Focusrite ISA C8X USB-C Audio Interface
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Description
Classic preamps, digital control
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.
All-analogue tone
Console mode introduces warm analogue 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.
DI guitars, basses, and other instruments
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.
Six remote-controllable, ultra-low-noise mic preamps
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 analogue Air processing for high-end clarity and variable Drive DSP for analogue-style harmonic saturation.
Flagship AD/DA conversion
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.
Run your entire studio
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.
Remote-control recording
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.
Backed by Focusrite
ISA C8X is future-proof and designed for reliability. It's also backed by Focusrite's three-year warranty and award-winning 24/7/365 technical support for added peace of mind.
Specifications
- 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: No
What's In the Box
- ISA C8X audio interface- USB type C-to-C cable
- Region-specific IEC cable
- Rubber feet (x4)
Q & A
Reviews

Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.

