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In 2020, Focusrite provided the best-selling audio interfaces. Now there are the new Focusrite Clarett + series, consisting of (for the time being) three new USB-C interfaces. 2Pre, 4Pre, and 8Pre are aimed at people who run studios, make music, or need an audio / midi interface for all sorts of other reasons. Streamers and podcasters should also find favor.
Focusrite Clarett+
The three new audio interfaces continue to rely on the manufacturer’s preamps and should convince with high headroom, low distortion, and low inherent noise. The All-analogue Air -called feature emulates the sound properties of the ISA 110 M ic P REAMP s from the classical Focusrite studio console. This function is extended by a switch for the impedance. The converters promise a higher dynamic range and also less noise.
There is a reason for the plus at the end of the name. The new mini USB audio interface models bring some improvements compared to their predecessors. The Clarett+ now has a dynamic range of 124 dB (previously 118 dB) and an optimized dynamic range of 118 dB for the headphone outputs (previously 115 dB). The values for THD + N (Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise) have been improved by 3 dB.
As usual with the manufacturer, software for mixing or virtual instruments is included with all three models. You can control all the functions of the interfaces on software for macOS / Windows or iOS app.
Clarett+ 2Pre, 4Pre, and 8Pre
Clarett+ 2Pre (10 In / 4 Out) offers two analog combined XLR / jack inputs with microphone preamps, which also serve as JFET instrument inputs. There are also four jack outputs, connections for MIDI (In / Out), and an optical input. The interface can be expanded via ADAT – which is why the manufacturer names ten inputs here. There is also an adjustable headphone output.
The equipment of the Clarett+ 4Pre (18 In / 8 Out) is a bit lavish. You will find four combo inputs for XLR and jack on the front. These offer you four microphone preamps, two instrument inputs, and of course the switchable air feature. On the back, there are four additional line inputs in jack format. In addition, the 4Pre provides an optical input as well as In and Out for S / PDIF. You also get one input and one output for MIDI, and again four line outputs in jack format. And you get two headphone outputs that can be controlled separately.
Clarett+ 8Pre is the current flagship model and promises 18 inputs and 20 outputs – some of them are of course digital again. Eight combo sockets for XLR and jack are here in total. Two of them are located on the front of the device in 19-inch format. All eight inputs have the Clarett+ Mic preamps and the feature called Air. A total of 10 line outputs (jack) await you here. The audio interface offers a MIDI input and output, plus in / out for S / PDIF, optical input and output, and output for word clock. In addition to the gain controls for the eight inputs, two separately controllable headphone connections and a display for the levels of the eight channels await you on the front.
Price and availability
The new Focusrite Clarett+ MIDI / Audio interfaces will be available from November 2021. You can already pre-order at the Bhphotovideo.com and Amazon.com websites: 2Pre is available for $499.99, 4Pre is available for $699.99, and 8Pre is available for $999.99.
