In theory, then, the Clarett USB interfaces combine the audio quality of the Thunderbolt Claretts with the driver performance of the second-generation Scarletts, and this is exactly what happens in practice. Clarett 8Pre USB is Focusrite’s USB Flagship Audio Interface. I've used a few auto Interfaces for music, the Focusrite Scarlett to the Native Instruments Audio 6 This by far is the best audio interface I've ever used, also sound wise its a amazing, you actually can tell the difference I also love the build and color I don't give this product 5 stars I give this product 6 stars. I noticed this brighter sound immediately as a shimmery effect that is just awesome for acoustic guitars and somber-sounding sources such as husky voices or overly dark keyboard patches. When it comes to an interface’s sound quality, self-noise is another feature you need to look out for. The three Clarett USB units vary in their I/O: Clarett 2Pre (10-in, 4-out), Clarett 4Pre (18-in, 8-out) and Clarett 8Pre (18-in, 20-out). Long story short: physical controls are always more reliable. Essentially, what this does is slightly tweak your audio in the high end. https://t.co/KQ2Jsla0nB, New Gear/New Toys Reviews: Focusrite Clarett 2PRE USB, New Gear Review: Fuchs Full House-50 Guitar Amp, Attend Music Industry & Antitrust Law Webinar, Kubernik: Go-Go's Documentary: Q&A with Director Alison Ellwood. Well, It works and sounds perfect! Whether you’re using Focusrite Control or a different DAW, you’ll need this in order to cleanly capture your recordings and save them into a shareable format. It’s about 2 by 8 by 6 inches: a compact design when compared to a lot of high-end studio equipment. Combining two mic/line/instrument combi inputs with ADAT expandability and four line outputs, Clarett 2Pre gives you everything you need to travel light and adapt your setup to any space. Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB. How is the quality of the converters/mic pre amps on the Clarett and have you had experience with an Apogee audio interface so that you can make a comparison between the two? Clarett 2Pre | Focusrite Skip to main content Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. If part of the price tag was for this AIR switch, do we know if we’ll always have this feature? This is a program compatible with Windows, Mac, and iOS. All Reviews Gear Database Gear for sale Latest Trending. Compared to the original Focusrite Clarett Thunderbolt line, the Clarett USB Interfaces sound identical--the specs mapped out the same with the only difference being the slight inherent limitations of the USB 2.0 protocol for throughput latency. keep reading to learn why! Make sure to check out the reviews but first of all press the red button below to see if it fits your music taste. Barry has his own futuristic music mixing facility and loves teaching audio engineering at Musician’s Institute, Hollywood, CA. If you browse a variety of audio retailers for an interface upgrade — or your first interface in general, if you’re finally giving up on that USB microphone — you’ll see box after box after online description bragging about having more bells and whistles than the last. All the necessary drivers were installed without any issues and the included Focusrite Control software popped up with reliable meters. Your email address will not be published. Focusrite adds to the Clarett audio interface line with the 2Pre ($399), 4Pre ($599) and 8Pre ($799) models all using a USB 2.0 Type-C connection. Clarett 2Pre USB se puede conectar a un Mac® o a un PC mediante los cables USB y USB … The answer may take some prior reference; for example, it’s helpful if you’re already familiar with the Focusrite Scarlett. With the Clarett 8Pre USB, Focusrite introduced into the market an audio interface with USB support and extraordinary quality at an attractive price tag.We also did look at the Clarett 8PreX see for the full report Clarett 8PreX by Focusrite – a Thunderbolt Audio Interface Review. He has recorded and/or mixed Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, the Corrs and more. https://t.co/xwSwI6EQcK, Before #JaggedLittlePill was a Broadway Smash, we spoke to @Alanis Morissette in 2006 for our #FlashbackFriday issue https://t.co/LMlfLEhekL, Exclusive Q&A with @IceT on his rocker side @BodyCountBand earning #Grammy nomination If you’ve used another Focusrite product before, you’ll be familiar with the Clarett’s strong build quality. 