Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre Audio Interface - REVIEW

[@FocusriteTV]

Thank you for taking the time to create this, Julian. With regards to Focusrite Control, the current release is optimised for the Clarett+ hardware but future releases are planned to be compatible with both ranges. John // Focusrite UK 🇬🇧

[@someoneelse1550]

Ayyyyyyyyyyy

[@duckduckstop2492]

What about the driver issues under Windows where you randomly Sound like a robot? When this is fixed, i will definitly get an 8i6 again.

[@grunge2012]

500$ 550$ after tax??? too much money. we need usb4 or thunderbolt 4 for that price!!!

[@jsullivan2112]

@@grunge2012 There's always somebody who wants everything for the price of nothing. And they ditched thunderbolt because there's really no advantage to it. Hardly anyone uses it compared to USB so why cut out half your home studio/semi-pro market? RME still uses USB 2.0 and their interfaces are ridiculously good. Don't get suckered by the hype.

[@grunge2012]

@@jsullivan2112 focusrite had a graph on their own website showin how thunderbolt reduced the latency by 50% but it was thunderbolt 1 which only macs had 8 years ago. thunderbolt is a trademark which costs money to use. now a days sub 1000$ laptops, now includin windows pc which never had it before, have t3 so why not use it?

[@Gerry926]

I just picked this up and it changed everything. I went from the Zoom Q8hd, to the Scarlett 2i2 gen 3, to the Symphony Harmony, to the Volt 276. This Clarett is giving me the clarity I've been looking for. Review videos are great for information but you really can tell how big the difference is, in person. The Focusrite control is great, once you learn how to use it. The level meters there are perfect for getting things right, before I even open my daw. The minute I started playing through it, I knew this was the one for me, finally.

[@iamjshep3]

You’re the reason I got the Clarett+ 2Pre about a year and a half ago. I wasn’t tryna buy nothing close to $1000, I wanted something better than my Scarlett Solo, so thank you.

[@kravatapraimuu]

the "Focus... Right?" part at 3:26 caught me off-guard and it took a good few seconds to register while you continued talking. Good one! I love your content

[@kyletodd4331]

Thanks!

[@SaiChooMusic]

That "focus, right?" pun was *chef's kiss*

[@Googahgee]

Wonderful review yet again Julian - I see others asking for a review of some RME interfaces and I would love to know how the Fireface UCX II holds up (as well as the non-mini Arturia Audiofuses)

[@TheSilent006]

Id love to see the adi 2 pro as well

[@tylerwmbass]

I've got the Audiofuse Studio / 8 Pre and the RME UCX II, they're all amazing interfaces. I prefer the RME stuff though, the Audiofuse Studio functions really great as a monitor controller too. The 8Pre sits in my rack w/ ADAT feeding either my main studio interface or my mobile interface.

[@SubhajitPandit1]

I'd like to see a review of BabyFace Pro FS

[@GabrielPerboni]

Thanks for taking the time to perform the tests and share the results. It's been a while since I've bought my last audio interface and I'm happy to see that now I have an option of review that is not " a guy reaind the press release" (;

[@Shineva]

thank you very much Julian as usual explanation at the highest level🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@AeGeR97]

I'd just like to thank you for doing these. I actually purchased a Clarret+ 4Pre USB based quite a bit on the information you provide with your reviews. I just received it a short while ago. Glad to hear they improved upon it, right before I did!

[@javikles]

Hi, this looks like a great interface. Do you have as much latency as the video says or did it improve? It is very possible that I buy one like this

[@AeGeR97]

@@javikles The latency can still be an issue if I'm running a lot of plugins. Not really much of an issue as long as I'm not trying to multitask too much.

[@cosmic040]

- Julian drops his pun: "Focus, right? - Actual focus of camera immediately gets a short hiccup! LOL

[@lance134679]

It took me a few seconds to even realize that he was making a funny :-)

[@justicemoody]

Dry intelligent humour. Love it!

[@failnerdddddd]

Would love to see tests on RME interfaces and Apogee interfaces. Also if you could compile a best of the best list and tiers based upon your knowledge, findings and measurements etc.

