Why I Chose the Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre Audio Interface in 2024

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

I don't talk about it much but I live with an incurable illness that's forced me to rely on my KZbin channel as my only source of income to survive. That said PLEASE consider using my links in the description - it not only helps the channel but helps keep my life afloat. BIG THANK YOU to those that do. ( To learn more watch here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqGsimChhr6UnsU )

[@agork]

What is the incurable illness called?

[@bigdoggetom6549]

I think people spend so much time mucking about with the cheap Scarlett range that they forget Focusrite actually makes some seriously good high end gear

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

I own the 1st "CLARETT 8 PRE" (Thunderbolt) I used it for around 3 years then swutched to UA apollo's but now again, its time to switch again since iMac is not up to Specs & need new computer to updates on both OS & DAW. ( I only got 5 years out of it!) The Focurite when i listen back on my Recordings, I feel had a better SOUND from it's coverters. Thank You for taking the time to make this Video! George Amodei :)

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Thanks for the comment George! Crazy how fast technology flies before you know it M3 chips will be old!

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

@@JacobDarkOfficial lol yup! Sucks… cost TOO much to stay on top of it all!

[@adammercysystem6450]

Mines been absolutely spot on since i bought it, even upgraded my laptop to the M1 Max, had no issues whatsoever, jist plug and play

[@andynonimuss6298]

I also own the Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre. I'm using it for 5.1 surround with Adam monitors. Also of note is that Focusrite is one of the few that has 5.1 and 7.1 surround driver support in Windows. I recently contacted Focusrite tech support and asked if their Red Line8 and Red Line16 also support Windows WDM and they said yes. Outside of your DAW... support for Windows WDM gives you the ability to listen to movies in surround and play games in surround. I'm currently playing Cyberpunk 2077 in 5.1 surround through the Clarett+ 8Pre and Adams and it sounds freak'in amazing!

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Nice! I don't really have the room for a full 5.1 setup (have my home theater for that) but that's a big plus indeed!

[@kevinpunter7960]

Early days for me and mine's just the + 4 Pro mated to a MBP M3 Pro and I'm impressed with its native compatibility with the Mac and virtually seamless Logic Pro integration. If I need to grow the OctoPre ticks that box.

[@KingMoodaStudios]

I have Clarett+ 8pre and Octopre to record my drum videos. The noise floor, converters, excellent gain, ease of controls, and highly professional look, as well as the other facts mentioned in this video, make the Clarett series a very considerable option for those who are serious about their sound quality. Love the detail and work that went into this video. Cheers, my friend. 😎👍🏿

[@waves7300]

I got the 4pre and it’s the best bang for buck imo

[@astrangeandmysteriouspodca7168]

I have a clarrett + 8 pre and its outs are a bit noisy. I also own a motu es828 and a rme ufx 1st gen....they are alot quitter. As far as sound, the motu and rme are very clean. The clarrett + pre's are a bit darker. They all work though and no one would notice unless you heard them back to back. I use the clarrett + for my synths and mpcs.

[@symdega]

I think the 8 pre is dope ! About to get a 4 pre to accomidate my much smaller needs. This line of focusrite is the future, in my opinion

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

It's been 💯 for me!

[@symdega]

@@JacobDarkOfficial Amazing ! I'm glad for you, man ! However, If you wouldn't mind, I have a question : How do you find the stereo imaging of the DAC for mixing / monitoring ? Is it perceptually narrow or wide in comparison to other units you've used ?

[@CarleyCreativeSolutions]

Very curious. I am tied between the Clarett 8pre and the 4th gen Scarlett 18i20. I primarily use my interface to record vocals and synths.

[@ReeceLett]

Question from someone learning analog gear, why do you route your bus comp with 2 ins and 2 outs instead of 1 in and out?

