Focusrite ISA C8X USB-C Audio Interface

Focusrite ISA C8X USB-C Audio Interface

• 8 Mic Pres: 2 ISA, 6 Focusrite mic pres, and Lundahl LL1538 input transformers.
• Up to 79 dB of stepped and fine gain control, switchable impedance and HPF, and auto gain
• RedNet 24-Bit/192 kHz AD/DA Converters with Console Mode for Analog Saturation.
• 430 Air Mode for High-End Lift; all mic pres are remotely controllable.
• 8 line in, 12 line out, 2 headphone out, ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, and a word clock

Focusrite’s ISA C8X Overview

The Focusrite ISA C8X is a 26×28 USB-C audio interface that has two Lundahl transformer-equipped ISA mic inputs, six remote-controllable Focusrite mic pres, and up to 79 dB of gain. It is ideal for hobbyists and professionals looking for a high I/O count interface for usage with patchbays and outboard gear. Analog tone is just a button press away with saturation and air settings on the console and the 430 Air.

The front panel has colorful LED meters for the microphone preamps and two separate headphone outputs. The ISA mic pre-gain control offers both stepped and fine gain controls. Two 1/4″ Hi-Z instrument inputs with configurable impedance (also available on mic inputs) are connected to the same Lundahl LL1538 input transformers and ISA circuitry as the microphones. AD/DA conversion is performed using RedNet 24-bit/192 kHz converters. Mic inputs include mic or line input, 48V phantom power, a high-pass filter, and analog drive or air.

Along with the eight XLR mic inputs, the interface has eight balanced 1/4″ TRS line inputs, 12 balanced line outputs (which can accommodate up to 7.1.4 speaker configurations), and stereo send and return connectivity. The digital interfaces include 16 channels of ADAT I/O via TOSLINK, S/PDIF I/O via 3.5mm, BNC wordclock I/O, and MIDI I/O via 5-pin DIN connectors. With the Focusrite Control 2 application, you can quickly control all functions and enable features such as automatic gain across all mic preamps for a faster workflow.

Classic Preamps with Digital Control

The C8X’s two ISA preamps each have Lundahl LL1538 input transformers that offer delicate warmth and body to any sound, as well as balanced inserts, stepped and fine gain control, switchable impedance, a high-pass filter, and up to 79 dB of gain, all of which are digitally controlled via the Focusrite Control 2 app.

What is an ISA?

Rupert Neve set out 40 years ago to develop the best channel strips ever produced for Sir George Martin’s AIR Studios in Montserrat. The result was the iconic ISA 110 module, which gave birth to the Focusrite brand.
The ISA 110 preamp gained popularity for its ultralow-noise, ultralow-distortion design, which used the greatest components and design ideas available at the time to capture every nuance of the artist’s sound. The ISA line has been a constant throughout Focusrite’s existence, with each generation of hardware building and expanding on prior capabilities while keeping loyal to Neve’s concept.

Console Mode

The ISA C8X is an all-analog architecture by default, giving an immaculate signal at low levels. When you enable console mode, you add a new character: mild saturation that grows as you push the channel harder.
This brand-new analog circuit adds warmth and low-end punch, giving you the sensation of a classic console while maintaining clarity. Fully flexible settings allow you to exaggerate or reduce the effect.

430 Air Mode

The 430 Air circuit (derived from the namesake ISA 430 MkII) enhances high-end detail using an inductor-based high-shelf filter. The rich and nuanced sound from the Lundahl LL1538 transformer at the front end, along with the impedance and high-pass filter settings, creates the best-sounding and most adaptable analog signal route Focusrite has ever included in an audio interface.

Front-panel, transformer-based instrument inputs

Inspired by the ISA One’s well-known DI channel, the front-panel instrument inputs include configurable impedances to preserve the natural tone of guitar, bass, and other instruments. These also pass via the ISA transformer circuitry, enabling you to use both the console and 430 air modes.

Six remote-controlled, ultra-low-noise microphones

Along with the two ISA preamps, six Focusrite mic preamps can be controlled remotely and have extremely low noise. Each one is intended to consistently capture every nuance with 69 dB of crisp, precise gain, and it contains both analog air processing for high-end clarity and variable drive DSP for analog harmonic saturation.

Eight dedicated balanced line inputs.

The ISA C8X is designed for patchbay configurations and permanent installations, with fixed line inputs that let you connect your outboard gear once and prevent repatching. With a direct connection to the ADC, all line inputs bypass the preamp entirely, providing maximum headroom and the cleanest, shortest signal path imaginable. Ideal for settings where openness and efficiency are essential.

12 balanced line outputs.

Work in mono, stereo, or 7.1.4 mode, with up to three monitor groups and front-panel or remote switching. The output levels match the line input levels, and outputs 1 and 2 are accessible on both XLR and 1/4″ TRS. All outputs have anti-thump speaker protection.

Flagship AD/DA Conversion.

Whatever inputs you select, you’ll be recording and mixing using the same 24-bit / 192 kHz AD/DA converters found in Focusrite’s RedNet line, with 125 dB of dynamic range and ultralow distortion at 0.00022% THD. The C8X’s two headphone outputs also provide separate volume control, more headroom, and optimum impedance for strong, detailed playback.

Remote Control Recording

Focusrite Control 2 is built for both desktop and mobile platforms, allowing you to easily manipulate gain levels, route audio, save and recall preset mixes, and monitor with minimal latency anywhere you have an ISA C8X in your studio. It also allows you to operate many connected interfaces at the same time, so if you expand your setup via ADAT with more Focusrite Operate 2-ready devices, you can switch between them and control them all from the app.

Focusrite ISA C8X Features:

•  The 26-in, 28-out USB-C audio interface combines Focusrite’s premium digital performance with its console history.
•  Two remote-controlled ISA preamps with Lundahl transformers recreate the warmth, depth, and authority of a classic Focusrite console.
•  ISA preamps have balanced inserts, stepped gain controls, switchable impedance, HPFs, Console/430 Air modes, and 79dB of gain.
•  Six more remote controls. Focusrite microphone preamps featuring an analog Air mode, configurable Drive DSP, and 69 dB gain
•  Two front-panel transformer-based ISA instrument inputs with adjustable impedance and Console/430 air modes.
•  The 8 fixed-gain balanced line inputs are suitable for patchbay configurations and permanent installations.
•  The 12 balanced line outputs enable mono, stereo, and immersive formats up to 7.1.4, with three monitor groups.
•  Professional +24dBu maximum output level for front panel and remote monitor switching.
•  Outputs 1 and 2 include both XLR and TRS connections for greater versatility.
•  Two Class AB headphone outputs with separate volume control, improved impedance, and more headroom.
•  Digital connectivity options include ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, and word clock.
•  High-end 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA converters based on Focusrite’s RedNet series.
•  Auto Gain establishes ideal levels for all 8 preamps.
•  The Focusrite Control 2 software allows remote administration, low-latency monitoring, and full recall of mixes and routing.
•  Focusrite offers a 3-year manufacturer warranty and award-winning technical assistance.
•  Includes Sonnox Oxford Reverb and Hitmaker Expansion plugin package.