Introduction
The Focusrite Clarett 4Pre 18×8 audio interface is a great tool for musicians and producers who want top-notch sound quality. It has a stylish look and modern features that can make your recording and mixing experience even better.
Interface Design and Build Quality
- Compact and sturdy design
- Robust build ensures durability
- Sleek brushed aluminum finish
Connectivity
- Impressive 18 inputs and 8 outputs
- High-speed Thunderbolt connection for low-latency recording
- Versatile connectivity options for various instruments and devices
Sound Quality
- Crystal-clear preamps deliver clean audio
- Low noise and distortion for accurate recordings
- Wide dynamic range captures nuances of every performance
Control and Monitoring
- Intuitive front-panel controls for easy operation
- Focusrite Control software provides deep control
- LED metering for visual monitoring of levels
Compatibility
- Seamless integration with popular DAWs
- Cross-platform compatibility for Mac and Windows
- Plug-and-play setup for quick and hassle-free use
Interface Pros
- Exceptional sound quality with transparent preamps
- Robust build ensures longevity
- Versatile connectivity options for various setups
- Intuitive controls for easy operation
- Low-latency recording with Thunderbolt connection
- Focusrite Control software enhances customization
Interface Cons
- Thunderbolt cable not included
- Premium price point may be a barrier for some
Conclusion
In summary, the Focusrite Clarett 4Pre 18×8 is a really good audio device. It gives excellent sound, has many ways to connect, and is easy to use. If you’re on a tight budget, not having a Thunderbolt cable and the higher price might be cons. But, if you want high-quality audio recording and production tools, the good performance and features make it worth the investment.
E.G. –
I have had this for a few months now. I replaced an old first generation Scarlett 18i8.
I think the sound quality is a little better, but not a major change (running through Adam A7X monitors).
I find that the Focusrite control software that came with it is easier to use than the software that accompanied the Scarlett. It is easy to create different mixes for headphones vs monitors.
Connectivity is good. There are two xlr inputs on the front and the rest are on the back.
Phantom power can be administered to inputs 1-4 and/or 5-8, but you cannot independently provide phantom power to one single input alone. Only groups of 4.
I like the level meter. It’s easier to ascertain my input level on this vs the old Scarlett.
the “Air” pre-amp setting has too much treble for my taste, so I don’t find myself using it. I’m not honestly sure why people make such a big deal about it (this is using AKG c214 and c414).
I do notice that there is some crackling when I am adjusting input gain knobs and the monitor volume knob. When I am not touching the knobs there are no noises.
Lastly, the unit gives off a lot of heat compared to my previous interface.
All in all, I am happy with the purchase. The connectivity is great, the sound is great, and it is super easy to set up and use within minutes.
Martin –
Very happy with this Audio Interface. After much research decided to go with the Clarett 2Pre and it delivers as advertised. Great product
Tyler –
I’ve got this 2pre usb running on just USB power just fine, took a little bit of trial and error at first and updating the firmware on the hardware before everything started working correctly. It’s a wonderful upgrade over the 2i4 I was using. In comparison it has the same high quality build that the 2i4 has, even slightly improved.
Being able to control both 1/2 and 3/4 outputs with the monitor control knob thru focusrite control is great in comparison to how the 2i4 does things. Sound quality is amazing and with the better circuitry in this unit compared to the 2i4, there is a bit more gain which is nice to have an even lower noise floor.
The anti-thump circuitry in the 1/2 outputs works very well. As a bonus, the optical input in this unit is great as I can hook my tvs optical output into it and let my tv/consoles play through my monitors or gig system very easily with supreme quality.
Lastly, the headphone amplifier is much stronger than the 2i4 but my only issue is the monitor knob must be turned up to give the headphone amplifier gain and if you have monitors plugged in and facing you, depending on your setup, this is not ideal.
Damodaran –
I purchased this product on a promotional price. I already have a SSL2 with me. The main difference between the two apart from the slight price difference is that Clarett is very good for zero latency recording and when you plugin your guitars directly to the Clarett, the Clarrett beats SSL2. One drawback of Clarett is its low gain and will not be ideally suited if you are going to use a dynamics mics like SM57 and SSL2 is more transparent compared to Clarett. But Clarett and SSL2 are low noise. Also Clarett has MIDI input which is great to avoid the latency issues. Overall I m really happy by the addition of Clarett interface simply for how the electric and bass guitar sounds + the MIDI input + the ADAT connectivity option.
