Focusrite Clarett 8Pre 18 x 20 Thunderbolt Interface, Eight Mic Preamps

Manufacturer's Description

Designed for the project studio that needs plenty of I/O, Focusrite’s 18-in, 20-out Clarett 8Pre combines eight newly-designed Clarett mic preamps with class-leading digital conversion, and extraordinarily low round-trip latency – so low that you can use DAW plugins while monitoring a performance in real time.

The new Clarett mic pre offers superbly low noise and distortion, plus the switchable “Air” effect that models the sound of Focusrite’s renowned ISA transformer-based preamps. Instrument inputs offer extended headroom to suit the loudest guitar pickup, while gain controls employ a special law that makes changes smoother and more precise.

For easy access even when rack mounted, the compact (1U) Clarett 8Pre includes combination mic/line/instrument inputs on the front panel. Also on the front panel are two independently-controlled headphone outputs with enough level to drive even high impedance headphones to provide suitable monitoring levels.

The Clarett 8Pre, like the rest of the Clarett range, includes class-leading precision Focusrite digital audio conversion with up to 118dB (A/D) / 119dB (D/A) dynamic range. This is combined with an astonishingly low round-trip latency – making it possible to monitor recordings in real time via effects plugins on the DAW such as reverberation, for the best possible recording experience.

The metering and monitoring panel provides ten 6-segment LED meters covering analog and digital inputs and monitor levels, with a monitor level control knob plus mute and dim buttons.

Word Clock output is provided, allowing the Clarett 8Pre to provide the master clock for the system.

A new software mixer, Focusrite Control, is easily configured for monitoring and routing setups. Focusrite Control is simple and intuitive to use. It offers a traditional mixer workflow and allows immediate access to internal hardware functions. Every Clarett also includes the Red 2 & Red 3 Plug-in Suite, which accurately models Focusrite’s classic Red range equalizer and compressor hardware.

There’s never been a better, faster or easier way of getting audio into or out of a DAW.

Full I/O complement

18 audio inputs and 20 outputs within a 1U rack space, including eight analog inputs, 10 analog outputs, stereo SPDIF I/O and eight channels of ADAT I/O. The additional ADAT output is ideal for sending audio to an external D/A for line output expansion, while the input can be used, for example, to bring in eight additional digital mic pre channels for maximum flexibility.

Easy Access

Two mic/line/instrument inputs on the front panel provide easy access even when rack mounted, the remaining connections being accessed via the rear panel.

Use DAW plugins in real time

Latency is the delay to a signal as it passes through your DAW system from interface input to interface output. Clarett Thunderbolt offers the world’s shortest. Signals go round so fast that you can record and monitor through your DAW with plugins such as EQ or compression.

Eight New Clarett Mic Pres with extra ‘Air’

The mic pres have been designed especially for the Clarett range, with plenty of gain, yet low noise and distortion. In addition, they feature a special “Air” feature that switches in an analog model of the classic transformer-based Focusrite ISA mic pre. Instrument inputs feature extra headroom to handle the loudest pickup.

Precision digital conversion 

Clarett features Focusrite’s class-leading conversion quality: with up to 119dB dynamic range, Clarett offers the cleanest way yet to get music in and out of your DAW.

Accessible metering and monitoring

The monitor panel provides analog and digital input levels, and main monitor outputs, via a 6-segment, multichannel hardware meter. Monitor features include a level control, plus dim and mute buttons.

Dual high-power headphone outputs

Two wide dynamic range headphone outputs are provided, powerful enough to deliver plenty of level even on high impedance headphones – perfect for tracking and mixing.

Software Mixer for maximum control

Focusrite Control is a brand new software mixer designed for easy configuration of monitoring and routing setups. Simple and intuitive to use, Focusrite Control also allows immediate access to internal hardware functions.

Classic processor plugins included

Every Clarett includes the Red 2 & Red 3 Plug-in Suite, which accurately models Focusrite’s classic Red range equalizer and compressor hardware.

Digital sync on-board

Includes Word Clock In, enabling it to sync to word clock from any external digital device.

Softube Time and Tone Bundle

In addition to the Red 2 and Red 3 Plug-in Suite, this interface includes the Softube Time and Tone Pack. This is a unique plug-in bundle, comprised of Softube's world class TSAR-1R reverb, Tube Delay, and Saturation Knob.

• TSAR-1R: Add space, depth and width to your sound—TSAR-1R is a reverb plug-in with world class sound and extreme ease of use. With a single slider, you can take TSAR-1R from realistic and three-dimensional rooms to dramatic and dreamlike halls. 
• Tube Delay: A tasty echo effect that can go from clean to rude by overdriving its three modeled tube stages. Create anything from realistic room echoes to rockabilly style slapbacks—or take it all the way into dub reggae echo madness.
• Saturation Knob: Add grit and warmth to any sound source with this modeled output distortion unit. Use it to fatten up bass lines, add some harmonics and shimmer to vocals, or simply destroy your drum loop. Simply turn up the knob to add saturation, and use the three-position switch to alter the distortion character.

NEW - Plugin Collective! 

The super low latency performance of Focusrite interfaces opens up a world of plug-in possibilities. With latencies as low as 1.67ms*, now you can use multiple plug-ins in real time.

There’s no shortage of great plug-ins today, with new and exciting instruments and effects coming out all the time. Focusrite believes in freedom - the freedom to choose the plug-ins that get you your sound, exactly the way you want it. So, the more the better, as one persons trash is another persons treasure!

To help you in the quest for your signature sound, Focusrite is working with some of the most innovative and prestigious plug-in companies to bring you exclusive offers, tutorial content and more.

FREE Addictive Keys for Focusrite audio interface customers 

The Addictive Keys virtual instrument from XLN Audio is now included for free with all Focusrite audio interfaces, and is available for existing customers as well as new customers.

Addictive Keys is a powerful tool for musicians, producers and songwriters. With its unique approach to sound creation, smart workflow, fast loading times and high-quality presets, Addictive Keys is perfect for any production style or music genre.