Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre.
Focusrite have just announced a major update to their Clarett range of audio interfaces. The new Clarett+ series boasts better specs across the board (see the comparison chart below), and comprises three USB-C devices.
The Clarett+ 2Pre sports a brace of Focusrite preamps, each with switchable All-analogue Air circuitry, which increases the input impedance and is said to emulate the sound of the classic ISA input stage. Monitoring is catered for with a front-panel headphone output, and two pairs of line outs on the rear panel (the first of which has a dedicated monitor attenuator round the front). The two preamp inputs can accept mic, line or instrument sources, and feature a JFET-based DI stage. Traditional 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O are also present, and its input count can be expanded to a generous 10, via an ADAT lightpipe port.
Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre rear panel.
The Clarett+ 4Pre and 8Pre employ the same technology, but with increased I/O counts: the 4Pre adds another pair of preamps, a second headphone output, double the number of line outputs, and S/PDIF I/O, while the 8Pre has (you guessed it) eight preamps, 10 line outputs, S/PDIF and MIDI I/O, both input and output ADAT expandability, and a word-clock output, allowing it to form the basis of more complex digital setups. The Clarett+ 8Pre's front panel also features metering for all the analogue inputs and the first two stereo outs, plus dim and mute switching for the dedicated monitor outs.
Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre front panel.
The new Clarett+ range is due to start shipping this Autumn, with pricing set at $499.99, $699.99 and $999.99 for the 2Pre, 4Pre and 8Pre, respectively. We'll be bringing you an in-depth review in an upcoming issue of Sound On Sound.
Focusrite comparison chart: Clarett+ vs Clarett USB
