Focusrite ISA C8X

ISA C8X combines the trademark ISA sound with comprehensive remote control and all the analogue and digital I/O, routing, and recallability you need to run your entire setup. The two ISA preamps are based on classic Lundahl transformers and feature all-analogue Console and 430 Air modes for new tonal options plus switchable impedance, balanced inserts, and high-pass filtering. Both the ISA preamps and the six additional mic preamps are fully controllable from the front panel and via the Focusrite Control 2 software.

2U rack-mounted, 26x28 USB audio interface
Capture, route, and mix sessions of any size with 26 inputs and 28 outputs of analogue 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.

Analogue 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
The six additional mic preamps are designed to reliably capture every nuance with 69dB of clear, detailed gain plus Air and variable Drive modes for adding presence and warmth.

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 analogue 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.

SPECIFICATIONS

General
Microphone Preamps: 8
Phantom Power: Yes (Independent per-channel)
Line Inputs: 8
Instrument Inputs: 2
Insert Sends: 2
Insert Returns: 2
Line Outputs: 12
Headphone Outputs: 2
Line Outputs: 10
Headphone Outputs: 2
ADAT Inputs: 2 (16 channels at 44.1/48kHz and up to 8 channels at 96kHz)
ADAT Outputs: 2 (16 channels at 44.1/48kHz and up to 8 channels at 96kHz)
SPDIF Input: 1 (2 channels at 96kHz)
SPDIF Output: 1 (2 channels at 96kHz)
MIDI Input: 1
MIDI Output: 1
Word Clock Input: 1
Word Clock Output: 1
Talkback: Yes
Loopback: Yes
Connectivity: USB Type-C
Protocol: USB 2.0
Form Factor: Rack Mountable (2U)
Simultaneous I/O: 26x28 (including Loopback)
A/D Resolution: 24-bit/192 kHz
Maximum Power Draw: 40W
Bus Powered: No

ISA Microphone Inputs (Channels 1-2)
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.4dB)
Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 117dB
THD+N (minimum at minimum gain): -93dB (0.0023%)
Noise EIN (A-Weighted): -128dB
Maximum Input Level (minimum gain, Low impedance): +16dBu
Gain Range: 79dB
Input Impedance (switchable): 800Ω (Low), 1400Ω (ISA 110), 2400Ω (Med), 7000Ω (High)
High Pass Filter (HPF): 75Hz cut-off frequency, 18dB/Octave

Microphone Inputs (Channels 3-8)
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB)
Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 116dB
THD+N (minimum at 8dB Gain): -100dB (0.001%)
Noise EIN (A-Weighted): -127dB
Maximum Input Level (minimum gain): +16dBu
Gain Range: 69dB
Input Impedance: 3200Ω

Fixed-level Line Inputs (Channels 1-8)
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.05dB)
Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 120dB
THD+N (minimum): < -105dB (0.00056%)
Maximum Input Level: +24dBu

Instrument Inputs (Channels 1-2)
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.5dB)
Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 117dB
THD+N (minimum): -89dB (0.0036%)
Maximum Input Level (at minimum gain): +14dBu
Gain Range: 79dB
Input Impedance (switchable): 400kΩ (Low), 1.2MΩ (High)

Inserts (Channels 1-2)
Connection: Balanced
Maximum Output Level (send): +16dBu
Maximum Input Level (return): +16dBu

Line Outputs
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.02dB)
Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 125dB
THD+N (minimum): -113dB (0.00023%)
Maximum Output Level: +24dBu

Headphone Outputs
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB)
Dynamic Range: 114dB @ 33Ω, 116dB @ 300Ω, 116dB @ 600Ω
THD+N: -102dB @ 33Ω, -110dB @ 300Ω, -110dB @ 600Ω
Max Output Level: +8dBu @ 33Ω, +11dBu @ 300Ω, +11dBu @ 600Ω
Max Output Power: 130mW @ 33Ω, 28mW @ 300Ω, 14mW @ 600Ω
Output Impedance: 3Ω

Compatability
Windows: Intel, AMD, and Arm64 processors supported
MacOS: Apple Silicon and Intel processors supported
Linux: ISA C8X is UAC2 class compliant and should work on most Linux systems but this is not tested or supported

What's in the box:

• ISA C8X audio interface

• USB type C-to-C cable

• Region-specific IEC cable

• Rubber feet (x4)

For more information, click here to visit the manufacturers website.