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Focusrite ISA C8X is a 26-in, 28-out rack-mount USB-C audio interface with eight mic preamps, two of them ISA transformer preamps, two instrument inputs, two insert points, twelve line outputs, two headphone outputs, dual ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, word clock, talkback and loopback.
Two ISA transformer preamps built into a full-size studio interface.
Overview
ISA C8X combines the trademark ISA sound with comprehensive remote control and all the analog and digital I/O, routing, and recallability you need to run your entire setup. The two Lundahl transformer-based ISA preamps feature all-analog Console and Air 430 modes for new tonal options plus switchable impedance, balanced inserts, and high-pass filtering, all controllable from the front panel and via the Focusrite Control 2 software.
Classic preamps, digital control C8X’s two ISA preamps each feature Lundahl LL1538 input transformers that add subtle warmth and body to any signal, plus balanced inserts, stepped and fine gain control, switchable impedance, high-pass filter, and up to 79dB of gain, all digitally controlled via the Focusrite Control 2 app. All-analog tone Console mode introduces warm analog saturation and low-end punch, based on a soft-clip circuit with fully variable digital control.
430 Air, lifted directly from the ISA 430 MkII, adds high-end shimmer via an inductor-based high-shelf filter. DI guitars, basses, and other instruments Inspired by the ISA One’s well-regarded DI channel, the front-panel instrument inputs feature a selectable impedance for preserving the natural tone of guitar, bass, and other instruments. These also run through the ISA transformer circuitry, allowing you to apply both Console and 430 Air modes.
Six remote-controllable, ultra-low-noise mic preamps Alongside the two ISA preamps are six remote-controllable, ultra-low-noise Focusrite mic preamps. Each one is designed to reliably capture every nuance with 69dB of clear, detailed gain and includes both analog Air processing for high-end clarity and variable Drive DSP for analog-style harmonic saturation. Flagship AD/DA conversion Whichever inputs you choose, you’ll be recording and mixing with the same 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA converters used in Focusrite’s RedNet range, offering 125dB of dynamic range and ultra-low distortion at 0.00022% THD.
ISA C8X at a Glance
| Microphone Preamps | 8 |
| Phantom Power | Yes (Independent per-channel) |
| Line Inputs | 8 |
| Instrument Inputs | 2 |
| Insert Sends | 2 |
| Insert Returns | 2 |
| Line Outputs | 12 |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 |
Who Is the ISA C8X For?
Project and professional studios that want ISA preamps on vocals and lead instruments, with eight inputs and plenty of outputs.
What Comes in the Box?
ISA C8X audio interface, 1.5mm USB type C-to-C cable, Region-specific IEC cable, Rubber feet (x4)
ISA C8X Specifications
| Hardware Overview | |
| Microphone Preamps | 8 |
| Phantom Power | Yes (Independent per-channel) |
| Line Inputs | 8 |
| Instrument Inputs | 2 |
| Insert Sends | 2 |
| Insert Returns | 2 |
| Line Outputs | 12 |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 |
| Line Outputs | 10 |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 |
| ADAT Inputs | 2 (16 channels at 44.1/48kHz and up to 8 channels at 96kHz) |
| ADAT Outputs | 2 (16 channels at 44.1/48kHz and up to 8 channels at 96kHz) |
| SPDIF Input | 1 (2 channels at 96kHz) |
| SPDIF Output | 1 (2 channels at 96kHz) |
| MIDI Input | 1 |
| MIDI Output | 1 |
| Word Clock Input | 1 |
| Word Clock Output | 1 |
| Talkback | Yes |
