ISA C8X
26-in, 28-out USB-C audio interface with eight preamps, including two ISA transformer mic preamps
New
Available to pre-order now
$1,999.99
Description
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.
Two ISA transformer preamps
Lundahl LL1538, 79dB of gain
Lundahl LL1538 transformers deliver warm, rich character to any signal. Up to 79dB of gain, switchable impedance, balanced inserts, and high-pass filtering — all remotely controllable from the front panel and via Focusrite Control 2.
All-analogue tone
Console and 430 Air modes
ISA C8X features two analogue, relay-switchable tone circuits — Console mode adds warm saturation and low-end punch, while the 430 Air Mode adds high-end shimmer — lifted directly from the ISA 430 MkII. Both are controllable from the front panel or via Focusrite Control 2.
Transformer-based DI inputs
Guitar, bass, and more
Two front-panel instrument inputs routed through the Lundahl transformers for true console feel. Selectable impedance preserves the natural tone of guitar, bass, and other instruments. Console and 430 Air add warmth and depth.
Six ultra-low-noise preamps
69dB of gain, per channel
Six Focusrite mic preamps for capturing every nuance. 69dB of detailed gain per channel, analogue Air mode for added presence, and variable Drive for harmonic saturation — all remotely controllable from the front panel or via Focusrite Control 2.
Multichannel Auto Gain
Eight preamps, set in seconds
Enable Auto Gain and ISA C8X sets optimal levels across all eight preamps simultaneously — ideal for any session where time matters. Activate Auto Gain from the front panel or via Focusrite Control 2.
Two headphone outputs
Independent, high-headroom
Two class AB headphone outputs with independent level control, extra headroom, and 3Ω output impedance deliver up to 130mW of detailed playback with up to 116dB of dynamic range to keep performers comfortable and focused in any session.
Digital expansion
ADAT, S/PDIF, and Word Clock
Expand ISA C8X with 16 additional channels of I/O over ADAT. S/PDIF, MIDI and Word Clock connectivity make ISA C8X the MIDI and clock hub of any professional setup.
12 balanced line outputs
Mono to 7.1.4
12 balanced line outputs with three monitor groups. Work in mono, stereo, or up to 7.1.4, switching between setups from the front panel or via Focusrite Control 2. Outputs one and two available on both XLR and TRS.
Eight fixed-gain line inputs
Built for permanent installs
Designed for patchbay setups and permanent installations, the eight fixed-gain balanced line inputs let you connect outboard gear once and leave it. No re-patching between sessions. +24dBu maximum input level and 120dB of dynamic range.
Monitor outputs
XLR and TRS connectivity
Outputs one and two on the rear panel are available on both XLR and TRS, giving you the flexibility to connect to whatever monitoring setup is in your studio. A professional +24dBu maximum output level ensures consistent line-up levels throughout.
Balanced insert points
Connect your outboard gear
Two balanced insert points sit in the signal path of the two ISA preamps — the ideal place to route through outboard compressors, EQs, and other processors before your signal hits the DAW.
One interface for any session
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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
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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.
Why choose Focusrite?
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Three-year warranty
Three years of confidence, built in. Every ISA product is covered as standard, because trust in your gear has to go far beyond the purchase date.
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Award-winning support
Real people, real expertise. Our support team has won awards for a reason. And they're here whenever you need them.
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Free delivery and returns
Free delivery and free returns mean you can put ISA to the test in your studio before you commit.
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.
Sonnox bundle options
ISA C8X includes Hitmaker Expansion and Oxford Reverb as standard. For those who want more, two Sonnox bundle upgrades are available — adding professional EQ, dynamics, and processing tools built for serious studio work
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Core bundle
Includes Hitmaker Expansion and Oxford Reverb — a complete toolkit for recording, mixing, and mastering, ready to go on day one. -
Sonnox ISA Essentials bundle
Four Oxford-series plugins covering tone shaping, dynamic control, de-essing, and intelligent drum gating.
Find out more -
Sonnox ISA Elite bundle
Seven Oxford-series plugins for a complete mixing and mastering toolkit — tone, dynamics, loudness, transient control, and more.
Find out more
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
Compatability
- Windows Intel, AMD, and Arm64 processors supported
- MacOS Apple Silicon and Intel processors supported
Dimensions
- Width482.6 mm (19.00 in)
- Depth292.8 mm (11.53 in)
- Height 89 mm (3.50 in)
- Weight 5.558 kg (12.26 lbs)
Power requirements
- External40W
What's in the box?
- ISA C8X audio interface
- 1.5mm USB type C-to-C cable
- Region-specific IEC cable
- Rubber feet (x4)
