Top 8 best focusrite thunderbolt audio interface for 2019

Finding the best focusrite thunderbolt audio interface suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.

Best focusrite thunderbolt audio interface

Product	Features	Editor's score	Go to site
	Focusrite Clarett 8Pre		Go to amazon.com
	Focusrite Clarett 8Pre 18x20 Thunderbolt Interface w/ Cloth and 8 Cables		Go to amazon.com
	Focusrite Clarett 8Pre 18-in/20-out Thunderbolt Audio Interface with 1 Year Free Extended Warranty		Go to amazon.com
	Focusrite Clarett 8PreX 26x28 Thunderbolt Interface w/Cloth and 8 Cables		Go to amazon.com
	Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 Professional 20 In/20 Out Firewire Audio Interface with Eight Pre-Amps		Go to amazon.com
	Focusrite Red 8Pre 64-In/64-Out Thunderbolt 2, Pro Tools HD, and Dante Compatible Audio Interface		Go to amazon.com
	Focusrite RedNet PCIeR Dedicated Dante Audio Interface Card With Network Redundancy For Windows Or Mac, 128x128 Dante Audio Interface at Up to 96kHz, 64x64 Performance at 176.4kHz and 192kHz		Go to amazon.com
	Focusrite Clarett 8PreX 26-In/28-Out Thunderbolt Audio Interface Includes Free Wireless Earbuds - Stereo Bluetooth In-ear Earphones		Go to amazon.com

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1. Focusrite Clarett 8Pre

Feature

Eight Clarett Mic Pres - lots of gain, low noise and distortion, extra headroom for instruments - 'Air' effect switches in an analog model of the classic transformer-based Focusrite ISA mic pre - dedicated phantom power, phase reverse, and high pass filters on every channel
Exceptionally low latency over Thunderbolt - record and monitor with DAW plug-ins in real-time; precision digital 24/192 conversion and up to 119dB dynamic range - front panel metering
Full I/O complement - 18-in/20-out, featuring S/PDIF, ADAT I/O, MIDI I/O, and word clock out - dual headphone outputs , Compatible : macOS sierra Mac 10.11 Mac 10.10 Mac 10.9 windows 10 windows 8.1
Included software - Focusrite Control software mixer, Red 2 & Red 3 AAX, AU & VST Plug-in Suite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, 2GB of Loopmasters samples, choice of one free XLN Addictive Keys virtual instrument,monthly software plug-in offers from Focusrite's Plug-In Collective via download
Focusrite iOS Control now available - download the free Focusrite iOS Control app and adjust cue mixes remotely from an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch; Mac compatible, offering stable, reliable operation and Windows compatibility in beta; 2-year limited warranty on manufacturing defects

Description

Designed for the project studio that needs plenty of I/O, Focusrites 18-in, 20-out Clarett 8Pre combines eight newly-designed Clarett mic preamps with class-leading digital conversion, and extraordinarily low round-trip latency. The new Clarett mic pre offers superbly low noise and distortion, plus the switchable Air effect that models the sound of Focusrites renowned ISA transformer-based preamps. Instrument inputs offer extended headroom to suit the loudest guitar pickup, while gain controls employ a special law that makes changes smoother and more precise. For easy access even when rack mounted, the compact (1U) Clarett 8Pre includes combination mic/line/instrument inputs on the front panel. Also on the front panel are two independently controlled headphone outputs with enough level to drive even high impedance headphones to provide suitable monitoring levels. The Clarett 8Pre includes precision Focusrite digital audio conversion with up to 118dB (A/D) / 119dB (D/A) dynamic range. This is combined with an astonishingly low round-trip latency - making it possible to monitor recordings in real time via effects plugins on the DAW such as reverberation. The metering and monitoring panel provides ten 6-segment LED meters covering analog and digital inputs and monitor levels, with a monitor level control knob plus mute and dim buttons. Word Clock output is provided, allowing the Clarett 8Pre to provide the master clock for the system. A new software mixer, Focusrite Control, is easily configured for monitoring and routing setups. Simple and intuitive to use, it offers a traditional mixer workflow and allows immediate access to internal hardware functions. Every Clarett also includes the Red 2 and Red 3 Plug-in Suite, which accurately models Focusrites classic Red range equalizer and compressor hardware. Download the free Focusrite iOS Control app and adjust cue mixes created with the Focusrite Control desktop app remotely from an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. Please note: the Clarett 8Pre requires a Thunderbolt enabled PC with Windows 8.1 or higher or a Mac with OS X 10.9 or higher. Thunderbolt cable not included.