[@NalinAirheart]

Great review as always. Hopefully more manufacturers will refine their interfaces in due time. I appreciate the inclusion of the Rode AI-1 measurements as well even if there's no video review on the channel. I've been using it for a few weeks and was surprised to see another interface with as little gain - I usually have to add +18 dB to get healthy levels on a dynamic microphone 6" away. Same issue with the volume pot channel inbalance at low settings as you noted in your copy as well.

[@ADGreen-es6hm]

Julian ,RME Please .

[@DandBGhostHunters]

Really noticable increase in pre-amp noise with Air mode engaged with the SM7B at full gain.

[@ruthlesscutthroat]

it’s an impedance emulation it’s not meant for every microphone, only old low impedance mic would benefit from it. this mics are not manufactured anymore so air mode is generally useless

[@HTBLuVA]

please tell me more about your usecase. I want to use the SM7B with the older Clarett non-plus. What level in dBFS do you achive with full gain? how is the noise without air mode at full gain?

[@DandBGhostHunters]

@@HTBLuVA I don’t own one I was referring to the audible rise in preamp noise in Julian’s video.

[@randymccoy2527]

Excellent video. Thank you for posting. I've used the 2i2 for some time and until now didn't know what the air feature did. This video explains it simply. Thanks again.

[@kevinpunter7960]

I was in the market for a new audio interface just recently. The Avid Mbox I had was no longer happy running on the latest tech, so I started researching. I landed on the Clarett+ 4Pre and committed to the purchase, though I was still not completely convinced that I knew if it was a good choice. I've been watching the delivery progress and expect it tomorrow :) Watching your review of the 2Pre has given me confidence that I'm making a good choice. Thanks for this review.

[@MadiwangsaMusic]

Thanks for this review! I was wondering when clarett will be available in market again.. Can't wait to get my hands on one..

[@samueloluyinkaojomu6548]

Not enough to convince me to change my audient ID14. Great review as usual JK. Pls I'm still looking forward to when you will review the Apollo Twin audio interface.

[@hazeraw]

Thanks alot for diving in deeply, great video, Salute!

[@symondealmeida9454]

you are literally the best reviewer on the game, excellent work so much details and transparence. good job

[@mladen777]

Hey Julian, thanks for the amazing videos!!! They're really helpful and informative. I was just wondering why aren't any D.I., eg Instrument input analysis on your channel when reviewing USB interfaces. A lot of us use it for our guitars, basses,... and I think that info would be beneficial for us a lot. For example some companies market their products with JFET inputs which are superior to regular hi-Z inputs, but does everyone do that without marketing or is it special to some companies like Focusrite and Audient? Dynamics are also very important for any instrumentalist and I guess measurements regarding the dynamics of the inputs are very important.

[@easyvocalharmony5680]

Incredible review! A few things... 1. Clever pun at 3:24, "Focus, right?" :) 2. At 8:46: YES, I agree about the gain! I just got my Clarett+ (4Pre) yesterday, and even using a condenser mic, I need the gain at about 80-85% to get a decent signal. When I go just a little bit higher, I get lots of room noise (and internal?) and it starts to clip. Really surprising and disappointing to be honest. I'm trying to figure out if I have one of my settings wrong, but watching your video makes me think this is just the way it is. At 8:05 we see you talking into the dynamic mic, and it looks like your gain is close to 100%. I agree the build quality on this thing is very good. It looks and feels great. I love the way the knobs turn, very high quality. You mentioned the Audient iD14 MKII at the end, do you prefer that one over this one? Or do you have any other recommendations in this price range? Thanks again for your incredible reviews.

[@aurelianepuras]

Hello, Julien! 1. What audio interface do you use? 2. What's yours preferred audio interface?

[@GillamtheGreatest]

oh that big pun at 3:26 with the smooth delivery

[@RachEspinosa]

Thanks for this review Julian!

[@faceeasyg]

Hi Julian, good vids you're making. I wish seeing SPL Crimson on your show, people forget about that thing all the time. I know it's "old" and will underperform cheaper interfaces in certain aspects, but that are a lot of aspects to consider when choosing an interface.

[@peterhughes8699]

Great review Julian - thanks for posting :)

[@RubenJonkers]

Thanks for the video Julian!

