Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $331
Standard/Professional
$150
$501+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Focusrite Clarett 2Pre". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 3, 2026.
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Description
For the adventurous musician and the dedicated studio enthusiast, the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre offers an exceptional blend of portability and professional-grade performance. This compact Thunderbolt audio interface is engineered to deliver pristine sound quality, whether you're laying down tracks in a home studio or capturing the essence of a live performance on the move. With its renowned Clarett mic preamps, experience the legendary warmth and clarity reminiscent of classic studio hardware. The transformative "Air Effect" feature, inspired by the iconic ISA mic preamps, injects your recordings with a polished, high-frequency brilliance that is often sought after but rarely attained.
Designed for the modern creator, the Clarett 2Pre boasts impressive low-latency performance, ensuring seamless integration with your digital audio workstation (DAW). Its array of analog and digital inputs and outputs offer the flexibility needed to accommodate a variety of recording scenarios, from solo projects to full-band sessions. This interface isn't just a tool—it's an invitation to explore new sonic landscapes with ease and precision.
Whether you're an on-the-go artist or a home studio aficionado, the Clarett 2Pre is your reliable companion in the pursuit of audio excellence.
Key Features:
- 2 Clarett mic preamps with switchable "Air Effect" for enhanced clarity
- Thunderbolt connectivity for ultra-low latency performance
- Compact and portable design for easy transport
- Extensive analog and digital I/O options
- High-resolution audio with up to 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A conversion
Product specs
| Brand | Focusrite |
| Model | Clarett 2Pre Thunderbolt Audio Interface |
| Finish | Red |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Bus-Powered | No |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS |
| Computer Connectivity | Thunderbolt |
| Digital Input Format | ADAT/Optical |
| Electronics | Analog, Digital, Solid State |
| Format | Desktop Standalone |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 2 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 4 |
| Number of Channels | 14 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 8 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 0 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 1 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 1 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 1 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 2 |
| Sample Rate | 192 khz |
FAQs
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What are the main connectivity options for the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre?
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The Focusrite Clarett 2Pre connects via Thunderbolt, offering low-latency performance. It includes two analog inputs, four analog outputs, ADAT/Optical digital input, and MIDI I/O, making it versatile for various recording setups.
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Is the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre compatible with both Windows and macOS?
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Yes, the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre is compatible with both Windows and macOS, ensuring flexibility for users on different operating systems.
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How many mic preamps does the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre have?
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The Focusrite Clarett 2Pre features two high-quality mic preamps, providing clear and detailed sound capture suitable for professional recording environments.
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Can the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre handle high-resolution audio?
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Yes, the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz sample rates, allowing for high-resolution audio recording and playback.
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Does the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre require an external power source?
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Yes, the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre is not bus-powered and requires an external power source to operate.
Videos
Learn Audio Engineering
Scarlett 2i2 VS Clarett 2Pre / Latency, Preamps, AIR Comparison / Focusrite Audio Interface Shootout
Scarlett 2i2 VS Clarett 2Pre / Latency, Preamps, AIR Comparison / Focusrite Audio Interface Shootout
Learn Audio Engineering
Review: Focusrite Clarett 2Pre
Riffs, Beards & Gear
Focusrite // Getting Started with Clarett 2Pre - Connection & Configuration - Video 3
Focusrite
Focusrite Clarett USB Audio Interface Series Review
Sweetwater
Focusrite // Recording Indie Guitar with the Clarett 2Pre
Focusrite
Focusrite Clarett 2Pre Review & In-depth demo - Quality Thunderbolt interface w/ Macbook Pro
Adam Steel
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptionally low latency for professional recording needs
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"Air Mode" enhances vocal recordings with clarity
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Great sound quality and preamps
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Easy installation and user-friendly for beginners
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Compact and suited for one-person studios
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Excellent customer support from Focusrite
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High-quality bundled software adds value
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Offers expandability for growing setups
CONS
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Software can be non-intuitive for first-time users
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Less portable compared to models like Scarlett 2i2
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Might offer more features than needed for basic home studios
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite Clarett 2Pre.
Features and functionality
User experience
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Users note a stronger headphone amp in the Clarett 2Pre compared to the Scarlett 2i2, offering better performance for headphone monitoring.
