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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

What are the main connectivity options for the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX?

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.

Is the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX compatible with both Windows and macOS?

Yes, the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX is compatible with both Windows and macOS, ensuring broad usability across different operating systems.

How many mic preamps does the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX have?

The Focusrite Clarett 8PreX features 8 high-quality mic preamps, providing ample input options for recording multiple sources simultaneously.

Does the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX require an external power source?

Yes, the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX is not bus-powered and requires an external power source, ensuring stable performance during recording sessions.

Can the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX handle high-resolution audio recording?

Yes, the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution, offering high-quality audio recording suitable for professional studio environments.

How many headphone outputs are available on the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX?

The Focusrite Clarett 8PreX includes 2 headphone outputs, allowing for multiple users to monitor audio simultaneously.

Focusrite

Focusrite

Focusrite // Clarett 8PreX - Recording Knights with John Mitchell

Video thumbnail for Focusrite // Clarett 8PreX - Recording Knights with John Mitchell by Focusrite

Focusrite // Clarett 8PreX - Recording Knights with John Mitchell

Focusrite

Focusrite

Video thumbnail for Focusrite  // Clarett OctoPre - Getting started by Focusrite

Focusrite // Clarett OctoPre - Getting started

Focusrite

Focusrite

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Clarett 8PreX | Demo and Review w/ Orlando Drummer by Adam Tuminaro (OrlandoDrummer)

Focusrite Clarett 8PreX | Demo and Review w/ Orlando Drummer

Adam Tuminaro (OrlandoDrummer)

Adam Tuminaro (OrlandoDrummer)

Video thumbnail for The Best Audio Interface On The Market?! by Cosmic Audio

The Best Audio Interface On The Market?!

Cosmic Audio

Cosmic Audio

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 VS Clarett 8Pre X by Good Enough Guitar

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 VS Clarett 8Pre X

Good Enough Guitar

Good Enough Guitar

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Clarett 8 Pre X Thunderbolt Audio Interface | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Focusrite Clarett 8 Pre X Thunderbolt Audio Interface | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Clarett 8PreX Thunderbolt Interface – Recording Knights with John Mitchell | Full Compass by Full Compass

Focusrite Clarett 8PreX Thunderbolt Interface – Recording Knights with John Mitchell | Full Compass

Full Compass

Full Compass

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Clarett 8Pre X Overview - Focusrite Clarett 8PreX Thunderbolt Audio Interface by American Musical Supply

Focusrite Clarett 8Pre X Overview - Focusrite Clarett 8PreX Thunderbolt Audio Interface

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Clarett 8PreX Overview | Full Compass by Full Compass

Focusrite Clarett 8PreX Overview | Full Compass

Full Compass

Full Compass

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional durability; survived a 3-meter drop without any damage

  • Superior sound quality compared to other Focusrite models like Scarletts

  • Air switch enhances acoustic instruments by brightening tones

  • Low latency performance; approximately 4.5ms round-trip on a Macbook Pro

  • Separate mic and line inputs with individual phantom power switches

  • Easy integration with DAWs and other hardware like Behringer ADA8200

  • Solid construction with a high level of reliability over extended use

  • Flexible monitoring options for versatile recording setups

CONS

  • Initial setup issues with Thunderbolt 4 to Thunderbolt 2 compatibility

  • Lower maximum gain on mic preamps; inadequate for ribbon mics

  • Underpowered headphone outputs for high-impedance headphones

  • Software lacks advanced routing options, limiting some configurations

  • 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

  • Users have noted compatibility issues with newer Thunderbolt 4 NVM firmware versions, specifically needing version 31.0 or earlier for TB1&2 device support.

    Source
  • Some Asus and HP users have managed to get custom firmware flashes, while MSI users may need to request such support for compatibility issues.

    Source
  • macOS users report issues with the Clarett 8PreX after software updates, suggesting possible driver glitches when connecting to the newest macOS versions.

    Source
  • A specific driver version, 4.116.2, is recommended for resolving certain connectivity issues on macOS devices.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Clarett 8PreX may not be recognized on some setups, requiring a cold boot with the device powered on due to hot plug limitations.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The device may not show up in the Thunderbolt control center but can still be identified in Windows device manager when connected properly.

    Source
  • The "AIR EQ" feature alters mic behavior with an impedance change from ~6K to ~2K, affecting mic preamp modes in the analog domain.

    Source
  • The revamped monitoring/setup software on the Clarett 8PreX is highlighted as beneficial for complex setups with both analog and digital connections.

    Source
  • The impedance change from the "AIR EQ" may primarily result from a high-pass filter, rather than directly modifying mic loading.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite initial fixes working temporarily, persistent interface recognition issues necessitate repeated troubleshooting or direct support from Focusrite for long-term solutions.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Clarett series is seen as a step up from the Scarlett/Saffire range, offering better sound quality at a mid-range price point.

    Source
  • The Clarett 8PreX is positioned between budget interfaces and higher-end brands like RME and Apogee in terms of quality and price.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Focusrite Clarett 8Pre & 8PreX

soundonsound.com

Focusrite's Clarett 8PreX and 8Pre offer excellent audio specifications and Thunderbolt connectivity at competitive prices. The units deliver impressive sound quality, with dynamic range figures that outclass many mid-priced USB and Firewire interfaces. The new Air feature enhances recording quality, offering a noticeable treble lift. However, the lack of a bundled Thunderbolt cable and limited monitor control features are drawbacks. The absence of digital gain controls and bus power may inconvenience some users. Still, the Clarett range sets a high bar in performance, making it an appealing choice for project studios.

positive

Focusrite: Clarett 8PreX Thunderbolt audio interface | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Focusrite Clarett 8PreX impresses with excellent sound quality, low latency, and a price that's hard to beat in the Thunderbolt interface market. Its robust array of features, including "Air"-enabled mic preamps and versatile I/O options, make it a standout choice for Mac users. However, it loses points for its single Thunderbolt port and lack of included cable, which can frustrate those looking to daisy-chain devices. While the software control offers flexibility, the absence of per-channel "Air" control on the device itself is a minor inconvenience. Overall, it's a remarkable value for its price.

positive
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
droneswarm

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!

juan_carlos_sotelo

Great sound

I love the preamp quality and the monitoring possiblities. It is so flexible. Flexibility

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Misha Mansoor uses Focusrite Clarett 8PreX

Misha Mansoor

Guitarist, Drummer

Periphery

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see it clearly in this video at 39:34

See how David Raouf (rdavidr) uses Focusrite Clarett 8PreX

David Raouf (rdavidr)

Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

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

See how Ricky Tinez uses Focusrite Clarett 8PreX

Ricky Tinez

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

He mentions hes been using it for years. Likes its clean sound and air

See how Dan Weller uses Focusrite Clarett 8PreX

Dan Weller

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Sikth

...
Verified via Instagram

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.

See how Fabiana Palladino uses Focusrite Clarett 8PreX

Fabiana Palladino

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

In a photographic proof, Fabiana Palladino is observed utilizing the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX within her equipment rack, confirming her use of this specific audio interface for her music production.

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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