[@hockeytalk6084]

Good question. It’s because you need 2 ins/outs for a stereo device like a bus compressor. One for the left channel and one for the right. If it were a mono unit it would only take up one input

[@ReeceLett]

@@hockeytalk6084 Ahhh gotcha, makes sense!!

[@elijahmant2855]

Hey Jacob. Thanks for your video as usual. Interesting and informative. I have considered this unit for a long time, as I feel it's time overdue to upgrade from my aging 13 years old, Motu 2408 Mk3. Are you happy with the converters, sound quality?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

It's sounds great to my ears, I'd just like to see more gain so I don't have to have my Sm7b so close on video. That's not a concern for most so for the price I say go for it, especially since you're rocking an old interface. Big appreciation should you use my link.

[@elijahmant2855]

Thanks for your reply. @@JacobDarkOfficial

[@Gretsch0997]

I have the Clarett-Plus 4 version so that I can use clone pre's (Through the back inputs) to drive thirsty mics like your SM7 b.

[@Gretsch0997]

You have a neve clone , i see in the background. Just use that to drive your sure mic....? No..?

[@AlexDanson]

I’m also considering this one, a bit torn whether to go for this or the Apollo. I have the UAD native plugins already - Am I right in understanding that it’s the plugins and the ability to record with plugins via DSP that are the main differences? Are both deemed to be professional standard?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Since you already have the plug-ins I'd be looking at either this or the new MOTU 828, either one is going to deliver pro results. Whichever you choose I'd highly appreciate you using my link

[@tiantpassmore937]

Great video Bro. I just got the 18i20 Scarlett

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Nice!

[@waves7300]

Yea don’t tell sweetwater that these converters are just as good if not better than the Apollo line. I called them asking and all they tried selling me was Apollo and RME

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Sweetwater is a solid company but a sales engineer is still in sales at the end of the day. I don't know how they work behind the scenes but I know some companies give their employees incentives for selling certain brands.

[@thomaskihr329]

RME in case you want an interface with top of the notch drivers and low latency. Expensive? Yes, but great quality. Apollo - mhmm good, but only in case you really need or want DSP processing.

[@levigonzalez2498]

do these pres sound better than the HD8?

[@focusonjunta]

I think you left out the only other BIG negative (in addition to the ridiculously low gain of 57db which has caused me to spend a ridiculous amount of money on Cloudlifters), and that is: there is no way to bypass the internal preamps on the Clarett+ 8Pre... A very logical, sensible 'upgrade for someone reaching the 'limits of their existing interface' is to buy a high quality external mic-pre... Yet, that there is no way (in the analog domain) to defeat the internal mic-pre... Atrocious skimping on Focusrite's part. Other than those two negatives - solid 'enthusiast' interface for sure.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

I ended up being fine with the built in gain and never needed a signal booster. As far as not being able to bypass the pres I just use the line ins on the rear for external gear.

[@focusonjunta]

@@JacobDarkOfficial The rear inputs still go through internal preamps - there is, unfortunately, NO way to defeat them.

[@Lifeneverlost]

When did this model come out? I have the old version

[@LD40PRODUCTIONSLLC]

any thoughts on the Merger Anubis premium interface ??

[@AceeSoul]

I have the first Clarett 8pre USB. Is the plus worth the upgrade?

[@OgDj2024]

RESPECT! ✊🏾

[@bayleecannon9499]

you are very well spoken

[@hiyouseemcool]

Will this work with an ipad?

[@vs9884]

I saw a video where you talk about the Antelope Discrete 8 Pro. Did you change it for the the Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

I began having many software issues with Antelope and moved away. From strange hisses to problems connecting to their servers and having to constantly unplug and plug back in it became a headache. Zero issues so far with the Clarett

[@vs9884]

@@JacobDarkOfficial got it! thanks!

[@levigonzalez2498]

People are saying the clarrett + has better converters than the HD8 is that true? Says it sounds more spacious and 3d

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Everyone has different ears but it's not something I noticed. Honestly in 2024 I wouldn't really worry about the difference in converters and focus on other things like connectivity or latency.

