Focusrite ISA C8X

The Focusrite ISA C8X is a professional 26-in/28-out USB-C audio interface for studios that require high sound quality, extensive connectivity options and complete control over recording and monitoring. This 24-bit/192 kHz interface combines eight remote-controllable microphone preamps with the sound tradition of classic Focusrite ISA consoles. Two channels are implemented as true ISA preamps with Lundahl transformers, giving you the warmth, depth and solid analog base the ISA series is known for. With eight microphone preamps, two instrument inputs, eight fixed balanced line inputs, twelve balanced line outputs, two headphone outputs, ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI and Word Clock, the ISA C8X is ready for a complete professional studio setup. Whether you're working with external preamps, compressors, patchbays, synths, drum machines, surround monitoring or a hybrid setup with outboard equipment, this interface is built to be the focal point of your studio.

Classic ISA sound with Lundahl transformers
The first two microphone channels of the Focusrite ISA C8X are based on the well-known ISA preamp architecture. These channels use Lundahl LL1538 input transformers, the same transformer family that played an important role in the character of the classic ISA consoles. The result is a recording sound with subtle warmth, solid lows and a controlled analog presence. These two ISA preamps are remotely adjustable and offer up to 79 dB of gain. This makes them suitable for a variety of microphones, from sensitive condenser microphones to lower output dynamic microphones. The channels feature balanced inserts, stepped gain controls, switchable impedance and high-pass filters. So you easily adjust the input to the microphone, source and desired sound. In addition, the ISA channels feature full analog Console and 430 Air modes. With Console mode, you add adjustable saturation for more character and harmonic richness. The 430 Air mode provides an elevator in the highs inspired by the sound of classic Focusrite equipment. It allows you to give vocals, acoustic instruments, guitars and other sources more openness without having to turn directly to external processing.

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Six additional Focusrite preamps with Air and Drive
In addition to the two ISA channels, the ISA C8X has six remote-controllable Focusrite microphone preamps. These preamps deliver up to 69 dB of gain and are designed for a clean, low-noise recording base. They are suitable for drums, vocals, guitar amps, strings, horns, podcasts, voiceovers and virtually any other source you want to capture reliably. These six preamps also offer additional sound options. The analog Air mode adds more openness and presence, while the variable Drive DSP can add extra character when a recording needs a little more energy or edge. So you can choose between transparent recording, classic ISA color and extra analog vibe within one interface.

Two instrument inputs through the ISA transformers
On the front you will find two ISA instrument inputs. These inputs run through the same Lundahl transformers as the ISA microphone channels. This allows you to connect electric guitar, bass guitar, synths or other instruments directly and benefit from the same analog base as the ISA preamps. The instrument inputs have selectable impedance so you can match the response to the instrument. Console mode and 430 Air mode are also available here. That makes the ISA C8X interesting for guitarists and producers who want to record directly, but don't want to sacrifice character and depth.

Extensive I/O for patchbay, outboard and fixed studio installations
The Focusrite ISA C8X has eight fixed-gain balanced line inputs. These inputs are ideal for a patchbay, external preamps, synthesizers, drum computers or other studio equipment that remains permanently connected. As a result, you need to change cables less frequently and can switch more quickly between different recording and mixing configurations. On the output side, the interface features twelve balanced line outputs. This allows you to work in mono, stereo and immersive monitor formats up to 7.1.4. The three monitor groups are switchable from the front panel or remotely, which is useful when using multiple speaker sets, a surround setup or alternative reference monitors. The maximum output level of +24 dBu aligns well with professional studio equipment and ensures consistent levels within a studio setup. Outputs 1 and 2 are implemented as both XLR and jack, giving you more freedom when connecting monitor controllers, studio monitors or other equipment.

Two independent headphone outputs
For monitoring, two Class AB headphone outputs are provided, each with its own volume control. These outputs are designed with sufficient headroom and appropriate impedance for clean, detailed reproduction. This is useful in recording sessions where, for example, a vocalist and engineer need their own headphone mix at the same time.

Digital expansion via ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI and Word Clock
The ISA C8X offers extensive digital connectivity in addition to analog connections. Via ADAT, you can add up to 16 additional channels, depending on sample rate and equipment used. In addition, S/PDIF is provided for two additional digital channels. MIDI in and out allow you to integrate synthesizers, drum computers and other MIDI devices into your studio. Word Clock in and out allow you to neatly synchronize the ISA C8X with other digital studio equipment. This makes this interface suitable for larger setups where multiple converters, preamps or digital devices work together.

