ISA C8X

Flagship USB Audio Interface
A powerful all-in-one studio hub that lets you record, route, and mix everything from a single device.

Classic ISA Sound
Delivers the iconic warmth and clarity trusted in professional studios for decades.

Transformer-Based Preamps
Captures rich, detailed recordings with added character and depth from premium analogue circuitry.

Flexible Tone Shaping
Easily adjust sound with built-in modes that add warmth, presence, or clarity to your recordings.

Eight Mic Preamps
Record multiple sources at once with clean, detailed input across all channels.

Instrument Inputs
Plug in guitars, bass, and other instruments directly while preserving their natural tone.

Extensive Connectivity
Connect all your gear with a wide range of analogue and digital inputs and outputs.

Auto Gain Control
Quickly set optimal recording levels automatically, saving time during setup.

Remote Control Software
Manage settings, routing, and mixes from your computer or mobile device.

High-Quality Conversion
Ensures your recordings sound clear and accurate from input to playback.

Flexible Monitoring Options
Easily switch between different speaker setups for stereo or immersive audio work.

Headphone Outputs
Provides powerful, detailed monitoring with independent control for each listener.

Expandable System
Grow your setup with additional digital connections for more inputs and outputs.

Studio-Ready Design
Built for permanent installation with a durable rack format suited for professional environments.

General Specifications
Device Type: USB-C audio interface
Compatibility: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android

Audio Interface Specifications
Form Factor: 2U rackmount
Simultaneous I/O: 26 inputs / 28 outputs
Bit Depth: 24-bit
Sample Rate: Up to 192 kHz
Dynamic Range: Up to 125 dB
THD: 0.00022%

Preamps
Total Preamps: 8
ISA Transformer Preamps: 2
ISA Transformer Type: Lundahl LL1538
ISA Preamp Gain Range: Up to 79 dB
Focusrite Mic Preamp Gain Range: Up to 69 dB
Preamp Control: Remote controllable
Impedance Switching: Yes
High-Pass Filter: Yes
Balanced Inserts: Yes

Analogue Processing
Console Mode: Variable saturation circuit
430 Air Mode: Inductor-based high-shelf filter
Air Processing: Analogue Air on channels 3–8
Drive DSP: Variable harmonic saturation on channels 3–8

Instrument Inputs
Quantity: 2
Location: Front panel
Input Type: Transformer-based DI
Impedance Selection: Yes

Line Inputs
Quantity: 8
Type: Balanced
Gain: Fixed
Max Input Level: +24 dBu
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.05 dB
Dynamic Range: 120 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -105 dB

Line Outputs
Quantity: 12
Type: Balanced
Max Output Level: +24 dBu
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.02 dB
Dynamic Range: 125 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: -113 dB
Connector Types: XLR and TRS (outputs 1–2)

Headphone Outputs
Quantity: 2
Amplifier Type: Class AB
Output Impedance: 3 Ω
Max Output Level (33Ω): +8 dBu
Max Output Level (300Ω): +11 dBu
Max Power (33Ω): 130 mW
Max Power (300Ω): 28 mW
Dynamic Range: Up to 116 dB (A-weighted)

Digital Connectivity
ADAT I/O: 16 channels at 48 kHz
S/PDIF I/O: 2 channels
MIDI I/O: Yes
Word Clock I/O: Yes

Monitoring
Monitor Formats: Mono, Stereo, up to 7.1.4
Monitor Groups: Up to 3
Switching: Front panel and remote

Control and Software
Control Software: Focusrite Control 2
Platforms: Desktop and mobile
Functions: Routing, gain control, preset recall, monitoring
Auto Gain: Yes, across all preamps

Additional Features
Remote Control: Full parameter control
Expansion: ADAT-based expansion
Converter Type: RedNet-derived AD/DA