| Loopback | Yes |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C |
| Protocol | USB 2.0 |
| Form Factor | Rack Mountable (2U) |
| Simultaneous I/O | 26x28 (including Loopback) |
| A/D Resolution | 24-bit/192 kHz |
| Maximum Power Draw | 40W |
| Bus Powered | N |
| ISA Microphone Inputs (Channels 1-2) | |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.4dB) |
| Dynamic Range (A-weighted) | 117dB |
| THD+N (minimum at minimum gain) | -93dB (0.00023%) |
| Noise EIN (A-Weighted) | -128dB |
| Maximum Input Level (minimum gain, Low impedance) | +16dBu |
| Gain Range | 79dB |
| Input Impedance (switchable) | 800Ω (Low), 1400Ω (ISA 110), 2400Ω (Med), 7000Ω (High) |
| High Pass Filter (HPF) | 75Hz cut-off frequency, 18dB/Octave |
| Microphone Inputs (Channels 3-8) | |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB) |
| Dynamic Range (A-weighted) | 116dB |
| THD+N (minimum at 8dB Gain) | -100dB (0.001%) |
| Noise EIN (A-Weighted) | -127dB |
| Maximum Input Level (minimum gain) | +16dBu |
| Gain Range | 69dB |
| Input Impedance | 3200Ω |
| Fixed-level Line Inputs (Channels 1-8) | |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.05dB) |
| Dynamic Range (A-weighted) | 120dB |
| THD+N (minimum) | < -105dB (0.00056%) |
| Maximum Input Level | +24dBu |
| Instrument Inputs (Channels 1-2) | |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.5dB) |
| Dynamic Range (A-weighted) | 117dB |
| THD+N (minimum) | -89dB (0.0036%) |
| Maximum Input Level (at minimum gain) | +15dBu |
| Gain Range | 79dB |
| Input Impedance (switchable) | 400kΩ (Low), 1.2MΩ (High) |
| Inserts (Channels 1-2) | |
| Connection | Balanced |
| Maximum Output Level (send) | +16dBu |
| Maximum Input Level (return) | +16dBu |
| Line Outputs | |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.02dB) |
| Dynamic Range (A-weighted) | 125dB |
| THD+N (minimum) | -113dB (0.00023%) |
| Maximum Output Level | +24dBu |
| Headphone Outputs | |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB) |
| Dynamic Range | 114dB @ 33Ω, 116dB @ 300Ω, 116dB @ 600Ω |
| THD+N | -102dB @ 33Ω, -110dB @ 300Ω, -110dB @ 600Ω |
| Max Output Level | +8dBu @ 33Ω, +11dBu @ 300Ω, +11dBu @ 600Ω |
| Max Output Power | 130mW @ 33Ω, 28mW @ 300Ω, 14mW @ 600Ω |
| Output Impedance | 3Ω |
| Compatibility | |
| Windows | Intel, AMD, and Arm64 processors supported |
| MacOS | Apple Silicon and Intel processors supported |
| Linux | ISA C8X is UAC2 class compliant and should work on most Linux systems but this is not tested or supported |
| Dimensions | |
| Width | 482.6 mm (19.00 in) |
| Depth | 292.8 mm (11.53 in) |
| Height | 89 mm (3.50 in) |
| Weight | 5.558 kg (12.26 lbs) |
| Power Requirements | |
| External | 40W |
Why Focusrite?
Focusrite is a British pro audio company whose ISA preamp design goes back to the Focusrite Studio Console. Its Scarlett, Clarett+, Vocaster, ISA, Red and RedNet ranges cover everything from a first home recording to Dante networks in broadcast and professional studios.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ISA preamps does it have?
Two. Channels 1 and 2 are ISA transformer preamps and channels 3 to 8 are standard mic preamps.
What is in the box?
The interface, a 1.5 m USB-C to C cable, an IEC power cable and four rubber feet.
Is this a genuine Focusrite product?
Yes. Victory is a veteran owned dealer and units ship new in original packaging.
Is it covered by a warranty?
Yes. It is covered by the Focusrite manufacturer warranty.
Why Victory Musical Instruments?
Victory Musical Instruments ships Focusrite interfaces, preamps and Dante equipment nationwide with free shipping. For help choosing an interface or planning a system, call 844-687-4208.