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Current Model
Focusrite Clarett 8Pre
This instrument is discontinued
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The Clarett 8Pre audio interface is stunning. Using Thunderbolt technology it operates at incredible transfer speeds with a full round trip speed from as little as 1.38ms which allows the audio to be monitored in real-time with almost zero latency. Combined with new AIR technology and super high quality pre-amps, this interface is capable of feeding back audio in realtime with the processed data from the software. In essence it is so fast you can listen to the sound your are actually producing with all the effects on as well! With precise monitoring level meters and huge input/ output connections the Clarett 8Pre is a must have for any serious studio work.
All About That Sound
The sound is the most important aspect of an audio interface and the Clarett 8Pre has been blessed with custom pre-amps to make sure you get the best result from your work. The mic press have been specially designed for the Clarett series to offer high gain with incredibly low noise and distortion. To offer additional flexibility and sound quality, a new AIR feature switches to an analogue model of the classic ISA mic pre which offer that extra zing and clarity you may want from certain instruments such as cymbals for example.
The instrument inputs offer additional headroom in order to handle even the loudest of pickups and ensure high quality recordings.
Thunderbolt Connection
Thunderbolt is the latest super-fast connection found on the latest computers. With fast transfer speeds it is the perfect interface connection for high quality multi-channel audio recording. The Clarett-8 is designed specially to work with Thunderbolt to ensure a stable, high quality connection for incredible recording results whilst opening up new options that only the speeds of Thunderbolt can achieve.
When working with the Clarett 8Pre you will be able to completely change your workflow. Normally when laying down your tracks you have to monitor the input signal of the instrument whilst using a different mix for monitoring due to the latency issues. With the new design and Thunderbolt connection, the latency is so low that you can now improve the way your record your music. It is possible to monitor the complete mix back from the DAW even with live instruments with the effects turned on due to the super-quick turn around speed of the signal. imagine being able to listen to how your guitar or drums really sound in the mix whilst recording them live - that is truly impressive.
Clarett 8Pre Custom Mixing Software - Focusrite Control
Focusrite Control is mixing and control software designed specially for the Clarett series of audio interfaces. The software allows you to control every aspect of the hardware routing system. It is also possible to control monitor mixes through all the separate rear outputs, control your headphone mixes for the two independent headphone outs, adjust volumes on all different channels and pan controls, mute and solo tracks amongst other features. It is the perfect way to interact with your hardware to maximise your recording time.
24Bit Recording
Using the best high quality audio convertors, the Clarett offers varying recording quality right through to 24bit 192kHZ. The audio results speak for themselves with extremely clear sound quality and detail.
Detailled Signal Monitoring
Input metering is important in getting the very best results from audio recording so Focusrite have placed a detailed LED input and output signal monitor right on the front panel. The tri-colour LED system will clearly show the inout signal levels and output level.
2 Pre-Amp Modes
Focusrite have used a newly designed pre-amp for the Clarett interface which offers 2 distinct sound choices. The normal mode offers a quiet pre-amp noise with extremely clean sound. However, a new Air mode switches the pre-amp to model the impedance and transformer resonance of the iconic Focusrite ISAs.
Inputs/ Outputs
Offering up to 18 inputs and 20 outputs, the Clarett 8 Pre is not short of audio routing options. On the front panel is a full row of 8 gain controls. Each one of these controls the input signal level for the 8 pre-amp inputs on the rear panel. Each of those 8 inputs have switchable phantom power for condenser microphone connections.
There are also 10 rear mounted TRS outputs. These can be used for a multitude of options including monitoring, signal routing for effects processing. On top of all this wealth of connectivity there is a BNC World Clock Output, ADAT expansion, MIDI In/Out and SPDIF connections.
Free Software
Clarett interfaces will ship with the Red 2 and Red 3 plugin software - an EQ and compressor compatible with VST, AU and AAX hosts.
