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

BH #FOC8PRE • MFR #CLARETT-PLUS-8PRE
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Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre Rackmount 18x20 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Key Features
  • Bands, Project Studios, and Producers
  • USB-C and USB-A Connectivity
  • Inputs: 8 Mic/Line Preamps (2 with Hi-Z)
  • Outputs: 2 Headphone, 2 Monitor, 4 Line
Equally comfortable in the studio or as part of a mobile rig, the Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre rackmount 18x20 USB-C audio/MIDI interface combines upgraded 24-bit / 192 kHz AD/DA conversion with low-latency monitoring and eight Air-enabled microphone preamps that can model the sound of the company's classic ISA preamps. With low noise (-129 dB EIN), massive dynamic range, and even less distortion than before, the high-performance mic preamps deliver a clean, open, and transparent sound, for accurate reproduction of the original performance.
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Focu rite Plu 8 Pre Overview

From Manufacturer

Equally comfortable in the studio or as part of a mobile rig, the Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre rackmount 18x20 USB-C audio/MIDI interface combines upgraded 24-bit / 192 kHz AD/DA conversion with low-latency monitoring and eight Air-enabled microphone preamps that can model the sound of the company's classic ISA preamps. With low noise (-129 dB EIN), massive dynamic range, and even less distortion than before, the high-performance mic preamps deliver a clean, open, and transparent sound, for accurate reproduction of the original performance.

In addition to the eight mic/line preamps (two with Hi-Z capability), the interface offers ADAT and S/PDIF I/O for digital input and output expansion, MIDI I/O for integration of MIDI equipment such as a keyboard or drum machine, and a BNC wordclock output for syncing other digital gear. Stereo monitor outputs, two headphone outs, and eight line outputs let you properly hook up monitors, headphones, and outboard processors. The Clarett+ 8Pre comes with a complete recording toolkit with Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, and Focusrite's Hitmaker Expansion software bundle; featuring Auto-Tune Access for Vocals, Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555 for guitars, Native Instruments MASSIVE synth, and more.

New to the Clarett+
Independent A/D and D/A converters bring you closer than ever to your music and let you hear the truth, whether you're in the studio or on the road. Greatly improved D/A dynamic range enables you to hear every detail and have greater control over your mix. Lower A/D converter distortion lets you capture signals with more clarity, for greater transparency and sonic accuracy.
Great for Bands, Project Studios, and Large Home Setups
With its 1 RU size, USB-C connectivity, and AC powering (via the included power cable), the Clarett+ 8Pre is well suited for bands, project studios, and large home setups in need of plenty of analog and digital I/O in a rackmountable form factor.
Pristine, High-Resolution Conversion
Capture more detail than ever before; the carefully engineered design means the Clarett+ 8Pre gives you stunning results. At a class-leading 124 dB dynamic range, the ultralow-noise 24-bit / 192 kHz converters give your recordings clarity and nuance.
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, with extremely wide audio bandwidth, mimic guitar-amp inputs to preserve the natural tone of guitars and capture their true character.
Software Instrument/Line Input Switches
At the press of a button in the control software, the first two 1/4" inputs can be used for line-level sources (like a mixer's stereo output or the line outs from guitar and bass amps) or direct connection of instruments such as electric guitar and bass, synthesizers, or drum machines—no need for DI boxes.
Rear-Panel Line Inputs
With six XLR-1/4" combo mic/line inputs on the back of the Clarett+ 8Pre, you can patch in line-level sources such as external mic preamps, an outboard mixer, or synthesizer sound modules while leaving the front-panel inputs free for direct connection of mics, instruments, or other 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 two balanced 1/4" TRS monitor outputs on the rear panel enable connectivity with active studio monitors, while two front-panel 1/4" headphone jacks fed by a powerful and tonally linear headphone amp allow critical listening through headphones for two people. Separate knobs are provided for quick and independent adjustment of the monitor and headphone volumes, and dedicated dim and mute buttons are present for effective monitor control.
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 ADAT Optical I/O
In addition to having flexible analog I/O, the Clarett+ 8Pre offers a TOSLINK optical input, which can accept an 8-channel ADAT input at up to 48 kHz (four channels at 88.2 / 96 kHz) or a stereo S/PDIF source. Connect any external microphone preamp equipped with an ADAT or S/PDIF output to this optical input to record additional microphones.