Source -
Successfully resolving setup issues on an M1 MacBook involves changing security permissions, downloading the correct driver from Focusrite, and allowing extensions in security preferences.
Source -
Industry professionals suggest the Clarett+ as a strong choice due to its high compatibility and reliable performance in studio environments.
Source
Comparisons
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While the UAD Apollo offers high-quality plugins, some owners find the Clarett's preamps and build quality significantly better than the Scarlett series.
Source -
Clarett+ 2Pre's preamps are considered comparable to those below 500 Euros, with users noting minimal differences in preamp quality in this price range.
Source -
Users highlight that the Apollo Solo includes UAD plugins, which run on the interface itself, unlike Clarett+, which relies on computer processing.
Source -
Audient iD44 and SSL 12 are also considered, but the Clarett+ is favored for its more satisfying preamp sound, as SSL's is perceived as dull by some users.
Source
Value and pricing
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For $280 AUD, users find the Clarett 2Pre a compelling alternative to the more expensive Apollo, especially considering its preamp and converter quality.
Source
Software and compatibility
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Users report that newer Macs have security settings that block Focusrite extensions, requiring manual permission adjustments to recognize Thunderbolt 2 devices like the Clarett 2Pre.
Source -
An Apple Thunderbolt converter is recommended over StarTech for reliable connectivity with the Clarett 2Pre on MacBook Pro setups.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 8 Reviews and 23 Ratings
6150
Amazing Speeds over Thunderbolt!
Latency is extremely low. I get 3.70 ms of roundtrip latency on a 44100 Sample rate with a buffer size of 32 samples or 4.42ms at a buffer size of 64 samples. The maximum lowest latency is 1.0 ms roundtrip latency with a sample rate of 192000 and a buffer size of 32 samples. These sizes could change depending on what computer you have. For this test, I am using a Mac Mini with intel 2.6GHZ processor with 8GB of RAM.
90
Any spare Thunderbolt ports?
I needed to replace my older interface, read great things about the new family of Focusrite Thunderbolt audio interfaces and decided to give it a go. It's fast, but probably beyond the need of most people producing in their bedrooms, and I am definitely using just a fraction of what it can do. I found the software not that intuitive but - in most cases - you will never need to use it but for the very first time at installation.
Great high speed reliable box
Awesome sound card. Bought it to replace my AKAI EIE PRO that I had for years but no longer worked in a newer update of OS X. The bundled software is incredible, pres sound amazing, and the expandability is great as well
41010
I wonder how these will fare against the UA stuff that has taken over the market....
446
When your 2i2 grows up
Sadly I had to bury my trusty ol' 2i2 after 5 years of use and abuse on the road and in the studio. But when I first set up the Clarett with the Air Mode enabled I couldn't help but smile. What an amazing sounding interface <3
230
Massive!
Love it, but the Scarlett 2i2 is more portable. Although, this is an old reliable powered DAW and smashes all of my others, re never missing a beat. :-R
perfect for small studio
great bit of kit, lowest latency interface I've ever used and the responsiveness confirms this. compact, easy to install and has all the features you need for a one manned studio. great customer service from focusrite.
302
No latency, no difficulties
My knowledge of audio interfaces isn't strong enough for me to get into the nitty gritty, but I suppose if I can use it without issue, despite my limited understanding, that's a commendable thing.
Artist usage
Add artist
You can see the Clarett 2Pre to the left of Skrillex about 4 seconds into the video.
In the YouTube video titled "In the studio with James Dymond" by Trance Sanctuary, James Dymond is shown using the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre audio interface.
He uses this audio interface for music production.
At 3:53, a Clarett 2Pre can be seen in Yot Club's room.
Mercury nominated C Duncan recorded his album 'Architect' in his bedroom. We caught up with him to see how he uses the Clarett 2Pre, especially whilst tracking multiple vocal harmonies - a signature of his music. He also experimented with Air off and Air on, to hear the difference. C Duncan also used the Softube Plug-ins to add effects to his recorded guitar and vocal parts.
Album Usage
The Focusrite Clarett 2Pre has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Focusrite Clarett 2Pre, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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