Focusrite ISA C8X
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- 3-years warranty
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The Focusrite ISA C8X is designed for demanding studios that want to capture, route and mix with precision and character. It combines ISA's iconic analog sound with modern digital management. You benefit from a complete interface, designed for both fixed and evolving installations. A solid choice for structuring a professional studio around rich, controlled sound.
Features
ISA preamps with Lundahl transformers
You immediately get a denser, more musical sound. The two main preamps add body and a slight warmth to your takes. Ideal for vocals, guitars or basses that need to stand out right from the recording stage.
Total front panel or remote control
Control your gains, routings and settings from the interface or via Focusrite Control 2. You save session time and keep a clear overview of your setup, even in complex configurations.
Console and 430 Air analog modes
Sculpt your sound without plug-ins. Console mode delivers smooth saturation and solid bass. 430 Air mode adds treble brilliance. Perfect for quickly adjusting the character of a take.
8 versatile mic preamps
Capture every nuance with precision. The six additional preamps offer high gain and low noise. You can record a drum kit, a band or multiple takes with consistency and reliability.
Optimized instrument inputs
Plug in your guitars and basses directly, with a natural sound. Adjustable impedance respects the character of your instrument. ISA circuitry adds a true analog feel right out of the box.
High-precision 24-bit / 192 kHz converters
You work with a wide dynamic range and minimal distortion. Your recordings remain detailed, even on complex sessions or demanding mixes.
Comprehensive, scalable routing
Easily manage advanced configurations. Numerous analog and digital inputs/outputs let you integrate external hardware and evolve without changing interfaces.
Advanced monitoring and multiple outputs
Adapt your listening to all your projects. Work in stereo or immersive up to 7.1.4. Ideal for mixing, sound design or post-production.
What we like / What we need to know
- Authentic ISA sound with true analog coloration - Full remote control via software - Great routing flexibility for scalable studios - High-end conversion quality - 2U rack format suitable for fixed installations - Substantial investment, designed for professional use.
Who's it for?
- Professional sound engineers: for structuring a complete studio with signature sound and advanced management - Production studios: ideal for recording bands, vocals and instruments with precision and flexibility - Advanced home studios: perfect if you're upgrading to a high-end, scalable setup - Post-production and immersive mixing: suitable for multi-channel setups and complex projects
Technical sheet
- Microphone preamps
- 8 mic preamps with individual phantom powering
- Inputs / Outputs
- 8 line inputs, 2 instrument inputs, 12 line outputs, 2 headphone outputs
- Digital connectivity
- 2 ADAT inputs and 2 outputs, 1 S/PDIF input/output, MIDI In/Out, Word Clock In/Out
- Functions
- Talkback, loopback and inserts (2 sends / 2 returns)
- Connections
- USB Type-C (USB 2.0), XLR and 1/4" balanced jacks
- Format
- 2U rack
- Audio resolution
- 24-bit / 192 kHz
- Simultaneous I/O
- 26 inputs / 28 outputs (with loopback)
- Power supply
- External power supply (not USB-powered), max power consumption 40 W
- ISA preamps (channels 1-2)
- Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±0.4 dB), dynamic range 117 dB, gain 79 dB, switchable impedances, HPF 75 Hz
- Mic preamps (channels 3-8)
- Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±0.1 dB), dynamic range 116 dB, gain 69 dB, impedance 3,200 Ω
- Line inputs
- Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±0.05 dB), dynamic range 120 dB, max level +24 dBu
- Instrument inputs
- Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±0.5 dB), dynamic range 117 dB, switchable impedances up to 1.2 MΩ
- Inserts
- Balanced connections, max level +16 dBu (send/return)
- Line outputs
- Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±0.02 dB), dynamic range 125 dB, max level +24 dBu
- Headphone outputs
- Power up to 130 mW, 3 Ω impedance, load-optimized performance (33 to 600 Ω)
- Compatibility
- Windows (Intel/AMD/Arm64), macOS (Intel/Apple Silicon), Linux (native UAC2)