2Pre is our smallest Clarett. Even if you cranked the recording up by 10db, it would still be tricky to hear. Unfortunately, an analog component with a digital function has a non-zero chance of breaking with every new operating system release. This corresponds to a physical button on the front of the Clarett; I’ll come back to this later in the review. Depending on what kind of sound you (or your director) are looking for, this little tweak could be a big help. I decided to pay a bit more, hoping they would pay more attention to a slightly more premium model, I guess? It’s 400 bucks new, has … The Air effect, other interface controls and routing are set using the new Focusrite Control 2.2.0 software that runs in the background of your DAW software. All in all, this interface won’t knock your socks off. When compressing and boosting an isolated track recorded at 10, you’ll really start hearing that noise floor. Focusrite states that: “Clarett 2Pre USB requires 3A at 5V in order to be bus powered, a demand that can only be met by connecting directly to 15W USB Type-C ports on host computers”. He is a lifetime Grammy-voting member of NARAS and a contributing editor for Mix Magazine. After all, if you spend $1,000+ to color your sound a certain way, you probably don’t want something else along the signal chain to color it yet again. Ultimately, you’re getting what you pay for— a mid-range interface with mid-range sound quality. However, your mileage may vary if you’re already using a MOTU M2— look for more tests later this year to find out how that interface compares! So what if you’re not looking for the newest or fanciest device? Buy Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB Audio Interface with fast shipping and top-rated customer service.Once you know, you Newegg! However in the works is a firmware update to add USB bus powering to them. Answering Questions About Headphones for Voice Actors, How To Be A Voice Actor, Part 3: Voice Acting Training Exercises, Interview: Dreux Ferrano Answers Your Questions About Voice Acting for Video Games, Interview: G. K. Bowes Discusses the Voice Acting Industry from a Multi-Ethnic Perspective, How To Be A Voice Actor, Part 2: The Perfect DIY Recording Booth, Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. News. All you really need is the power switch, the power source, and the USB-C port for connecting to a computer or smart device. The 48v phantom power has a physical button, why not the AIR as well? barryrudolph.com. What if you’re already using a perfectly good interface in your setup? You don’t have to install or run it to use your interface, but it does offer some useful quality-of-life features. In fact, that Air button I previously mentioned plays a part in this process. In this double header video review for Production Expert, Dan & James thoroughly test a couple of Focusrite's new USB Clarett audio interfaces. It’s going to be a little bigger than the Scarlett Solo, but that comes with the benefit of an extra XLR input. Namely, the Scarlett USB audio interfaces are incredibly plain i… One interesting feature is called Air. But don’t be fooled— it’s still more than capable of recording professional-level takes while still being small enough to squeeze into a tiny DIY recording booth. How has the Clarett been? The new Clarett USB models are not bus-powered so it also comes with a wall-wart power supply module. They are the Clarett 2Pre (10 x 4), Clarett 4Pre (18 x 8), Clarett 8Pre (18 x 20), and Clarett 8PreX (26 x 28). style: Clarett 2Pre USB Verified Purchase I read all of the Scarlett (v.2) reviews and I was still hesitant about Focusrite's usb driver ability. Check out our blog posts and product reviews to find out what you need to know. However in the works is a firmware update to add USB bus powering to them. (As a bonus, using a longer cable can help you avoid picking up noise from your computer while recording. That’s enough discussion about the way it looks. But if you see it in stock at a reseller for a decent price, you won’t be disappointed. Compared to the Scarlett product line, the Clarett is definitely better in the low end, yet still not perfect. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB 10-In/4-Out Audio Interface at Amazon.com. I'm also in kind of the same dilemma here, I can't choose between the Apogee Element 24 and the Focusrite Clarett 2pre. With it you can change or set parameters such as: sample rates up to 192kHz, clock source--the Clarett 2Pre can clock and sync to the incoming ADAT Lightpipe or S/DIF digital inputs; and you may configure the front panel inputs as direct instrument inputs using the front panel Combo jacks. Functionally the Clarett 8Pre is one of the most straightahead interfaces I have used in a while. If you’re interested in getting the most out of your current recording microphone, you’ll need something like this. Focusrite engineered the 10-in, 4-out Clarett 2Pre to deliver vanishingly low noise and distortion, and they included their "Air" effect, which models the sound of the company's acclaimed ISA transformer-based preamps. Let’s talk about that Air switch one more time. I received and tested a Clarett 2Pre and it comes with 1-meter, Type-C to Type-A and Type-C to Type-C style USB cables. And if the day comes that Focusrite discontinues their software updates for this device, you’ll run into an issue even their warranty won’t be able to fix. Expandability Recommended interfaces: Clarett: 2PRE, 4PRE, 8PRE with Octopre; Scarlett: 18i8, 18i20; These interfaces can be expanded to have additional channels added to them in the form of the Focusrite Octopre expansion, or a plethora of other devices using S/PDIF or optical connections. ... Visit Our Family of Brands Brands It’s got the same metal exterior as the Scarlett Solo, with similarly fantastic-feeling headphone and monitor knobs. Focusrite Clarett 8Pre USB is an 18-in/20-out USB 2.0 Audio Interface, and goes the whole hog, with eight mic/line preamps, 10 line outs, ADAT in and out, MIDI, S/PDIF and word clock. When coupled with a good condenser mic, this allows you to get clear and crisp takes from all your sensitive devices. However, there’s one feature included with this app that’s oddly placed: the AIR switch. All Clarett USB interfaces come with ADAT inputs--the 8Pre also has ADAT outputs and features Word Clock out for syncing external devices. According to the manufacturer, this interface has an Equivalent Input Noise of -129dB, same as the MOTU M2. If you’re trying to make it as a voice actor, you’re going to need one— but do you know what makes one USB interface better than another? This USB audio interface retails for a bit more than starter interface counterparts like Focusrite’s Scarlett series, but the big question is if it outperforms them by a substantial amount. Record with super-low latency through amp simulators and effects plug-ins. For this review, I received the 1U rackmountable Clarett 8Pre. But if either of you are using a separate preamp like a Neve Portico, then I’d advise against relying on this AIR thing. This is an audio interface that upgrades and expands upon the features […] The new Clarett USB models are not bus-powered so it also comes with a wall-wart power supply module. You may route up to ten inputs comprised of a mix of: the two analog inputs (mic or line), stereo or separate S/PDIF digital inputs, and the eight ADAT Lightpipe inputs. Speaking of USB, here’s one minor nitpick I have about this interface: The major problem with the Clarett’s components is the USB-C cable included. Your email address will not be published. For example, the software defaults to live talkback in your headphones, but you can turn that off with just a few clicks. I decided to pay a bit more, hoping they would pay more attention to a slightly more premium model, I guess? Clarett 2Pre USB connects to Mac® or PC using the included standard USB and USB Type-C™ cables. © 2018 Focusrite Audio Engineering Plc. Record with super-low latency through amp simulators and effects plug-ins. Learn more 4.75 out of 5, based on 1 Review. The Clarett 4Pre USB interface by Focusrite is meant to be a professional-level audio interface that is priced to be within reach of the home recording enthusiast. Buy Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB Desktop 10x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface featuring Musicians, Podcasters, and Producers, USB Type-C and Type-A Connectivity, 2 Mic/Line/Instrument Preamps, 1 Headphone Out, 4 Line Outputs, 24-Bit / 192 kHz AD/DA Converters, AC or Bus Powered / Mac and Windows, Phantom Power, MIDI I/O, Mic Air Mode, Bicolor Gain Halos, ADAT Port for Input Expansion, … There’s still room for improvement (especially if you’re using a mic that costs over $1,000), but it’s perfect for home vocal sessions. New Music from @Rico_nastyy Sugar Trap on Steroids! Los dos previos de micrófono con función «Air» pueden reproducir la impedancia de entrada, claridad y curva de respuesta de frecuencias de los previos de micrófono ISA originales de Focusrite. Required fields are marked *. I recommend looking for a longer USB-C cable if you want to use this interface with a big PC. But how does it actually sound? The 10 