An ADAT optical output is also present, should you wish to send tracks digitally (skipping a D/A stage) to a headphone distribution system, an external converter, or a digital mixer.

Stereo S/PDIF Digital I/O
The interface also includes S/PDIF stereo digital input and output ports via coaxial jacks. Use the S/PDIF input to record the output of a digital DJ mixer or an external mic preamp outfitted with an A/D converter and S/PDIF output. Run the Clarett's S/PDIF output to a high-end D/A converter for extra processing or mastering with analog gear.
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
Route your audio, cue mix, loopback, and monitor mixes from your Mac or Windows computer via the Focusrite Control desktop software. Tap into even more convenience by using the Focusrite Control iOS app on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to remotely control your Clarett+ 8Pre when connected to Focusrite Control Desktop.
Includes All the Tools You Need to Record, Mix, and Master your Music
To get started, choose from the two included DAWs:

  • Pro Tools Intro+ audio/MIDI recording software with curated selection of over 80 effects and instrument plug-ins.
  • Ableton Live Lite recording software.

The Hitmaker Expansion bundle has everything you need to bring big studio sound to your songs, with an unbeatable range of record-making studio tools from the biggest names in the business:

  • Get exceptional vocal tracks with Antares Auto-Tune Access and Relab LX480 Essentials reverb.
  • Take the fast track to great-sounding vocals. Sonnox VoxDoubler offers two distinct plug-ins that focus on widening and thickening, the most common vocal doubling techniques for bringing a professional sheen to your productions while preserving a perfectly natural sound.
  • Sculpt your sound with EQs and compressors from Focusrite Red 2 and 3 Plug-In Suites, and preamps from Brainworx Bx_console Focusrite SC.
  • Then, heat up your guitar tones with a hyper-realistic model of Marshall's Silver Jubilee 2555, brought to you by analog-modeling experts Softube.
  • Need drums? XLN Audio's Addictive Drums 2: Studio Rock Kit has beats to get you started and the big sound of a great drum kit.
  • Synths and Keys? You're well covered with the legendary MASSIVE from Native Instruments and XLN Audio's Addictive Keys.
  • Want great sounding mixes fast? FAST Balancer accelerates production process by using powerful AI that listens to your instrument or vocal tracks and serves up three selectable options to enhance the track and help it shine in the mix.
  • Produce and release your best work with two-month access to Landr Studio as well as five, free masters you can use even when your two-month subscription is over. Landr Studio provides everything you need to mix and master your tracks, including unlimited MP3 mastering, and unlimited distribution on streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, TikTok, and many more.
  • Splice Sounds: 3-month access to Splice Sounds membership with new Splice accounts—offering millions of high-quality, royalty-free one-shots, loops, and presets, with new releases daily.
Hitmaker Bundle
Focusrite includes a collection of software from partners with Clarett+ and Clarett USB interfaces that bring big studio sound to any recording. The included plug-ins are:

  • Celemony Melodyne Essential, which makes it easy to correct and edit monophonic vocals, instruments, drums, drones, and more, using highly regarded, natural-sounding algorithms.
  • Softube Flow Guitar Essentials, a custom collection of two amp sims, three effects, and a collection of guitar-centric signal chains, for realistic recorded tones with maximum flexibility and minimum fuss.
UPC: 815301001409

