ISA C8X combines the trademark ISA sound with comprehensive remote control and all the analog and digital I/O, routing, and recallability you need to run your entire setup. The two Lundahl transformer–based ISA preamps feature all-analog Console and Air 430 modes for new tonal options plus switchable impedance, balanced inserts, and high-pass filtering — all controllable from the front panel and via the Focusrite Control 2 software.
Classic preamps, digital control
C8X’s two ISA preamps each feature Lundahl LL1538 input transformers that add subtle warmth and body to any signal, plus balanced inserts, stepped and fine gain control, switchable impedance, high-pass filter, and up to 79dB of gain — all digitally controlled via the Focusrite Control 2 app.
All-analog tone
Console mode introduces warm analog saturation and low-end punch, based on a soft-clip circuit with fully variable digital control. 430 Air, lifted directly from the ISA 430 MkII, adds high-end shimmer via an inductor-based high-shelf filter.
DI guitars, basses, and other instruments
Inspired by the ISA One’s well-regarded DI channel, the front-panel instrument inputs feature a selectable impedance for preserving the natural tone of guitar, bass, and other instruments. These also run through the ISA transformer circuitry, allowing you to apply both Console and 430 Air modes.
Six remote-controllable, ultra-low-noise mic preamps
Alongside the two ISA preamps are six remote-controllable, ultra-low-noise Focusrite mic preamps. Each one is designed to reliably capture every nuance with 69dB of clear, detailed gain and includes both analog Air processing for high-end clarity and variable Drive DSP for analog-style harmonic saturation.
Flagship AD/DA conversion
Whichever inputs you choose, you’ll be recording and mixing with the same 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA converters used in Focusrite’s RedNet range, offering 125dB of dynamic range and ultra-low distortion at 0.00022% THD. And C8X’s two headphone outputs each offer independent level control, extra headroom, and optimised impedance for powerful, detailed playback.
Run your entire studio
Designed for patch-bay setups and permanent installations, ISA C8X provides fixed line inputs that let you connect your outboard gear once and avoid awkward re-patching. For immersive formats, the 12 balanced line outputs enable everything from mono up to 7.1.4, with support for up to three monitor groups and switching via both the front panel and Focusrite Control 2. And the entire system is expandable, thanks to 16 additional channels over ADAT and 2 via S/PDIF for digital gear, plus MIDI and Word Clock I/O.
Remote-control recording
Focusrite Control 2 is designed for both desktop and mobile devices, making it easy to manage gain levels, route audio, save and recall preset mixes, and monitor with low latency — wherever you install ISA C8X in your studio. It also supports control of multiple connected interfaces simultaneously, so when expanding your setup via ADAT with other Focusrite Control 2-ready devices, you can switch between them and control each one directly from the app.
Backed by Focusrite
ISA C8X is future-proof and designed for reliability. It’s also backed by Focusrite’s three-year warranty and award-winning 24/7/365 technical support for added peace of mind.
2U rack-mounted, 26x28 USB audio interface
Capture, route, and mix sessions of any size with 26 inputs and 28 outputs of analog and digital audio.
Two remote-controllable ISA preamps
Featuring Lundahl LL1538 input transformers that add subtle warmth and body to any signal, plus balanced inserts, stepped and fine gain control, switchable impedance, high-pass filter, and up to 79dB of gain.
Analog tone at the touch of a button
The two ISA preamps include relay-switchable circuitry, enabling variable saturation via Console mode and high-end lift with 430 Air mode.
Six remote-controllable, ultra-low-noise mic preamps
Alongside the two ISA preamps are six remote-controllable, ultra-low-noise Focusrite mic preamps designed to reliably capture every nuance with 69dB of clear, detailed gain plus analog Air mode and variable Drive DSP.
Two front-panel, transformer-based instrument inputs
Both are routed through the Lundahl transformers for console-like feel and feature selectable impedance to enhance the natural tone of guitar, bass, and other instruments. Console and 430 Air modes are also available here for added analog character.
Eight dedicated fixed-gain balanced line inputs
Designed for patch-bay setups and permanent installations, ISA C8X provides fixed line inputs that let you connect your outboard gear and avoid re-patching.
Automatically set your levels
Enable Auto Gain and let ISA C8X set gain automatically across all eight preamps in seconds, directly from the front panel or via Focusrite Control 2 desktop and mobile apps.
Flagship AD/DA conversion
Record and mix with the same 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA converters used in Focusrite’s RedNet range, offering 125dB of dynamic range with 0.00022% THD.
12 balanced line outputs
Work in mono, stereo, or up to 7.1.4, with three monitor groups and front-panel or remote switching. A professional +24dBu maximum output level matches the line inputs for consistent line-up levels, with 125dB of A-weighted dynamic range; outputs 1 and 2 are available on both XLR and TRS.
Two dedicated class AB headphone outputs
Each with independent level control, extra headroom, and optimised impedance for powerful, detailed playback.
ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock
Expand your setup with 16 additional channels over ADAT and two channels via SPDIF for up to 26 channels of recording, plus S/PDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock connectivity.
Focusrite Control 2 software and mobile app
When front-panel control isn’t practical, Focusrite Control 2 makes it easy to remotely manage, save, and recall your mixes and routing, as well as monitor with low-latency across multiple connected interfaces.
Award-winning support
Purchase with confidence. ISA C8X is backed by Focusrite’s three-year warranty and award-winning 24/7/365 technical support.
