Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre Studio-Grade 18-in/20-out Audio Interface for Established Producers —Eight High-Performance, Low-Noise, Low-Distortion Mic Preamps Capture Audio with Precise Clarity

Product Information

But the usable gain range seems to be between 85%-95% (EDIT: No, more like 95-98%, and that's speaking three inches from a large condenser mic!

Both are also expandable, courtesy of a single eight–channel optical ADAT digital input, while the Clarett 4Pre boasts two headphone outputs to the 2Pre’s one, along with four dedicated line inputs and coaxial S/PDIF digital I/O. In addition, these preamps include Focusrite's proprietary Air feature that switches in an analog model of Focusrite's acclaimed classic transformer-based ISA mic pre, breathing life into your recordings. My problem isn’t noise, it’s that the preamp gain is significantly low until you reach the high end of the potentiometer taper, and getting decent matched levels into the converters is time consuming and frustrating. Having an iPad control the foldback mix while the DAW was on the computer screen worked perfectly – this saved us the trouble of constantly switching screens when working on a single-screen setup.I was provided with the flagship model for this review, the Clarett+ 8Pre, which is described as “a powerful studio‑grade 18‑in/20‑out audio interface”. Combi sockets for the first two inputs are located around the front since these are assignable as either mic, line or instrument level. Focusrite Control is a completely new package, and unlike the earlier Saffire and Scarlett MixControl utilities, very much prioritises simplicity and ease of use over complexity.

Both mic preamps in the Clarett 8Pre USB are Air-Enabled, which means they can accurately reproduce the input impedance, clarity, and frequency response curve of Focusrite's original ISA mic preamp! Dim and Mute switches are also included (again assignable to all outputs if required), but there’s no talkback or a quick way to A-B between different sets of monitors. So there shouldn’t be any problems with either high or low source levels, although the maximum channel gain is 57dB, which precludes working directly with really quiet sources. With remarkable low-latency performance and extensive analog and digital I/O, the Focusrite Clarett range of Thunderbolt audio interfaces brings the sound of classic ISA mic preamps straight into your DAW.Whether you’re multi-tracking a drum kit or connecting to synths and outboard equipment, Clarett+ 8Pre lets you constantly develop your musical ideas while always maintaining analogue purity and extreme audio clarity. Each channel of this Clarett+ interface is equipped with a dedicated insert that lets you keep your favorite rack equipment plugged in and ready to track through.