Focusrite ISA C8X
The Focusrite ISA C8X is a flagship professional USB-C audio interface that combines the legendary Focusrite ISA preamp heritage with modern studio connectivity, remote control, advanced routing, and premium AD/DA conversion. Designed for professional recording studios, immersive audio production, hybrid workflows, and high-end music production environments, the ISA C8X delivers the unmistakable analog character of the classic ISA series in a modern 26-in / 28-out interface platform.
At the heart of the ISA C8X are two fully remote-controllable ISA microphone preamps featuring genuine Lundahl LL1538 transformers, delivering the rich, detailed, and musical sound that traces back to Rupert Neve’s original ISA designs created for Sir George Martin in 1985. Alongside the two ISA channels are six ultra-low-noise Focusrite microphone preamps with advanced remote control, Air mode, and variable Drive functionality.
Built for demanding professional production workflows, the ISA C8X combines premium analog tone shaping, 24-bit/192kHz conversion, immersive monitoring support, flexible digital I/O, and extensive software control via Focusrite Control 2.
The ISA Sound, Evolved
The ISA C8X is designed to deliver:
- Legendary ISA transformer preamp character
- Modern remote-controlled studio workflow
- Reference-grade AD/DA conversion
- Flexible routing for immersive and hybrid production
The first two ISA channels include relay-switched analog processing modes including Console Mode for low-end punch and harmonic saturation, and 430 Air Mode inspired by the ISA 430 MkII for enhanced top-end clarity and openness.
Advanced Professional Workflow
The ISA C8X combines:
- Two ISA transformer microphone preamps
- Six additional ultra-low-noise mic preamps
- Remote control via Focusrite Control 2
- Auto Gain functionality across all eight preamps
- Immersive audio monitoring support up to 7.1.4
- Extensive analog and digital connectivity
The interface is optimized for professional recording, mixing, mastering, Dolby Atmos workflows, and advanced hybrid studio environments.
Features
- 26-in / 28-out professional USB-C audio interface
- Two ISA transformer microphone preamps with Lundahl LL1538 transformers
- Six additional remote-controlled ultra-low-noise microphone preamps
- Console and 430 Air analog tone modes
- 24-bit / 192kHz professional AD/DA conversion
- Up to 125dB dynamic range
- Auto Gain across all eight preamps
- Balanced inserts and switchable impedance
- Immersive audio support up to 7.1.4
- Remote control via Focusrite Control 2
Applications
- Professional recording studios
- Dolby Atmos and immersive audio production
- Hybrid analog/digital workflows
- Music production and mixing
- Broadcast and post-production
- High-end project and commercial studios
Technical Specifications
- Type: Professional USB-C audio interface
- I/O: 26 inputs / 28 outputs
- Form Factor: 2U rackmount
- Preamps: 8 total microphone preamps
- ISA Preamps: 2 ISA transformer preamps with Lundahl LL1538 transformers
- Additional Mic Preamps: 6 ultra-low-noise remote-controlled Focusrite preamps
- Gain Range: Up to 79dB (ISA channels), 69dB (standard channels)
- Conversion: 24-bit / 192kHz
- Dynamic Range: Up to 125dB
- Connectivity: USB-C, ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, Word Clock
- Monitoring: Stereo and immersive monitoring up to 7.1.4
- Software Control: Focusrite Control 2
- Compatibility: macOS & Windows
