Focusrite Clarett 8Pre Thunder Audio Interface User Guide

Clarett+ 8Pre
focusrite.com
User Guide

OVERVIEW

WARNING: Excessive sound pressure levels from earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss.
WARNING: This equipment must only be connected to USB Type 2.0+ or Thunderbolt 3.0+ ports.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this Clarett+ 8Pre, a high-performance and immensely capable studio centerpiece for PC or Mac.  Eight next-generation, high- headroom, low-noise, low-distortion Clarett+ mic preamps – featuring the unique All-analogue Air function – help you capture superbly clear recordings, and independent A-D and D-A converters with improved dynamic range bring you closer ever to your music.
This User Guide provides a detailed explanation of the hardware to help you achieve a thorough understanding of the product’s operational features. We recommend you take the time to read the Guide, so you are fully aware of all the features the Clarett+ 8Pre has to offer.

IMPORTANT: As well as this User Guide, you will need the Focusrite Control Software Guide which can be downloaded from focusrite.com/downloads. This contains full details of Focusrite Control, the software application designed specifically for use with the Focusrite Clarett+ range of interfaces.
If either User Guide does not have the information you need, please go to support.focusrite.com, where you can find articles and tutorials beyond the scope of this user guide. A Getting Started video tutorial is also available, at
focusrite.com/get-started/ClarettPlus-8Pre.

Features

The Clarett+ 8pre has eight next-generation, high-performance Clarett+ preamps to capture clear and powerful sounds with a  preamp design that brings masses of headroom, low distortion, and low noise. New and improved high-performance A-D and D- A converters maintain the purity of analog and deliver extremely low noise and high dynamic range.

Vocals will shine with the All-analogue Air, its analog circuitry emulating the classic Focusrite ISA 110 preamp. J-FET  instrument inputs offer dedicated, ultra-high-impedance, extremely wide audio bandwidth, and mimic guitar amp inputs to preserve the natural tone of guitars.

The accompanying software application, Focusrite Control , is designed to let you easily configure the Clarett+ 8Pre with signal routings appropriate for most common recording tasks. For more complex situations, it provides extensive routing and monitoring options, as well as the ability to control global hardware settings such as sample rate and synchronization. You can download Focusrite Control from focusrite.com/downloads.

iPad and iPhone users can additionally download Focusrite iOS Control from the App Store®. The app communicates via WiFi with Focusrite Control running on your computer, and lets you adjust your monitor mixes and input settings from your iOS device. See the Focusrite Control User Manual for more information.

Box Contents
Along with your Clarett+ 8Pre, you should have:

• AC mains cable with IEC connector
• USB-C to USB-A cable
• USB-C to USB-C cable

Focusrite Control is available at focusrite.com/downloads. On Windows, Focusrite Control will also install the driver required.  Mac users: Clarett+ 8Pre is class-compliant on Macs, therefore no drivers are required.
As a Clarett+ owner, you are also entitled to a selection of third-party software.
Go to focusrite.com/included_software/ClarettPlus- 8Pre to find out what’s included.

System Requirements

IMPORTANT – Please visit the following link for up-to-date information on computer and operating system compatibility for  all Clarett+ products: support.focusrite.com

GETTING STARTED

Software Installation
Focusrite Control and the driver software needed for the Clarett+ 8Pre are available for download from the Focusrite website: focusrite.com/downloads.
Click Clarett+ range on the Downloads page. This will take you to a page with all the downloads which are available for the Clarett+ range.

To download the Focusrite Control version you need, click the appropriate Download button.
Note that the Windows driver is included within the Focusrite Control download. No additional driver is needed for Macs.

Registering your Clarett+ 8Pre
If you are having trouble with the steps below, please watch our video guide here: focusrite.com/get-started/ClarettPlus-8Pre.

1. Go to focusrite.com/register/.
   

2. If you do not have already have a Focusrite/Novation account, select CREATE AN ACCOUNT and follow the on-screen instructions.

3. If you do have an account, log in and select REGISTER A NEW PRODUCT:
   

4.  Select your Clarett+ device from the Product drop-down list and enter your device’s Serial Number at the bottom of the page. You can find the serial number on the underside of the Clarett+ 8Pre, and also on the gift box. Then click Set Serial Number.

