Indledning
The Focusrite Clarett 8Pre USB is a high-performance 18-in/20-out audio interface designed for professional recording environments. It features specially engineered low-noise mic preamps, high-quality 24-bit/192kHz A-D and D-A conversion, and versatile connectivity options for both Mac and PC systems. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Clarett 8Pre USB interface.
Nøglefunktioner
- Eight Air-enabled Mic Preamps: Features specially designed, ultra-low noise mic preamps with an 'Air' mode that emulates the sound of Focusrite's classic ISA transformer-based preamps.
- High-Quality Conversion: Precision 24-bit/192kHz A-D and D-A conversion ensures a superior signal path with 118dB dynamic range.
- Alsidige indgange: Includes eight mic/line inputs, with two also functioning as high-impedance instrument inputs for direct recording of guitars and basses without unwanted distortion.
- Extensive Outputs: Ten 1/4-inch balanced jack outputs, including a dedicated stereo pair, and two independent headphone outputs with individual volume controls.
- Digital forbindelse: MIDI I/O, S/PDIF I/O, and ADAT I/O for expanding your setup with up to eight additional inputs and outputs.
- Lav forsinkelse: Achieves super-low round-trip latency for real-time monitoring and recording through amp simulators and effects plug-ins.
- Kompatibilitet på tværs af platforme: Connects to Mac or PC using included standard USB and USB Type-C cables.
- Focusrite Control Software: User-friendly software for configuring routing and monitor mixes from Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch.
- Inkluderet softwarepakke: Comes with Ableton Live Lite, Brainworx bx_console Focusrite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite, a choice of one free XLN Addictive Keys virtual instrument, and Loopmasters content.
Opsætningsvejledning
Udpakning og første inspektion
Upon opening the package, verify that all components are present and undamaged. The box should contain the Clarett 8Pre USB interface, a power supply, a standard USB cable, and a USB Type-C cable. Refer to the image below for typical box contents.

Figure 1: Clarett 8Pre USB Box Contents. This image displays the Clarett 8Pre USB interface, its power cable, and both standard USB and USB Type-C cables, along with the included documentation.
Tilslutning til din computer
- Strømtilslutning: Connect the included power supply to the Clarett 8Pre USB and plug it into a suitable power outlet.
- USB-forbindelse: Use either the standard USB cable or the USB Type-C cable to connect the Clarett 8Pre USB to an available USB port on your Mac or PC.
- Software installation: Visit the Focusrite website to download and install the latest drivers and the Focusrite Control software for your operating system. This software is crucial for managing the interface's settings, routing, and monitoring mixes.

Figur 2: Frontpanel overview. This image shows the front panel of the Clarett 8Pre USB, highlighting the input jacks, gain knobs, and metering display.