[@PM-yz8fx]

Please would you review the RME Babyface pro fs?

[@electricwassabi]

cant wait for this review

[@PM-yz8fx]

@@electricwassabi Maybe if there is more of us asking, Julian would be kind to do it.

[@JulianKrause]

Absolutely, it's going to be the next review ;)

[@marktekk4982]

@@JulianKrause Hopefully its going to be a chart topper like i expect it to be :)

[@TheRealDirtySkillz]

Has this be done? Link...

[@MCAlvesPortugal]

Great review 😎🔥👏

[@reread2549]

Thank you for the detailed review. This reinforces that my purchase of the Audient ID 14 MKII was the correct choice for my budget.

[@dare2liv_nlove]

Eagerly waiting, still missing from your channel = a Mackie Onyx Producer review! :P

[@MutualMart]

Please review RME stuff 🙂

[@yungbevvo]

what about with the 102 TLM??

[@TheModernHermeticist]

anyone else have an issue with their regular scarlett solo picking up radio signals?

[@SlinkiestTortoise23]

Have you disabled the SETI mode?

[@BojanBojovic]

@@SlinkiestTortoise23 Buuuaaahhaaaahaaa... :))))) Bravo!!! :))) But seriously, I do not have those problems although I would like to be contacted from outer space. :)

[@SlinkiestTortoise23]

@@BojanBojovic I think it only works with Alienware computers.

[@moitoi4064]

I had a Scarlett before moving on to the Clarett, My audio interface is there to record my singings on my IPad Pro, with the Scarlett all works fine to record my vocals using the built in recorder or any other aftermarket recorder but with the Clarett it just wouldn’t record my voice and I have to hook the Clarett to my PC for it to record my voice, that’s very frustrating. If you or someone in here can gimme a hint I will appreciate.

[@Explorer766]

Why don't they offer a blend dial of input signal vs DAW? That is a dealbreaker for me. That issue presents itself constantly in the recording process.

[@JamesWilliam70]

Still missing a decent levels meter like the Motu M2

[@new_aether]

i love your channel, keep up

[@maciej7258]

Thanks Julian for another review - great as always! :) I'd love to hear your opinion on Steinberg's UR-RT2 (or RT4) with Rupert Neve Designs transformers.

[@oscarmorales-cn3hz]

The latency is worst than some interfaces from 5 year ago... At this stage we have half of that latency interfaces at that range of price with similar or maybe better features and probably much better to come this year. Buying this one is to get outdated already. Thanks Julian!!!

[@hybrid11theory75]

Unfortunately true. My 11 year old Komplete Audio 6 has 2ms better latency than this. But the sound and build quality is way better and I'm happy so far.. ;)

[@sambond0079]

Hi Julian. Your reviews are awesome. Was wondering if you'd consider reviewing older interfaces as a lot of us still use them and would be interesting to see how they compare with newer AIs. I'm using a Mbox 2 so would be great to have one of your reviews on that. Also what do you do with all the AIs you're buying? Giveaways?! ;)

[@thiago.limaverde]

Great review! We would like to see your review from Apogee Duet 3 ;)

[@JeffKellyMedia]

Please

[@AhmedAddas]

I want to stream from dac and use line in....is possible to use as stereo preamp?

[@justicemoody]

I think manufacturers secretly shit themselves when Julian gets hold of their device.

[@m-chopbeats7526]

Lol

[@mrkahuna2u]

“But I’m drifting off. Focus, Right? Come for the review, stay for the beautiful dad jokes.

[@davidk3872]

Cool video, please review the Apogee duet 3

[@JD..........]

Wow thank you for the video.

[@Ursabomb]

but no Mix knob to control input vs output level in headhones!!

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, that is digitally controlled in the Focusrite Control software.

[@xl6210]

Great review!! Thank you Julian!! Can you review the Apollo Twin X and the Apogee Symphony Desktop please~~~~

[@HTBLuVA]

Why is there so much difference between the input gain that you meassured and the input gain on Focusrite's webpage? On the page it says +57dB but your meassurement is just about +40dB. How is that possible?

[@JulianKrause]

That's a good question and actually not that easy to answer, I will make a full video about that topic soon.