Jonathan Morgan –
My situation is kind of unique. I stream and was listening to my PS5 audio via 4K60 Pro set to “Listen”. The problem was the audio delay. Elgato processes video signal before audio. Elgato HD60 Pro was pretty dang fast my PS4 audio but apparently the 4KPro spends longer processing the video first. This equaled a very perceptible delay in sound. I decided to rip the audio using and HDMI audio stripper and send the audio to my PC using optical to a Sound Blaster sound card. It was better but still had a pretty noticeable delay. I decided to search for a way to have my own audio purely from the PS5 and the stream audio would be whatever from the HDMI. It was time to upgrade my 2i2 anyway and I found this neat unit. Optical in and it will play whatever audio.
This thing nails it. I hear the audio right off my PS5 AND it works great with the SM7B. Also have the JBL sub and 308p IIs running off of this.
Jeremie –
Ho preferito acquistare questa scheda audio anzichè la Scarlett per avere un prodotto mid professional e di fatto non sono rimasto deluso.
Il materiale costruttivo è ottimo e la qualità del suono è superlativa.
Il software per controllare i canali della scheda audio sono semplici ed intuitivi e iol software, di terze parti, fornito dalla Focusrite, una volta registrato il rpdotto sul loro sito, ripaga del prezzo della scheda audio in sè.
La spedizione di Amazon è stata, come sempre, impeccabile.
Osvaldo –
Funciona a la perfección. Buenos pres, el software de Focusrite control es bastante bueno para hacer el parcheo digital de las salidas. Por el precio fue una excelente inversión.
Todd K –
I read all of the Scarlett (v.2) reviews and I was still hesitant about Focusrite’s usb driver ability. I decided to pay a bit more, hoping they would pay more attention to a slightly more premium model, I guess? Well, It works and sounds perfect!
I have a Shure SM7B hooked up through a Cloudlifter and it sounds great. Haven’t tried my Jackson through the line in yet, but I’ll update when I do.
Iv’e had no discerible latency with my controller keyboard running thru the midi port. Everything is snappy out of the box. It’s just DAW software that kills my joy, once in a while.
The Focusrite software was a bit confusing at first (I think its’s the same for the Scarlett lineup), but I got it figured out and I’m off to the races. I’m no audio engineer or audiophile, but I did notice a drastic difference between the Clarett and the line out sound quality from my MB sound card (even on my cheap desktop speakers and my HyperX headphones (which will be the next studio upgrade)).
Hopefully they will update this system for years to come (unlike my Digidesign001, which I could only resurrect on a dedicated pc, with XP SP1?). I’m willing to buy a new phone every few years, but not a perfectly working (and sounding), audio I/O.
Dan Donohue –
Works superbly for my need. On daily web conferences, connected my Countryman B6 lavalier and it’s a whisper quiet preamp! Versatile tool for my audio needs. Great software bundles and useful interfaces! Well done Focusrite! Thanks!
Collin Sherman –
I bought this after using a first generation Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 for many years. Overall, I think the sound on the Clarett is superior (although the Scarlett certainly wasn’t bad). The biggest difference I notice is that the Clarett has no perceptible latency when recording, which is a major plus. It was also effortless to set up with my workstation. I use Pro Tools, on a PC running Windows 10. I basically just plugged the thing in and it was ready to go! The was a welcome change from my prior experience (trying to get the Scarlett, my prior PC running Windows 8 and Pro Tools 11 to all work together was a nightmare which lasted several days). Recommended.
Pros:
-Great sound quality
-No perceptible latency
-Improved preamps compared to Scarlett
-Easy installation and integration into my system
-Great build quality
Cons:
-Must use included software to switch between line/instrument modes and turning the AIR circuit on and off (the Scarlett has this on the front panel – why not the Clarett?!)
-Not bus powered – needs AC power supply
Jeremie –
Super produit aucun regret
Je recommande