Focusrite ISA C8X: Back To The Future
A versatile multi-channel interface with console-style preamps.
5,0 / 5,0 | 
The Focusrite ISA C8X is a new multichannel audio interface with console-style ISA mic preamps and remote control capabilities with the Control 2 app.
Before Focusrite became everyone’s favourite budget recording brand, the company was in fact a high-end audio manufacturer founded by Rupert Neve in 1985. Among the very first Focusrite creations were the ISA 110 EQ and preamp and, of course, the famous ISA console.
Focusrite ISA C8X
The ISA C8X is a tanky-looking 2U rackmount 26×28 USB-C audio interface with an anodised aluminium casing finished in the same blue that started the Focusrite journey all those years ago. The unit features a total of eight remote-controllable preamps, two of which are ISA transformer-based preamps with 79 dB of input gain and Console and 430 Air modes.
The other six preamps have 69 dB of gain, analogue Air circuits, and variable Drive DSP. Meanwhile, the conversion stage provides 24-bit 192 kHz recording capabilities and up to 125 dB of dynamic range. To streamline setups, all of the preamps have access to Auto Gain, allowing you to optimize the gain settings in a single step.
There are also 12 balanced line outputs, allowing the ISA CX8 to support multi-channel monitoring up to 7.1.4 with three separate monitor groups. What’s more, there are two headphone outputs with independent level controls. On the digital side, the ISA C8X offers expansion via ADAT and S/PDIF, with word clock I/O for stability, and MIDI linking external hardware devices and instruments.
All the management and routing functions are remotely controllable from the accompanying Focusrite Control 2 app on both desktop and mobile platforms. This gives you the flexibility to manage your session from the couch, which is ideal for collaboration. Overall, the ISA C8X represents a positive move back to the roots of what made Focusrite such a formidable name in recording.
Pricing and Availability:
The Focusrite ISA C8X is currently available for pre-order. Get it at Thomann.*
More about Focusrite ISA C8X:
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One response to “Focusrite ISA C8X: Back To The Future”
Very pretty! I’d give that some rack space.