Focusrite ISA C8X 2RU Rackmount 26x28 Analog & Digital USB-C Audio Interface with Two Remote-controllable ISA Preamps

ITEM #: FCSR-ISA-C8X MFG #: ISA C8X

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Free Shipping with $49 Minimum Order

Our Price:

$2,299.99

Availability: Preorder - Expected Availability Aug 2026.
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ISA C8X - Overview

Focusrite's First Ever ISA Audio Interface!

The Focusrite ISA C8X combines the trademark ISA sound with comprehensive remote control and all the analog and digital I/O, routing, and recallability you need to run your entire studio, plus switchable impedance, balanced inserts, and high-pass filtering. The first two channels feature ISA preamps with classic Lundahl LL1538 transformers and Console and 430 Air modes for new tonal options. All eight are fully controllable from the front panel and via Focusrite Control 2.

The ISA Sound, Evolved
The ISA story starts in 1985 with a request from Sir George Martin to Rupert Neve: build a no-compromise mic preamp. That circuit became the foundation of every ISA product made since. 40 years on, it lives in ISA C8X - Focusrite's first ISA audio interface, housed in anodised aluminium in Focusrite's original blue colour, with heritage transformer sound in a 26-in, 28-out USB-C interface built for the modern studio.

One Interface for Any Session:
• Expand your setup
• Permanent installations
• Create immersive mixes
• Hear every detail
• Eight preamps, set in seconds
• Access to your outboard

Heritage Sound with Total Control
The two ISA preamps at the heart of ISA C8X feature the same Lundahl LL1538 transformers Rupert Neve chose in 1985. Warm, rich, and detailed on any source, with up to 79dB of gain, switchable impedance, and balanced inserts - and for the first time in ISA's storied history, remotely controllable via Focusrite Control 2.

All-Analog Tone
ISA gives you two relay-switchable analog circuits. Console mode introduces warm saturation and low-end punch via a variable soft-clip circuit. 430 Air, lifted directly from the ISA 430 MkII, adds high-end shimmer through an inductor-based high-shelf filter. Both are completely analog with full-bodied sound.

Focusrite Control 2
With Focusrite Control 2 for desktop, you can adjust ISA C8X's settings from your mixing position when the unit isn't within reach. Control preamps, Auto Gain, and analog tone modes without leaving the sweet. Fine-tune settings from your phone or tablet with iOS and Android app.

  • Features:

    • 2RU rackmounted, 26-in/28-out USB-C audio interface
    • Eight remote-controlled preamps with up to 79dB of gain, two of which are ISA preamps with Lundahl LL1538 transformers
    • All-analogue Console and 430 Air modes for tonal shaping
    • 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion with up to 125dB of dynamic range
    • Additional Sonnox bundles available
     
  • Specifications:

      Hardware Overview
    • Mic Preamps: 8
    • Phantom Power: Yes
    • Line Inputs: 8
    • Instrument Inputs: 2
    • Insert Sends: 2
    • Insert Returns: 2
    • Line Outputs: 12
    • Headphone Outputs 2
    • Line Outputs: 10
    • Headphone Outputs: 2
    • ADAT Inputs: 2
    • ADAT Outputs: 2
    • SPDIF Input: 1
    • SPDIF Output: 1
    • MIDI Input: 1
    • MIDI Output: 1
    • Word Clock Input: 1
    • Word Clock Output: 1
    • Talkback: Yes
    • Loopback: Yes
    • Connectivity: USB Type-C
    • Protocol: USB 2.0
    • Form Factor: Rack Mountable
    • Simultaneous I/O: 26x28 w/loopback
    • A/D Resolution: 24-bit/192 kHz
    • Maximum Power Draw: 40W
    • Bus Powered: No

      ISA Mic Input
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.4dB)
    • Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 117dB
    • THD+N: -93dB (0.0023%)
    • Noise EIN (A-Weighted): -128dB
    • Maximum Input Level: +16dBu
    • Gain Range: 79dB
    • Input Impedance (switchable): 800Ω (Low), 1400Ω (ISA 110), 2400Ω (Med), 7000Ω (High)
    • High Pass Filter (HPF): 75Hz cut-off frequency, 18dB/Octave

      Mic Inputs (Channels 3-8)
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB)
    • Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 116dB
    • THD+N: -100dB (0.001%)
    • Noise EIN (A-Weighted): -127dB
    • Maximum Input Level: +16dBu
    • Gain Range: 69dB
    • Input Impedance: 3200Ω

      ISA Mic Inputs (Channels 1-2)
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.4dB)
    • Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 117dB
    • THD+N: -93dB (0.0023%)
    • Noise EIN (A-Weighted): -128dB
    • Maximum Input Level: +16dBu
    • Gain Range: 79dB
    • Input Impedance (switchable): 800Ω (Low), 1400Ω (ISA 110), 2400Ω (Med), 7000Ω (High)
    • High Pass Filter (HPF): 75Hz cut-off frequency, 18dB/Octave

      Mic Inputs (Channels 3-8)
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB)
    • Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 116dB
    • THD+N: -100dB (0.001%)
    • Noise EIN (A-Weighted): -127dB
    • Maximum Input Level: +16dBu
    • Gain Range: 69dB
    • Input Impedance: 3200Ω

      Fixed-level Line Inputs (Channels 1-8)
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.05dB)
    • Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 120dB
    • THD+N (minimum): < -105dB (0.00056%)
    • Maximum Input Level: +24dBu

      Instrument Inputs (Channels 1-2)
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.5dB)
    • Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 117dB
    • THD+N (minimum): -89dB (0.0036%)
    • Maximum Input Level (at minimum gain): +14dBu
    • Gain Range: 79dB
    • Input Impedance (switchable): 400kΩ (Low), 1.2MΩ (High)

      Inserts (Channels 1-2)
    • Connection: Balanced
    • Maximum Output Level (send): +16dBu
    • Maximum Input Level (return): +16dBu

      Line Outputs
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.02dB)
    • Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 125dB
    • THD+N (minimum): -113dB (0.00023%)
    • Maximum Output Level: +24dBu

      Headphone Outputs
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB)
    • Dynamic Range: 114dB @ 33Ω, 116dB @ 300Ω, 116dB @ 600Ω
    • THD+N: -102dB @ 33Ω, -110dB @ 300Ω, -110dB @ 600Ω
    • Max Output Level: +8dBu @ 33Ω, +11dBu @ 300Ω, +11dBu @ 600Ω
    • Max Output Power: 130mW @ 33Ω, 28mW @ 300Ω, 14mW @ 600Ω
    • Output Impedance: 3Ω

      Compatability
    • Windows: Intel, AMD, and Arm64 processors supported
    • MacOS: Apple Silicon and Intel processors supported
    • Linux: ISA C8X is UAC2 class compliant and should work on most Linux systems but this is not tested or supported

      Physical
    • Dimensions: 3.5" x 19" x 11.53"
    • Weight (without accessories): 12.26lbs
    • Weight (with accessories): 12.85lbs
    • Shipping Dimensions: 4.88" x 24.61" x 11.53"
    • Shipping Weight: 18.80lbs
     
  • Item Includes:

    • 1x ISA C8X audio interface
    • 1x USB type C-to-C cable
    • 1x Region-specific IEC cable
    • 4x Rubber feet
     
  • Warranty:

    • 3 Years
     
  • GTIN:

    0815301001713
     

ISA C8X - Required Accessories

    California Residents:
    WARNING:
    Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov