Focusrite Clarett+ Vs PreSonus Quantum HD8 - Which Audio Interface Is Best For You?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

I apologize for my absence from my channel as of late. In July I became severely ill from black mold toxicity which ended up with us having to abandon our apartment and lose everything in the process down to the clothes on our back. I'm now settled in a new place but the neurological effects are still effecting me so going forward it will be a challenge to be as productive as I have been on this channel. The hope is that with time those effects will wear off but there is no time table and some don't recover. With that said if you'd like to help support not only the channel but my life consider using the links in the description to make your purchase. This is my sole income now and every dollar counts. Thank you.

[@notsure1135]

Could you sue the culpable parties? Did they rent it out to a new set of victims? Fkn horrible to read this, I hope you recover.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

@@notsure1135 Unfortunately in Texas nobody covers mold. No lawyers will touch it and neither our renters nor business insurance would cover any property loss from it. If you're in TX or FL you're out of luck because they're high humidity states. It's ridiculous that something can destroy lives and there's nothing you can do but move on.

[@cxfilterstudios7691]

Get well soon. Similar scenario with an ex in Mississippi they re rented it. N😊early killed her she is now two years on oxygen with lung failure and no recourse legally

[@unknownadventures6248]

i know its not in the same price range but it was worth it for me: The Metric Halo Uln-8 has the pretty much undisputed best converters, some of the best analogue emulations that run natively with quasi 0 latency and all new plugins included for free in the driver, Perfect support, very stable drivers, 91.5 db of some of the world best and cleanest preamps, the ability to easily drive lower impedance headphones without a headphone amp from the normal outs, amazing headphone amps, great build quality and a fully modular always upgradeable design,you can always buy new preamps or converters individually, it has incredible connectivity and you can buy modules if you need specific ports, you can chain together as many units as you want via ethernet or adat, connecting to the computer via ethernet is great because it can be 100 meters long) and they sound just clearly sound better, i personally prefer them over protools hdx or rme converters, the routing in mioconsole 3d takes a little getting used to but once you get it there are no limitations and it can be used as a daw or to mix live. the technology is clearly supperior if you look at the numbers and most importantly the sound and they are independent small developers and you literally will never buy another interface because how upgradable/serviceable and high quality they are. highly recommend giving them a try, rme is my other favorite just because how user friendly it is. but metric halo is some really deep shit and you can even code your own plugins with theyre software and literally do anything you want.

[@MistahWhiteOfficial]

get well soon! ❤💛💚

[@rjb7569]

Another straightforward, helpful review. I'm sweating out the Presonus HD8 or MOTU 828. Hope you're feeling well.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Thanks for the comment! I tried to get the 828 but MOTU left me hanging lol

[@kapgain]

I'm still deciding on both also

[@InspelaRecords]

Using Beyer DT770 Pro X, the headphone output on the Quantum HD2 I’ve just bought it very VERY loud! I’ve alway struggled with Focusrite’s weedy headphone output volumes on their interfaces (as I’ve had four Scarlett’s in recent years, even a 4th Gen), so I was surprised out your comments on the headphone out on their interfaces PreSonus!

[@user-eu6wp6ws7c]

Clarett+ is a superior to the Scarlett line.

[@frankymino8773]

The issue I have with the Clarett+8Pre is the headphone jacks at the front don't work unless you sacrifice either outputs 7+8 or 9+10. I had no idea when purchasing the interface. All my outputs are committed to external gear so the headphone jacks at the front are useless. Why on earth would focusrite do this is beyond me. Makes no sense. I will be selling it and picking up the quantum at some point. Thanks for the video.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Wow I had no idea, no wonder I ran into some confusing issues when I tried to run a bus compressor through 7/8. Good info, thanks!

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Better off going with the Motu 16A or other of the same tier Motu if you need built in pres etc. Better all around.

[@Prod.Countryjames]

Having the same issue, also one side of my headphones is lower, and monitors. I’ve reached out to focusrite last week, they gave me a million things to try by sending me down a rabbit hole. I just gave up, will be selling it for either RME or Motu, not really sold on Presonus yet even though I have a couple of there products which is amazing but a interface is the heart of it all for me.

[@frankymino8773]

@@Prod.Countryjames Yeh I've been looking into Motu and am actually considering the refreshed 828 and to have it connected to my Black Lion Revolution EXP via ADAT. Will eventually pick up an RME ADI-2 Pro for printing masters. The other issue I have with the Clarett is when it's connected via ADAT to an expansion it de syncs sometimes. Never have that issue when testing the expansion with other interfaces. I just want to see the end of my clarett. I think focusrite are cutting too many corners.

[@Prod.Countryjames]

@@frankymino8773 Nice I do want to keep my Clarett as ADAT which is connected to my Pro40. The only issue with the Pro40 is there’s not more software updates. So it’s either the Ferrofish pulse 16, Sell the Clarett for the Motu 828 as well. I love how simple there mix control is compared to RME. I do Boombap so I’m printing from a Tascam portastudio cassette. What is the name of your expansion you’re trying to sync to the Clarett?

[@AndredeBruinSoundengineer]

I'm in Europe, bought the EVO16 by Audient . Best bang for in/out. Expandable to 16 mics in by a EVO8. Don't know wheter they sell them in the US.

[@chrisjamesbeats]

Great video Jacob, sending healing vibes your way. Get well soon! An audio comparison video would be amazing.

[@2Kings315]

I'm still using a Presonus FireStudio Project which I like but I'm going to have to make the jump to light speed at some point so I really appreciate this video. The one thing I will miss that I have now is the first two channels send/return jacks after the preamp that I use for an expander/compressor. Thanks again for a very clear and thorough review.

[@1tabularasa1]

I myself using the RME UCX interface and I love it a lot- But to see that more praxis orientet test were two of the industry giants are in direct compatition is intresting.

[@jerryc316]

can you do a versus between the Quantum HD 8 and the SSL 12?

[@obangamuzik]

I don’t like interfaces with mic lines in the front I like all my cables tucked in the back. I have the focusrite 18i20 but definitely looking into the quantum

[@Ftravelers]

I bought the quantum HD2 and I got studio one pro 5 and 6

[@jessesimon2824]

GREAT Comparison video. Super helpful. Curious, and maybe a silly question.... but the big knob on the HD8, is it a free flowing rotary, or step rotary (little clicks)? Only asking as I recently got rid of an Antelope D8P interface (didn't love the Antelope lack of quality control and support) and I didn't love that the main control know was a step rotary knob.

[@ernieg]

Do they sell a remote for that like a desktop remote that would be nice

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

The app on your phone or tablet will be the closest thing.

[@CarolinaClaude]

I’m trying to decide if I want the HD 8 or the new Motu 828. Great comparison of these two tho.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Yea that's the other competitor in the range unfortunately I couldn't get anyone at MOTU to send me one to review and compare

[@kapgain]

same here

[@wilkinsi]

I currently have a MOTU 828es, and am potentially looking to replace it. I would favour the Presonus over the Focusrite for the same reasons. 2 guitar inputs with reamp outs on the front, an auto-gain function, rear panel has 8x combi jack/XLR inputs, MIDI and USB-C. Yes, it's a shame you don't get multi-coloured metering to better view clipping. Hopefully, they can fix that with a firmware update. I don't mind there being no mic inputs on the front, as I don't record anything with a mic, not yet anyway.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

It's a solid unit, I believe MOTU has a new rackmount interface as well but couldn't get a response from them for a review unit lol

[@wilkinsi]

@@JacobDarkOfficial that's called the 828. It no longer has the AVB/Ethernet expandability. Read this about re-amping: Hi-Z Guitar Inputs DIY guitar re-amping DI your guitar to the front-panel input, use CueMix's near-zero latency to loop to any output (with a re-amp adapter, if needed), and record both the dry signal and your mic’d up amp simultaneously. Then re-amp the dry signal later with different amps and cabs - or amp modeling plug-ins - to experiment with different tones. No need to re-plug cables between recording and re-amping. So I need a re-amp adapter for the 828, which is more expensive than the Quantum? No thanks.

[@konafama]

You left the claret for this? Only a few months after deciding on the Clarett. Does it really sound that much better preamps and conversion?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

I'd personally prefer the HD 8. Is it that much better? Probably not but due to the nature of my channel I typically get my hands on the latest gear so I'm constantly upgrading.

[@DaveChips]

Quantum really needs some medium sized version...

[@ilija.8548]

Hd2 is too small and hd8 is overkill… a hd4 would have been perfect!

[@DaveChips]

@ilija.8548 I'm hoping there will be enough of demand for HD4/6 from community in order for them to release em. As I feel totally the same... HD2 is useless to me... HD8 I honestly cannot justify it.

[@LaidbackSounds]

does the hd8 sounds crispier than audient or apogee ?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

I have an iD24 and prefer the HD8. Haven't had Apogee in a long time so not sure.