RedNet-derived conversion with 24-bit/192 kHz resolution
The Focusrite ISA C8X uses 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA converters derived from Focusrite's RedNet series. These converters deliver accurate and open playback with a dynamic range of up to 125 dB and very low distortion of 0.00022% THD. That means your recordings will be captured clearly, in detail and reliably. When mixing and monitoring, you also benefit from stable stereo reproduction, plenty of headroom and a controllable soundstage. For engineers who have to make decisions based on what they hear, that's a significant advantage.

Auto Gain and Focusrite Control 2
With Auto Gain, the ISA C8X automatically sets appropriate recording levels for all eight preamps. This can be done from the front panel, as well as via Focusrite Control 2 on desktop or mobile. Especially for larger sessions, this can save a lot of time because you have a usable starting point for your gain structure more quickly. Focusrite Control 2 gives you extensive control over routing, monitoring, mixes and settings. You can control preamps remotely, set low-latency monitoring and recall configurations. This makes the interface suitable for studios where speed, oversight and recall are important.

Professional studio center for demanding workflows
The Focusrite ISA C8X is made for producers, engineers, studio owners and musicians looking for an interface that does more than just record and playback. The combination of ISA transformer preamps, six additional Focusrite preamps, plenty of line I/O, professional monitoring, digital extension and comprehensive software controls makes this a powerful centerpiece for modern studios. Whether recording vocals with analog ISA color, capturing drums via multiple microphones, integrating external hardware, immersive audio monitoring or building a fixed patchbay setup, the ISA C8X provides the connections, sound options and control needed for a serious production environment.

Focusrite ISA C8X features:

• 26-in/28-out USB-C audio interface with 24-bit/192 kHz recording quality
• 8 remotely adjustable microphone preamps
• 2 ISA preamps with Lundahl transformers for classic Focusrite console sound
• ISA channels with balanced inserts, stepped gain, switchable impedance and high-pass filters
• up to 79 dB of gain on the ISA microphone preamps
• Console mode and 430 Air mode on the ISA channels
• 6 additional Focusrite microphone preamps with up to 69 dB gain
• analog Air mode and variable Drive DSP on the additional microphone preamps
• 2 front instrument inputs via the ISA transformers
• selectable impedance on the instrument inputs
• 8 fixed balanced line inputs for patchbay and studio setups
• 12 balanced line outputs for mono, stereo and immersive monitoring up to 7.1.4
• 3 monitor groups with front panel or software control
• professional maximum output level of +24 dBu
• xLR and jack outputs 1 and 2
• 2 Class AB headphone outputs with independent volume control
• ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI and Word Clock for digital expansion and synchronization
• up to 16 additional channels via ADAT and 2 additional channels via S/PDIF
• RedNet-derived AD/DA conversion with up to 125 dB dynamic range
• very low distortion of 0.00022% THD
• Auto Gain for automatic level adjustment on all 8 preamps
• Focusrite Control 2 for routing, monitoring, remote control and recall
• suitable for macOS and Windows
• comes with Sonnox Oxford Reverb plugin and Hitmaker Expansion plugin bundle

Focusrite ISA C8X specifications:

• USB 2.0 via USB-C
• rackmount
• simultaneous I/O: 26 x 28, including Loopback
• 8 preamps
• AD/DA resolution: 24-bit/192 kHz
• analog inputs: 8 x XLR, 8 x 6.3 mm jack
• analog outputs: 2x XLR, 12 x 6.3 mm jack
• digital inputs: 2x optical Toslink ADAT, 1 x RCA S/PDIF
• digital outputs: 2x optical Toslink ADAT, 1 x RCA S/PDIF
• inserts: 2x send, 2x return
• headphone outputs: 2x 6.3 mm jack
• MIDI I/O: 2x 5-pin DIN, in and out
• USB: 1x USB-C
• Clock I/O: 2x BNC, in and out
• software: Focusrite Control 2
• rack height: 2HE
• power supply: standard IEC metering input, cable included
• height: 8.89 cm, width: 48.26 cm, depth: 29.29 cm
• weight: 5.56 kg
• manufacturer order no: AMS-ISA-C8X