Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre

Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre – Flagship 18-in/20-out USB-C Audio Interface

Built as the centerpiece for demanding studios, Clarett+ 8Pre delivers eight studio-grade mic pres, dual instrument inputs, pristine converters, and expandability—all in a rack-ready format. With Focusrite’s analogue-first Air mode, powerful monitoring and flexible I/O, it’s designed to elevate tracking, mixing, and creative workflows.

Key Features

• Eight Clarett+ mic preamps with Air mode and impedance switching: Deliver clean, punchy gain with vintage-like presence and clarity
• Two high-impedance JFET instrument inputs: Capture the natural tone of guitars and amps with amp-like feel
• Independent A-D and D-A conversion, 24-bit/192 kHz: Low-distortion, high-dynamic-range (up to 124 dB) converters bring unprecedented sonic detail
• 18-in / 20-out USB-C I/O: Includes 8 analog in, 10 line outs, ADAT in/out, S/PDIF in/out, MIDI I/O, Word Clock for flexible routing
• Two transparent headphone outputs: Crisp and clear monitoring in the control room or with artists
• USB-C & USB-A ready, compatible with Mac, Windows, and iPadOS: Versatile connectivity for modern setups
• Includes Hitmaker Expansion: Software bundle with Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, Auto-Tune, Softube, Brainworx, XLN Audio, and more

Customer Benefits

Whether you're tracking drums, capturing vocals, or routing hardware and effects, Clarett+ 8Pre brings studio-grade tone and expandable I/O to your desk. Air mode adds character without plugins, converters retain every nuance, and multiple outputs support immersive monitoring or outboard chains. With bundled software included, you’re fully equipped to track, mix, and finish right away.

Quick Specs

• Analog Inputs: 8 × XLR/TRS mic/line (2 front-panel instrument-capable)
• Analog Outputs: 10 × ¼″ balanced line outputs; 2 headphone outputs; 2 monitor outputs
• Digital I/O: ADAT optical in/out (supports expansion), S/PDIF coaxial in/out, MIDI In/Out, Word Clock out
• Converters: 24-bit / 192 kHz, up to 124 dB dynamic range
• Additional I/O: USB-C host (backwards-compatible with USB-A), IEC power input
• Monitor Controls: Dedicated front-panel monitor level, Dim/Mute, and meters for inputs and outputs
• Dimensions: 1U rackmount (19″ wide, ~29 cm deep)
• Weight: Approx. 4.1 kg

What’s in the Box

• Clarett+ 8Pre interface
• USB-C to USB-C cable and USB-C to USB-A adapter
• IEC power cable
• Software bundle: Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, Hitmaker Expansion (Auto-Tune, Softube, Brainworx, XLN, etc.)

Use Cases / Ideal For

Perfect for band tracking, multi-input sessions, immersive monitoring setups, and hybrid studios integrating analog gear. Ideal for producers and engineers who demand clarity, channel expansion, and sound-shaping flexibility in a single rack unit.

Compatibility

Seamlessly connects to Mac, Windows, and USB-C iPad. Routing and monitoring handled via Focusrite Control on desktop or iOS for remote mixes. Supports ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock for sophisticated integration with pro studio toolchains.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• High channel count with monitoring and expandability in one unit
• Air mode imparts console-like tone without plugins
• Low-noise, high-dynamic-range converters retain sonic detail
• Expansive software bundle adds instant creative value

⚠️ Cons:

• Requires mains power and rack space—less portable than desktop units
• Phantom power grouped in banks—less ideal for ribbon mic setups

Clarett+ 8Pre brings studio-grade clarity, flexible connectivity, and sonic character to professional workflows. Whether for tracking multiple sources, expanding via ADAT, or shaping sound with Air, it delivers everything—and ships with the tools to make it all happen.