Focusrite
The Scarlett Series
A review by MT Aditya
Focusrite , they have by and large taken ownership of the entry level interface market with their Scarlett range of interfaces , which provide incredible functionality at an unbeatable price . Then , a few years ago , they successfully incorporated Audinate ’ s Dante protocol to create ultra high end ethernet based interfaces , with pristine A / D-D / A conversion , which essentially reimagined connectivity in the modern recording studio . But this left an entire mid range price point occupied by the likes of the Apogee Duet , The RME Babyface and the UA Apollo Twin . Enter : The Focusrite Clarett series of interfaces . Yet again , Focusrite delivered top of the line form , function and quality at an incredible price .
In its early days , Focusrite , established by the legendary Rupert Neve , was commissioned by Sir George Martin to build channel strip extensions for the Neve consoles at AIR studios in London . The resultant preamp , flush with the Rupert Neve pedigree was the ISA 110 preamp . Over the years , this evolved into the ISA430 mkII input channel . In signature Rupert Neve style , these pre-amps included an “ air ” switch , that added some sheen to the high end and sweet , silky , open flavour , akin to the “ silk ” button available in RND preamps today .
This is the channel strip pedigree that has been emulated in the preamps of the Clarett series of interfaces , modelling the signature input impedance and clarity of the ISA preamp with an individual “ air ” button available for each preamp .
The quality of these preamps and converters belie their price point . Across the range they have a generous 118dB dynamic range for the microphone inputs , 116dB for the line inputs and 119dB for the line outputs , with very impressive figures for EIN and THD + Noise , with a near 10 dB advantage over the Scarlett range of interfaces .
In what seems to be a challenge to competitors , the feature set in the range has to be seen to be believed . Even the most compact of the three interfaces , the Clarett 2Pre provides two mic / line / instrument inputs , four line outputs , MIDI I / O and
The Score Magazine
38 highonscore . com an ADAT input . For a similar feature set and quality , the real competition is at least 1.5 times the price , if not more .
In Use
I personally own the Clarett OctoPre , the 8 channel rack mount preamp with ADAT connectivity , which has been a great addition to my portable recording rig . They sound incredibly clean , and the Air button gives a beautiful smooth high shelf EQ , that I have enjoyed especially on string instruments ( acoustic guitar in particular ) and Drum Overheads . The transient response is quite smooth . There ’ s even enough headroom for me to drive my high gain requiring ribbon microphones on quiet sources without worrying about noise . The individual insert points for each preamp , combo 1 / 4inch-XLR jacks and direct line outputs over D-Sub are a nice touch .
The only small drawback for me is that phantom power switch isn ’ t individually assignable per pre-amp but toggles for 4 preamps simultaneously . But with today ’ s microphones , this isn ’ t really an issue .
Initially introduced with only a thunderbolt option , the Clarett series now has a new range with combination USB2 - USB-C connectivity . This is the best connectivity decision I have seen come from Pro-Audio manufacturers in the recent past . The USB-C format has a much improved bandwidth capable of delivering much more power and this means that the new Clarett range can be bus powered . If however , your system is not equipped with USB-C , the USB-2 mode will work just as well , with the provided external power adapter .
Focusrite has really done this right , The Clarett series of interfaces is a great choice for everyone from amateur producers looking to step up from their entry level interfaces to proper recording studios that are looking for a new or interface or simply to expand their preamp count . The cherry on top - the Clarett range comes with the Red 2 & 3 plugin suite , which are extremely well designed , simply without the marketing push like other brands . And a nice little after touch , the entire range comes with 2 year warranty .