From Focusrite
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 studio, plus switchable impedance, balanced inserts, and high-pass filtering. The first two channels feature ISA preamps with classic Lundahl LL1538 transformers and Console and 430 Air modes for new tonal options. All eight are fully controllable from the front panel and via Focusrite Control 2.
Key features
- 2U rack-mounted, 26-in/28-out USB-C audio interface
- Eight remote-controlled preamps with up to 79dB of gain, two of which are ISA preamps with Lundahl LL1538 transformers
- All-analogue Console and 430 Air modes for tonal shaping
- 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion with up to 125dB of dynamic range
- Additional Sonnox bundles available
The ISA sound, evolved
The ISA story starts in 1985 with a request from Sir George Martin to Rupert Neve: build a no-compromise mic preamp. That circuit became the foundation of every ISA product made since. 40 years on, it lives in ISA C8X — Focusrite's first ISA audio interface, housed in anodised aluminium in Focusrite's original blue colour, with heritage transformer sound in a 26-in, 28-out USB-C interface built for the modern studio.
Heritage sound with total control
The two ISA preamps at the heart of ISA C8X feature the same Lundahl LL1538 transformers Rupert Neve chose in 1985. Warm, rich, and detailed on any source, with up to 79dB of gain, switchable impedance, and balanced inserts — and for the first time in ISA’s storied history, remotely controllable via Focusrite Control 2.
All-analogue tone
ISA gives you two relay-switchable analogue circuits. Console mode introduces warm saturation and low-end punch via a variable soft-clip circuit. 430 Air, lifted directly from the ISA 430 MkII, adds high-end shimmer through an inductor-based high-shelf filter. Both are completely analogue with full-bodied sound.
- General
- Display: 3x Color Multi-Segment LED Meter
- Maximum Sampling Rate: 192 kHz / 24-Bit
- Number of Microphone Inputs: 8
- Input Level Adjustment: 6x Knob Automatic
- Signal Processing
- Pad: No
- Gain/Trim Range:
- Mic Inputs: Up to 79 dB
- Mic/Line Inputs: Up to 69 dB
- High-Pass Filter: 75 Hz, 18 dB/Octave
- Solo/Mute: No
- Connectivity
- Analog Audio I/O:
- 8x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Mic Input
- 8x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Input
- 2x 1/4" TS Unbalanced Hi-Z Input
- 2x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Line/Main Output
- 12x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Output
- 2x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output
- 2x 1/4" TRS Insert Send
- 2x 1/4" TRS Insert Return
- Phantom Power: 48 V, Selectable On/Off (Selectable on Individual Inputs)
- Digital Audio I/O:
- 2x TOSLINK Optical ADAT Input
- 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Coaxial S/PDIF Input
- 2x TOSLINK Optical ADAT Output
- 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Coaxial S/PDIF Output
- Host Connection / USB: 1x USB-C
- Host Connection Protocol: USB 2.0
- Sync I/O:
- 1x BNC Word Clock Input
- 1x BNC Word Clock Output
- MIDI I/O:
- 1x DIN 5-Pin Input
- 1x DIN 5-Pin Output
- Performance
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Maximum Input Level:
- Mic/Insert Inputs: +16 dBu
- Line Inputs: +24 dBu
- Hi-Z: +14 dBu
- Maximum Output Level:
- Line Outputs: +24 dBu
- Headphone Outputs: +11 dBu (at 600 Ohms)
- Headphone Output Power:
- 130 mW per Channel into 33 Ohms
- 14 mW per Channel into 600 Ohms
- Impedance
- Mic Inputs: 800 to 7000 Ohms
- Hi-Z Inputs:
- 400 Kilohms
- 1.2 Megohms
- Headphone Outputs: 3 Ohms
- Dynamic Range:
- Hi-Z Inputs: 117 dBA
- Line Inputs: 120 dBA
- Mic Inputs:
- 117 dBA (ISA Mic Inputs)
- 116 dBA (Normal Mic Inputs)
- Headphone Outputs:
- 114 dB (at 33 Ohms)
- 116 dB (at 600 Ohms)
- Line Outputs: 125 dBA
- THD+N
- Mic Inputs:
- -93 dB / 0.0023% (ISA Mic Pres)
- -100 dB / 0.001%
- Line Inputs: < -105 dB / 0.00056%
- Hi-Z Inputs: -89 dB / 0.0036%
- Line Outputs: -113 dB / 0.00023%
- Headphone Outputs:
- -102 dB (at 33 Ohms)
- -110 dB (at 600 Ohms)
- EIN
- Mic Inputs:
- -128 dB A-Weighted (ISA Mic Pres)
- -127 dB A-Weighted
- Digital Audio
- Sample Rates: Up to 192 kHz
- Sample Rate Conversion: No
- Bit Depths: 24-Bit
- Sync Sources: MIDI Time Code (MTC), Word Clock
- Clocking: Internal
- Compatibility
- OS Compatibility: macOS / Windows
- Required Hardware: USB-C Port
- Power
- Power Requirements: AC Input
- AC Input Power:
- Universal: 100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
- Power Consumption: 40 W (Maximum)
- Physical
- Rackmount Size: 2 U
- Dimensions: 19" / 48.3 cm
Free 3-Year Warranty
Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.
Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →
Returns
This item is not eligible for the Try-Before-You-Buy 48-hour audition. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.
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