Gear Hunter

Focusrite - Clarett 8Pre 24/192 18-In/20-Out Thunderbolt Audio Interface

Description

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 simply sounds great. Meanwhile, its astonishing 1.38ms round-trip latency simplifies your workflow and lets you use your favourite plug-ins in real time.

An important feature of the Clarett 8Pre is the new design of its analogue preamplifier. In addition to their class-leading dynamic range and ability to provide all the gain you're ever likely to need, the circuitry now includes an exciting new AIR function. Individually selectable on each channel, AIR subtly modifies the pre-amp's frequency response to model the impedance and resonance characteristics of Focusrites classic transformer-based ISA mic preamps. When recording with good quality microphones, you will notice an enhanced clarity and definition in the important mid frequency range, just where it is most needed for vocals and many acoustic instruments.

Features
Eight New Clarett Mic Pres with extra 'Air'
The mic pres have been designed especially for the Clarett range, with plenty of gain, yet low noise and distortion. In addition, they feature a special Air feature that switches in an analog model of the classic transformer-based Focusrite ISA mic pre. Instrument inputs feature extra headroom to handle the loudest pickup.
Use DAW plugins in real time
With leading-edge round-trip audio latency over Thunderbolt, you can record and monitor with the plug-ins in your DAW, in real time.
Precision digital conversion
Clarett features Focusrites class-leading conversion quality: with up to 119dB dynamic range, Clarett offers the cleanest way yet to get music in and out of your DAW.
Full I/O complement
18 audio inputs and 20 outputs within a 1U rack space, including eight analog inputs, 10 analog outputs, stereo SPDIF I/O and eight channels of ADAT I/O. The additional ADAT output is ideal for sending audio to an external D/A for line output expansion, while the input can be used, for example, to bring in eight additional digital mic pre channels for maximum flexibility.
Easy Access
Two mic/line/instrument inputs are provided on the front panel for easy access even when rack mounted, the remaining connections being accessed via the rear panel.
Accessible metering and monitoring
The monitor panel provides analog and digital input levels, and main monitor outputs, via a 6-segment, multichannel LED meter. Monitor features include a level control, plus dim and mute buttons.
Dual high-power headphone outputs
Two wide dynamic range headphone outputs are provided, powerful enough to deliver plenty of level even on high impedance headphones perfect for tracking and mixing.
Software Mixer for maximum control
Focusrite Control is a brand new software mixer designed for easy configuration of monitoring and routing setups. Simple and intuitive to use, Focusrite Control also allows immediate access to internal hardware functions.
Classic processor plugins included
Every Clarett includes the Red 2 & Red 3 AAX, AU & VST Plug-in Suite, which accurately models Focusrites classic Red range equalizer and compressor hardware.
Digital sync on-board
Includes Word Clock In, enabling it to sync to word clock from any external digital device.
Remote control from iPhone or iPad
Download the free Focusrite iOS Control app and adjust cue mixes created with the Focusrite Control desktop app remotely from an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch.

Specifications
Configuration
Inputs 18: analogue (8), S/PDIF (2), ADAT (8)
Outputs 20: analogue (10), S/PDIF (2), ADAT (8)
Mixer Fully assignable 30-in/16-out mixer
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
*Pro Tools 11 @ 96kHz, 64-sample buffer
Weight and Dimensions:
Dimensions (W x D x H): 482.5 mm x 43.9 mm x 291 mm / 19" x 1.73" x 11.46"
Weight: 4.35 kg / 9.59 lbs

Supported Operating Systems
OSX 10.9 Mavericks or 10.10 Yosemite

*Thunderbolt cable sold separately