Full Description
View Full Description
Bring analog character into every session
The ISA C8X centres its sound around two ISA preamps built with Lundahl input transformers, giving sources a fuller and more rounded feel before they hit your DAW. That makes a real difference on vocals bass synths and other parts that benefit from a little more body at the front end.
Each ISA channel also gives you switchable impedance, balanced inserts and high-pass filtering, so you can shape the input stage to suit the source. Console mode adds controllable saturation for extra punch, while 430 Air introduces a more open top end that helps parts sit forward in a mix.
Handle detailed recordings with eight controlled preamps
Alongside the two ISA channels, you get six Focusrite mic preamps with low-noise performance and up to 69dB of gain. These are useful when you need clean reliable capture across a full session, whether that means drum overheads acoustic instruments spoken word or backing vocals.
'Analogue Air' mode helps brighten the top end when a source needs a little more presence, while variable Drive DSP lets you introduce extra harmonic colour in a more controlled way. Because all eight preamps can be controlled from the front panel or remotely, it is much easier to keep sessions moving when the interface is installed away from your desk.
Connect outboard gear without constant re-patching
The ISA C8X is designed to sit at the centre of a working studio setup. Eight fixed-gain balanced line inputs make it practical for patchbay systems and permanent hardware connections, so compressors EQs and other outboard can stay wired in and ready to use.
On the output side, twelve balanced line outputs give you plenty of scope for monitor control hardware sends and more advanced speaker setups. It supports mono stereo and immersive monitoring up to 7.1.4, with up to three monitor groups available. Add ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI and Word Clock connections; the interface can expand cleanly around the rest of your digital and analogue equipment.
Keep control close even when the rack is not
Focusrite Control 2 makes the ISA C8X easier to manage when front-panel access is awkward. Using the desktop or mobile app, you can adjust gain levels build monitor mixes change routing and store recallable settings without breaking your flow. That is particularly helpful in fixed studio installations where the interface may live in a machine room or rack bay.
Auto Gain also saves time by setting levels across all eight preamps in seconds, which helps when you are moving quickly between players or setting up a session alone. With high-spec 24-bit/192kHz conversion and two dedicated headphone outputs, the whole system stays practical from tracking through to playback.
Complete with music software bundle including Hitmakers Expansion pack
You also get a focused set of software to support your workflow. Sonnox Oxford Reverb gives you a flexible way to shape space around your tracks, with detailed control over reflections and decay so you can place sounds exactly where you need them.
Alongside this, the Hitmaker Expansion provides a selection of production tools to help you build and refine recordings straight away, whether you are tracking mixing or adding final touches.
Features
- 2U rack USB interface with 26 inputs and 28 outputs for flexible recording and mixing
- Two premium ISA mic preamps with Lundahl transformers for rich and warm sound
- Console and 430 Air modes provide adjustable saturation and enhanced high frequencies
- Six ultra clean mic preamps with remote control and detailed high gain performance
- Front panel instrument inputs with transformer circuitry for natural tone and feel
- Selectable impedance options to better match microphones and instruments
- Built in high pass filtering and balanced insert points for signal shaping
- Automatic gain setting simplifies level adjustment across all preamps
- High quality 24 bit 192kHz conversion with wide dynamic range and very low distortion
- Twelve balanced outputs supporting stereo and immersive audio formats up to 7.1.4
- Dual headphone outputs with independent control and strong output clarity
- Fixed gain line inputs ideal for permanent studio connections and outboard gear
- Expandable connectivity with ADAT SPDIF MIDI and Word Clock integration
- Remote control via desktop and mobile app for routing monitoring and recall
- Includes software bundle and supported by extended warranty and technical assistance
Specifications
Hardware Overview
- Microphone Preamps: 8
- Phantom Power: Yes (Independent Per-Channel)
- Line Inputs: 8
- Instrument Inputs: 2
- Insert Sends: 2
- Insert Returns: 2
- Line Outputs: 12
- Headphone Outputs: 2
- Line Outputs: 10
- Headphone Outputs: 2
- ADAT Inputs: 2 (16 Channels At 44.1/48kHz And Up To 8 Channels At 96kHz)
- ADAT Outputs: 2 (16 Channels At 44.1/48kHz And Up To 8 Channels At 96kHz)
- S/PDIF Input: 1 (2 Channels At 96kHz)
- S/PDIF Output: 1 (2 Channels At 96kHz)
- MIDI Input: 1
- MIDI Output: 1
- Word Clock Input: 1
- Word Clock Output: 1
- Talkback: Yes
- Loopback: Yes
- Connectivity: USB Type-C
- Protocol: USB 2.0
- Form Factor: Rack Mountable (2U)
- Simultaneous I/O: 26x28 (Including Loopback)
- A/D Resolution: 24-Bit/192 kHz
- Maximum Power Draw: 40W
- Bus Powered: No
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 89 x 482.6 x 292.8 mm
- Weight (with accessories): 5.826 kg
ISA Microphone Inputs (Channels 1-2)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.4dB)
- Dynamic Range (A-Weighted): 117dB
- THD+N (Minimum At Minimum Gain): -93dB (0.0023 )
- Noise EIN (A-Weighted): -128dB
- Maximum Input Level (Minimum Gain, Low Impedance): +16dBu
- Gain Range: 79dB
- Input Impedance (Switchable): 800? (Low), 1400? (ISA 110), 2400? (Med), 7000? (High)
- High Pass Filter (HPF): 75Hz Cut-Off Frequency, 18dB/Octave
Microphone Inputs (Channels 3-8)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB)
- Dynamic Range (A-Weighted): 116dB
- THD+N (Minimum At 8dB Gain): -100dB (0.001 )
- Noise EIN (A-Weighted): -127dB
- Maximum Input Level (Minimum Gain): +16dBu
- Gain Range: 69dB
- Input Impedance: 3200?
Fixed-Level Line Inputs (Channels 1-8)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.05dB)
- Dynamic Range (A-Weighted): 120dB
- THD+N (Minimum): < -105dB (0.00056 )
- Maximum Input Level: +24dBu
Instrument Inputs (Channels 1-2)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.5dB)
- Dynamic Range (A-Weighted): 117dB
- THD+N (Minimum): -89dB (0.0036 )
- Maximum Input Level (At Minimum Gain): +14dBu
- Gain Range: 79dB
- Input Impedance (Switchable): 400k? (Low), 1.2M? (High)
Inserts (Channels 1-2)
- Connection: Balanced
- Maximum Output Level (Send): +16dBu
- Maximum Input Level (Return): +16dBu
Line Outputs
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.02dB)
- Dynamic Range (A-Weighted): 125dB
- THD+N (Minimum): -113dB (0.00023 )
- Maximum Output Level: +24dBu
Headphone Outputs
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB)
- Dynamic Range: 114dB @ 33?, 116dB @ 300?, 116dB @ 600?
- THD+N: -102dB @ 33?, -110dB @ 300?, -110dB @ 600?
- Max Output Level: +8dBu @ 33?, +11dBu @ 300?, +11dBu @ 600?
- Max Output Power: 130mW @ 33?, 28mW @ 300?, 14mW @ 600?
- Output Impedance: 3?
Compatability
- Windows: Intel, AMD, And ARM64 Processors Supported
- MacOS: Apple Silicon And Intel Processors Supported
- Linux: ISA C8X Is UAC2 Class Compliant And Should Work On Most Linux Systems But This Is Not Tested Or Supported
