusrite Clarett+ 8 Pre is a professional USB audio interface for PC, Mac and iOS devices that can be installed on 19" racks (1U footprint) and provides 8 pre-amplified mic/line/instrument inputs on Combo (XLR/Jack) connectors, 10 ¼" TRS jack outputs and two headphone outputs. The digital connections include a coaxial S/PDIF input and output and an ADAT optical (Toslink) input and output.
There is also an output on a BNC connector to transmit the Word clock in order to synchronize any external converters. The I/O equipment is completed by a MIDI IN port and a MIDI OUT on five-pole DIN connectors.
The Clarett+ interfaces differ from their predecessors in that they feature new converters and a higher-performing dynamic range, which is particularly noticeable on the line outputs - equal to 124dB (118 in the older models) - and on the headphone outputs (+3dB compared to the previous models). Focusrite Clarett+ 8 Pre is powered by mains electricity.
The 8 analogue inputs can be used for recording microphone sources (XLR with Phantom 48v), line, or for the direct connection of electric guitars and basses when we activate the “Instrument” function, which relies on high-impedance JFETs with an extended frequency response, which will allow you to get the best from your pick-ups. The 8 microphone preamps integrated into the Focusrite Clarett+ 8 Pre allow you to capture every detail of the audio sources and, thanks to the high headroom and a self-noise reduced to the minimum terms, avoid the occurrence of artefacts and distortion. Integrated and individually activateable on each preamp input, the AIR circuit emulates the behaviour of the classic and highly appreciated ISA110 preamp implemented in the iconic Focusrite Studio Console.
Fully analog and relay-controlled, the Air mode, once activated on the 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, and more. At the same time, the Air mode also adds a boost (about 4dB) on the medium/high frequencies and a slight saturation on the harmonics. The AIR is that extra touch you need to liven up your professional recordings.
The AD and DA converters (24-bit/192kHz) are independent and integrated into an optimised circuit with a meticulously designed output filter section to widen the dynamic range while reducing background noise to an imperceptible level. This has made it possible to significantly improve quality, allowing you to reproduce the finest sonic details in even the richest and most intricate musical passages. The Clarett+ series interfaces operate at 24-bit in the following sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88, 96, 176.4 or 192kHz.
The Focusrite Clarett+ 8 Pre’s two headphone outputs are powerful and extremely linear in frequency response, capable of amplifying headphones with impedances of up to 600 Ohm and perfect for supporting you in all phases of music production where professional and reliable headphone monitoring is required: from tracking to mixing, right through to mastering.
The TOSLINK optical input on your Focusrite Clarett+ 8 Pre lets you expand the number of inputs by connecting any analogue-to-digital converter with an ADAT output. This gives you 8 additional mono audio inputs with a maximum resolution of 48kHz/24-bit on a single cable. Sample Multiplexing (SMUX II) lets you work with sample rates of 88.2 or 96kHz if necessary, but halving the number of separate channels: a maximum of 4 mono channels. SMUX IV increases the sampling rate to 176.4kHz or 192kHz, but the usable channels become 2. Choose an ADAT converter from the Focusrite catalogue: click here. The Clarett+ 8 Pre is the only interface in the series that lets you increase the number of outputs by connecting any multichannel digital-to-analogue converter to the ADAT out port.
Rich set of FREE software and plug-ins
In addition to Focusrite Control, the software that lets you set up your interface and perform real-time routing and mixing for headphone monitoring or separate outputs, when you purchase a Focusrite Clarett+ audio interface you are entitled to a free license of the BRAINWORX BX_CONSOLE FOCUSRITE SC plug-in, a virtual channel strip that emulates the historic and sought-after Focusrite ISA 110 (equalizer) and ISA 130 (dynamics processor) modules: click here for more information on the plug-in. Plus, you will get two other important plug-ins: Red 2, a 6-band equalizer (2 Hi and Low pass filters, two shelving on low and high and 2 parametric for mid-low and mid-high) 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 ongoing offers (free or discounted) reserved for Focusrite Plug-in Collective members.
Focusrite Clarett+ 8 Pre Features:
18 In/20 Out USB Audio Interface
8 Combo Mic/Line/Instrument inputs
8 Pre 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 5pin DIN
AD and DA conversion at 24bit/192kHz
Included in the Focusrite Clarett+ 8 Pre box:
- Clarett+ 8Pre
- 2 USB cables: one standard with USB A connector and one USB Type C
- Power cable (IEC)
- Dimensions and weight of the Clarett+ 8Pre: 43.9x291x482.5mm; 4.08KG
Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre Technical Specifications:
Microphone Inputs
Frequency response ±
Frequency response ±
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: ±
Frequency Response: 20-35kHz: ±
Dynamic Range (min gain): 118dB
THD+N (-1dBFS, min gain): -100dB
Maximum input level: 26dBu
Gain range: +57dB
Instrument Inputs
Frequency Response: 20-20kHz: ±
Frequency Response: 20-35kHz: ±
Dynamic Range: 116dB
THD+N (-1dBFS, min gain): -96.5dB
Maximum Input Level: 15dBu
Gain range: +57dB
Line & Monitor Outputs
Frequency Response (±
Frequency Response (±
Dynamic Range: 124dB
Maximum Output Level: 18dBu
THD+N: -106dB
Headphone outputs
Frequency Response 20-20kHz:
Frequency Response 20-35kHz:
Dynamic Range: 118dB
THD+N: -104dB
Maximum Output Level: 16dBu
3 YEAR WARRANTY on Focusrite products
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