5. Follow the rest of the on-screen instructions to finish registering your device.

6. When the registration is complete, your Product will appear in your Account under the My Hardware tab.

7. All your bundled software can be found under the My Software tab in your account

Hardware Features

Front Panel

The front panel includes all input gain and monitoring controls as well as two input connectors for Mic, Line, and Instrument signals.

1. INPUTS 1 & 2 – Combo XLR input sockets – connect microphones, instruments (e.g., guitar), or line-level signals via XLR  or ¼” jacks as appropriate. Either TRS (balanced) or TS (unbalanced) jack plugs can be used for instruments or line-level signals.
2. 48V – two switches enabling 48 V phantom power at the Combo connectors’ XLR contacts for mic inputs 1-4 and 5-8  respectively. (Note that inputs 3 to 8 are on the rear panel.) Each switch has a red LED to show when phantom power is enabled. Note that not all microphones require phantom power. If you are unsure whether your microphone needs it to work, please read the microphone documentation.
3. Gain 1 to 8 – eight rotary controls: adjust input gain for signals at Inputs 1 to 8 respectively.
4. INST – two red LEDs which illuminate when Instrument mode is selected for the jack Inputs 1 or 2 from Focusrite Control software. When INST is selected, gain range and input impedance are altered (relative to LINE), and the input is made unbalanced. This optimizes it for connecting instruments directly via a 2-pole (TS) jack plug. When INST is off, you can connect line-level signals. Line level signals may be connected either in the balanced form via a 3-pole (TRS) jack or unbalanced, via a 2-pole (TS) jack.
5. AIR – eight yellow LEDs – one per input – which illuminate when the AIR function is selected for the input from Focusrite  Control. AIR modifies the input stage’s frequency response to model classic, transformer-based Focusrite ISA mic preamps.
6. Meters – ten 6-segment LED bar graph meters indicating a) the signal levels of the eight analog input signals (meters 1 to  8), and b) the signal levels at the MONITOR 1 and 2 outputs (meters L and R). The input meters show signal level after the input gain stage. The output meters show signal level before the monitor level control [10], which therefore does not affect their indication. The LEDs illuminate at -42 (green, “signal present”), -18 and -12 dBFS (green), -6 and -3 dBFS (yellow) and  0 dBFS (red). 0 dBFS implies digital clipping, and should always be avoided.
7. (USB active) – a green LED which illuminates when the unit has established a connection with the computer to which it is connected.
8. MIDI – a green LED which illuminates when MIDI data is being received at the rear panel MIDI IN port.
9. (Locked) – a green LED which confirms clock synchronization, either to the Clarett+ 8Pre’s internal clock or to external digital input.
10. MONITOR – main monitor output level control – this control will normally control the level at the main monitor outputs on the rear panel, but can be configured in Focusrite Control to adjust the level of multiple pairs of outputs.
11. DIM and MUTE – two switches controlling the Clarett+ 8Pre’s monitor outputs; DIM reduces the output levels by 18 dB, while MUTE turns the outputs off. By default, these switches affect the main monitor outputs 1 and 2 but may be configured in Focusrite Control to act on any of the analog outputs. The switches are internally illuminated ( DIM : yellow, MUTE : red) indicating the function is selected.
12. ( Headphones ) 1 and 2 – connect one or two pairs of stereo headphones at the twjack sockets below the controls. The headphone outputs always carry the signals currrouted to analog outputs 7/8 and 9/10 (as stereo pairs) in Focusrite Control.
13. POWER – AC power switch and LED.
14. Rack ears for mounting the Clarett+ 8Pre in a standard 19” equipment rack.

