Focusrite Clarett 4Pre Thunderbolt Audio Interface

The compact desktop format of the Clarett 4Pre Thunderbolt interface belies its versatility as the best interface in its class. Its 18-in, 8-out format combines four Clarett mic preamps with Focusrite's precision 24/192 digital conversion and extra-low round-trip latency of 1.38ms -- low enough to revolutionize your recording workflow, as well as enabling the use of DAW plugins in real time.

The Clarett mic pre offers superbly low noise and distortion, plus the switchable "Air" effect -- an analog model of the classic transformer-based ISA preamps. Instrument inputs offer extended headroom to suit the loudest guitar pickup.

All four preamps are accessed from combination XLR/TRS sockets on the front panel handling mic (with optional phantom power), line and instrument inputs, and the adjacent gain controls feature Focusrite's signature encircling "gain halo" indicators that show green for good levels and red for overload. Optimized gain controls make gain changes smoother and more natural throughout. Also on the front panel is a large-format monitor control and two independently-controlled headphone outputs with enough power to drive even high impedance headphones to deliver suitable monitoring levels. Four more line inputs are provided on the rear panel, along with four line outs -- both on TRS jacks -- plus S/PDIF I/O and an ADAT digital optical format input allowing the addition of eight more inputs from, for example a digital mic pre. The Focusrite Control software mixer… read more is included for easy configuration of monitoring and routing setups. Simple and intuitive to use, Focusrite Control offers a traditional mixer workflow and allows immediate access to internal hardware functions.

Clarett 4Pre comes with a sweet sounding plug-in collection comprising Softube's Time and Tone Bundle, with TSAR-1R Reverb, Tube Delay, and Saturation Knob. Red 2 & Red 3 AAX, AU & VST Plug-in Suite complements this, accurately modelling Focusrite's classic Red range equalizer and compressor hardware.

The Clarett 4Pre, like the rest of the Clarett range, includes class-leading precision Focusrite 24/192 digital audio conversion with up to 119dB dynamic range, and combines it with astonishingly low round-trip latency - latency so low that it's possible to monitor recordings via effects plugins on the DAW such as reverberation, all within a single mix environment for the best possible recording workflow. There's never been a better, faster or easier way of getting audio into or out of a DAW.

Compatible with Windows

The Clarett range is now fully compatible with Windows-based computers, offering stable, reliable operation with identical functionality on both platforms. The Windows driver offers sub-3ms latency. Also provided is a Windows version of the Focusrite Control software mixer for monitoring and routing configuration.

Features:

- Compact yet versatile: 18 inputs and eight outputs in a desktop format characterise the Clarett 4Pre, with four analogue inputs and two stereo headphone outputs on the front panel, alongside a host of connectivity on the rear, including an ADAT input for the addition of eight more inputs from, for example, a digital mic pre.
- Plug straight in: Four universal mic/line/instrument inputs on the front panel ensure immediate access to the four primary analogue inputs. The DI's on Clarett 4Pre allow for even the hottest of guitar pick-ups and deliver a sonic performance that outstrips many dedicated DI's.
- Revolutionize your work flow: Clarett Thunderbolt offers astonishingly low round-trip latency (1.38ms), simplifying your recording and monitoring workflow, and allowing you to use plug-ins in real-time.
- Four Clarett Mic Pres with extra 'Air': The mic pres have been designed especially for the Clarett range, with plenty of gain, yet low noise and distortion. They feature a switchable "Air" effect - an analogue model of Focusrite's renowned ISA transformer-based preamps. The Instrument inputs feature extra headroom to handle the loudest pickup.
- Line level inputs for synths and more: Four dedicated line level TRS jack inputs are provided on the rear panel, along with four line outputs, S/PDIF I/O and eight channels of ADAT in.
- Precision digital conversion: Clarett features Focusrite's class-leading precision 24/192 conversion. With up to 119dB dynamic range, Clarett offers the cleanest way yet to get music in and out of your DAW.
- 'Gain Halo' Metering: Focusrite's unique 'gain halo' metering provides clear 'go/no-go' indication of levels to avoid clipping. Gain controls have been optimized for smoother, more natural adjustment.
- Dual high-power headphone outputs: The two wide dynamic range headphone outputs are powerful enough to deliver plenty of level, even on high impedance headphones - perfect for both tracking and mixing.
- Software Mixer for maximum control: Focusrite Control is a software mixer designed with a traditional mixer workflow for easy configuration of monitoring and routing setups. Simple and intuitive to use, Focusrite Control also allows immediate access to internal hardware functions.
- Classic processor plugins included: Every Clarett includes Softube's Time and Tone Bundle, with TSAR-1R Reverb, Tube Delay, and Saturation Knob, as well as the Focusrite Red 2 & Red 3 Plug-in Suite.
- Focusrite iOS Control: download the free Focusrite iOS Control app and adjust cue mixes remotely from an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch
- Focusrite Plug-in Collective: Monthly offers with free or discounted plug-ins for registered Focusrite interface owners
- Includes Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite, Ableton Live Lite music-making software, 2 GB of Loopmasters sounds and samples, XLN Audio Addictive Keys virtual instrument read less