Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre Studio-Grade 18-in/20-out Audio Interface
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Computer Recording Audio Interfaces
Experiential insights by users
About Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre Studio-Grade 18-in/20-out Audio Interface
Overall Feedback:
73% positive
78% liked the rugged and durable build, while 22% found it flimsy
I have used other top-notch products like UAD and Apogee, which indicates that the focusrite product I am reviewing is also of good build quality.
In terms of build quality, Earthworks PM40 is the best I could get.
I compared the build quality of this interface with my old SSL2+ and found that my old SSL2+ was much easier to navigate through and switch inputs/outputs with the turn of a pan pot and its ASIO driver worked flawlessly.
I faced confusion and had to do a factory reset when I activated 24bit with 192kHz on the device.
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90% found it compatible, but 10% experienced compatibility issues
The Scarlett 2i2 is a USB 2.0 hub while the Clarett+ is a proper USB 3.0 interface, which explains the performance difference.
The Scarlett 2i2 is a USB 2.0 hub and the Clarett+ is a proper USB 3.0 interface, improving the compatibility of our computer-recording-audio-interfaces.
I had trouble updating the Audient firmware and I think it might be because of compatibility issues with my M1 Mac Mini.
I experienced pops and clicks on my good spec machine, which likely indicates resource conflicts.
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80% appreciated the variety of connectivity, but 20% found them limited
The Scarlett 2i2 is a USB 2.0 hub and the Clarett+ is a proper USB 3.0 interface.
When I activated 24bit with 192kHz, the device started behaving erratically and I had to factory reset it.
I faced audio popping and crackling issues on multiple powerful PCs while trying to use the product.
68% liked the size and weight, but 32% found it heavy
I am dissatisfied with the product's price. I am not willing to pay $1500 after tax for a product that does not have functioning drivers, even if the pre-amps sounded amazing.
I have to switch the Clarett+8 USB over 200 times per session, which is tedious.
85% praised for its crisp and clear sound, while 15% noticed some distortion
The sound quality of the Clarett+ is like night and day compared to my previous device. I can forgo a lot of additional plugins that I used before to make it sound present and clear. I have personally experienced the sound quality.
I was surprised by the clear and natural sound quality of the Focusrite Clarett+ 2 Pre. There was no clipping even with fortissimo. I highly recommend this equipment for recording acoustic piano, especially grand piano.
The sound quality for the line ins is average.
85% found the user interface intuitive, but 15% found it confusing
I took a while to figure out the complex ASIO Driver Utility on Windows 10 Pro 64, but I was able to get the hang of it after a few hours.
I faced a problem with the device when I activated 24bit with 192kHz. It was so confusing that I had to do a factory reset.
