Focusrite ISA C8X
With the ISA C8X, you get the iconic ISA sound with the added benefit of remote control, all the analog and digital connectivity, and all the routing and recall options you need to manage your entire setup. The two Lundahl transformer-driven ISA preamps are complemented by fully analog Console and 430 Air modes for even more sonic possibilities. Switchable impedance, balanced inserts, and a high-pass filter are also available, and you can control everything from the front panel or via Focusrite Control 2 software.
Classic preamps, digital control
Each of the C8X's two ISA preamps features Lundahl LL1538 input transformers to add body and warmth to any signal. They also feature symmetrical inserts, fine-grained gain controls, switchable impedance, a high-pass filter, and up to 79 dB of gain. All of this is digitally controllable via the Focusrite Control 2 app.
All-Analog Sound
Console mode produces a warm, analog saturation and punchier bass. It's based on a soft clipping circuit and features variable digital control. The 430 Air mode, derived from the ISA 430 MkII, brightens the highs with a high-shelf inductor filter.
DIs for Your Guitars, Basses, and Other Instruments
The front-panel instrument inputs are inspired by the renowned ISA One DI. They feature an impedance selector to preserve the natural character of guitars, basses, and other instruments. Signals from these inputs also pass through the ISA transformer circuitry. You can also use Console and 430 Air modes here.
Six additional mic preamps
The ISA C8X's six microphone preamps capture every nuance of your performance thanks to their 69 dB of gain. They are also remotely controllable and will work reliably with a wide range of audio sources. Each also features an Air mode for crisper highs and a DSP Drive function for warm harmonics reminiscent of analog gear.
Reference-grade AD/DA converters
Regardless of the input you choose, you'll be recording and mixing with the same 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA converters found in Focusrite's RedNet series. This provides a dynamic range of 125 dB with an ultra-low total harmonic distortion of 0.00022%. The C8X's two headphone outputs feature independent level control, extra gain headroom, and optimized impedance for detailed listening at high volumes.
Manage your entire studio
The ISA C8X is also designed for permanent rack and in-rack installations. It offers line inputs that allow you to permanently connect external equipment, eliminating the need for constant patch reconfiguration. For immersive formats, the 12 balanced line outputs support projects ranging from mono to 7.1.4, with up to three groups of monitor speakers that can be switched from the front panel or using Focusrite Control 2 software. The entire system is also expandable, with 16 additional ADAT channels and two more S/PDIF channels for digital equipment. MIDI and Word Clock I/O are also included.
Control your recordings remotely
With Focusrite Control 2 software for computers and mobile devices, you can easily manage gains, route signals, save and recall preset mixes, and monitor your projects with low latency, no matter where you place the ISA C8X in your studio. It can also support multiple interfaces connected simultaneously, so if you connect other Focusrite Control 2-compatible gear via ADAT, you can switch between them and control them directly from the application.
Guaranteed by Focusrite
The ISA C8X is an interface built to last. It also comes with Focusrite’s three-year warranty, and you can access our technical support day and night.
26x28 USB audio interface in a 2U rackmount format
Capture, route, and mix sessions of any size with 26 analog and digital audio inputs and 28 outputs.
Two remotely controllable ISA preamps
Featuring Lundahl LL1538 input transformers to add body and warmth to any signal, plus balanced inserts, fine-toothed gain controls, switchable impedance, a high-pass filter, and up to 79 dB of gain.
Analog sound at your fingertips
The two ISA preamps feature a relay-switchable circuit, allowing you to control the saturation with Console mode and boost the high frequencies with 430 Air mode.
Six ultra-low-noise, remotely controllable mic preamps
The six additional mic preamps help you capture every nuance of your instruments with their 69 dB of gain. You can also enhance presence and add warmth with the variable Air and Drive modes.
Two front-panel transformer-equipped instrument inputs
Both are routed to Lundahl transformers to give you the feel of recording on a real mixing console. You can also select the impedance to make your guitars, basses, or other instruments sound even more natural. Console and 430 Air modes are also available on these inputs, adding their own touch of analog character.
Eight Dedicated Balanced Line Inputs with Fixed Gain
The ISA C8X is also designed for permanent rack and in-rack installations. It offers line inputs that allow you to connect external equipment without constantly reconfiguring your patchbay.
Automatically Adjust Your Levels
Activate the Auto Gain function directly from the front panel or via the Focusrite Control 2 mobile and desktop apps, and in seconds, the ISA C8X will automatically adjust the gain of all eight preamps.
