Focusrite ISA C8X

The ISA C8X combines the signature ISA sound with comprehensive remote control, as well as all the analogue and digital inputs and outputs, routing options and recall functions you need for your complete setup. The two Lundahl-transformer-based ISA preamps offer fully analogue Console and 430 Air modes for new sonic options, as well as switchable impedance, balanced inserts and high-pass filters – all controllable via the front panel and Focusrite Control 2 software.

Classic preamps, digital control

The C8X’s two ISA preamps are each equipped with Lundahl LL1538 input transformers, which lend subtle warmth and richness to every signal, and also offer balanced inserts, grid-step and fine-resolution gain control, switchable impedance, high-pass filters and up to 79 dB of gain – all fully digitally controlled via the Focusrite Control 2 app.

Pure analogue sound

Console mode delivers warm analogue saturation and punchy bass, based on a soft-clip circuit with fully variable digital control. 430 Air, taken directly from the ISA 430 MkII, adds a silky sheen to the highs via a coil-based high-shelf filter.

DI for guitars, basses and other instruments

Inspired by the renowned DI channel of the ISA One, the front-panel instrument inputs offer selectable impedance to preserve the natural sound of guitars, basses and other instruments. These signals also pass through the ISA transformer circuit, allowing both Console and 430 Air modes to be applied.

Six remotely controllable, ultra-low-noise microphone preamps

In addition to the two ISA preamps, six remotely controllable, ultra-low-noise Focusrite microphone preamps are available. Each one is designed to reliably capture every nuance – with 69 dB of transparent, detailed gain. They also feature analogue Air signal processing for open, brilliant highs, as well as variable Drive DSP for harmonic saturation in the style of analogue circuits.

Flagship-level AD/DA conversion

Regardless of which inputs you use, recording and mixing take place via the same 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA converters found in the Focusrite RedNet series – with 125 dB dynamic range and extremely low distortion of 0.00022% THD. In addition, the C8X’s two headphone outputs each offer independent level control, extra headroom and optimised impedance for powerful, detailed playback.

Run your entire studio

Designed for patchbay setups and permanent installations, the ISA C8X provides fixed-gain line inputs that allow external hardware to be connected once and for all – without the hassle of rewiring. For immersive formats, the 12 balanced line outputs enable configurations ranging from mono to 7.1.4, with support for up to three monitor groups and switching via the front panel or Focusrite Control 2. The entire system is also expandable – thanks to 16 additional channels via ADAT, two via S/PDIF for digital equipment, as well as MIDI and word clock inputs and outputs.  

Remote recording

Focusrite Control 2 is designed for desktop and mobile devices and makes it easy to manage gain levels, audio routing, saving and recalling preset mixes, and low-latency monitoring – regardless of where the ISA C8X is installed in the studio. The software also supports simultaneous control of multiple connected interfaces, so that when expanding via ADAT with additional Focusrite Control 2-compatible devices, you can switch seamlessly between them and control each one directly via the app.

Supported by Focusrite

The ISA C8X is designed to be future-proof and built for maximum reliability. It also comes with Focusrite’s three-year warranty, as well as our award-winning technical support, available 24/7, 365 days a year.