Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB - REVIEW (audio performance tested)

[@fletcherbrown728]

Exactly what a perfect gear review should look and sound like. You replaced the “yo, hey dude, what’s up KZbin” with detailed information, backed up with technical documentation. Well done. New subscriber here.

[@lmo613]

Exactly, Nothing is worst when seeking important information than to have a clown calling you "YO! or KZbin".

[@coloaten6682]

Completely agree. So many reviewers actually believe the review is all about them, rather than the equipment they are supposed to be reviewing. New subscriber here as well! Well done, Julian :)

[@idanmorim1946]

Was just thinking that. Terrific job

[@TrggrWarning]

Yo hey dudes these are the types of comments I want to read around here!

[@FlynnIsAlive]

Your videos are seriously amazing, thank you so much!

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

I’m so impressed with this video, I actually sent it, along with pictures of the graphs that you put here, to my sales technician at Sweetwater sound in America. I own this unit, the 2016 thunderbolt version, and I’m amazed at how good it sounds, especially as I’m working on my next album in my studio right now. But this makes me appreciate it even more! Thank you for an amazing and very well laid out video!

[@JulianKrause]

Thank you for the nice comment!

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

@@JulianKrause Thank you for the nice video!

[@KASA852]

Holy shit. This was an incredibly detailed review. I'm genuinely in awe. Thanks so much!

[@danio5191]

You should list all the interfaces with their input performance listed in a spreadsheet like you do with the headphone outputs, it would help to directly compare everything you've tested at a glance

[@billschnake6378]

I thought this was a great review. You covered everything about the interface in an easy to understand way. I had been wondering about purchasing the 2Pre's big brother either the 4Pre or 8Pre. I have decided to go with the 8Pre for additional inputs. Thanks again for doing such a well thought out and organized review.

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

Finally a box that comes with a Fethead recommendation. Sort of. Do you know what would be cool? An annual overview. The measurements have already been taken. It is nice if you compare the devices. Love your German approach. Takes me back to the days I read the latest reviews in Auto, Motor und Sport.

[@JulienMARY]

That's THE channel for technical review. Sharp, clear and no bla-bla. Thanks for hard work.

[@Ram.Saketh]

Thank you for the highly technical review - helped me make a decision based on this review!

[@johnkotches8320]

Happened upon your channel in the usual way... Searching for a review. I enjoy the direct, fact driven reviews.

[@WycliffStudios]

Why are your reviews so perfect? I watched your video before buying my first Focusrite 2i2 interface and I'm pretty happy about it.

[@austinpoznoski3083]

this is legit one of the best product review videos ive ever seen. the amount of depth you went into and the clarity with which you explained everything was extremely impressive. definitely earned a new subscriber! :)

[@Gregg0Palmer]

Great review! You do the most complete reviews of anyone on the web.Thanks...

[@MarceloFernandezMusic]

I just found your reviews and they are definitely the best reviews I have ever found, precise, detailed and really helpful. Congratulations with your channel, new sub here 😄👏👏

[@Bparker111]

Hey, thank you. Seeing actual data and comparisons is super helpful and severely lacking in most reviews. Much appreciated! Definitely going to share this info.

[@Ryloss1]

Julian Krause makes the best reviews, and I always look for his reviews first on the item.

[@Ram.Saketh]

Thank you for the highly technical review - helped me to make a decision!

[@JulianKrause]

Thank you too!!

[@howiecampbellmusic]

Glad to have found your review, Julian. I actually just received my Clarett 2Pre USB and was just about to test drive it. You gave me confidence in my choice. Can't wait to check out the headphone output. Looking forward to viewing more of your reviews. Great job.

[@bensherwood777]

I love your channel. It's all about the data and performance without the unnecessary personal comments and marketing pressure. You're great at what you do! Bravo

[@WackorMiki]

4pre user for a couple of years here. Based on practical experience I can completely verify the result of your video. This unit is face melting, except for the headphone amps. I had no idea that high impedance headphones produce no issues with it so thanks for the hint mate. Your channel and in general your mission in this channel is absolutely golden!

[@Mionwang]

I'm so glad i found this channel before I bought my first audio interface (NI Komplete Audio) last year! Can't stress it enough how good the content is!

[@Andre_2099]

Definitely the best audio equipment reviews around, the careful detail in the headphone output is VERY welcome! I'm so tired of people asking if an interface can drive higher impedance headphones and the reply is "sure", when we know it's not always the case. Thank you. :)

[@massivebeatzz]

yeah, the power on these headphone amps is insane! Especially the new Clarett ++.

[@kquat7899]

This is what I like to see. A proper gear review.

[@FatNorthernBigot]

What a precise review. All the info you need. If you put a drum machine over Julian's voice, it's like listening to Kraftwerk... 🎵"Fun, Fun, Fun mit der Focusrite" 🎵 Ausgezeichnete Bewertung!

[@cozmovox]

I come from a scarlett interface and I recently upgaded to the clarett range. This is one of the most significant improvements I've had in my studio.....if you are serious about recording you should get at least that quality of preamps and converters. My first impression : I can record much louder without the low end mudding out and the high end hurting my ears. I seem to get more out of my other preamps , my mics and outboard gear because I have a better image AND I make better mixing decisions which ends up in an overall better result than ever before.

[@EM-km8em]

How you liking this Clarett so far ?

[@cozmovox]

​@@EM-km8em I've got 16 ins and outs now (interface + adat device). It's flawless.....They have become more expensive now.

[@ctrlaltcreate3827]

@@cozmovox how would it compare to the scarlet solo 3rd gen?

[@cozmovox]

@@ctrlaltcreate3827 As I already stated : BETTER SOUND QUALITY. But also MORE EXPENSIVE :-)

[@ctrlaltcreate3827]

@@cozmovox thanks for the answer man! I’m gonna milk this Solo gen 3 until the wheels fall off and save for something professional down the line 👍🏾

[@dwftube]

Great review as always. Have to say this is the best I've heard the SM7b - it usually sounds a bit flat and dull. Here, even with the 'Air Mode' off it sounds clearer than I have heard it before.

[@espedale]

Excellent review. Love the depth and breadth of this very scientific evaluation!

[@gutohoffmann]

I really do believe you make the most valuable reviews of audio gear on youtube!

[@jonljacobi]

I love the granularity of you reviews. Excellent.

[@zdravkodimitrov]

More frequent videos, please! Can't get enough of them!

[@MixAtölyesi]

I've been following you for a long time and I'm subscribing to your channel, thanks bro, love from turkey.

[@levirphillips]

Just realised I am sat here wearing the same jumper. 😂 Great review Julian, thank you!

[@TheSubstrance]

Thank you so much for this! Now I know it was a good investment to get this interface.

[@tkermi]

Great video, thanks for the info! Based on recording samples I have heard Clarett has really good transient performance and clean highs (great for drums etc.).

[@acapitusomaari5816]

your reviews are one of a kind; highly informative and concise.

[@josuesebastianlorenzo9049]

love your work man!! huge detailed! thanks!

[@konradzlu5h]

Dear Julian I just pray for the Universal Audio Apollo Twin USB review and test! You perform the greatest reliable tests on YT! Let your equipment soak in the great quality of sound!

[@willstrattonmusic]

Great analysis. I'd be very interested to see what you think of the Arturia AudioFuse line, especially the AudioFuse Studio.

[@Paweland]

Thank You for great review I am thinking of purchase this interface at soon future , best regards :)

[@monadyne]

Best review of anything ever.

[@Not-Only-Reaper-Tutorials]

Excellent! Thank you for this test I desired to get and the better device testing. Great!

[@arjednb]

Incredible work you put into this, maximum respect. Great review.

[@lionheartroar3104]

Your expertise is very appreciated. Thank you.

[@catsfan2937]

Thank you Julian! I've been looking forward to this one since I started watching your reviews

[@yona9798]

Great review! it's a bummer I don't currently have the money to buy a Clarett. I'd love a review of the Audient id14 mkII and IK Multimedia AXE I/O at some point in the near future. I need a new interface mainly for recording guitar and bass. I was already considering the AXE I/O and the Motu M2 when the id14 mkII came out and it's expandability is very enticing. From what I've read so far the id14 seems to be an exceptionally capable interface in general and it is made by a well respected brand, so I feel like alot of people would benefit from a review. Thanks :D

[@TheHypeCom]

I am currently deciding between the clarett 2 pre and the Audient id14 mk2 and I think a review by Julian would help a lot in deciding between the two. Atm the clarett seems to be a little more convenient with the option to power it even without a usbc capable computer and it also having a dedicated power switch. If the aufient outshines it performance wise I’d go for the id14 though

[@yona9798]

@@TheHypeCom that's a difficult one. Tbh I was also thinking about upgrading to the id14 mk2 when it came out, because it seems to be superior to most other interfaces by a long shot (especially if adat is of any importance to you. The Clarett does have adat too, but it's quite a bit more expensive where I live). I do have usb C, making it even more appealing. Another important point for you might be availability. At least where I live the mk2 was sold out in little under a day and will likely be unavailable for another 1-2 months. good luck finding the right interface :D

[@drewwilliams2411]

It would be interesting to see what the test results are for the upgraded Clarett+ model

[@pencilguin]

Hello Julian - your channel and your review strategy is awesome! You gave me everything I needed to make a decision about which interface was best for me today. It's brilliant how you let the interfaces and the measurements speak for themselves, rather than relying on your own subjective interpretations - you make it so we can hear the darn things and make our own decisions. That is simply and exactly what we need. Thank you so much!

[@kristapspucens]

And this is how you review audio gear! Thank you!

[@911bass]

Great reviews!!! I'd love to see a review of the UAD Twin Duo.

[@AHOY_MATEY]

Dude this was a brilliant review. Very thorough. Too much for me, but appreciated all the same. Thank you.

[@Michael-of9ce]

wunderbar!! Thanks for all the work you do Julian. Would love to see a review about the Audient Sono.

[@asteen75]

Very good review! Thank you Julian.

[@darrellroseborough7275]

Julian my friend you're the best! I owned the Claret Pre since it first came out and had nothing but great recordings since. You explain everything in detail not all the gibberish but straight up graphics to back everything up. keep up the good work.

[@lastdaysguitar]

AMAZINGLY GOOD! Subscribed!

[@guilhermeaugusto2649]

Thank you Julian! Keep up with this amazing work.

[@johnhernlund539]

A very solid review. I have a Clarett 4Pre and I use it with the SM7B and Cloudlifter, it works exactly as you described for the 2Pre. I have been monitoring with low impedance headphones and I also notice the distortion creeping in, exactly like you described in your HP noise analysis (I've since changed over to another HP amp). It seems that no audio interface you've measured is perfect, there is always some trade-off. However, the quality of the pre-amps and ADC in the Focusrite Clarett line is superb, and that is the most important factor for me personally.

[@БуровойМастер-у3н]

Thank you for your job!!! Waiting for test RODE-AI- 1.Very inreresting to know little bit more details about it.

[@MrNickdino]

I am curious about that one as well, it comes in a bundle with their nt1 microphone doesn't it?

[@БуровойМастер-у3н]

@@MrNickdino Yes. But you can buy it as single device.

[@Ishai1]

The Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 3rd gen was the first audio interface I had that would send spikes to my monitors when my turning my computer on/off. Never had that problem with other interfaces, including some cheaper ones. Their support said this is how it's designed and their more expensive interfaces don't have that problem. Maybe this Clarett is one of those more expensive interfaces, but the company lost my business for not having a simple protection for the equipment that plugs into their products. So, this may be a great interface but beware, and check to make sure it doesn't have that same issue while you can still return it. Especially if you have good monitors

[@mikem.1203]

There is a minor voiceover error at 3:15. The A2D converter model number is AK4413EQ (not AK5513EQ). Just a heads-up.

[@MCAlvesPortugal]

Great review😎

[@ErnestoPossiSpanishVoiceOver]

Great video with amazing details!

[@gordospeti]

I am always glad to watch your honest scientific reviews. It is clear you have been putting lots of efforts into them, thanx for that! I think this is the best audio interface I can indulge in. Two questions: Based upon your vid this certain audio interface works better with high impedance headphones. What impedance headphones should I buy for best performances? / Though the device has Mic/Line combo inputs, I have been advised to use mic level with a DI before the input it for better sounds when I play with either an acoustic electric or an electric guitar. I really am interested in your opinion! Please, thanx very much!

[@zombiemachinery4868]

Thank you for reviewing my baby.

[@giovanievalencia2169]

great videos as always bro, really informative and really helps us make wise decisions before buying new gear, happy holidays

[@excessivity]

You have my favorite reviews

[@eddysel10]

Excellent review. When the time comes to upgrade my audio interface, I will definitely take the results of your reviews into consideration 💯💯💯 And the focusrite clarett (the bigger one with 8 preamps), will be on top of my list next to Antelope and Universal audio.

[@deszczak]

Amazing as always! Thank you!

[@justicemoody]

This dude could out-stare a Cat.

[@JulianKrause]

A cat has no chance against me!

[@Andres-sp2go]

omg lol too funny

[@baganatube]

@Vinheteiro

[@yourforeignlocal]

Dunno man, my friend's cat keeps blinking at me

[@kankantandikaigorotan1496]

@@JulianKrause very funny

[@mambalakeproductions759]

Great objective review, thanks

[@andreipopa4969]

Very very detailed and informative! It would be a blast if you could do such a video about Latency and also Real Life Performance Latency, such as testing how many plugins can you load on your PC with the specs shared of course. Best regards and Danke schoen!

[@Doctor-en8dj]

Thank you - excellent review. Really helpful.

[@frankjerke]

Arturia AudioFuse Rev2 is a very interesting USB Interface with lots of options - I might buy this one soon

[@greul_vietii]

Can you do a review of the latest Clarett+ 2pre and compare with this previous model?

[@JTCPingas]

Yes. Would love to see the Clarett+ 2Pre.

[@massivebeatzz]

Even better. Headphone amp is something else. SO good. On pro headphones of course.

[@RonnieLeBlancMusic]

You rock man! Totally on point! Just what I needed. Thank you for doing this. So Which interface would you go with after all of these tests? Peace!

[@lance134679]

Thank you for the review. I kind of thought Focusrite would ensure high quality throughout on the Clarett series since they're charging more for them. For me, the main drawback is lack of digital ins and out, which would allow one to use it as a stand alone converter, but as a USB interface, it seems like a safe bet, even for serious projects.

[@albe1980]

Thank you very much for the review. Please continue to analyze just like this, IN DEPTH each new device. Could you review the new Apollo Twin ?. THNKS!!!

[@rjb7569]

Julian: Another excellent, thorough interface review. You da man! Very few YT reviewers approach the thoroughness of your examinations, backing up their opinions with the science. Much appreciated. I do have a bit of confusion concerning one of your comments, if you could clarify. As I do not have an interface yet, I didn't quite understand the comment: "The output routing option is not available at 192 kHz." Does this mean if you record at the highest level the recorded sound cannot be sent to the monitors, or something like that? Again, excellent work.

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, you can always send audio from the inputs straight to the monitors and headphones. But the custom mix where you define the level of your DAW and direct monitoring is only available with 96 kHz and below.

[@rjb7569]

@@JulianKrause Thanks, Julian. I get it now. As soon as you mentioned "direct monitoring" it clicked in. We KZbinrs should hire you to examine, review and chart every interface out there up to a thousand bucks. You are so thorough we wouldn't need to poke around listening to many more other opinions. It would make the purchasing decisions easier. I know the higher priced UA and Arturia interfaces may be beyond your access, BUT that would be clarifying to see the differences between the lower/moderately priced items and the more expensive pro-sumer end of the spectrum. Thanks for all you do, and not just the interface reviews.

[@techmed-rainer]

This video was very helpful, thank you very much, Julian! As I use headphones for monitoring and mixing with an impedance of 300 Ohm, the Claret maybe a good choice for me.

[@Dobrovinskiy]

Cool! I love your reviews ☺️

[@flipperpitstudio]

Your voice is sooooo sooooooothing! 🥰 Great channel! #subscribed

[@giampaolocapelli]

hi Julian, thanks for this great review

[@rhmm96]

Very good video man

[@kyron42]

From the user manual it shows that the Halo turns orange at about -6dBFS. Gain 1 and 2 - two rotary controls: adjust the input gain for the signals at Inputs 1 and 2 respectively. The gain controls have concentric bi-colour LED ‘halos’ to confirm signal level: green indicates an input level of at least -42 dBFS (i.e., ‘signal present’), the ring then turns orange when the signal level reaches -6 dBFS, and red at 0 dBFS.

