Focusrite Clarett 2Pre Thunderbolt Review

If I were shopping for a desktop interface specifically around Thunderbolt, the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre Thunderbolt would be on my shortlist for a very particular kind of setup. My read of the AMS-CLARETT-2PRE is that it is not trying to be the most universally compatible interface in the room. It is aimed at a personal-computer recording desk where Thunderbolt is already part of the plan, and where a focused two-preamp-style interface makes more sense than a large multi-input box.

Why I would choose the Clarett 2Pre Thunderbolt over a USB interface

The key decision here is not the red finish or the Focusrite name; it is the hardware interface. This model is built around Thunderbolt, and I would only consider it if the computer side of the studio supports that connection properly. For a personal computer that already has the right Thunderbolt path, that can be a clean, purpose-built choice for recording microphones, instruments, and line-level sources into a computer-based workflow.

I would not buy it as a “works with anything” interface. A typical USB model is usually the safer bet if you move between several laptops, desktops, or shared rooms. Thunderbolt can be attractive for audio work because it is a high-bandwidth computer connection, but the practical limitation is obvious: if the machine only has standard USB ports, this is the wrong direction.

• I would consider it for a fixed personal-computer studio built around Thunderbolt.
• I would choose USB instead if easy compatibility across many computers matters more.
• I would look bigger if the plan is to record full bands or drum kits with many microphones at once.

What I would check before putting it on a desk

The listed dimensions are 9.92 x 4.02 x 10.83 inches, so I would treat the Clarett 2Pre Thunderbolt as a desktop or studio-shelf interface rather than a tiny travel accessory. The recorded item weight is 0.16 ounces, which looks unusually low for a desktop interface, so I would not use that number as my main planning guide. The dimensions are more useful when deciding whether it fits beside a keyboard, monitor controller, or laptop stand.

The compatible device category is Personal Computer, and the operating system entry is Windows 8.1. That tells me to think of it as part of a computer-based recording setup, not as a phone, tablet, or standalone solution. Before ordering, I would confirm the computer’s Thunderbolt support, the operating system fit, and whether the available inputs and outputs match the microphones, instruments, headphones, and monitors I actually need to connect.

Who I think should skip the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre Thunderbolt

I would skip this interface if Thunderbolt compatibility is uncertain, if the studio needs maximum plug-and-play flexibility, or if many simultaneous inputs are required. But for a Thunderbolt-equipped personal-computer setup where a compact two-preamp Focusrite interface is the right scale, the Clarett 2Pre Thunderbolt looks like a sensible and focused choice from the spec sheet.