Focusrite ISA C8X

USB-C Audio Interface

With 26 inputs and 28 outputs, as well as two ISA and six additional microphone preamplifiers
Two classic ISA microphone preamplifiers (Lundahl LL1538 input transformers) with full digital remote control, switchable impedance
High-pass filter and up to 79 dB gain
Six additional remote-controlled microphone preamplifiers with 69 dB gain, Air and variable Drive modes
Auto-Gain function
Talkback function
24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA converters from the Focusrite RedNet series with 125 dB dynamic range
+48V phantom power
Level meter
Monitor section
Includes Hitmaker Expansion and Sonnox Oxford Reverb
Format: 19" / 2 U
Dimensions: 482.6 x 89 x 292.8 mm
Weight: 5.56 kg

Connections:

8 x microphone inputs: XLR
8 x line inputs: 6.3 mm jack
2 x instrument inputs: 6.3 mm jack
2 x line outputs: XLR / 6.3 mm jack
10 x line outputs: 6.3 mm jack
2 x stereo headphone outputs: 6.3 mm jack
2 x Send/Return: 6.3 mm jack
2 x ADAT input and output
S/PDIF coaxial input and output
MIDI input and output
Word clock input and output
USB-C

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Item number 636955
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Recording / Playback Channels 26x28
Number of Mic Inputs 8
Number of Line Inputs 8
Instrument Inputs 2
Number of Line Outs 12
Headphone Outs 2
Phantom Power Yes
Number of S/PDIF Connectors 1
Number of ADAT Connectors 2
Numer of AES/EBU Connectors 0
Number of MADI Connectors 0
Ethernet 0
Other Connectors No
MIDI interface Yes
Word Clock 1xIn, 1xOut
Max. Sampling Rate in kHz 192 kHz
Max. Resolution Rate in Bits 24 bit
USB Bus-Powered No
Incl. power supply Yes
USB Version 2.0
Width 482 mm
Depth 293 mm
Height 89 mm
Connection Format USB port Type C
Included in delivery Power Cable, USB-C Cable
Zero latency monitoring Yes

7.199 AED 1.679,83 €

The price in AED is a guideline price only

Since we ship from Germany, additional costs through taxes and customs may be incurred

344

Sales Rank

in USB Audio Interfaces

The hub at the heart of the studio

The Focusrite ISA C8X is the first audio interface to feature the manufacturer's ISA preamps, derived from the classic studio designs that have long been associated with clarity, headroom, and a subtle sense of depth. The six additional microphone preamps are also low‑noise and include both Focusrite's 430 Air mode and a variable Drive mode, allowing recordings to range from clean and open to more harmonically rich. Remote control via the Focusrite software suite further supports flexible workflows, particularly in multi‑room or session‑based environments. Taken together, these features allow the C8X to respond well to a wide variety of recording situations, from transparent capture to more deliberately shaped sounds. With 26 inputs and 28 outputs, the Focusrite ISA C8X is well equipped for demanding productions, while an additional 18 inputs are available via ADAT and S/PDIF. Overall, it presents a professional solution for a broad range of applications, combining established analogue components with modern, effective design.

Focusrite ISA C8X in use in a studio environment

The ISA preamps

At the heart of the Focusrite ISA C8X are the two remotely controllable ISA preamps. They use Lundahl LL1538 input transformers, which add a subtle sense of tonal warmth. The preamps offer a wide range of professional features, including balanced inserts, a finely graduated and stepped gain control, switchable impedance, high‑pass filters, and up to 79 dB of gain. The 430 Air mode allows the high frequencies to be lifted in a way that sounds very authentic, while Console mode adds variable saturation. The two ISA preamps are available on channels 1 and 2, so they can be used via the rear microphone or line inputs, as well as through the conveniently placed instrument inputs on the front panel.

Comprehensive connectivity

Each of the eight rear‑panel channels features a dedicated XLR microphone input along with an additional line‑level input on jack. This allows producers not only to connect microphones but also sources such as synths and samplers, as well as external mixers and interfaces. Below the input channels are the twelve line outputs, which support speaker configurations of up to 7.1.4 for immersive production work. The first two outputs are implemented in parallel on both XLR and jack connectors and are integrated into the front‑panel monitoring section, which offers controls for level and monitoring functions. The wide range of connections is further complemented by send/return paths, ADAT and S/PDIF interfaces, a traditional MIDI input and output (for controlling analogue synthesizers, for instance), and a word‑clock connection for precise synchronisation. This allows the Focusrite ISA C8X to be integrated seamlessly even into complex studio setups.

Connections on the rear of the Focusrite ISA C8X

Interface Focusrite ISA C8X mounted in studio desk

Crystal clear recordings

The Focusrite ISA C8X is aimed at demanding music producers and mix engineers who want a high degree of flexibility when shaping their productions. For the highest possible audio quality, the interface is equipped with the same AD/DA converters used in Focusrite's RedNet series. These support recording at resolutions of up to 196 kHz and 24‑bit, with a dynamic range of 125 dB and distortion figures below 0.00022% THD. When speed is of the essence, the Auto Gain function can automatically set levels for all eight preamps within a matter of seconds. This can be triggered either directly from the front panel or remotely via Focusrite Control 2, using either a desktop computer or the mobile app.

About Focusrite

Founded in 1985 by Rupert Neve, Focusrite quickly made a name for itself with high-quality analogue consoles. Today, the company markets audio interfaces, mic preamps, consoles, analogue EQs, and channel strips as well as hardware and software for digital audio processing. The company is based in High Wycombe, England, and has won numerous industry awards. In addition to the Focusrite Pro line, the company also has subsidiaries that include Adam Audio, Novation, and iOS app creator Ampify Music.

Simplify complex sessions

With its eight analogue inputs, the Focusrite ISA C8X is suited to a wide range of recording scenarios, from multi‑track vocal sessions and ensemble recordings to capturing complete drum setups with snare, kick, toms, and stereo overheads. Gain structure and routing can be managed flexibly via the Focusrite Control 2 software, which also enables latency‑free monitoring. Users can save and recall the settings created here at any time. The software also supports the simultaneous control of multiple Focusrite audio interfaces connected via ADAT, allowing everything to be managed, with the C8X as the central hub. In addition, the interface itself provides level meters for all eight analogue channels, ensuring reliable monitoring during recording. The physical controls and on‑device metering are closely aligned with the software workflow, giving the ISA C8X a coherent, reassuring feel, even as session sizes and routing demands increase.

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