Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre USB-C Audio Interface, 10-in/4-out

• Two low-noise Clarett+ preamps (-129 dBu EIN) with 57 dB of gain
• All-analog Air mode, modelled on the character of transformer-based ISA preamps
• Two JFET instrument inputs for plugging in guitar or bass directly
• Powered from the USB-C bus (15 W port) or the included 12 V supply
• ADAT optical input: up to eight more channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz

The 2Pre uses the same input stage as the four- and eight-preamp Clarett+ models: up to +18 dBu at the mic input before clipping, 118 dB of dynamic range at minimum gain and a rated distortion of -110 dB. Its A/D and D/A converters are independent; on the outputs, dynamic range reaches 124 dB, which you hear most when mixing, judging a reverb tail or a fade.

Air mode, switched on channel by channel in the control software, changes the input stage response to reproduce the impedance and resonance of Focusrite's transformer-based ISA preamps. On a spoken or sung vocal, it adds upper-mid presence without reaching for an EQ.

It is the only Clarett+ model that can draw its power from the USB cable. It needs a USB-C port able to deliver 15 W; otherwise, the 12 V 1.5 A supply in the box takes over. Two cables are included, USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A.

Settings made in the software are stored in the interface: once configured, the 2Pre can work as a stand-alone pair of preamps on stage, with no computer, sending a mic and a guitar to the desk from outputs 1 and 2.

Four balanced 1/4-inch line outputs sit on the back: one pair for the main monitors, the other for a second pair of speakers or an outboard processor. The front headphone output always carries the mix sent to outputs 3 and 4, so you can build a separate cue mix for the performer.

Five-pin MIDI IN and MIDI OUT ports connect a keyboard or external module without a separate MIDI interface. On a Mac, the interface works without a driver; on Windows, the driver installs with Focusrite's control software.

The ADAT optical input takes eight channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz, four at 88.2 or 96 kHz; it is disabled at 176.4 and 192 kHz. Adding an eight-channel preamp such as the Clarett+ OctoPre gives ten simultaneous mic or line inputs. The same port also accepts a stereo optical S/PDIF signal.

That is what sets the 2Pre apart from an entry-level two-channel interface: you start small, then record a full drum kit later without changing hardware or drivers.

• Singer-songwriters tracking vocals and guitar at the same time
• Two-mic podcasts or narration on the road with a laptop
• Backup preamp on stage, no computer needed, thanks to stored settings
• The first piece of a home studio that will add eight inputs over ADAT

Several manufacturers offer two preamps with a digital expansion port. What separates them is the computer connection and what the optical port accepts.

Can the Clarett+ 2Pre run without a power supply?

Yes, if your computer has a USB-C port that can deliver 15 W. Otherwise, the included 12 V supply powers the interface. Among the Clarett+ models, only the 2Pre can be bus-powered.

How do I add inputs to the 2Pre?

Through its ADAT optical input: an eight-channel preamp with an ADAT output, connected by optical cable, adds eight inputs at 44.1 or 48 kHz, four at 88.2 or 96 kHz. Both units must be set to the same sample rate.

How many headphone outputs does the Clarett+ 2Pre have?

One, on the front. It mirrors the mix on outputs 3 and 4; for several musicians, send those outputs to a headphone amplifier.

Do I need a driver on a Mac?

No, the 2Pre is recognized natively on a Mac. On Windows, the driver installs with Focusrite's control software, which also handles routing and cue mixes.