[@HTBLuVA]

@@JulianKrause I got the older Clarett non-plus and I want to combine it with a SM7B. Some say, it is too quiet, some say it works. You say, it works but needs post-processing. I want to know: how many dBFS will I get when turning the gain on max and speaking very close to it? A value would help me a lot to decide if it will be too quiet. For example -6dBFS would be too loud for me anyway, no headroom.

[@JulianKrause]

@@HTBLuVA Hey, you can see an example of the level with the SM7B at 8:24 in the video. I had the gain at the maximum setting and the level was bouncing between -25 and -30 dBFS. It's definitely a relatively low signal level but because of the high dynamic range there is really now problem boosting it in post. That's exactly what I have done for the video, I ampified the signal by about 25 decibels.

[@infinagon]

I was waiting on this... we need you to get your hands on one of focusrite flagship red 8pre

[@digitaltrash_]

Somehow all this Focusrite audio interfaces captures sound in a strange way, recordings always sounds muddy compares to SSL 2 (w/o AIR mode) for example.

[@Googahgee]

Strange you would say that considering how clean the THD and frequency responses are

[@shakarocks]

Nonsense

[@kevinreginaldcooke867]

I also find this comment strange. I moved to the Clarett+ from the SSL2 and actually found the ssl2 to be noticeably more muffled. The Clarett+ is superior in my experience

[@bobkatz9021]

I have a thunderbolt 2pre. Is it worth upgrading to usb or + version? Thunderbolt works like a charm..

[@f5770]

"but I'm drifting off.. Focus! Right?" Ahahaha! Great review Julian!

[@marcpeiron_studio]

The focus, right? moment was so good xD

[@unclemick-synths]

Good review 👍. Interesting product but it's too reliant on software in the computer. Is there anything of comparable quality that has physical controls?

[@SalvaVentura]

Audient ID14 MKII or Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre?? Opinions please??

[@domdauphin]

same question here...

[@Decenium]

thanks for the review, but I ask again, could you look are the very expensive interfaces just to see if there is anything to the cost, Universal Audio Apollo, Antelope Discrete Pre4, Merging Anubis, Prism Lyra 2

[@MichaelWilliams-lo3ix]

Thanks for this

[@ElmtreeProduction]

Interesting to see how the A/D dynamic range is slightly worse than the original Clarett, I was expecting an improvement or at least the same results since Clarett+ is the newer product

[@ThaexakaMavro]

the clarette comes with a lot of plugins what have to add that in the equation

[@gulagwarlord]

That fire in that factory really screwed things up for the world. Who would have thought one fire would affect so many industries and supply chains.

[@BojanBojovic]

The planet is small really, but you are right, hard to imagine that.

[@gulagwarlord]

@@BojanBojovic Yeah, I just assumed there were more clean rooms/factories making these things. Talk about putting all of your eggs in one basket.

[@javiescobargonzalez]

Hello! I don't know whether to buy the Clarett 2pre Thunderbolt model (old) or this model. Latency is very important for me to work with software. I want to use 32 or 64 buffer size with a new Macbook m1. Please someone advise me. Thank you so much

[@mickorders1783]

... very helpful , thank you

[@lemus1292]

Awesome review! Really next level!!

[@Kevrix]

Should i buy this one or the RME babyface? is mainly for studio monitors an headphones use (audio production) no mics. ( also regarding the tech on the RMEs ) thanks for these videos they are very well made Julian

[@SamuelMattern]

Hi Julian, thanks for this great review! How do this interface compare with pricier interfaces like UAD Apollo? Is there a "quality" gap between this interface (or MOTU Ultralite mk5) which cost less than 800 € and UAD Apollo (wich is more than 1000 €)? Thanks :-)

[@johnnytrayes4734]

Super awesome videos as always Julian. Thank you. May I ask please if possible for a review on the Zoom F3 for use as an audio interface for voice over . Many thanks great work cheers 😃👍

[@little-endian5957]

Once again a wonderful product review without frills or esoteric bullshit, concentrating on the hard facts. However, I minor critic might be justified, quoting: "I could have easily 'RMAed' the unit. I didn't do so ..." Well, let's find the mistake here as exactly that kind of series derivation ("Serienstreuung") would have been interesting despite the then still very low sample rate, granted. The way I see it, this aspect is rarely addressed by reviews in general and I think manufacturers get away with it way too often. For instance, even in RME's case, I am buying the 3rd (!) unit now of an ADI-2/4 Pro as there has been always something so far (minor damage on the knob, clicking noise when turning the thing, etc.). In the price range of > 2000€, haptics and performance have to be perceptively 'perfect' in my opinions and yet, they apparently save on the end control.