[@levigonzalez2498]

@@JacobDarkOfficial what has better preamps?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

@@levigonzalez2498 I believe the HD8, check my other video where I put the HD 8 against the 8Pre, should answer all your questions

[@ANCAPVoluntaryist]

Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre Steinberg UR816C ?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

8Pre all the way! The last great interface Steinberg released was the outdated UR824. Bonus points if you use my link

[@PhucketThugLife]

did you consider the EVO 16? I've been looking at that or a used clarette 8 pre and I'm not sure which way to go.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

I did not. The EVO line is Audients entry line, I would like to see them drop a rackmount iD unit

[@casade2831]

Why did you get rid of the Antelope Discrete 8 Pro?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

I began having too many software issues. Noise and glitches where I'd have to unplug it and plug it back in and would lose connection to their servers, it was frustrating.

[@casade2831]

@@JacobDarkOfficial I did read a lot of similar issues. However, I also did notice that a lot of those issues had particular solutions, and many users did not connect or use the interface 100% as it was intended. I can see how that would be frustrating.

[@wysperss1173]

I got apogee symphony you cant go better than that 🔥🔥🔥

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Nice quality!

[@wysperss1173]

@@JacobDarkOfficial thanks🙏🙏

[@SantaAnaCreations]

Yes u can and by a huge margin ... Look at Steinberg their interface is top they bin in the business way longer also

[@clickbaitpro]

Ah.. You can.

[@glennrisnes]

What Generation is that? I got mine in 2021. Is it the same one?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Is yours a regular Clarett or Clarett+? I believe that's the only difference.

[@glennrisnes]

@@JacobDarkOfficial Clarett +

[@jaimebuesamartin7516]

Hello, new subscriber here!!! I have a Clarett 2pre, no +. I want to change the interface to something with higher sound quality and more inputs and outputs. Someone told me to buy an Audient ID44. And I'm between the Audient and a Clarett+. What would you recommend to me??? Thank you!!! Great video!!!

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Honestly they're both solid, you won't be disappointed either way it just comes down to whether you want a rackmount interface or desktop. Spec for spec there will be differences but in real world use you're not going to notice audible differences.

[@jaimebuesamartin7516]

@@JacobDarkOfficial thank you!!! I think i will try the Audient id44.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Big appreciation if you use my link!

[@clickbaitpro]

Audient measures worse than even the base Scarlett. Carlett is competing with RME and Apollo

[@miklosnagy7411]

I just don't understand why my UMC1820 has less latency (4.7ms) than my Clarett + (6.7ms).. It seems like it's true, Focusrite drivers suck

[@firedadshreds3640]

You like the umc1820 better than the Clarett+? I need an interface and it’s such a huge price difference.

[@BW-wg7de]

so... this or the discrete 8?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

This by far. Antelope may great hardware but their software situation sucks.

[@WassupFred]

Good video

[@hayesbrotha]

RME IS KING 👑

[@CaleMcCollough]

+57db is plenty of gain for a dynamic mic if it's not noisy. That's the entire point of the Clarett+.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Yea this was my initial impression because I've used interfaces with 70db of gain but after some time with it I now have my SM7B straight into one of the preamps and get plenty of gain

[@SantaAnaCreations]

Be couse u havent tried anything else that is actually better than any focurite ever. Ive always hated their interface software its garbage. Steinberg is the best and would use presonus before focusrite any day

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

I've used Audient, Steinberg, MOTU, Universal Audio, SSL, Black Lion Audio, Apogee and more. I've had zero issues so far with the Clarett+

[@TonyKilaBeatz]

steinberg aint the same after hypersonic lost its fame.

[@clickbaitpro]

Stop joking around

[@DGNOGaudio]

want to get an audio interface review video, if you get some intersting please give me your Email, thanks🤝🤝