Focusrite ISA C8X
Focusrite ISA C8X
Legendary ISA sound meets a modern studio centre
With the ISA C8X, Focusrite presents the first audio interface of the renowned ISA series, combining over 40 years of studio history with state-of-the-art recording technology. The 26-in / 28-out USB-C audio interface brings the legendary ISA sound into a fully integrated interface concept for the first time and is aimed at professional recording studios, producers, engineers and demanding recording enthusiasts.
At its core are two true ISA microphone preamps with the famous Lundahl LL1538 input transformers — the very technology that has shaped the characteristic ISA sound for decades. They are complemented by six further high-quality Focusrite microphone preamps, extensive routing options and modern remote control via Focusrite Control 2.
Front
The unmistakable ISA sound
The ISA series is one of the most important developments in Focusrite's history. The circuit design was originally created in collaboration with Rupert Neve and was used for decades in professional studios around the world. With the ISA C8X, Focusrite brings this characteristic sound into an audio interface for the first time.
The two ISA channels offer up to 79 dB of gain, making them ideal for demanding dynamic microphones, ribbon microphones or detailed vocal recordings. Thanks to switchable input impedance, a high-pass filter and balanced inserts, each signal path can be precisely adapted to the source.
Rear
Want even more?
The control centre for modern studios
With a total of 26 inputs and 28 outputs, the ISA C8X goes far beyond the role of a classic audio interface. Eight mic inputs, additional line inputs, twelve balanced outputs and extensive digital interfaces provide maximum flexibility for complex studio environments.
Via ADAT you can integrate additional preamps or converters, while S/PDIF, MIDI and Word Clock enable seamless integration into professional production environments. The system easily grows with the demands of modern studios.
Immersive audio and flexible monitoring
With twelve balanced line outputs, the ISA C8X supports modern multichannel and immersive audio setups up to 7.1.4 monitoring configurations. In addition, two high-quality Class-A/B headphone amplifiers with independent level control are provided.
Whether stereo mixing, Dolby Atmos production or a complex recording session — the ISA C8X offers the flexibility needed for professional monitoring requirements.
Console Mode & 430 Air
Tone shaping during recording
With the ISA C8X, Focusrite expands the classic ISA sound with two exclusive analogue tone modes.
The Console Mode adds pleasant saturation as well as more punch and warmth in the bass range. The 430 Air Mode is based on the popular ISA 430 MkII Channel Strip and provides additional openness, brilliance and air in the high frequencies.
This allows signals to be purposefully shaped already during recording — from transparent and natural to characterful and cutting through the mix. Both modes can be conveniently controlled on the unit or via software.
High-quality converters from the RedNet series
For maximum sonic fidelity, Focusrite uses the same converter technology found in the professional RedNet series. The ISA C8X operates at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz and offers a dynamic range of up to 125 dB.
The result is exceptionally transparent recordings, precise transient reproduction and enough headroom for modern high-end productions in music, broadcast and post-production environments.
Eight remotely controllable microphone preamps
In addition to the two ISA preamps, the interface features six further extremely low-noise Focusrite microphone preamps with up to 69 dB of gain. All preamps can be remotely controlled directly on the unit or via Focusrite Control 2.
Especially practical for larger recording sessions is the integrated auto-gain function. It adjusts levels for all eight channels simultaneously, allowing a quick and reliable setup for drum recordings, band recordings or podcast productions.
Full control with Focusrite Control 2
All important functions of the interface can be conveniently controlled via Focusrite Control 2. Gain settings, routing, monitoring configurations and tone options can be managed from both desktop and mobile devices.
Comprehensive remote control enables efficient workflows in the control room, the recording room or on mobile productions and makes the ISA C8X the modern control centre for any professional studio.
Conclusion!
The Focusrite ISA C8X combines the best of both worlds: the legendary sonic character of the ISA series and the flexibility of a modern high-end audio interface. With its two genuine ISA preamps, eight remotely controllable preamps, high-quality converters, extensive connectivity and innovative tone-shaping tools, the ISA C8X is the ideal solution for demanding recording, mixing and production environments.
Product information "Focusrite ISA C8X"
- ADAT-In: Yes, 2 (up to 16 Mono Channels)
- ADAT-Out: Yes, 2 (up to 16 Mono Channels)
- AVB: no
- BNC Word Clock: 1 In / 1 Out
- Dante: no
- Design: Rack Enclosures
- Dimensions: 482,6 x 89 x 292,8 mm
- Direct Monitoring: Yes (Software)
- Displays: LEDs
- Dynamic Range: 115 dB
- Headphone Output: 2x 6,3 mm Stereo Jack
- Hi-Z Input: 2x 6,3 mm Jack (Ch 1-2)
- Includes: Interface, USB-Kabel (USB-C auf USB-C), Netzkabel (IEC), Gummifüße
- Input channels that can be used simultaneously: 26
- Line in: 8x 6,3 mm Jack (Ch 1-8)
- Line out: 2x XLR (Ch 1-2), 12x 6,3 mm Klinke TRS (Ch- 1-12)
- MADI: no
- MIDI I/O: 1 In / 1 Out
- Mic-In: 8x XLR (Ch 1-8)
- Onboard Effects: no
- Power Supply: 100 - 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
- Rack mounting: 19"/2U
- Resolution: 24-Bits
- S/PDIF Coaxial I/O: yes
- Sampling Rate: 192 kHz
- Subcategory: USB Audio Interface
- Supported Operating Systems: macOS and Windows
- USB: yes
- Weight: 5,558 kg
- Zwei ISA 110 Mikrofonvorverstärker (Ch. 1/2) mit Lundahl-LL1538-Eingangstransformatoren (auch Instrumente Ch. 1-2) für authentischen Analog-Sound mit bis zu 79 dB hochwertiger Verstärkung und analogem Console-/430-Air-Modi, Möglichkeit zur Fernsteuerung
- weitere sechs fernsteuerbare (über Focusrite Control) Focusrite-Mikrofonvorverstärker mit 69 dB Verstärkung, analogem Air-Modus und variablem Drive-DSP
- 12 Line-Ausgänge für Konfigurationen bis 7.1.4-Setups
- Steuerung über Focusrite Control Software und mobiler App möglich, 2x Insert für Ch. 1-2 (Send/Return mit 6,3 mm TRS-Klinke)
- 3-jährige Herstellergarantie