in / 4 out Thunderbolt audio interface, with two newly designed Clarett mic preamps, class-leading dynamic range and world class round-trip audio latency. I read all of the Scarlett (v.2) reviews and I was still hesitant about Focusrite's usb driver ability. Clarett 4Pre USB connects to Mac® or PC using the included standard USB and USB Type-C™ cables. Focusrite’s iOS Control app provides input/output functionality on iPhone. My review model was the Clarett 2Pre USB, a compact and portable model aimed at singer songwriters, laptop producers or those working in smaller spaces, due … Well, It works and sounds perfect! “This interface comes with the best pro audio software used by this pro mixer we paid to say uses it!”. It switches the impedance of the microphone pre-amp to enable a "transformer resonance effect"--it mimics the characteristics of a transformer-based pre-amp. If you’re trying to make it as a voice actor, you’re going to need one— but do you know what makes one USB interface better than another? The immediate appeal of the Clarett 2Pre lies in its ease of use, solid integration with the Control software, and excellent sound. Configure your routing and monitor mixes from Mac®, PC, iPad®, iPhone® or iPod touch® with user-friendly control software Focusrite Control. The Claret Octopre and 2pre are the most bang for buck current Focusrite products. While this software offers a control panel to deal with the routing and clocking of digital connections, and some other global preferences, its primary function is to build low-latency monitoring mixes combining pre-DAW input signals with post-DAW software ret… I guess this will be fine if you’re recording with a laptops or tablets, but it might cause difficulties if you want to connect to a big tower PC. Once you plug everything in, the installation process is easy— which is typical of Focusrite’s products. The Control Software also routes which inputs and software playback channels are being sent to particular outputs. Sonically, the Clarett 4Pre is an impressive design, and the Air option, which adds noticeable enhancement from about 1kHz upwards, we found particularly seductive on vocals and guitars. It does what you expect an interface to do with minimal errors, but doesn’t give you much extra for the price tag. Features aside, we know the most important question is: Does it sound good? All Rights Reserved. Makes sense? Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 Second Generation 2 in / 4 out USB 2.0 Audio Interface is compact yet flexible, with two natural-sounding Scarlett mic preamps, super-low latency, MIDI I/O, four analogue outputs and the same class-leading sound quality and digital conversion as the rest of the latest Scarlett range. https://t.co/J6hCzHzO41, AE @Jewseph_Maltese: "Hot in Herre" Thunderbolt Focusrite Clarett 2Pre @ 96kHz/32-bit on Logic Pro X with a Mac Pro running OS 10.11 Round trip latency: 1.67ms. From my experience, the answer is yes. The low noise and high quality of Clarett absolutely shone through. Come with ADAT inputs -- the 8Pre also has ADAT outputs and features Word out... Hearing that noise floor installation process is easy— which is typical of Focusrite ’ s Control! Good audio interface with just a few clicks recommend looking for the mic gain... Focusrite Control software Focusrite Control at Musician ’ s products mixed Lynyrd Skynyrd, &! 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Music from @ Rico_nastyy Sugar Trap on Steroids years from now the easiest way to get interface. The newest or fanciest device interface won ’ t knock your socks off 8Pre USB you..., Focusrite and Loopmasters want to use your interface, but another part me... He is a recording engineer/mixer who has worked on over 30 gold and platinum.! Differentiates its product from something half the price tag was for this,. Clarett ’ s a moving part that can only be controlled when properly hooked up to a slightly more model... Pay a bit more, hoping they would pay more attention to a physical button, not... Hooked up through a Cloudlifter and it comes to an interface ’ s sound quality compact. Up through a Cloudlifter and it sounds great the included Focusrite Control software do we know we... Used another Focusrite product before, you ’ re greeted with a wall-wart power module... Re here, I ’ m going to assume you ’ ll start. Price, you ’ re in the review one more time get recordings... 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When a company has nothing to offer high performance, from the clear, articulate mic pres to!