[@DragonboltBlastter]

Great review Julian but when Steinberg AXR4, Avid Carbon or UAD Apollo

[@jsullivan2112]

This has been really helpful, thanks! I'm seriously considering buying the 4Pre version and was wondering if I should just buy a used thunderbolt model for half the price. But it looks like the improvements with this one, plus the obvious warranty coverage and software that comes with a new model probably outweigh having a thunderbolt connection.

[@KurtCobain2021]

Don’t buy you will regret it.

[@jsullivan2112]

@@KurtCobain2021 Oh yeah? Why’s that? And don’t buy which one?

[@yungbevvo]

@@jsullivan2112hes just talking lol… don't overthink… but also did you get it if so what do you think

[@jsullivan2112]

@@yungbevvo Actually I figured out what he was talking about. The Clarett's input gain is pretty garbage compared to the Scarlett, by a huge margin. That's what he was referring to. I thought he was saying not to buy Focusrite at all. I ended up buying the Scarlett 18i20 and so far it's been perfect for my needs.

[@yungbevvo]

@@jsullivan2112 what about quality wise with the dry vocals.. I'm debating on upgrading from the solo 3rd Gen to the clarett

[@K___R]

is the analog to digital converters the same as the other claretts? I wonder if recording synths would be good on this model

[@DimebagDarrenLowe]

It's been a year since you've checked any Presonus product. Would you please review the Presonus Revelator io24 at your earliest possible convenience. thank you from Canada

[@jgurtz]

Here's a mini-review about 5mo into owning one: If you're a streamer or podcaster type, I think it's a great value with its built-in channel strip effects. However, "you get what you pay for," holds very true in terms of quality. I would pass on it if you're a musician/voiceover/professional user and look to the other DSP-enabled interfaces on the market.

[@cmath8577]

I am amazed how different your speaking voice sounds on this interface vs the Arturia Mini Fuse. I prefer the sound of the Minifuse though I shouldn't notice a difference in detail in the highs or should I?

[@JulianKrause]

The differences you hear likely come from the difference in my voice as this was recorded on very much different days. Other slight differences in mic placement can also lead to changes in sound. These variables have a much bigger audible impact than the sound difference of the interfaces. Both interfaces record very high quality audio 😊

[@saardean4481]

Wait a minute. So what you are saying at 4:45 means that Output 3+4 is always coupled to the headphones? So if you use 3+4 in order to send a Signal (lets say Drums) through an external hardware effect and back into the interface you will also hear only the Drums through the Headphones?

[@xntricity6446]

Was on the fence about either the Audient evo sp8 or this Clarett. Nothing in particular swayed me but think maybe the clarett might have better headroom. Buying a used unit.

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

How good is the anti thump technology? With this do you just power the interface despite the speakers being on? I mean if it has this technology

[@suyashlifestyleandvlogs6387]

Please reply, I own audio Technica at2035 and I have to record hip-hop vocals (RAP MUSIC) which AUDIO INTERFACE should I get? I am so confused between Motu m2, Audient id4, Focusrite Scarlett solo, Arturia minifuse, universal audio volt. Please suggest me one, my main priority is to record vocals, suggest me the best among this five. LOVE FROM INDIA ! Peace for you.

[@_BangDroid_]

What's the ASIO integration like? I don't really fancy the idea of having to use an additional mixer app as well as my DAW etc

[@godsendmusic5911]

Don’t have too works fine

[@bthellam]

Thank you! Quick question: how do you feel about the Clarett+ headphone outs? Are they good enough on their own or do you feel the need to use an external headphone amp?

