Focusrite Clarett 8Pre Thunderbolt

8-channel Microphone Preamplifier/Audio Interface, 24-bit/192kHz, with Thunderbolt Connectivity, and Included Plug-ins

Better. Faster. Easier.

Excellent sound is the quality Clarett owners love most. With up to 119dB dynamic range, superbly low noise, precision 24/192 conversion and eight specially-designed mic preamps with a unique analogue “Air” effect, Clarett 8Pre is the Thunderbolt audio interface that simply sounds great, easily out-performing others in its class and beyond. Meanwhile, its astonishing 1.67ms round-trip latency* simplifies your workflow and lets you use your favourite plug-ins in real time.

(A good option with better AD/DA converters is the Apogee Element 88 at SGD745 more. See below)

Eight New Clarett Mic Pres with extra ‘Air’

The mic pres have been designed specifically for the Clarett range, with plenty of gain, yet low noise and distortion. In addition, they include a special “Air” feature that switches in an analogue model of the classic transformer-based Focusrite ISA mic pre. The Instrument inputs also feature extra headroom to handle the loudest pickup. It’s the Focusrite Sound over Thunderbolt.

Precision Digital Conversion

Clarett features Focusrite’s class-leading 24/192 conversion: with up to 119dB dynamic range, Clarett offers the cleanest way yet to get music in and out of your DAW over Thunderbolt.

Revolutionise your Workflow

Clarett’s ultra-low round-trip latency completely transforms your workflow. If you’re used to having to build two different mixes – one using input monitoring to overdub, the other using the DAW for playback – the good news is that now, one is enough. Build your mix on the DAW and use it whether you’re overdubbing (monitoring the input you’re recording with the new Focusrite Control software mixer) or playing back, with all your plugins in place, all the time. Use your favourite plugins while recording too – whether it’s reverb on a vocal, a guitar amp simulator, or even virtual instruments live on stage.

Easy Access

Two mic/line/instrument inputs on the front panel give you instant, easy access to a pair of analogue inputs, even when rack mounted.

Intuitive, Easy to Use Software Mixer and Sweet Sounding Plug-ins

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. Also included is a sweet sounding plug-in collection comprising Softube’s world-class Time and Tone Bundle, with TSAR-1R Reverb, Tube Delay, Saturation Knob and Drawmer S73 Intelligent Master Processor. This is complemented by the Red 2 & Red 3 AAX, AU & VST Plug-in Suite, which accurately models Focusrite’s classic Red range equalizer and compressor hardware.

Accessible Metering and Monitoring

The monitor section provides a clear view of input and main monitor output levels, via a 6-segment, multichannel hardware meter. Monitor features include an assignable level control, plus back-lit dim and mute buttons, alongside dual high-power headphone outputs.

Enough Channels for the Band

18 audio inputs and 20 outputs within a 1U rack space, including eight analogue inputs, 10 analogue outputs, stereo S/PDIF I/O and eight channels of ADAT I/O. The ADAT ports are ideal for sending audio to an external D/A for line output expansion, or adding eight channels of digital mic pre.

Tech Spec

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
118 dB (A-weighted)
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

Highly recommended alternative:

Apogee Element 88 (SGD1995)