Rear Panel

1. MIC/LINE INPUTS 3 to 8 – Combo XLR input sockets – connect further microphones or line-level signals via XLR or ¼” jacks as appropriate.  Either ¼” TRS (balanced) or TS (unbalanced) jack plugs can be used for line-level signals.
2. LINE OUTPUTS 3 to 10 – eight balanced analog line outputs on ¼” jack sockets; use TRS jacks for a balanced connection or TS jacks for unbalanced. Signals routed to these outputs are defined in Focusrite Control, for driving alternative speakers (i.e., midfield, nearfield, etc.), the additional speakers in a multichannel monitoring system, or sending audio to outboard FX processors.
3. MONITOR 1 and 2 – two balanced analog line outputs on ¼” jack sockets (with “anti thump”); use TRS jacks for a balanced connection or TS   jacks for unbalanced. These are also Line Outputs 1 and 2, and will generally be used for driving the main L and R speakers of your monitoring system. However, output routing may be customized in Focusrite Control.
4. OPTICAL IN and OUT – two TOSLINK connectors, each carrying eight channels of digital audio in ADAT format at 44.1/48 kHz sample ate or four channels at 88.2/96 kHz. This input is also capable of accepting a stereo optical S/PDIF source: this option is selected from Focusrite Control. Note that this input is disabled at sample rates of 176.4/192 kHz.
5. WORD CLOCK OUTPUT – a BNC connector carrying the  Clarett+ 8Pre’s word clock; this may be used to synchronize other digital audio equipment.
6. – USB connector; connect the Clarett+ 8Pre to your computer with a USB cable.
7. MIDI IN and MIDI OUT – standard 5-pin DIN sockets to connect external MIDI equipment. You can send/receive MIDI data between your computer and external MIDI devices.
8. SPDIF IN and OUT – two phono (RCA) sockets carrying two-channel digital audio signals in and out of the Clarett+ 8Pre in S/PDIF format.  Like all other inputs and outputs, the routing of S/PDIF signals may be customized in Focusrite Control.
9. AC mains – standard IEC (AC) connector. The Clarett+ 8Pre is fitted with a “Universal” power supply and will run from any AC mains voltage from 100 to 240 V, at 50 or 60 Hz.

Connecting your Clarett+ 8Pre

• The Clarett+ 8Pre should be connected to AC mains with the supplied AC power cable. Plug the IEC connector into the rear panel IEC receptacle and turn the unit on with the front panel power switch. The Clarett+ 8Pre has a USB-C™ port (on the rear panel). Once the software installation is complete, simply connect the Clarett+ 8Pre to your computer using a USB cable.

• Computer audio setup
  When you connect your Clarett+ 8Pre to your computer for the first time, you will need to select it as the audio input/output device.

• macOS: selection is made in System Preferences > Sound: select the Focusrite device on both the Input and Output pages.

• Windows: selection is made in Control Panel > Sound: right-click on the Focusrite device and select Set as Default Device in both Recording and Playback tabs.

• If you have any problems, full details of how to select the Clarett+ 8Pre as the audio device can be found at focusrite.com/get-started/ClarettPlus-8Pre.
  After the first connection, your OS should automatically select the Clarett+ 8Pre as the default audio device.

• Audio Setup in your DAW
  After installing the drivers and connecting the hardware, you can start using the Clarett+ 8Pre with
  your DAW.
  Please note – your DAW may not automatically select the Clarett+ 8Pre as its default I/O device. In this case, you must manually select the driver on your DAW’s Audio Setup* page, and select Clarett+ 8 Pre USB (Mac) or Focusrite USB ASIO (Windows). Please refer to your DAW’s documentation or Help files if you are unsure where to select the Clarett+ 8Pre as your audio device.

• Typical name – page names may vary with DAW

  • Connecting Clarett+ 8Pre to loudspeakers
    The 1/4” jack MONITOR outputs on the rear panel (Line Outputs 1 and 2) will normally be used to drive monitoring speakers. Self-powered monitors have internal amplifiers and may be connected directly. Passive loudspeakers will require a separate stereo amplifier; in this case, the rear panel outputs should be connected to the amplifier’s inputs.

All the line output connectors are 3-pole (TRS) ¼” jack sockets and are electronically balanced. Typical consumer (hi-fi) amplifiers and small powered monitors will have unbalanced inputs, either on phono (RCA) sockets or via a 3.5 mm 3-pole jack plug intended for direct connection to a computer.
In either case, use a suitable connecting cable with jack plugs at one end.
Professional power amplifiers will generally have balanced inputs.

