Focusrite ISA C8X 26-In 28-Out USB-C Audio Interface

Run Your Entire Studio with the Focusrite ISA C8X 26-In 28-Out USB-C Audio Interface

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 ISA preamps are based on classic Lundahl transformers and feature all-analog Console and 430 Air modes for new tonal options plus switchable impedance, balanced inserts, and high-pass filtering. All eight of ISA C8X’s preamps are fully controllable from the front panel and via the Focusrite Control 2 software.

• 2U rack-mounted, 26x28 USB audio interface
• Two remote-controllable ISA preamps
• Analog tone at the touch of a button
• Six remote-controllable, ultra-low-noise mic preamps
• Two front-panel, transformer-based instrument inputs
• Eight dedicated fixed-gain balanced line inputs
• Automatically set your levels
• Flagship AD/DA conversion
• 12 balanced line outputs
• Two dedicated class AB headphone outputs
• ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock
• Focusrite Control 2 software and mobile app
• Award-winning support

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. And C8X’s two headphone outputs each offer independent level control, extra headroom, and optimised impedance for powerful, detailed playback.

Designed for patch-bay setups and permanent installations, ISA C8X provides fixed line inputs that let you connect your outboard gear once and avoid awkward re-patching. For immersive formats, the 12 balanced line outputs enable everything from mono up to 7.1.4, with support for up to three monitor groups and switching via both the front panel and Focusrite Control 2. And the entire system is expandable, thanks to 16 additional channels over ADAT and 2 via S/PDIF for digital gear, plus MIDI and Word Clock I/O.

Focusrite Control 2 is designed for both desktop and mobile devices, making it easy to manage gain levels, route audio, save and recall preset mixes, and monitor with low latency — wherever you install ISA C8X in your studio. It also supports control of multiple connected interfaces simultaneously, so when expanding your setup via ADAT with other Focusrite Control 2-ready devices, you can switch between them and control each one directly from the app.

ISA C8X is future-proof and designed for reliability. It’s also backed by Focusrite’s award-winning 24/7/365 technical support for added peace of mind.

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
• 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 (0.0023%)
• 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): +14dBu
• 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

Physical

• Unit Weight (without accessories): 12.26 lb
• Unit Weight (with accessories): 12.85 lb
• Unit Dimensions (H x W x D): 3.5 x 19 x 11.53 inches
• Single Boxed Unit Weight: 18.8 lb
• Single Boxed Unit Dimensions (H x W x D): 4.88 x 24.61 x 11.53 inches
• Multipack Box Weight: 20.97 lb
• Multipack Box Dimensions (H x W x D): 5.98 x 25 x 17.44 inches

Compatibility

• Windows: Intel, AMD, and Arm64 processors supported
• MacOS: Apple Silicon and Intel processors supported
• Linux: UAC2 class compliant and should work on most Linux systems but this is not tested or supported

What’s in the Box

• ISA C8X audio interface
• USB Type-C-to-C cable
• Region-specific IEC cable
• Rubber feet (x4)

We are Musictoner Musictoner

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Our team of musicians and industry experts lives and breathes gear, helping you build the perfect setup for your next performance, studio session, or installation. As an authorized dealer for top brands, we also offer our award-winning CHUCKSCLUSIVE line—exclusive, limited-edition instruments and collaborations recognized with the NAMM Top 100 Dealer Innovation Award for redefining what a music retail experience can be.

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