Focu rite Plu 8 Pre Specs

Key Specs
Channels of I/O
Analog:
8 Inputs / 10 Outputs
Digital:
10 Inputs / 10 Outputs
Maximum Sampling Rate
192 kHz / 24-Bit
Number of Microphone Inputs
8
Analog Audio I/O
2x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Mic/Line/Hi-Z Input
6x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Mic/Line Input
8x 1/4" TRS Line Output
2x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output
2x 1/4" TRS Monitor Output
Digital Audio I/O
TOSLINK Optical ADAT Input
TOSLINK Optical ADAT Output
RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input
RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output
Host Connection
1x USB-C
Power Requirements
AC Input
General
Display
10x Multi-Segment LED Meter
Channels of I/O
Analog:
8 Inputs / 10 Outputs
Digital:
10 Inputs / 10 Outputs
Built-In DSP
No
Maximum Sampling Rate
192 kHz / 24-Bit
Number of Microphone Inputs
8
Built-In Microphone
No
Input Level Adjustment
8x Knob
Signal Processing
Pad
No
Gain/Trim Range
Mic/Line/Hi-Z Inputs:
+57 dB
High-Pass Filter
No
Solo/Mute
No
Connectivity
Analog Audio I/O
2x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Mic/Line/Hi-Z Input (Front Panel)
6x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Mic/Line Input
8x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Output
2x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output (Front Panel)
2x 1/4" TRS Balanced Monitor Output
Phantom Power
48 V, Selectable On/Off (on 8 Channels)
Digital Audio I/O
1x TOSLINK Optical ADAT Input (S/MUX Support)
1x TOSLINK Optical ADAT Output (S/MUX Support)
1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input
1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output
Host Connection / USB
1x USB-C
Host Connection Protocol
USB 2.0
USB (Non-Host)
No
Sync I/O
1x BNC Word Clock Output
Network I/O
No
MIDI I/O
1x DIN 5-Pin Input
1x DIN 5-Pin Output
Expansion Slots
No
Wireless
No
Performance
Frequency Response
Mic Inputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.03 dB
20 Hz to 35 kHz ±0.15 dB
Line Inputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.05 dB
20 Hz to 35 kHz ±0.15 dB
Line, Monitor Outputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.02 dB
20 Hz to 35 kHz ±0.02 dB
Hi-Z Inputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.04 dB
20 Hz to 35 kHz ±0.15 dB
Headphone Outputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.06 dB
20 Hz to 35 kHz ±0.07 dB
Maximum Input Level
Mic Inputs:
+18 dBu
Line Inputs:
+26 dBu
Hi-Z Inputs:
+15 dBu
Maximum Output Level
Line/Monitor Outputs:
+18 dBu
Headphone Outputs:
+16 dBu
Impedance
Inputs:
2.2 Kilohms
Dynamic Range
Hi-Z Inputs:
116 dB
Line Inputs:
118 dB (Min Gain)
Mic Inputs:
118 dB (Min Gain)
Headphone Outputs:
> 118 dB
Line/Monitor Outputs:
124 dB
THD+N
Mic Inputs:
-110 dB (+20 dB Input, at -1 dBFS)
Line Inputs:
-100 dB (Min Gain, at -1 dBFS)
Hi-Z Inputs:
-96.5 dB (Min Gain, at -1 dBFS)
Line/Monitor Outputs:
-106 dB
Headphone Outputs:
-104 dB
EIN
Mic Inputs:
< -129 dBu
Digital Audio
Sample Rates
44.1 to 192 kHz
Sample Rate Conversion
No
Bit Depths
24-Bit (AD/DA Conversion)
Sync Sources
ADAT, Internal, S/PDIF
Audio Storage & Playback
Media/Memory Card Slot
No
Compatibility
OS Compatibility
macOS 10.11 or Later / Windows 7 or Later
Mobile Device Compatibility
No
Required Hardware
Available USB 2.0 Port, USB 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 Port, or USB-C Port
USB Cable (Included)
Power
Power Requirements
AC Input
AC Input Power
Universal:
100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
Physical
Rackmount Size
1 U
Dimensions
19 x 11.5 x 1.7" / 48.3 x 29.2 x 4.3 cm
Weight
9.0 lb / 4.1 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
11.5 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
23.8 x 13.7 x 3.5"

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