Connecting additional monitors
When mixing, you can connect several pairs of additional speakers (midfield, nearfield, etc.) to output pairs and use Focusrite Control to route your mix to the different outputs as desired, to check your mix on the different speakers.

IMPORTANT:
MONITOR 1 and 2 outputs have “anti-thump” circuitry that protects your speakers if the Clarett+ 8Pre is turned on while the speakers (and  0amplifier if used) are connected and active.
LINE OUTPUTS 3 to 10 do not have this circuitry. If you’re using additional speakers connected to these outputs, power your Clarett+ 8Pre on first,  then turn on the speakers or power amplifier.
But get into the habit of following this general rule in any case – it is good audio practice to turn on any speaker system after turning on the equipment feeding it.

Working with surround sound
Because the Clarett+ 8Pre is equipped with ten line outputs, it is suitable for working in multichannel sound formats – LCRS, 5.1 surround or 7.1 surround, for example.
To route each channel to the correct output you will need to route the DAW outputs to the Line Outputs in Focusrite Control (e.g. DAW Output 1 >  Line Output 1, DAW Output 2 > Line Output 2, etc.).
Windows users:
In Windows, surround sound can only be used in software supporting multi- channel ASIO. In most cases this will be your DAW , and in general, DAWs capable of mixing in surround allow you to set the speaker mapping up in the DAW ’s Audio Output Preferences or I/O Settings page.
Please see the User Manual (or Help files) for your DAW for guidance on setting up the outputs for surround mixing with the speaker configuration you wish to use.
Mac users:
On Macs, surround sound configuration can be done from all applications that support multichannel audio (DAWs & regular macOS Applications). To  do this, go to: Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup > Clarett+ 8Pre > Configure Speakers > Configuration > Select the desired  configuration.

The example below shows how you would connect the six loudspeakers in a 5.1 surround monitoring arrangement

EXAMPLES OF USAGE

The Clarett+ 8Pre is an excellent choice for many recording and monitoring applications. Some typical configurations are shown below.

Recording a band

This setup illustrates a typical configuration for multitrack recording with DAW software on your computer.
A selection of sources – microphones, guitars, and a keyboard – are shown connected to Clarett+ 8Pre’s inputs. Note that only Inputs 1 and 2 can be configured to accept instruments directly, so we have chosen to plug the guitars into these. Ensure Instrument mode is selected for Inputs 1 and 2 from Focusrite Control , and the INST LEDs are illuminated.
The connection to the computer running DAW software is via a USB cable. This will carry all input and output signals between the DAW and the  Clarett+ 8Pre. Once the audio setup is correctly configured in the DAW, each input source will be automatically routed to its own DAW track for recording.

A note about latency
You will probably have heard the term “latency” used in connection with digital audio systems. In the case of the DAW recording application described above, latency is the time it takes for your input signals to pass through your computer and audio software, and back to you.

While not an issue for most recording situations, latency can be a problem for a performer who wishes to record while monitoring their input signals.  This might be the case if you need to increase  your buffer size, which could be needed when you record overdubs on a large project using many
DAW tracks, software instruments, and FX plug-ins.
Common symptoms of a buffer setting that is too low could be glitching audio (clicks and pops), or a particularly high CPU load within your DAW  (most DAWs have CPU readouts). If you experience this on a Mac, you can raise the buffer size from the DAW application itself; on a Windows PC  you will need to change this from the ASIO ControlPanel which can usually be accessed from your DAW Setup Preferences*.

The Clarett+ 8Pre, in conjunction with Focusrite Control , allows “low latency monitoring”, which overcomes this problem. You can route your input signals directly to the Clarett+ 8Pre’s headphone and line outputs. This enables the musicians to hear themselves with ultra-low latency – i.e., effectively in “real-time” – along with the computer playback. The input signals to the computer are not affected in any way by this setting. However, note that any effects being added to the live instruments by software plug-ins will not be heard in the headphones in this case, although the FX
will still be present on the recording.

• Typical name – page names may vary with DAW

Using the optical connections
In addition to eight analog inputs, the Clarett+ 8Pre has an ADAT input port (OPTICAL IN) which can provide an additional eight audio inputs at  44.1/48 kHz sample rate or four at 88.2/96 kHz. Using a separate 8-channel microphone preamplifier equipped with an ADAT output – such as the Focusrite Clarett OctoPre – provides a simple and excellent method of expanding the Clarett+ 8Pre’s input capability.