[@artysanmobile]

“Crispier” is rarely a compliment.

[@LaidbackSounds]

@@artysanmobile have you ever had crispy pata ?

[@artysanmobile]

@@LaidbackSounds Yes, and i still have some laying around somewhere.

[@LaidbackSounds]

@@artysanmobile clearly not familiar with that filipino dish smh lol... Crispy back in the days meant well defined in the high mids and top end

[@DanBires]

In my opinion if there is no way to physically bypass the preamps and presonus is saying when you plug something in like a TRS it does it automatically I am skeptical. Bypassing the preamp in a whole means you go straight to the converter and the preamp itself is cut off completely. Is there a way to physically bypass the preamp on the interface?

[@wewe-kq8fw]

I get round trip latency on m audio 192/6 is the same as these interfaces

[@GaryInHell]

Liked and subbed from both of my channels cuz this was an excellent video. Can you please compare the HD8 to the MBOX Studio? I have the MBOX Studio but thinking of getting the HD8 for Studio One since I got my Mbox last year when it was $900 and only got year of pro tools vs now they have it for $600 with Perpetual Pro Tools. I honestly feel kind of ripped off for real. $300 off and lifetime of Pro Tools just a year later?

[@drumphil1879]

Can U do a video on stacking the HDs?

[@CrowkeeperStudios]

Great review, man. The HD is sounding like a winner.

[@amechemurray2610]

The 32bit really has to do with headroom when recording. You can never CLIP an audio recording with 32bit. If you visibly clip the audio, just turn down volume of the waveform to display the unclipped portion.

[@konafama]

This isn’t 32-bit floating though.

[@amechemurray2610]

@ the presonus is 32 bit

[@konafama]

@@amechemurray2610It is. But its 32-bit fixed not 32-bit floating point.

[@JamesJones-th3ml]

@@konafama I think inside Studio one they give the option for 32-bit float for any of their interfaces, right? I use it on my 2626 and it never clips. I never push the preamps either though. If I have a Guitar DI and it kind of flashes red slightly it is still fine on the wave form in 32 bit float. I think 32 bit converters inside the interface may be actually better for my set up. I am just disappointed with the USB Thunderbolt thing. I have to use speaker IR's for my tube amp. I connect direct. So latency is an issue, so I have not bought this interface. I was going to buy it when it first came out too, until I learned about that... The closest match for me is this one and the Motu 828 but it's not the same man. I have to make a decision soon I officially need 12 inputs and outs soon as this buss compressor gets here from Audioscape LOL I fell down that rabbit hole a few months ago. I'm 6 grand in already....

[@konafama]

@ 32bit float internally is different than an interface with 32-bit floating AD. Inside the DAW, you can go beyond 0db and not clip for some effects/instruments. But if the interface is not 32-bit FLOATING POINT, you can still clip the input. 32-bit fixed point interfaces have a sub 200db dynamic range, 32-bit floating interfaces have a 1,000+ dynamic range. Floating point interfaces have two conversion chips. If the interface doesn’t have that, the acoustically recorded signal can clip the input of a 32-bit fixed point interface, regardless of the Daws internal processing bit rate or its ability to process audio files and plugs in 32-bit floating. Devices that have 32bit floating point don’t need gain knobs. 32-bit fixed point interfaces need gain knobs…they can be clipped at the input.

[@b4time718]

My post above was responding to a user that has gone back and forth with me about the difference between USB C vs A and USB2 vs 3. That whole exchange seems to have been deleted so post ended up here and out of context. BTW,I am a big Presonus fan just feel like the interface marketing is a little sketchy.

[@raskull_]

The only problem i have with this video is that it was made 8 months too late!! I was undecided on which interface to get and had used presonus studiolive mixer before i opted and got the focusrite clarett+

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

My bad, I blame Presonus for not releasing it sooner lol

[@raskull_]

@@JacobDarkOfficial i know but good video

[@digitaldiezel5870]

Is the Quantum class compliant?

[@mare_he]

Unfortunately, I can't find any information about the USB Version of the Presonus Quantum HD8. The USB type is USB-C, but what USB version is it? 2.0, 3.0, 3.1 or 3.2?

[@b4time718]

Yeah, Presonus sells the USB-C like it is somehow advantageous. As you know USB-C is just the connector and offers no advantage whatsoever unless the device uses USB 3 or higher. These units are on the USB2 protocol. Fact is that people that know - incl the engineers at Presonus - understand that USB2 is way more than adequate for the vast majority of users. RME I believe published a statement attesting to this fact. That's why there are very very few thunderbolt or USB3 interfaces . And that's no doubt why Presonus "dumbed down" the Quantum line from Thunderbolt to USB2 (because it is more than adequate and less expensive to properly implement. I like Presonus a lot and am a loyal Studio One user but their ad copy touting USB -C is more than a little bit scammy and a real turn off for me. I def will look elsewhere for hardware. They have lost my trust because it is obvious that they are trying to hide the fact that it is USB2 even though there is no reason to do so - unless trying to build market share with misleading ads.

[@JamesJones-th3ml]

@@b4time718 Not sure what you mean here. USB 2 is the bigger rectangle connection right? USC -C is the small skinny oval. They are different. USB 2 can also be that big square connection with the angle on 2 corners. But I never heard of a USB 2 with a USB C connection...

[@b4time718]

@@JamesJones-th3ml USB A,B and C refers to the physical connector. USB 2 and 3 (3.1...) refer to the potential speed of transmission between devices. USB A and B are limited to USB 2 speeds. USB C can operate (and often does) at USB 3 speeds. BUT, the Presonus interfaces are only USB 2 speed. And that is good enough for virtually any use case with interfaces. So, I have no prob with the fact that it is USB 2. What I find scammy is promoting the quantum interfaces as USB C and not acknowleging that this is a downgrade from the original Quantums which are Thunderbolt. And Thunderbolt is way faster than USB 2. The speed, in the end, is not going to make a diff for 99% of users but the marketing for the new Quantums is just a bit misleading. They are fine with customers conflating USB C with USB 3 and thinking they are getting something they are not. One thing that USB C is much better for than USB A or B is charging devices and it may provide power better to USB powered devices like a lot of interfaces aa sometimes USB A devices cannot draw enough power over USB and need a seperate power source either as a wall wart or a second USB connection.

[@b4time718]

The letter refers to shape of connector. The numbers refer to the protocol. C connectors can handle usb 2 (slower) and usb 3 (much faster but slower than thunderbolt). A connectors cannot handle usb 3. This interface is using a C connector but a "2" protocol. The old Quantum units were thunderbolt which is faster than USB 3 waaay faster than usb 2. Despite all that, it prob doesn't make any significant difference performance diff. And the C connector is more convenient to use and better than A connectors for bus powering.

[@JamesJones-th3ml]

@@b4time718 I think either I am you may be confused. I build my own computers man. LOL I still never heard of that.... I have 2 C style 3.20 USB connections along with the older USB 2.0 normal rectangle connections. THEY ARE DIFFERENT I have never heard of a C-type connection being a USB 2.0 they are totally different, and C handles a LOT more Data which I am hearing lately that USB C can handle more than thunderbolt. That is why they are all switching to USB C man. Thunderbolt seems to be dying. PLUS, again I also heard that Mac or apple whoever does thunderbolt is halting support for backwards compatibility, so I feel that is the reason they are switching. Which is similar to what you are saying but I think they are still different. I have heard of a USB 2 to USB Compatible version of certain connections BUT still I have never heard of the OFICIAL USB 2.0 being the same thing in a type C connection where did you hear that? I'm curious because if I am wrong, I need to know these things LMAO I looked up my computer mother board which kinda explains everything I just said from the ASUS website for my 570 PRIME board. I could be wrong, but I am almost certain I am not LOL I literally read all the info I just posted here from their website. I have USB C 2.0 on one and I have 2 USB C 3.0 connections. I also have USB 2 and USB 3 which are all different. The USB 2 and 3 are rectangle though. BUT the C 2.0 is NOT the same thing as USB 2.0. Where did you hear that? I'll look.

[@david_onbass]

Can you link two Presonus hd 8 units together for 16 simultaneous inputs?

[@GusLozadaTV]

Not "link" but use one as interface and the second and third one as an ADAT expansion.

[@jamesoconnor5903]

This is the biggest step backwards Presonus made compared to the previous generation Quantum which allowed thunderbolt linking/chaining 4 units for 32 channels, each of which could additionally support 16 channels of ADAT for a total of 96 channels. Which is why I’m not letting go of my thunderbolt quantum’s.

[@GusLozadaTV]

@@jamesoconnor5903 This is because these are NOT Thunderbolt interfaces.

[@NicosNGames]

Such a great video!

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

@@NicosNGames Thanks!

