Quite a while has passed since we started experimenting with "home" interfaces to record demos in the rehearsal room or in our own homes, all the way to recording at jaw-dropping quality. It seems everything has already been invented, but what actually evolves when new interfaces come out? Speed, latency, noise reduction, plug-ins, preamps, converters, sound definition? We plugged three versions of Focusrite's Clarett series into our lab at ISP Music. Here we go.
Clarett 8Pre in our rack
Today we have in our hands this new series from the legendary firm Focusrite, founded in 1985 by the world-famous and renowned Rupert Neve. With the hallmark and good impression its interfaces and preamps have earned, today we immerse ourselves in this series, Clarett, which we put through our lab.
Focusrite Clarett 8Pre
Approximate price: €799
Thunderbolt
18 inputs / 20 outputs.
8 mic preamps - Air technology
24 bits / 192 kHz - up to 119 dB
Distributed in Spain by: Zentralmedia
Manufacturer: Focusrite
One of the features that gives this family its identity is the format chosen for data transmission. In good sync with Apple®, the three devices reviewed (8Pre, 4Pre and 2Pre) transfer data via Thunderbolt. It is, in principle, the natural evolution of USB and FireWire, transmitting more reliably and faster. Ultimately this makes the devices, and our system, run with less latency and in a more consistent, secure and compact way. In short, we get an optimized workflow and fantastic latency figures; it avoids delays and lets us work with our favorite plug-ins or add-ons in real time. Thunderbolt does not supply power, so the interfaces need to be connected to a power adapter / mains outlet.
In all three cases, the finish is especially eye-catching. With clear brushstrokes of Focusrite's 1993 RED series, seasoned with the passion of red, in hardware with identity and elegance that lends distinction to our rack.
Precision digital conversion: Clarett features Focusrite's leading 24/192 conversion, with up to 119dB of dynamic range
The company has always pursued interfaces with noble preamps, crystal-clear definition and no noise or interference in recordings. The Clarett series follows the same path, with a common thread that is very consistent with this philosophy. In every case it works at sample rates of up to 192 kHz.
Another exclusive feature of Clarett is the renewed, exclusive design of its preamps for the series. They include the so-called Air function, which switches the preamp to work in a mode similar to the classic analog Focusrite ISA. What you notice when working in this mode is a lift in the high frequencies, which encourages listening with that air and clarity the company is after, especially on acoustic instruments and vocals. A very "British" signal.
Focusrite Clarett 8Pre Pre
What is the interface in a nutshell? An 18-input / 20-output Thunderbolt unit. The Clarett 8Pre offers eight mic preamps, superior-quality digital conversion and super-low latency, so low that it even lets you record and monitor through plugins in real time. In addition to their low noise and distortion levels, the Clarett preamps feature the "Air" effect, which emulates the sound of Focusrite's legendary transformer-based ISA preamps. Like the other interfaces in the Clarett series, the Clarett 8Pre features 24-bit / 192 kHz conversion capable of delivering up to 119 dB of real dynamic range.
The Clarett 8Pre has been designed for the studio that needs plenty of inputs and outputs
The Clarett 8Pre's mic preamps are characterized by their high gain and low noise and distortion levels. The level metering and monitoring section features 10 six-segment LED meters showing analog and digital input levels and monitoring levels, plus a monitor level control knob and Mute and Dim buttons. The Clarett 8Pre also has a Word Clock output through which it can provide a master clock signal to the system.
Included software
The Clarett interfaces include new mixer software called Focusrite Control that makes configuring routing and monitoring settings much easier.
Focusrite Control. Simple and intuitive to use, it emulates the workflow of a conventional mixer, giving immediate access to all of the hardware's internal functions. In addition, the Clarett 8Pre includes a plugin collection made up of:
Time and Tone Pack, by Softube: SAR-1R Reverb, Tube Delay and Saturation Knob
Red 2 & Red 3 AAX, AU & VST Plug-in Suite, which emulates with the utmost precision the sound of the compressor and equalizer from Focusrite's classic Red series.
