Focusrite launches its first ISA audio interface: ISA C8X

Focusrite has introduced ISA C8X, the first audio interface in the company's ISA range.

ISA C8X is a 26-in, 28-out USBC audio interface in a 2U anodised aluminium rackmount unit in Focusrite’s original house colour. It features a new all-analogue console, 430 Air modes, both analogue and digital input and output, and remote control using Focusrite Control 2.

Since 1985, from the first commission by Sir George Martin, the same Lundahl LL1538 transformer circuit has been used for each ISA preamp. The ISA C8X has changed this, with only two of its eight preamps being built with the original transformer circuit.

With up to 79dB of gain, switchable impedance, balanced inserts, and high-pass filtering, the two ISA preamps support a range of microphones, including low-output dynamics and ribbons. They also feature relay-switchable, all-analogue circuits.

Alongside the ISA preamps, six low-noise Focusrite mic preamps provide 69dB of gain. Two front-panel instrument inputs run through the Lundahl transformer circuitry to create a console-like feel.

All eight preamps are fully remote-controllable via Focusrite Control 2 software. Console mode introduces warm saturation and low-end punch through a variable soft-clip circuit, while 430 Air mode, lifted directly from the ISA 430 MkII, adds high-end shimmer through an inductor-based high-shelf filter.

ISA C8X uses the same 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA converters as Focusrite's RedNet range, delivering up to 125dB of dynamic range. A total of 12 balanced line outputs support monitoring in formats from mono to 7.1.4, with up to three monitor groups switchable from the front panel or via Focusrite Control 2. Further digital expansion is available via ADAT and S/PDIF, with MIDI I/O and Word Clock also on board.

ISA C8X ships with Hitmaker Expansion, which includes the Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC plugin, an emulation of the ISA 110 and 130 modules from the original Focusrite Studio Console, as well as Oxford Reverb by Sonnox.

The Sonnox ISA Essentials Bundle includes four Oxford-series plugins covering tone shaping, dynamic control, de-essing, and intelligent drum gating, while the Sonnox ISA Elite Bundle provides a toolkit for mixing and mastering.

“ISA is what Focusrite was founded upon, and it's been beloved by artists and engineers worldwide for over 40 years,” said Jack Cole, product manager, professional solutions and drivers at Focusrite. “The essence of the ISA sound remains the same, but we've taken some big leaps forward with ISA C8X in modernising the workflow.

“We felt it was important to augment those ISA preamps with features that befit the ISA name and benefit professional, project, and home studios alike. We hope that users will see, feel and, most importantly, hear the attention to detail that the entire Focusrite team have put into ISA C8X.”