[@Icko_VOT]

Jacob How does the DAC of the Presonus stack up against the Audient id24?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Subjective but to my ears the Presonus sounds louder and punchier probably because I barely push the HD 8 to about 25% gain to get a nice loud environment while I have to raise the gain on the iD24s big knob closer to 70% to get around the same loudness.

[@Icko_VOT]

@@JacobDarkOfficial Completely understandable

[@dpinskey]

Thanks for the fair comparison. Go Birds!

[@casade2831]

Hi, is there a way to control the presonous volume knob with another satandlaone knob as to not having to reach over to the rack all the time? Something that is purely digital function? Thank you for the comparison video.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

I don't think so unless you get an external monitor controller, I would like something myself however just use my mouse to control the volume via Universal Control

[@casade2831]

@@JacobDarkOfficial It seems like something obvious they should make.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

@@casade2831 Yea I suggested something to them since all their faderport stuff only controls stuff inside a DAW, a Universal Control controller would be great!

[@casade2831]

@@JacobDarkOfficial So, I got the following from the PreSonus team. However, I do not know what they mean. What do you think? "You should be able to use Universal Control to control the device digitally."

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

They are correct, you can control via your mouse which is what I do, they didn't understand you want a physical knob

[@DuroSamples]

Mmm! Yet all I see online is people complaining about Presonus ASIO drivers doing horrible things. The Focusrite mix matrix is horrible, and the direct out monitoring gets in the way while you want to play back. You have to go back and forth foe each channel... both are a joke at this point.

[@b4time718]

I guess I am accusing them of not bring transparent and misleading customers (you are the perfect example) who are conditioned to equate a C connector with a 3 protocol. But C handles USB2 (as well as USB3, USB4 and higher). I think they invested a lot of effort into products truly optimized for a USB2 environment cuz EVERYBODY has USB2 and cuz USB2 is just plain good enough when you have great drivers.

[@JayHartMusic]

dope video bro what's ya gamer tag?

[@hbonthetrack]

I got a 8 PreX and I’m gotten my hands on an HD8. With all due respect , the Focusrite drivers are way better than the HD8 … the running joke is that they mistakenly put the 8 Red Line Drivers in them … the transients were noticeably better and the stereo separation was second to none ( 3D ) . Look wise , that blue Color hurts your eyes even when you turn it down to 7%. Sorry but that slick red looks better… Also their software is complicated … you can tell it was catered only to Studio One Users ( which I use by the way ) Not straight forward to do simple things you can do in Focusrite control … gave it a chance but I had to return it. Not a terrible interface but naaaa they don’t have anything on Focusrite IYKYK.

[@VoxTone2009]

Clarette is a good line, but I prefer the Focusrite Red line and the RME Fireface or even better the Apogee Symphony line.

[@hbonthetrack]

@@VoxTone2009 oh ya ? Have you had both to be able to compare the two ? ( Red vs Clarett ) if so. What did you hear ?

[@VoxTone2009]

@@hbonthetrack I have a Clarett only and use my Midas M32 mixer with 32 stage box sometimes to record if I want a warmer sound. I know it doesn't have the same resolution, but the Midas preamps are so warm. I don't have the red, rme or apogee but I have friends that have these different ones, and I tried them in their settings. My recordings are usually in live settings.

[@hbonthetrack]

@@VoxTone2009 thanks for getting back to me

[@levigonzalez2498]

Was it a true side by side comparison? how did you compare?

[@costak7679]

I know Clarett has awesome pre amps on par with Arturia but Presonus design is juck too fire 🔥 their interfaces look like they belong on a UFO or a fighter jet.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Ha yea it does look pretty slick in my rack, just wish I could customize the color options!

[@AkVellie]

Presonus killed it this generation 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Agreed!

[@artysanmobile]

The Clarett, and below, line comes with such a terrible software user interface as to be almost unusable. I don’t know how it has never been remedied as it is a major deterrent to sales with superb sonics.

[@caffeinastudio832]

The Presonus looks more pro too, not to dis ffocusrite tho

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

They both have their pros and cons but the HD 8 does look sexy in my rack lol

[@tri-unetrl3966]

Focusrite Clarett (Chuck Norris) VS. PreSonus Quantum (Bruce Lee) Bruce WHOOP THAT ASS!! 🤣🏆💪🏽👊🏽

[@savoirfaire8979]

HUGE DIFFERENCE on variable not discussed: MACOS versus Windows.

[@digitaldiezel5870]

So at the end….PRESONUS! The low end is dope!! 💯🔊🫡