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

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

Focusrite

$2,299.99
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SKU:
FocISAC8X01
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ISA C8X combines the trademark ISA sound with comprehensive remote control and all the analogue and digital I/O, routing, and recallability you need to run your entire studio, plus switchable impedance, balanced inserts, and high-pass filtering. The first two channels feature ISA preamps with classic Lundahl LL1538 transformers and Console and 430 Air modes for new tonal options. All eight are fully controllable from the front panel and via Focusrite Control 2.

Key features

  • 2U rack-mounted, 26-in/28-out USB-C audio interface 
  • Eight remote-controlled preamps with up to 79dB of gain, two of which are ISA preamps with Lundahl LL1538 transformers
  • All-analogue Console and 430 Air modes for tonal shaping 
  • 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion with up to 125dB of dynamic range 
  • Additional Sonnox bundles available

The ISA sound, evolved

The ISA story starts in 1985 with a request from Sir George Martin to Rupert Neve: build a no-compromise mic preamp. That circuit became the foundation of every ISA product made since. 40 years on, it lives in ISA C8X — Focusrite's first ISA audio interface, housed in anodised aluminium in Focusrite's original blue colour, with heritage transformer sound in a 26-in, 28-out USB-C interface built for the modern studio.
 

One interface for any session

Expand your setup

Add up to 16 channels with ADAT optical ports as your needs grow. ISA C8X also operates in standalone mode to pass audio signals even when not connected to a computer.

Permanent installations

Eight dedicated line and mic inputs make ISA C8X ideal for patchbay setups. Balanced insert sends and returns on both ISA preamps let you connect outboard gear once and never have to re-patch between sessions.

Create immersive mixes

Twelve balanced outputs and three monitor groups allow you to mix in stereo or all the way up to 7.1.4, with monitor switching from the front panel or Focusrite Control 2.

Hear every detail

The same AD/DA converters used in Focusrite's RedNet range. 24-bit/192kHz and up to 125dB of dynamic range - the resolution to capture, monitor, and mix with complete confidence.

Eight preamps, set in seconds

Auto Gain sets optimal levels across all eight mic preamps at once - ideal for drums and multi-mic sessions. Activate Auto Gain from the front panel or via Focusrite Control 2. 

Access to your outboard

Balanced inserts on both ISA preamps let you route your signal through outboard compressors, EQs, or other processors before they're sent to your DAW.

Heritage sound with total control

The two ISA preamps at the heart of ISA C8X feature the same Lundahl LL1538 transformers Rupert Neve chose in 1985. Warm, rich, and detailed on any source, with up to 79dB of gain, switchable impedance, and balanced inserts — and for the first time in ISA’s storied history, remotely controllable via Focusrite Control 2.

All-analogue tone

ISA gives you two relay-switchable analogue circuits. Console mode introduces warm saturation and low-end punch via a variable soft-clip circuit. 430 Air, lifted directly from the ISA 430 MkII, adds high-end shimmer through an inductor-based high-shelf filter. Both are completely analogue with full-bodied sound.

Focusrite Control 2

With Focusrite Control 2 for desktop, adjust ISA C8X's settings from your mixing position even when the unit isn't within reach. Control preamps, Auto Gain, and analogue tone modes without leaving the sweet spot. Fine-tune settings from your phone or tablet with the iOS and Android app.
 

Remote-control recording

Control directly from your mobile device

Available on macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. Adjust gain and headphone mix levels from anywhere in the studio. Focusrite Control 2 keeps every setting within reach.

Send signals anywhere

Route audio across 26 inputs and 28 outputs and use up to three monitor groups - ideal for studios running multiple sets of speakers.

Customised, low-latency mixes

Create headphone mixes for every performer. Monitor inputs directly in Focusrite Control 2 with low latency that gives artists the immediacy they need to deliver their best performance.

Multi-interface control

Running ISA C8X alongside another Focusrite Control 2-ready device? Switch between interfaces directly in Focusrite Control 2 without leaving the app. Currently available on Mac.

Save and load your settings

Save gain, routing, and mixer settings and recall them at the start of any session. Recurring setups, rotating rooms - always ready to record.

Studio-grade tools, right in the box

ISA C8X comes with Hitmaker Expansion — a curated collection of 15 premium tools from respected names in audio included as standard. Inside is the bx_console Focusrite SC by Brainworx: a faithful emulation of the ISA 110 and 130 modules, bringing the warmth and character of the original Studio Console into your DAW. Oxford Reverb by Sonnox adds precise, musical spatial design.
 

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
  • Line Outputs: 10
  • 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 (0.00023%)
  • 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): +15dBu
  • 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

Compatibility

  • Windows: Intel, AMD, and Arm64 processors supported
  • MacOS: Apple Silicon and Intel processors supported
  • Linux: ISA C8X is UAC2 class compliant and should work on most Linux systems but this is not tested or supported

Dimensions

  • Width: 482.6 mm (19.00 in)
  • Depth: 292.8 mm (11.53 in)
  • Height: 89 mm (3.50 in)
  • Weight: 5.558 kg (12.26 lbs)

Power Requirements

  • External: 40W

What's in the Box?

  • ISA C8X audio interface
  • 1.5mm USB type C-to-C cable
  • Region-specific IEC cable
  • Rubber feet (x4)

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