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Average Price: $690
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$501+
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Description
The Focusrite Clarett 8PreX is your gateway to professional-grade recording, seamlessly bridging the gap between creativity and technology. Housed in a robust 2U rackmount design, this audio interface is engineered for both studio and mobile recording environments, boasting eight premium mic preamps that capture every nuance of your performance. Thanks to its Thunderbolt technology, you’ll experience ultra-low latency, ensuring that your production flow remains uninterrupted whether you're tracking a full band or layering intricate solos. The inclusion of the unique "Air" feature enhances each mic preamp with the rich, airy presence akin to classic transformer-based circuits, adding a touch of studio magic to your recordings.
This versatile interface is not just about capturing sound; it's about capturing it with precision and depth. With an extensive array of analog and digital I/O options, the Clarett 8PreX offers a flexible setup tailored to your specific needs, whether you're a solo artist or part of a larger ensemble. Delivering recordings in pristine 24-bit/96kHz quality, it ensures that every session meets the high standards expected in today’s competitive music industry. Dive into a world where your sound is as limitless as your imagination.
Key Features:
- Eight high-performance mic preamps with "Air" effect
- Thunderbolt connectivity for ultra-low latency
- Comprehensive analog and digital I/O options
- 24-bit/96kHz conversion for superior audio quality
- Robust 2U rackmount design for studio or mobile use
Product specs
| Brand | Focusrite |
| Model | Clarett 8Pre X Thunderbolt Audio Interface |
| Finish | Red |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Bus-Powered | No |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS |
| Computer Connectivity | Thunderbolt |
| Digital Input Format | ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF |
| Digital Output Format | ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF |
| Electronics | Analog, Digital, Solid State |
| Format | 19-inch Rackmount |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 8 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 10 |
| Number of Channels | 54 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 18 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 18 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 2 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 1 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 1 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 8 |
| Sample Rate | 192 khz |
FAQs
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What are the main connectivity options for the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX?
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The Focusrite Clarett 8PreX connects via Thunderbolt and supports ADAT/Optical and S/PIDF digital input and output formats, making it versatile for various studio setups.
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Is the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX compatible with both Windows and macOS?
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Yes, the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX is compatible with both Windows and macOS, ensuring broad usability across different operating systems.
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How many mic preamps does the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX have?
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The Focusrite Clarett 8PreX features 8 high-quality mic preamps, providing ample input options for recording multiple sources simultaneously.
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Does the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX require an external power source?
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Yes, the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX is not bus-powered and requires an external power source, ensuring stable performance during recording sessions.
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Can the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX handle high-resolution audio recording?
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Yes, the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution, offering high-quality audio recording suitable for professional studio environments.
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How many headphone outputs are available on the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX?
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The Focusrite Clarett 8PreX includes 2 headphone outputs, allowing for multiple users to monitor audio simultaneously.
Videos
Focusrite
Focusrite // Clarett 8PreX - Recording Knights with John Mitchell
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional durability; survived a 3-meter drop without any damage
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Superior sound quality compared to other Focusrite models like Scarletts
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Air switch enhances acoustic instruments by brightening tones
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Low latency performance; approximately 4.5ms round-trip on a Macbook Pro
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Separate mic and line inputs with individual phantom power switches
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Easy integration with DAWs and other hardware like Behringer ADA8200
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Solid construction with a high level of reliability over extended use
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Flexible monitoring options for versatile recording setups
CONS
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Initial setup issues with Thunderbolt 4 to Thunderbolt 2 compatibility
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Lower maximum gain on mic preamps; inadequate for ribbon mics
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Underpowered headphone outputs for high-impedance headphones
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Software lacks advanced routing options, limiting some configurations
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Annoying to reconfigure I/O settings for quick projects without hardware switches
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite Clarett 8PreX.
Software and compatibility
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Users have noted compatibility issues with newer Thunderbolt 4 NVM firmware versions, specifically needing version 31.0 or earlier for TB1&2 device support.
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Some Asus and HP users have managed to get custom firmware flashes, while MSI users may need to request such support for compatibility issues.
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macOS users report issues with the Clarett 8PreX after software updates, suggesting possible driver glitches when connecting to the newest macOS versions.
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A specific driver version, 4.116.2, is recommended for resolving certain connectivity issues on macOS devices.
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Setup and maintenance
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The Clarett 8PreX may not be recognized on some setups, requiring a cold boot with the device powered on due to hot plug limitations.
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Features and functionality
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The device may not show up in the Thunderbolt control center but can still be identified in Windows device manager when connected properly.
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The "AIR EQ" feature alters mic behavior with an impedance change from ~6K to ~2K, affecting mic preamp modes in the analog domain.
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The revamped monitoring/setup software on the Clarett 8PreX is highlighted as beneficial for complex setups with both analog and digital connections.
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The impedance change from the "AIR EQ" may primarily result from a high-pass filter, rather than directly modifying mic loading.
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User experience
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Despite initial fixes working temporarily, persistent interface recognition issues necessitate repeated troubleshooting or direct support from Focusrite for long-term solutions.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings
243
Great hardware...
This is a solid piece of equipment. I have been using this for 8 months now without a single problem. The only downside is the software, it is too simple, it really needs some routing options as it has none! I also have a Behringer ADA8200 hooked up to it with no issues...after I bought decent BNC cables!
Great sound
I love the preamp quality and the monitoring possiblities. It is so flexible. Flexibility
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video David builds a new desk for his studio. For the desk, he created a rack. In the rack he installed his Focusrite 8 PreX interface
Dan Weller showcases the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX audio interface in an Instagram post, expressing excitement about receiving it. The post mentions upcoming production and mixing master classes where he will use Focusrite products, highlighting his collaboration with the brand.
Album Usage
The Focusrite Clarett 8PreX 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 8PreX, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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