The Clarett OctoPre’s OPTICAL OUT port is connected to the Clarett+ 8Pre’s OPTICAL IN port with a single TOSLINK optical cable. Stable word clock synchronization may be achieved by connecting the Clarett+ 8Pre’s WORD CLOCK output to the Clarett OctoPre’s WORD CLOCK IN   and setting the Clarett OctoPre to use this as its sync source. Alternatively, the Clarett+ 8Pre may be set to synchronize via the ADAT format signal at the OPTICAL IN port. To do this in Focusrite Control go to Device Settings and set Clock Source to ADAT.

NOTE: when connecting two digital devices by any method, always ensure both are set to use the same sample rate.
You can route additional ADAT inputs in the same way as other inputs in Focusrite Control. ADAT inputs can form part of any musician’s headphone mix, as needed.
If a suitable D-to-A converter with an ADAT input is available, the OPTICAL OUT port may be used in the opposite manner; for example, additional outputs from the DAW may be converted into the analog domain to allow the use of external hardware mixing console to mix down a large number of DAW tracks.

Using the Clarett+ 8Pre as a stand-alone mixer
The Clarett+ 8Pre can store a mixed configuration defined in Focusrite Control within the hardware.
This feature lets you configure it – for example, as an on-stage keyboard mixer – using your computer, and then retain the configuration in the device itself. Then you can use the Clarett+ 8Pre as a rackmount mixer as part of your keyboard rig to control the overall mix of multiple keyboards.

In the example illustrated, three stereo keyboards are connected to rear panel inputs of the Clarett+ 8Pre; Outputs 1 and 2 connect to the main PA  system. You can adjust the volume of the individual keyboards from the front panel, and you can adjust the level you hear the mixed keyboards at through the speakers.

Providing foldback while recording

While recording, musicians often prefer to hear themselves along with other players, and when overdubbing, tracks that have already been recorded.

Focusrite Control lets you define several different mixes, each of which may be either mono or stereo, and can be routed to any of the Clarett+ 8Pre’s outputs. This means each musician being recorded can have a unique mix. In their mix, you can include any hardware inputs on the Clarett+ 8Pre and combine them with DAW tracks, such as a click or pre-recorded backing tracks. See the Focusrite Control Guide (obtainable from focusrite.com/downloads) for details of how to configure different mixes, and how to route them to the Clarett+ 8Pre’s various outputs.

Each of the two headphone outputs on the front panel initially provides a default mix: Headphone 1’s mix is always the same stereo mix routed to Line Outputs 7 and 8, while Headphone 2 has a completely independent mix dedicated for headphone monitoring use. You can adjust the content of both mixes in Focusrite Control – Outputs 7/8 defines what is heard by Headphones 1, and Outputs 9/10 (which have no corresponding rear panel sockets) defines what is heard by Headphones 2.

Either or both of these may be used for a musician’s mix; each output can drive a pair of headphones directly. This is the easiest method and has the advantage the mixes are stereo. If you need to drive additional pairs of headphones, you’ll need to  include an external headphone amplifier as part of your set-up:

Always remember – when sourcing monitor mixes from input signals, ensure the DAW channels on which you are recording are muted, otherwise the musicians will hear themselves “twice”, with one signal audibly delayed as an echo.

FOCUSRITE CONTROL – OVERVIEW

Focusrite Control is the software application used with the Clarett+ 8Pre, which can be downloaded from focusrite.com/downloads. An iOS app allowing WiFi control of Focusrite Control is also available, from the Apple App Store.
Focusrite Control allows you to create a custom monitor mix for each musician, and specify the routing of all audio signals to the physical audio outputs. Sample rate and clock source selection are also available from Focusrite Control.

Focusrite Control has its own dedicated User Guide, which has detailed operating instructions for all aspects of the software.
This may be downloaded from focusrite.com/downloads.

CLARETT+ 8PRE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Performance Specifications
Where possible, specifications are measured to AES17. Unless stated, all specification measurements are unweighted.

