The ISA C8X combines classic Focusrite ISA microphone preamps with comprehensive digital control, high-channel-count USB-C connectivity, and extensive analogue and digital I/O for modern studio workflows. Designed as a full studio centrepiece, it pairs transformer-based analogue circuitry with remote operation, flexible routing, and flagship conversion quality.

At the heart of the interface are two digitally controlled ISA preamps built around genuine Lundahl LL1538 input transformers, delivering the familiar depth, warmth, and transient response associated with the original ISA designs. These channels feature stepped and fine gain control, switchable impedance, high-pass filtering, balanced inserts, and two fully analogue tonal enhancement modes: Console mode for controllable saturation and low-end weight, and 430 Air mode for added high-frequency openness derived from the ISA 430 MkII.

Six additional ultra-low-noise microphone preamps expand the system further, offering transparent high-gain capture with Air and variable Drive modes for additional tonal shaping.

With 26 inputs and 28 outputs across analogue and digital formats, ISA C8X is designed to handle complex studio setups, patchbay integration, immersive monitoring systems, hardware inserts, and expandable digital workflows from a single 2U interface.

Classic ISA Preamps With Digital Control

The two ISA preamps feature: - Lundahl LL1538 input transformers - Up to 79dB of gain - Switchable impedance - Balanced insert send/return - High-pass filtering - Stepped and fine gain control - Remote operation via Focusrite Control 2

The ISA channels also include two relay-switched analogue enhancement modes:

Console Mode

Introduces controllable analogue saturation and low-end punch via a soft-clipping circuit.

430 Air Mode

Derived from the ISA 430 MkII, adding high-frequency lift and shimmer using an inductor-based high-shelf filter.

Transformer-Based Instrument Inputs

Two front-panel instrument inputs run through the Lundahl transformer stage for a more console-like response with guitar, bass, synths, and other instruments.

Features include: - Selectable impedance - Console mode - 430 Air mode - High-headroom DI operation

Six Additional Mic Preamps

Channels 3-8 provide six ultra-low-noise microphone preamps designed for detailed, transparent recording.

Features include: - 69dB gain range - Remote controllability - Air mode - Variable Drive DSP - Low distortion operation - High dynamic range capture

Run Your Entire Studio

ISA C8X is designed for larger studio environments, fixed installations, and patchbay-based workflows.

The interface includes: - 8 fixed-gain balanced line inputs - 12 balanced line outputs - ADAT expansion - S/PDIF connectivity - MIDI I/O - Word Clock I/O - Talkback - Loopback functionality

The 12 balanced outputs support: - Mono monitoring - Stereo monitoring - Immersive formats up to 7.1.4 - Up to three monitor groups

Outputs 1 and 2 are available on both XLR and TRS connections.

Flagship Conversion

ISA C8X uses the same 24-bit / 192kHz conversion platform found in Focusrite's RedNet range.

Specifications include: - 125dB dynamic range - Ultra-low distortion - 0.00022% THD - Professional +24dBu output levels

Headphone Monitoring

Two dedicated Class AB headphone amplifiers provide: - Independent level control - Optimised impedance matching - High-headroom monitoring - Detailed playback across a wide range of headphone impedances

Focusrite Control 2

Focusrite Control 2 allows remote management of: - Gain levels - Routing - Monitoring - Preset recall - Low-latency mixes - Multiple connected interfaces

Available for: - Desktop - Mobile devices

Features

• 26-in / 28-out USB-C audio interface
• 2U rackmount format
• Two Lundahl transformer-based ISA preamps
• Six additional mic preamps
• Fully remote-controllable analogue front end
• Console and 430 Air analogue enhancement modes
• Transformer-based instrument inputs
• Fixed-gain line inputs for patchbay integration
• 24-bit / 192kHz conversion
• 125dB dynamic range
• 12 balanced line outputs
• Dual Class AB headphone amplifiers
• ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock connectivity
• Auto Gain functionality
• Talkback and loopback support
• Focusrite Control 2 desktop and mobile integration

Inputs & Outputs

| Connection | Quantity | |---|---| | Microphone Preamps | 8 | | Instrument Inputs | 2 | | Fixed Line Inputs | 8 | | Insert Sends | 2 | | Insert Returns | 2 | | Balanced Line Outputs | 12 | | Headphone Outputs | 2 | | ADAT Inputs | 2 | | ADAT Outputs | 2 | | S/PDIF Input | 1 | | S/PDIF Output | 1 | | MIDI Input | 1 | | MIDI Output | 1 | | Word Clock Input | 1 | | Word Clock Output | 1 |

Technical Specifications

| Specification | Details | |---|---| | Simultaneous I/O | 26 × 28 | | Conversion | 24-bit / 192kHz | | Connectivity | USB-C | | USB Protocol | USB 2.0 | | Form Factor | 2U Rackmount | | Maximum Power Draw | 40W | | Bus Powered | No |

Compatibility

Windows

• Intel
• AMD
• Arm64

macOS

• Apple Silicon
• Intel

Linux

• UAC2 class compliant
• Compatibility not officially tested or supported

Included

• ISA C8X audio interface
• USB-C to USB-C cable
• Region-specific IEC power cable
• Rubber feet

Product Specs

• Item Number: 42338
• Make: Focusrite
• Model: ISA C8X
• Condition: Brand New
• Finish: Blue
• Categories: pro-audio ⇒ interfaces
• MPN: MOIFC8XAU
• UPC: 815301001713