Figure 3: Rear Panel Connectivity. This image provides a detailed view of the rear panel, illustrating the various analog and digital input/output ports, including MIDI, S/PDIF, and ADAT connections.
Betjeningsvejledning
Indgangsforbindelser
The Clarett 8Pre USB offers a variety of input options:
- Mic/Line Inputs (1-8): Connect microphones via XLR or line-level instruments/devices via 1/4-inch TRS cables.
- Instrument Inputs (1-2): Inputs 1 and 2 can also be used for high-impedance instruments like guitars and basses. Ensure the 'INST' button is engaged for these inputs.
- 48V fantomstrøm: For condenser microphones, activate 48V phantom power using the dedicated buttons. Phantom power can be applied to inputs 1-4 and/or 5-8.
- 'Air' Mode: Engage the 'Air' button for inputs to activate an analog model of Focusrite's transformer-based ISA mic preamps, adding clarity and presence to your recordings.
Udgangsforbindelser
The interface provides flexible output routing:
- Line Outputs (1-10): Connect to studio monitors, external effects processors, or other line-level devices. Outputs 1-2 are typically used for main monitor outputs and feature anti-thump technology.
- Headphone Outputs (1-2): Two independent headphone outputs with dedicated volume controls allow for separate monitoring mixes for performers and engineers.
- Digitale output: S/PDIF and ADAT outputs allow for digital signal transfer to compatible devices, expanding your input/output capabilities.
- Word Clock output: Ensures precise synchronization with other digital audio equipment in your studio.
Using Focusrite Control Software
Focusrite Control is the companion software for your Clarett 8Pre USB, providing comprehensive control over routing, monitoring, and hardware settings. It allows you to:
- Create custom monitor mixes for artists and engineers.
- Adjust input gain and phantom power settings.
- Configure digital I/O settings (S/PDIF, ADAT).
- Manage latency settings for optimal performance.
For detailed instructions on using Focusrite Control, refer to the software's built-in help documentation or the Focusrite support webwebsted.
Produkt overview Video
Watch this official product video for a comprehensive overview of the Focusrite Clarett 8Pre USB's features and connectivity options.
Video: Focusrite Clarett 8Pre USB 18-In/20-Out Audio Interface. This video provides a detailed look at the interface's features, including its various inputs and outputs, 'Air' mode, and low-latency performance.
Opretholdelse
- Rensning: Brug en blød, tør klud til at rengøre enhedens yderside. Undgå slibende rengøringsmidler eller opløsningsmidler.
- Ventilation: Sørg for tilstrækkelig ventilation omkring enheden for at forhindre overophedning. Bloker ikke ventilationsåbningerne.
- Firmwareopdateringer: Regularly check the Focusrite webwebsted for firmwareopdateringer for at sikre optimal ydeevne og kompatibilitet.
- Kabelstyring: Organize cables to prevent strain on connectors and accidental disconnections.
Fejlfinding
Fælles problemer og løsninger
- Ingen strøm:
- Ensure the power cable is securely connected to both the interface and a working power outlet.
- Kontroller, at tænd/sluk-knappen på frontpanelet er i 'ON'-positionen.
- No Sound/Input Signal:
- Verify that the USB cable is securely connected to both the interface and your computer.
- Check input gain knobs are turned up sufficiently.
- Ensure correct input selection (Mic/Line/Inst) in Focusrite Control.
- Confirm phantom power (48V) is enabled for condenser microphones.
- Check your DAW's input/output settings to ensure the Clarett 8Pre USB is selected as the audio device.
- Crackling/Distortion:
- Reduce input gain to prevent clipping (indicated by red lights on the meters).
- Increase buffer size in your DAW's audio settings to reduce CPU strain.
- Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the interface and your DAW.
- Problemer med ventetid:
- Decrease buffer size in your DAW's audio settings.
- Utilize the direct monitoring features within Focusrite Control to monitor inputs with zero-latency.
For further assistance, visit the Focusrite Help Centre or contact Focusrite Support.
Tekniske specifikationer
| Feature | Detalje |
|---|---|
| Modelnavn | Clarett 8Pre USB (18-in/20-out) |
| Indgange | 8 x Mic/Line/Instrument Combo Inputs (XLR/TRS), ADAT Optical In, S/PDIF In, MIDI In |
| Udgange | 10 x Line Outputs (1/4" TRS), 2 x Headphone Outputs (1/4" TRS), ADAT Optical Out, S/PDIF Out, MIDI Out, Word Clock Out |
| Forbindelse | USB 2.0 and above (USB Type-A and Type-C cables included) |
| A/DD/A konvertering | 24-bit / 192 kHz |
| Dynamisk rækkevidde | 118dB |
| Mic Preamps | 8 x Clarett 'Air' enabled, ultra-low noise (-128dB EIN) |
| Instrumentindgange | 2 x High-impedance |
| Dimensioner (B x D x H) | 19 x 11.46 x 1.73 tommer |
| Vægt | 10.14 pund |
| Kompatibel OS | Mac and PC (USB 2.0 and above) |
Garanti og support
The Focusrite Clarett 8Pre USB is protected by a To års garantiDenne garanti dækker fabrikationsfejl og sikrer, at dit produkt fungerer som forventet.
For technical assistance, product registration, or to access the latest drivers and software, please visit the official Focusrite support webwebsted:
Focusrite also offers best-in-class technical support to assist you with any queries or issues you may encounter.





