Detail 01
26 inputs × 28 outputs including loopback
Provides simultaneous I/O capacity with loopback included in the count.
Product detailSKU #1500000479357
FocusriteISA C8X USB-C Audio Interface
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Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
ISA C8X is a 2U USB-C rackmount interface built around eight mic preamps and 26-in/28-out operation, including loopback. Two digitally controlled ISA channels use Lundahl LL1538 input transformers and offer up to 79dB of gain, switchable impedance, balanced inserts, and a 75Hz high-pass filter. Six more mic preamps extend the system to eight channels. With 24-bit/192kHz conversion, analog and digital I/O, two headphone outputs, and Focusrite Control 2 operation, it is equipped for multichannel tracking, routing, and monitoring.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Tracking full-band sessions through eight microphone preamps and expanded analog or digital I/O.
- Rack-based studios needing recallable control, routing, inserts, and multiple monitoring outputs.
- Hybrid systems that need ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock connections.
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Portable or bus-powered recording setups; the unit is a 2U rackmount interface and is not bus powered.
- Studios needing more than eight microphone preamps without adding external equipment.
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Two ISA preamps plus six additional mic preamps
Supplies eight microphone channels, with two digitally controlled ISA channels.
Detail 03
24-bit/192kHz conversion
Sets the interface’s listed recording and conversion resolution.
Detail 04
10 line outputs and 2 headphone outputs
Supports multiple line-output paths and two headphone connections.
Detail 05
2 ADAT In/Out, S/PDIF In/Out, MIDI In/Out, and Word Clock In/Out
Connects to digital expansion, MIDI, and synchronization equipment.
Detail 06
Console and 430 Air modes
Offers onboard analog tone-shaping modes for mic and instrument inputs.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01The unit occupies 2U of rack space and is not bus powered.
- 02A USB-C cable, IEC power cable, and rubber feet are included.
- 03Linux operation is class compliant but not officially supported.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01How many microphone preamps does the ISA C8X have?
Eight: two digitally controlled ISA preamps and six additional mic preamps.
02Can I control it away from the front panel?
Yes. The ISA preamps and routing can be operated through Focusrite Control 2.
03What digital connections are available?
It provides ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock input and output connections.
04Is it bus powered?
No.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsSound
- Frequency Response
- 20Hz–20kHz ±0.1dB
1 detailsPickups & controls
- Mic Preamps
- 8
2 detailsBody & build
- Loopback
- Yes
- Talkback
- Yes
13 detailsConnections & power
- USB
- USB-C (USB 2.0)
- Headphone Outputs
- 2
- MIDI
- 1 × In, 1 × Out
- Instrument Inputs
- 2
- Maximum Power
- 130mW (33 ohm), 28mW (300 ohm), 14mW (600 ohm)
- Input Impedance
- 400 kohm, 1.2 Mohm (switchable)
- Output Impedance
- 3 ohm
- Power Consumption
- 40W max
- Line Outputs
- 10
- Line Inputs
- 8
- Bus Powered
- No
- Maximum Output Level
- +8dBu to +11dBu
- Maximum Input Level
- +24dBu
1 detailsSize & weight
- Bit Depth Sample Rate
- 24-bit/192kHz
1 detailsIn the box
- Included Accessories
- USB-C cable, IEC power cable, rubber feet
19 detailsOther
- Ein
- -127dB
- Thd N
- -102dB to -110dB
- Linux
- Class compliant (not officially supported)
- Model
- ISA C8X
- Connection
- Balanced
- Maximum Send Level
- +16dBu
- Word Clock
- 1 × In, 1 × Out
- Macos
- Intel, Apple Silicon
- Simultaneous I O
- 26 × 28 (including loopback)
- Gain Range
- 79dB
- Insert Sends Returns
- 2
- High Pass Filter
- 75Hz, 18dB/oct
- Dynamic Range
- 114–116dB
- Windows
- Intel, AMD, Arm64
- S Pdif
- 1 × In, 1 × Out
- Product Type
- USB audio interface
- Maximum Return Level
- +16dBu
- Adat
- 2 × In, 2 × Out (16 ch @ 44.1/48kHz, 8 ch @ 96kHz)
- Form Factor
- Rackmount (2U)
