ISA C8X combines the trademark ISA sound with comprehensive remote control and all the analog and digital I/O, routing, and recallability you need to run your entire setup. The two Lundahl transformer–based ISA preamps feature all-analog Console and Air 430 modes for new tonal options plus switchable impedance, balanced inserts, and high-pass filtering — all controllable from the front panel and via the Focusrite Control 2 software.

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-analog tone

Console mode introduces warm analog 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 analog Air processing for high-end clarity and variable Drive DSP for analog-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.

This bundles comes with Focusrite HITMAKER Expansion

Create studio quality vocals, powerful guitars, dramatic synths, and huge drums, then mix and master with iconic Focusrite studio hardware all in the box. Every new Focusrite Scarlett, Clarett+, and Red interface comes with an unbeatable range of tried and tested studio tools from some of the biggest
names in the business. Whether you’re a guitarist, singer, songwriter, beatmaker, or aspiring producer, Hitmaker Expansion has been compiled to get you release ready results from your very first session. These are all the plugins you’ll need to write, record, mix and master your music with big studio sound.

Included Software

Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC

Experience the legendary Focusrite Studio Console with a complete channel strip that includes EQ, de-esser, compressor, limiter, gate, and expander. The plugin recreates the iconic ISA 110 preamps that inspired Focusrite's renowned Air mode.

Celemony Melodyne Essential

Correct and edit vocals, instruments, drums, and other monophonic recordings using Melodyne's industry-leading pitch and timing technology. Easily adjust the pitch, timing, and duration of individual notes while maintaining a natural sound.

Focusrite Red 2 & Red 3 Plugin Suite

These faithful recreations of the legendary Focusrite Red EQ and Compressor deliver the same professional sound that has been heard on countless hit records for more than three decades.

Klevgrand Korvpressor

Korvpressor is an adaptive compressor and limiter that brings clarity and balance to your mixes through a simple and intuitive interface, making compression quick and easy.

Klevgrand REAMP

REAMP is a spectral saturation processor that adds the warmth and character of vintage analog equipment. Seven different hardware models provide rich, tape-like tones that enhance your recordings.

LANDR Studio

Receive two months of LANDR Studio along with five free masters. LANDR Studio provides mastering tools, unlimited MP3 mastering, and music distribution to streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, TikTok, and many more.

Native Instruments MASSIVE

MASSIVE is a legendary software synthesizer capable of producing huge basses, powerful leads, and modern electronic sounds. It also includes more than 1,300 production-ready presets.

Relab LX480 Essentials

Enjoy four premium reverb models based on the legendary hardware found at The Hit Factory NYC, delivering the classic studio ambience heard on countless hit records.

Softube Flow Guitar Essentials

Flow Guitar Essentials combines two amplifier models, three effects, and expertly designed signal chains to deliver realistic guitar tones with maximum flexibility in an easy-to-use interface.

Sonnox Soften

Soften is designed to reduce harsh frequencies and smooth out recordings, creating warmer and more natural sounding mixes.

Sonnox VoxDoubler

VoxDoubler helps create larger, more professional vocals using dedicated widening and thickening processors that add depth and presence to vocal performances.

XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2: Studio Rock

Add professionally recorded drum performances featuring Tama and Pearl drums along with Paiste and Sabian cymbals, all captured at Decibel Studios in Stockholm.

XLN Audio Addictive Keys

Play a beautifully sampled Studio Grand piano based on the legendary Steinway Model D and enjoy authentic piano performances with any MIDI controller.