[@CliffinAZ]

I see that you mentioned the id14 is similar in terms of specifications and performance. But how about the Motu M4? Shouldn’t that be comparable? I see that you don’t have it reviewed yet, but I assume it’s performance on benchmarks would be similar to the M2 (like the case of the id14 vs id4), which performed very well. I’d love to see your review of the M4. Assuming its performance is comparable to the M2, it seems like the M4 would be another alternative to the id14 or more expensive but otherwise similar Clarett you’re reviewing here. I really was considering the id14 and would have gone for it, but the lack of a physical indicator of when it’s clipping really bugs me, and the Motu has it (although it lacks the optical input that the id14 has, which would be really nice to have if needed sometime in the future…). I also just wanted to point out how invaluable your reviews are, as they provide such an objective, direct and systemic comparison of different interfaces-which no other reviewers do. What a great resource for those of us who would otherwise have our heads spinning the plethora of options out there! As a numbers guy, this was exactly the sort of data I wanted to see. EDIT: As an FYI, I see that the Motus seem to be less expensive in the USA than in Europe, based on some of the threads. Here in the USA an id14 is $300, a Motu M2 is $200, and a Motu M4 is $270-making it rather than the M2 the model competing most directly with the id14. That’s why I’m mentioning the M4 rather than the M2 as what I’m considering vs. the id14.

[@alkeryn1700]

do you think it would be suitable for a hifiman arya organic or i should just get a better amp on top (knowing i already have a clarett).

[@llwonder]

I really like the look of the SSL2. It looks retro and vibes. I considering the claret or SSL2 as an upgrade from my scarlet 2i2. I need SPDIF tho and I’m not sure if these support that

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

Ssl2 doesn’t have spidf

[@mostresticator5]

the clarett+ is a huge upgrade from the ssl and it has digital input! very happy i got rid of it

[@josephlandman1402]

Julian, thank you so much for your kindness and consistency in this channel. I would like to ask how do you manage to work in a DAW and listen KZbin o other apps while you use a pc? Thank you very much

[@cbphotovideotips]

Hey Julian, for electric guitar and KZbin voice overs, what is the best audio interface under $1000? Is the Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre, better than the Antelope Zen Go?

[@adriendecroy7254]

Please review some RME interfaces, e.g. Babyface Pro FS

[@JustinHeronMusic]

I just bought a Clarett 8pre X. Will I need to worry about the headphone out using 80ohm headphones?

[@andysledge]

Könntest du den Rode Procaster mittels EQ zu einem SM7b machen? :D

[@charless1469]

Interesting point is the gain is pushed all the way up in this video

[@v.oeynhausen5529]

Hey, Julian, thx for this again very profound review. Question: would it perhaps be a fine idea if you did a new part of your fantastic ‚microphone conversion series‘ with Rode NT1a to NT1? I bet many of us viewers here would like this because the NT1a is used by so many. I absolutely love your SM57to SM7b video. It helped me a lot. What do you think?

[@pichincho7]

What is possible to do with the channel balance to use with studio monitors? Its an alternative better than an audio interface? Thanks.

[@jayrillabeats2059]

monitor controller works I've tested it by leaving audio interface volume constant and changing volume with the controller channel balance remains perfect

[@lospopularos]

Thank you for the thorough review. Do you know if this interface is compatible with the iPad Pro 5 gen.?

[@Mtaalas]

You don't have a single RME product in your dynamic range and other graphs for comparison... you should get one. Their conversion and their preamps are really high quality.

[@coin777]

69k subscribers. Nice

[@johns5413]

anyone know what is the best audio driver for windows 10? i had a motu m2 but it is giving me problems. I am looking to return it.

[@divaythfyr4251]

Audient works good for me so far.

[@johns5413]

@@divaythfyr4251 the mk2?

[@krakulandia]

An idea: Please make a test of Behringer ADA8200 and compare how well it's signal quality compares against the quality audio interfaces.

[@ghostinushanka1098]

- Focus, right? - Shure! A missed opportunity right there Julian :) P.S. Looking forward to the RME review.

[@atahate]

hi im with focusrite scarlet 2i2 3rd gen now. Im planning to upgrading my AI/Pre after finally i got my neumann KM184 :) is it better to upgrade my scarlet to clarett+ or Stay with scarlet 3rd gen 2i2 and buy a pre (maybe about 200-300)? Thanks!