Focusrite Clarett 8PreX 26 x 28 Thunderbolt Interface with Eight Clarett Mic Preamps and Extended I/O

Manufacturer's Description

Designed primarily for permanent studio installation, Focusrite’s Clarett 8PreX Thunderbolt audio interface offers an impressive 26 inputs and 28 outputs, including eight analog inputs, 10 analog outputs, stereo S/PDIF I/O, and 16 channels of ADAT I/O for the connection of addition inputs and outputs such as a multichannel digital mic pre or an external D/A for additional line outputs. The 2U rack-mount unit combines eight newly-designed Clarett mic preamps with class-leading dynamic range conversion and extraordinarily low round-trip latency – so low that plugins can be used, in real time while monitoring recordings through the DAW.

The new Clarett mic pre offers superbly low noise and distortion, plus the unique, switchable ‘Air’ effect that models the sound of Focusrite’s renowned ISA transformer-based preamps. It also features gain controls with a special law that makes changes smoother and more precise.

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

A central metering and monitoring panel provides ten 6-segment LED meters covering analog and digital inputs and monitor levels, with a large-diameter monitor level control knob plus mute and dim buttons. The two independently-controlled headphone outputs on the front panel have enough level to drive even high impedance headphones providing suitable monitoring levels.

A new software mixer, Focusrite Control, is easily configured for monitoring and routing setups. Focusrite Control is simple and intuitive to use. Providing 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.

Word Clock I/O is provided, allowing the Clarett 8PreX to either provide the master clock for the system or to be clocked from an external master digital device.There’s never been a better, faster or easier way of getting audio into or out of a DAW.

The heart of the studio

Specially designed for studio installation, Clarett 8PreX includes separate rear panel inputs for mic, line, and instrument, as well as ADAT I/O to add 16 more channels, dedicated phantom power, phase reverse and high pass filters on every channel.

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. 

Use DAW plugins in real time

With leading-edge round-trip audio latency over Thunderbolt, you can record and monitor with the plug-ins in your DAW, in real time.

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. 

Exceptional I/O capability

26 audio inputs and 28 outputs within a 2U rack space, including 8 analog inputs, 10 analog outputs, stereo S/PDIF I/O and 16 channels of ADAT I/O. Connect up to 16 more mic preamps over ADAT for a 24 channel microphone setup. 

Accessible metering and monitoring

Central panel provides analog and digital input levels, and main monitor outputs, via a 6-segment, multichannel LED meter. Accessible monitor features include a large-diameter level control, plus dim and mute buttons. 

Dual high-power headphone outputs

Two wide dynamic range headphone outputs 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 offers a traditional mixer workflow and allows immediate access to internal hardware functions. 

Digital sync on-board

Includes Word Clock I/O, enabling it to act as master for clocking multiple digital devices, or sync to word clock from an external digital device. 

Classic processor plugins included

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

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.