Configur ation

Inputs| 18: analog (8), S/PDIF (2), ADAT (8)
Outputs| 8: analog (4), S/PDIF (2), HP (2)
Mixer| Fully assignable 26-in/10-out mixer
Custom  mixes| 10 mono
Maximum custom mix inputs| 18 mono
Digital P erf ormance
Supported sample rates| 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
Microphone Inputs

Frequency Response

| 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +/-<0.03 dB;

20 Hz – 35 kHz, +/-<0.15 dB

Dynamic Range| 118 dB at minimum gain (A-Weighted)
THD+N| -110 dB @ -1 dBFS and 20 dB gain
Noise EIN| -129 dBu (A-Weighted)
Maximum input level| 18 dBu
Gain Range| 57 dB
Impedance| AIR off: 6.2K
AIR on: 2.2K
Line Inputs

Frequency Response

| 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +/-<0.05 dB;

20 Hz – 35 kHz, +/-<0.15 dB

Dynamic Range| 118 dB at minimum gain (A-Weighted)
THD+N| -100 dB @ -1 dBFS and minimum gain
Maximum input level| 26 dBu
Gain Range| 57 dB
Impedance| 66K
Instrument Inputs

Frequency Response

| 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +/-<0.04  dB;

20 Hz – 35 kHz, +/-<0.15 dB

Dynamic Range| 116 dB (A-Weighted)
THD+N| -96.5 dB @ -1 dBFS and minimum gain
Maximum input level| 15 dBu
Gain Range| 57 dB
Impedance| 2.3M
Line and Monitor Outputs

Frequency Response

| 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +/-<0.02 dB;

20 Hz – 35 kHz, +/-<0.02 dB

Dynamic Range  Outputs  (1-2)| 124 dB (A-Weighted)
THD+N Outputs  (1-2)| -106 dB
Maximum  Output  Level (0 dBFS) Balanced Line/TRS Outputs|

18 dBu

Impedance| 68
Headphone Outputs

Frequency Response

| 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +/-<0.06  dB;

20 Hz – 35 kHz, +/-<0.07 dB

Dynamic Range| 118 dB (A-Weighted)
THD+N| -104 dB
Maximum Output Level| 16 dBu
Impedance| 5

Physical and Electrical Characteristics

Analogue Inputs 1 & 2

Connectors| Combo XLR sockets: Mic/Line/Inst, on the front panel
Mic/Line switching| Automatic
Line/Instrument switching| via Focusrite Control
Phantom power| +48 V switches for inputs  1 to 4, 5 to 8
Analogue Inputs 3 to 8
Connectors| Combo XLR: Mic/Line, on the rear panel
Mic/Line switching| Automatic
Phantom power| +48 V switches for inputs  1 to 4, 5 to 8
Analog Outputs
Main outputs| 10 x balanced ¼” TRS jacks (on rear panel)
Stereo headphone output| 2 x ¼” TRS jack on the front panel
Main monitor output level control| On front panel
Headphones level control
Other I/O

ADAT input| 2 x TOSLINK optical connectors:
8 channels at 44.1/48 kHz
4 channels at 88.2/96 kHz
S/PDIF I/O| 2 x phono (RCA); can be re-assigned to ADAT ports in software
Data connector (to computer)| 1 x USB-C™ connector
MIDI I/O| 2 x 5-pin DIN sockets
W eight and Dimensions
W x H x D| 482.5 mm x 43.9 mm x 291 mm
19” x 1.73” x 11.46”
Weight| 4.08 kg (9.0 lb)

TROUBLESHOOTING

For all troubleshooting queries, please visit the Focusrite Help Centre at support.focusrite.com.

COPYRIGHT AND LEGAL NOTICES

Focusrite, Clarett, and OctoPre have registered trademarks of Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd. in the United States and other countries.
ADAT is a registered trademark of inMusic Brands in the US and other countries.

iOS, iPhone, iPad, and App Store are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries and regions.
USB Type-C ® and USB-C ® are registered trademarks of USB Implementers Forum.
Thunderbolt is a trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries.
2021 © Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited. All rights reserved.

References

• Focusrite | Audio Interfaces and Pro Audio Equipment
• Focusrite | Focusrite Downloads
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