Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre 18×20 USB Audio Interface

Best for

Band and drum recording, established project studios, outboard integration, multichannel monitoring and ADAT-expanded systems needing eight Clarett+ preamps, ten line outputs and up to 18×20 base-rate I/O.

Who should skip

Skip it for a bus-powered or desktop/mobile interface, Thunderbolt-only workflow, more than eight built-in preamps, word-clock input, constant eight-channel ADAT at 88.2 kHz or above, or an installation where the regional mains package cannot be confirmed.

Watchouts

The 18×20 headline is a base-rate total across analogue, S/PDIF and ADAT I/O. It is not 18 analogue inputs, and ADAT is sample-rate dependent. Word clock is output-only. Regional MOCL0009 suffix and mains lead remain unverified for this unit.

Likely add-ons

• compatible computer and DAW
• microphone, instrument and line cables for intended sources
• headphones and/or powered monitors with appropriate cables
• optical, S/PDIF, MIDI or word-clock cables for optional digital equipment
• rack screws and suitable rack support if rack mounting

Verify before buying

• Is eight analogue input channels enough before ADAT expansion?
• Will the session run above 48 kHz, reducing or disabling ADAT channels?
• Are ten line outputs and two headphone outputs sufficient for monitoring and outboard routing?
• Does the computer meet current Focusrite driver and control-software requirements?
• Which regional mains variant and power cable will be supplied?