Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre USB Audio Interface

Overview

The Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre is a professional 18-in/20-out USB audio interface designed for established producers, recording studios, and musicians who need extensive analogue and digital connectivity. It combines eight high-performance Clarett+ microphone preamps, two JFET instrument inputs, ten balanced analogue outputs, ADAT expansion, S/PDIF, MIDI, Word Clock, dual headphone outputs, and high-quality 24-bit/192kHz conversion in a 1U rackmountable design.

Key Features

• 18-in/20-out USB audio interface
• Eight Clarett+ high-headroom, low-noise microphone preamps
• Two high-impedance JFET instrument inputs
• Ten balanced analogue line outputs
• Eight channels of ADAT input and output
• All-analogue Air mode with impedance switching
• 24-bit/192kHz converters with up to 124dB dynamic range
• Two powerful, flat-response headphone outputs
• Coaxial S/PDIF input and output
• MIDI input and output via 5-pin DIN
• Word Clock output for digital studio synchronisation
• USB-C connectivity for Mac, Windows, and iPadOS
• Focusrite Control 2 for routing, monitoring, and hardware control
• 1U rackmountable 19-inch design
• Includes Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, and Hitmaker Expansion

Eight Clarett+ Microphone Preamps

The eight Clarett+ microphone preamps provide high headroom, low noise, and low distortion for detailed multi-track recording. With up to 57dB of gain and 118dB dynamic range, they are well suited to vocals, drums, acoustic instruments, guitar microphones, and other studio sources.

All-Analogue Air Mode

The Clarett+ 8Pre features All-analogue Air mode with impedance switching, recreating the character of Focusrite's classic ISA microphone preamp design. Air mode adds presence and clarity to recordings, making it particularly useful for vocals, drums, guitars, and acoustic instruments.

JFET Instrument Inputs

Two dedicated high-impedance JFET instrument inputs are designed to preserve the natural tone and playing response of guitars and other instruments. Their amplifier-style input characteristics make them ideal for direct recording, amp simulation, effects processing, and modern music-production workflows.

High-Performance Audio Conversion

Independent A-D and D-A converters provide detailed, transparent audio with extremely low distortion. With 24-bit/192kHz operation and up to 124dB dynamic range on the line outputs, the Clarett+ 8Pre provides the resolution and headroom required for professional recording, mixing, and monitoring.

Extensive Analogue I/O

The first two inputs are conveniently located on the front panel for quick access to microphones, instruments, and line-level sources, while inputs 3 to 8 are located on the rear panel. Ten balanced analogue outputs provide flexible connections for main and alternate studio monitors, headphone mixes, outboard processors, and other external equipment.

ADAT Expansion

The Clarett+ 8Pre provides eight channels of ADAT input and output at 44.1kHz or 48kHz, with four channels available at 88.2kHz or 96kHz. Connect compatible digital equipment such as the Clarett+ OctoPre to expand your studio and accommodate larger recording sessions.

Digital Connectivity and Synchronisation

Coaxial S/PDIF input and output provide two-channel digital connectivity, while MIDI input and output allow integration with keyboards, synthesizers, drum machines, and other MIDI equipment. A dedicated Word Clock output allows the Clarett+ 8Pre to provide clock synchronisation to compatible digital audio equipment.

Dual Headphone Monitoring

Two powerful, flat-response headphone outputs provide detailed monitoring for recording and mixing. The headphone outputs can be configured for separate monitoring mixes through Focusrite Control 2, making the interface suitable for sessions involving multiple performers.

Focusrite Control 2

Focusrite Control 2 provides intuitive control over signal routing, monitoring, sample rate, synchronisation, and global hardware settings. It makes everyday recording workflows simple while providing extensive routing and monitoring options for more complex studio configurations.

Rackmountable Studio Design

The Clarett+ 8Pre is built into a standard 1U 19-inch rackmountable chassis, making it suitable for permanent studio installations, professional racks, project studios, and larger recording systems where reliable access to extensive I/O is essential.

Included Software

The Clarett+ 8Pre includes a comprehensive music-production software bundle featuring Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, and the Hitmaker Expansion. The collection includes creative tools and plugins from brands such as Antares, Brainworx, Softube, LANDR, XLN Audio, and Relab.

Typical Uses

• Professional studio recording
• Multi-track drum recording
• Vocal and acoustic instrument recording
• Full-band recording sessions
• Music production and songwriting
• Mixing and mastering workflows
• Electronic music production with hardware instruments
• Large microphone and line-level setups
• External outboard processing and studio routing
• ADAT-based studio expansion
• MIDI hardware integration
• Professional monitoring and recording installations

Specifications

• Model: Clarett+ 8Pre
• Type: USB Audio Interface
• Configuration: 18 inputs / 20 outputs
• Analogue Inputs: 8
• Microphone Preamps: 8
• Instrument Inputs: 2 JFET
• Analogue Outputs: 10 balanced 1/4-inch TRS
• ADAT: 8 channels in and 8 channels out at 44.1/48kHz; 4 channels in and out at 88.2/96kHz
• S/PDIF: 2-channel coaxial input and output
• MIDI: 1 input and 1 output via 5-pin DIN
• Word Clock: BNC output
• Headphone Outputs: 2 x 1/4-inch TRS
• Air Mode: All-analogue Air with impedance switching
• Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz
• Resolution: 24-bit
• Mic Input Dynamic Range: 118dB A-weighted
• Line Input Dynamic Range: 118dB A-weighted
• Instrument Input Dynamic Range: 116dB A-weighted
• Line Output Dynamic Range: 124dB A-weighted
• Mic Preamp Gain Range: 57dB
• Mic Input Noise EIN: -129dBu A-weighted
• Maximum Mic Input Level: +18dBu
• Maximum Line Input Level: +26dBu
• Maximum Instrument Input Level: +15dBu
• Maximum Line Output Level: +18dBu
• Instrument Input Impedance: 2.3MΩ
• USB: USB 2.0 via USB-C
• Power: Universal AC mains power, 100–240V, 50/60Hz
• Form Factor: 1U 19-inch rackmountable
• Dimensions: 482.5 × 291 × 43.9mm
• Weight: 4.08kg

What's Included

• Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre Audio Interface
• USB-C to USB-A Cable
• USB-C to USB-C Cable
• AC Mains Cable with IEC Connector

Why Choose the Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre?

The Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre provides a powerful combination of eight premium microphone preamps, flexible analogue and digital I/O, high-quality conversion, ADAT expansion, MIDI, S/PDIF, Word Clock, and professional monitoring in a compact 1U rackmountable interface. It is designed for studios that need extensive connectivity, reliable routing, and detailed audio performance for demanding recording and production workflows.