Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre Rackmount USB-C Audio Interface, 18-in/20-out

• Eight Clarett+ preamps, each with analog Air mode
• Ten balanced line outputs and two headphone outputs with separate mixes
• ADAT in and out, coaxial S/PDIF and word clock output
• Dedicated DIM and MUTE buttons for monitor control
• 1U 19-inch rack format with a built-in universal power supply

Two combo inputs on the front (mic, line or JFET instrument) and six on the back (mic or line) give eight channels of preamplification in a single rack space. Kick, snare, three toms, two overheads and a room mic: a typical drum kit fits without compromise.

Each preamp offers 57 dB of gain and -129 dBu equivalent input noise. Air mode, set channel by channel, models the response of transformer-based ISA preamps; phantom power is switched in groups of four (1-4 and 5-8).

Outputs 1 and 2 feed the main monitors and are protected against power-on thumps. Outputs 3 to 10 serve a second pair of speakers, a surround monitoring system or sends to outboard processors. The two headphone outputs carry outputs 7-8 and 9-10: two different cue mixes.

DIM drops the monitors by 18 dB and MUTE cuts them; by default they act on the main monitors, but they can be assigned to any analog output. Ten six-segment meters show the eight inputs and the main pair.

This is the most practical difference from the 4Pre: the 8Pre has an ADAT optical input AND output. On the input, an eight-channel preamp brings the total to sixteen mics. On the output, eight channels go to a converter or a preamp with a digital-to-analog return mode, for eight more outputs.

The BNC word clock output lets the 8Pre act as the studio's master clock. Coaxial S/PDIF and MIDI IN/OUT complete the back panel.

The 482.5 mm chassis has its rack ears and a built-in universal power supply from 100 to 240 V: just an IEC cord, no external brick. The whole unit weighs 4.08 kg.

Conversion is 24-bit up to 192 kHz, with 124 dB of dynamic range on the line outputs. The computer connection is USB-C, on macOS, Windows or iPadOS.

• Recording an acoustic drum kit with eight mics
• Tracking a full band live in the studio
• Mixing with outboard processors thanks to ten outputs
• Project studios growing to sixteen preamps with an OctoPre over ADAT

Eight preamps in one rack space: other manufacturers work this niche too. The table places each one by its computer connection.

Clarett+ 8Pre or Scarlett 18i20: what's the difference?

Both offer eight preamps in a rack. The 8Pre uses Clarett+ preamps (-129 dBu equivalent input noise, analog Air mode) and converters with 124 dB of output dynamic range. The choice comes down to the quality of the input stage more than the number of jacks.

Can I add eight more preamps?

Yes. An eight-channel preamp on the optical input brings the total to sixteen mics at 44.1 or 48 kHz. At the same time, the ADAT output can feed eight more analog outputs.

Which unit should be the master clock?

With an external preamp over ADAT, either set the preamp to internal clock and the 8Pre to ADAT, or set the 8Pre to internal clock and slave the preamp to its word clock output. Both units must run at the same sample rate.

Does the 8Pre need an external power supply?

No, the power supply is built in and accepts 100 to 240 V. An IEC mains cord is all it needs.