NAMM 2015: New Clarett Thunderbolt interfaces from Focusrite

Focusrite is using the NAMM Show to unveil its Clarett range of audio interfaces as well as showcasing its latest Red 2 and Red 3 plug-in suites. 

The Clarett range, which Focusrite claims are the best sounding, fastest Thunderbolt interfaces, consists of a selection of audio interfaces combining a new preamp design with Focusrite’s latest Thunderbolt technology, designed to deliver exceptional sound quality with an interface latency of under 1ms.

They’re built to provide clear conversion, 24-bit, 192kHz sample rates and top-class dynamic range, while new Clarett mic preamps replicate the impedance and transformer resonance of the original ISAs.

The range includes four devices; the 2Pre (10-in/4-out), 4Pre (18-in/8-out), 8Pre (18-in/20-out) and flagship 8Pre X (26-in/28-out). The latter 2U interface has been designed with the permanent racked studio install in mind, featuring extended ADAT I/O and separate rear panel inputs for mic, line and instrument, as well as dedicated phantom power, phase reverse and high pass filters on every channel.

The Red 2 and Red 3 plug-in suite features 64-bit AAX, AU, and VST compatibility, and will be bundled free with all Focusrite Scarlett, Saffire, Forte, and Clarett audio interfaces, in addition to retailing separately.

The new plug-ins are designed to accurately recreate Focusrite’s Red 2 equaliser and Red 3 compressor hardware. The Red 2 EQ offers a six-band design with high/low pass filters, high/low frequency shelves, as well as fully parametric low-mid and high-mid frequency bands. The Red 3 compressor is a VCA compressor design promising natural sounding dynamic control of drums, bass, vocals, and acoustic instruments.

New and existing registered customers can download the new plug-ins for free, adding to their Focusrite software bundles. 

www.focusrite.com