Specifications
Supported Sample Rates
- 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
Microphone Inputs
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz +/-0.1 dB
- Dynamic Range: 118dB A/D and 119dB D/A
- THD+N: 0.001%
- Noise EIN: 128 dBu (A-Weighted)
- Maximum input level: +18 dBu
- Gain Range: 57dB
Line Inputs
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz +/-0.1 dB
- Dynamic Range: 116 dB (A-weighted)
- THD+N: 0.005%
- Maximum input level +26dBu
- Gain Range: 57dB
Instrument Inputs
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz 0.1 dB
- Dynamic Range: 111 dB (A-weighted)
- THD+N: 0.001%
- Maximum input level: +14dBu
- Gain Range: 57dB
Line & Monitor Outputs
- Dynamic Range (Line Outputs): 119dB
- Dynamic Range (Monitor Outputs): 117dB
- Maximum Output Level (0 dBFS): +18 dBu
- THD+N: 0.0007%
Headphone Outputs
- Dynamic Range: 112dB
- THD+N: 0.0008%
- Maximum Output Level: +16dBu
Software Compatibility
- Mac: 10.9 upwards
- Windows - Currently not compatible - windows 8.1 and 10 drivers possibly coming soon
Video: Guide/ Review Of The Focusrite Clarett 8Pre
MusicRadar Review
October 8th 2015
Many manufacturers have finally accepted that the Mac's high-speed port of choice is to be Thunderbolt, and are now lining up with audio interfaces supporting this protocol.
Focusrite's Clarett range promises four interfaces using Thunderbolt, with the 8Pre, on review here, offering specifications below the top-of-the-range 8Pre X but above the more compact 2Pre and 4Pre models.
Perhaps mindful of the bundled software packages on offer from rivals such as UAD, Focusrite also includes the Red 2 EQ and Red 3 compressor software, to give your effects library a quality boost.
Points of Clarett-fication
The 8Pre is an 18x20 interface and a quick tour of the front and back panel accounts for this generous specification. At the front you'll find the first two of the eight combi preamp channels, placed here for easy access when the unit is rack mounted.
Focusrite's history as a preamp designer of repute needs no introduction and, as the design here is based on the legendary ISA preamps, the sound quality produced across all eight analogue channels is beautiful.
Via the Focusrite Control Panel software, you can enable an 'Air' option for the pres too, which emulates the transformer behaviour of the ISA design, providing a sweeter, brighter response to high-frequency content. 'Air' is available on a per-channel basis.
Round the back, you'll find the remaining six input preamps, as well as ten 1/4-inch line outputs. In terms of digital specification, there's stereo S/PDIF in/out, as well as an extra eight channels of digital I/O via optical ports, which speak the language of ADAT. You'll also find MIDI In/Out 5-pin ports here, as well as the all-important Thunderbolt connector.
As with some rival Thunderbolt interfaces, no connection cable is included in the box. This trend is becoming frustrating; for this price, we think Focusrite - and their competitors - should be saving purchasers this additional expense.
The front panel provides ladder LEDs for the eight inputs and the monitor outputs, while the latter also features its own front-panel level dial, alongside Mute and Dim options. There are two headphone ports with independent volume controls, whose mixes can be configured via the Control Panel software.
Red army
The inclusion of the Red 2 EQ and Red 3 Compressor plug-ins is welcome, as they represent pleasingly faithful recreations of their hardware forebears. To stress, these plug-ins don't draw on any processing power inside the 8Pre, but run natively instead, which means you can continue to use the plug-ins when your 8Pre isn't connected.
The downside is that, of course, they will tax your computer's CPU. They both sound wonderful and are likely to be a substantial cut above the native plug-ins your DAW provides.
The 8Pre represents a solid and impressive audio interfacing solution from a company whose reputation for high-quality mic pres and pristine signal conversion will be enhanced by the arrival of this range.
It's a breeze to use, with driver installation provided once your product has been registered. Thereafter the Control Panel software is unfussy and helpful, while the unit itself allows you to drive the most important parameters - mic gain, phantom power enable (in two blocks per four channels), headphone port output levels and more - directly from the front panel.
The Thunderbolt connection provides lightning-fast interfacing and, even with eight channels running simultaneously, latency is unlikely to poke its unwelcome head into your recording workflow. This leaves you with warm, crystal clear recordings courtesy of the sumptuous preamps and the option to further process these through two high-quality effects plug-ins.
The UAD Apollo 8p system is perhaps the closest competitor, with a balance between the higher cost of this set against the ability to run a raft of emulated plug-ins via its onboard processors. If you don't need that provision, the Clarett offers a winning combination of exceptional preamps and pristine audio interfacing.