Reference-Level AD/DA Converters
Record and mix with the same 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA converters found in Focusrite's RedNet series. This provides a dynamic range of 125 dB with a total harmonic distortion of 0.00022%.
12 Balanced Line Outputs
Work in mono, stereo, or up to 7.1.4 with three groups of monitor speakers that you can switch from the interface's front panel or remotely. These professional outputs, with a maximum +24 dBu level aligned with the line inputs to ensure consistent levels, offer an A-weighted dynamic range of 125 dB. Outputs 1 and 2 are also available on XLR and TRS connectors.
Two Dedicated Class A/B Headphone Outputs
Each with its own level control, extra headroom, and optimized impedance to ensure detailed listening at high volumes.
ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock Connections
Add 16 additional ADAT channels and two more S/PDIF channels. This gives you up to 26 recording channels, plus MIDI and Word Clock connections.
Focusrite Control 2 Software and Mobile App
When front panel controls aren't convenient, the Focusrite Control 2 app lets you manage, save, and recall your mixes and routings remotely. You can also use it to monitor your projects with low latency from multiple connected interfaces.
Award-Winning Support
Buy with confidence. The ISA C8X is backed by Focusrite's three-year warranty, and you can access our technical support around the clock.
• Microphone preamps: 8
• Phantom power: Yes (on each input)
• 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 44.1/48 kHz and up to 8 channels at 96 kHz)
• ADAT outputs: 2 (16 channels at 44.1/48 kHz and up to 8 channels at 96 kHz)
• S/PDIF input: 1 (2 channels at 96 kHz)
• S/PDIF output: 1 (2 channels at 96 kHz)
• 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: Rackmount (2U)
• Simultaneous I/O: 26x28 (with loopback)
• A/D Resolution: 24-bit/192 kHz
• Maximum Power Consumption: 40 W
• USB Power Supply: No
ISA Microphone Inputs (Channels 1-2)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (± 0.4 dB)
Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 117 dB
Total Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (minimum at minimum gain): -93 dB (0.0023%)
Equivalent Noise Level (A-weighted): -128 dB
Maximum Input Level (minimum gain, low impedance): +16 dBu
Gain Range: 79 dB
Input Impedances (Switchable): 800 Ω (low), 1400 Ω (ISA 110), 2400 Ω (medium), 7000 Ω (high)
High-pass filter (HPF): 75 Hz cutoff frequency, 18 dB/octave slope
Microbe inputs (channels 3-8)
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (± 0.1 dB)
Dynamic range (A-weighted): 116 dB
Total harmonic distortion + noise (minimum with 8 dB gain): -100 dB (0.001%)
Equivalent noise level (A-weighted): -127 dB
Maximum input level (minimum gain): +16 dBu
Gain range: 69 dB
Input impedance: 3 ohms 200 Ω
Fixed-level line inputs (channels 1-8)
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (± 0.05 dB)
Dynamic range (A-weighted): 120 dB
Total total harmonic distortion + noise (minimum): < -105 dB (0.00056%)
Maximum input level: +24 dBu
Instrument inputs (channels 1-2)
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (± 0.5 dB)
Dynamic range (A-weighted): 117 dB
Total total harmonic distortion + noise (minimum): -89 dB (0.0036%)
Maximum input level (at minimum gain): +14 dBu
Gain range: 79 dB
Input impedances (Switchable): 400 kΩ (low), 1.2 MΩ (high)
Inserts (channels 1-2)
Connections: Balanced
Maximum output level (outputs): +16 dBu
Maximum input level (returns): +16 dBu
Line Outputs
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (± 0.02 dB)
Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 125 dB
Total Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (minimum): -113 dB (0.00023%)
Maximum Output Level: +24 dBu
Headphone Outputs
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±0.1 dB)
Dynamic Range: 114 dB @ 33 Ω, 116 dB @ 300 Ω, 116 dB @ 600 Ω
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: -102 dB @ 33 Ω, -110 dB @ 300 Ω, -110 dB @ 600 Ω
Maximum Output Level: +8 dBu @ 33 Ω, +11 dBu @ 300 Ω, +11 dBu @ 600 Ω
Maximum Output Power: 130 mW @ 33 Ω, 28 mW @ 300 Ω, 14 mW @ 600 Ω
Output Impedance: 3 Ω
Compatibility
Windows: Compatible with Intel, AMD, and Arm64 processors
macOS: Compatible with Apple Silicon and Intel processors
Linux: The ISA C8X is natively compatible with UAC2; It should therefore work with most Linux systems, although this has not been tested or validated.
Euroguitar Reference : 122650
