Focusrite Debuts ISA C8X: The First Audio Interface in the ISA Range

Focusrite has announced the ISA C8X, a 26-in, 28-out USB-C audio interface that marks the first time the company's historic ISA (Input Signal Amplifier) technology has been integrated into a standalone interface. At its core, the unit features two ISA preamps utilizing the same Lundahl LL1538 transformer selected by Rupert Neve in 1985, now augmented with new all-analogue "Console" and "430 Air" modes for added saturation and high-end shimmer. Built into a signature anodized aluminum rackmount, the ISA C8X combines these heritage circuits with six ultra-low-noise preamps and professional-grade conversion from the RedNet range, offering 125dB of dynamic range for high-end project and professional studios.


Jack Cole, Product Manager: Professional Solutions and Drivers at Focusrite, remarks, “ISA is what Focusrite was founded upon, and it's been beloved by artists and engineers worldwide for over 40 years. The essence of the ISA sound remains the same, but we've taken some big leaps forward with ISA C8X in modernizing 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.”

Two of ISA C8X’s eight preamps are built with that same Lundahl LL1538 transformer that Rupert Neve originally selected in 1985 for its warm, open, and detailed character. With up to 79dB of gain, switchable impedance, balanced inserts, and high-pass filtering, the two ISA preamps support a wide range of microphones, including low-output dynamics and ribbons.

The two ISA preamps also feature relay-switchable, all-analogue circuits. Console mode introduces warm saturation and low-end punch via a variable soft-clip circuit. 430 Air mode, lifted directly from the ISA 430 MkII, adds high-end shimmer through an inductor-based high-shelf filter.

Alongside the ISA preamps, six ultra-low-noise Focusrite mic preamps offer 69dB of gain. Two front-panel instrument inputs run through the Lundahl transformer circuitry for console-like feel. All eight preamps are fully remote-controllable via Focusrite Control 2 software.

ISA C8X uses the same 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA converters as Focusrite’s RedNet range, delivering up to 125dB of dynamic range. Twelve 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 – a faithful emulation of the ISA 110 and 130 modules from the original Focusrite Studio Console – Oxford Reverb by Sonnox, and other plugins from some of the most respected names in the business.

ISA C8X is also available in bespoke bundle options, created in partnership with Sonnox, whose Oxford series plugins have been trusted by professionals for over 20 years.

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 delivers a comprehensive toolkit for mixing and mastering at the highest level.

Both bundles are available exclusively at focusrite.com and select retailers.

KEY FEATURES
• 26-in, 28-out USB-C connectivity in a 2U rack-mounted chassis
• Two remote-controllable ISA transformer mic preamps featuring Lundahl LL1538 input transformers, up to 79dB of gain, switchable impedance, balanced inserts, and high-pass filtering
• All-analogue Console and 430 Air modes — Console for variable saturation and low-end punch, 430 Air for high-end shimmer, lifted directly from the ISA 430 MkII
• Six remote-controllable, ultra-low-noise Focusrite mic preamps with 69dB of gain, analogue Air mode, and variable Drive DSP
• Two front-panel transformer-based instrument inputs with selectable impedance and access to Console and 430 Air modes
• 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion with up to 125dB of dynamic range
• Multichannel Auto Gain across all eight preamps simultaneously
• Twelve balanced line outputs with support for up to 7.1.4 and three monitor groups
• Two class AB headphone outputs with independent level control and 3Ω output impedance
• ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock I/O
• Full remote control via Focusrite Control 2 desktop and mobile app
• Includes Hitmaker Expansion, featuring Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC, and Oxford Reverb by Sonnox
• Backed by Focusrite's three-year warranty and 24/7/365 technical support

focusrite.com