[@alejandrocastellanos9046]

Great review, thanks! You should make a google drive spreadsheet to compare the equipment you’re reviewing, would be a great addition

[@DanielBergonzoni]

Wow this is great! Thank you!

[@KloderTX]

Nice thorough video. It's interesting that these latest versions are moving to a USB-C connector, and I would like to see a test of ones like this that state they can run off USB power, to confirm that the specs are the same, especially if you test something with 4 mic pres that should all work with a 15W USB-C (3.1) host. (I note that Focusrite's manual is completely silent on which version of USB the device operates at, so we can assume it's USB 2.0. It seems a little disingenuous to omit that part of the spec, while touting the ability to run from USB-C 15W hosts on the webpage.)

[@POWPLANET]

Hi Julian, really loved your detailed review!!! Are you planning to do a review for the newly released Audient iD14 MK2?

[@pro-audio-coaching]

🤗 Great Job Julian! Very precise and understandable at the same time. This goes for speech AND contents. Only one little thing: You speak about impedance and state, that you´re surprised about the not so very low value of 2kOhms. And of course you´re right: This is quite a normal impedance for a mic input on an amp. But: The LOW impedance is NOT related to a more open and clear sound (i.e. more high end in the signal). Instead, along with a higher level on the input, this is typical for the HIGHER input impedance. So the 6kOhms on the Clarett do open up the signal´s high end when using the air mode. All the best and keep up the good work! :-D Carlos

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, I should have explained this a bit differently. You are right, for a neutral sound you want to have a high input impedance. But the air mode is designed to "color" the sound on purpose, so I thought they would lower the input impedance even more to mess with the frequency reponse. That's why I thought 2 kOhm was still quite high for the air mode.

[@SaturnVoyager11]

I’d love to see a test like this one with the powered Scarlett versions like the 18i20 2nd gen and 3rd gen.

[@feelsmall315]

If youre in the market for one of these claretts, i made the jump to an 8pre usb from a 2nd gen 18i20, so much more stable between my octopre and ox top box, the bundled software is a must as well. Id recommend it for sure! Running windows 10 & Reaper for context

[@hectorsev]

Hi ! Congratulations for your work. Sorry about my english... You're helping lot of people in their search for the best audio components they can afford (me included!) Have you hear about the new Black Lion Audio Revolution 2x2? Maybe you can make a review of it. Regards from Spain !!

[@AlexStrabala]

Please do a review of the Black Lion Revolution 2x2 when you can get your hands on one!

[@4brotroydavis]

Ahh he hated on it....I love the interface but julian trashed it....don't understand

[@st_cyndaquil]

Awesome reviews! No one else it doing this level of in-depth analysis of interfaces. Any plans to review the presonus quantum 2632 or 2626?

[@BeHeardStudio]

Gotta love your videos! So much good information! I listen to your video even if I don't own or like a piece of hardware you're reviewing just because of the quality and details you share with us. I bought a Clarett 2 pre USB 2 months ago and you'ved just confirmed what my toughs and searches lead me to. Thanks Julian and keep up the good work!

[@moskva-kassiopeya]

Your reviews are always the best! Thank you so much for providing such detailed and well explained information. It really helps!

[@franciscoaguilar6644]

Excelent video!!!

[@ryanburchett8455]

Best reviews on the internet

[@waedi73]

Hey Julian, Du machst super Videos ! Und die detaillierten Messungen sind der Hammer ! Latenzzeiten in der DAW würden mich besonders interessieren, was leistet der Audiotreiber ? Und Vergleich mit RME wär auch ganz hübsch. Und noch was ! Endlich mal ein Deutscher der schönes Englisch spricht ! Bravo 👏👏✌🏻🚀🌍

[@blondefriend]

Would be really interested to see a column added to your Headphone table for an equal power THD+N comparison, for instance, what is the THD+N of all of these devices when delivering 15mW into a 32ohm load.

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, this collumn already exists. I test the THD+N for 32 Ohm at 300 mV and 300 Ohm at 920 mV. Both times this is about 2.8 mW.

[@nick_furlo]

Hey bud great analysis as always! Just wanted to let you know you that you my want to avoid that sweater in future videos as it produces a moray pattern with your camera. Thanks for always doing such in depth analysis, your videos were vital in helping me choose an interface.

[@Alterwill]

I literally understood nothing...but thats one great review! :)

[@youngjb94]

😂