2. Focusrite Clarett 8Pre 18x20 Thunderbolt Interface w/ Cloth and 8 Cables

Feature

Headphone Dynamic Range: 116dB
Headphone Max Output Level: +16dBu
Headphone THD+N: 0.0008%
Instrument Dynamic Range: 116 dB (A-weighted)
Instrument Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz 0.1 dB

Description

Excellent sound is the quality Clarett owners love most. With up to 119dB dynamic range, superbly low noise, precision 24/192 conversion and eight specially-designed mic preamps with a unique analogue "Air" effect, Clarett 8Pre is the Thunderbolt audio interface that simply sounds great, easily out-performing others in its class and beyond. Meanwhile, its astonishing 1.67ms round-trip latency simplifies your workflow and lets you use your favourite plug-ins in real time. Clarett's ultra-low round-trip latency completely transforms your workflow. If you're used to having to build two different mixes - one using input monitoring to overdub, the other using the DAW for playback - the good news is that now, one is enough. Build your mix on the DAW and use it whether you're overdubbing (monitoring the input you're recording with the new Focusrite Control software mixer) or playing back, with all your plugins in place, all the time. Use your favourite plugins while recording too - whether it's reverb on a vocal, a guitar amp simulator, or even virtual instruments live on stage. iOS control and Focusrite Control: Remote control from iPhone or iPad - Download the free Focusrite iOS Control app and adjust cue mixes created with the Focusrite Control desktop app remotely from an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch Ableton Live Lite is included as a free download. Red 2 & 3 Plug-In Suite is included as a free download. Softube Time & Tone Bundle is included as a free download. 2GB Loopmasters Samples are included as a free download. Free monthly offers through Plug-In Collective XLN Addictive Keys license with purchase

3. Focusrite Clarett 8Pre 18-in/20-out Thunderbolt Audio Interface with 1 Year Free Extended Warranty

Feature

Eight Clarett mic pre amps, eight line outputs, and dual front-panel instrument inputs
Switchable analogue 'Air' effect that imparts the sonic signature of the classic Focusrite ISA mic pre on each channel
Focusrite precision 24-bit A-D and D-A conversion at standard sample rates all the way up to 192 kHz
Dedicated switched insert points on every channel
Mic preamps optimized to handle extreme levels from sound sources like drums

Description

Designed for the project studio that needs plenty of I/O, Focusrites 18-in, 20-out Clarett 8Pre combines eight newly-designed Clarett mic preamps with class-leading digital conversion, and extraordinarily low round-trip latency. The new Clarett mic pre offers superbly low noise and distortion, plus the switchable Air effect that models the sound of Focusrites renowned ISA transformer-based preamps. Instrument inputs offer extended headroom to suit the loudest guitar pickup, while gain controls employ a special law that makes changes smoother and more precise. For easy access even when rack mounted, the compact (1U) Clarett 8Pre includes combination mic/line/instrument inputs on the front panel. Also on the front panel are two independently controlled headphone outputs with enough level to drive even high impedance headphones to provide suitable monitoring levels. The Clarett 8Pre includes precision Focusrite digital audio conversion with up to 118dB (A/D) / 119dB (D/A) dynamic range. This is combined with an astonishingly low round-trip latency - making it possible to monitor recordings in real time via effects plugins on the DAW such as reverberation. The metering and monitoring panel provides ten 6-segment LED meters covering analog and digital inputs and monitor levels, with a monitor level control knob plus mute and dim buttons. Word Clock output is provided, allowing the Clarett 8Pre to provide the master clock for the system. A new software mixer, Focusrite Control, is easily configured for monitoring and routing setups. Simple and intuitive to use, it offers a traditional mixer workflow and allows immediate access to internal hardware functions. Every Clarett also includes the Red 2 and Red 3 Plug-in Suite, which accurately models Focusrites classic Red range equalizer and compressor hardware. Download the free Focusrite iOS Control app and adjust cue mixes created with the Focusrite Control desktop app remotely from an iPad,

4. Focusrite Clarett 8PreX 26x28 Thunderbolt Interface w/Cloth and 8 Cables

Feature

Headphone Dynamic Range: 112dB
Headphone Max Output: +16dBu
Headphone THD+N: 0.0008%
Instrument Dynamic Range: 111 dB (A-weighted)
Instrument Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz 0.1 dB

Description

Excellent sound is the quality Clarett owners love most. With up to 119dB dynamic range, superbly low noise, precision 24/192 conversion and eight specially-designed mic preamps with a unique analogue "Air" effect, Clarett 8PreX is the Thunderbolt audio interface that simply sounds great, easily out-performing other interfaces in its class and beyond. Meanwhile, its astonishing 1.67ms round-trip latency simplifies your workflow and lets you use your favourite plug-ins in real time. The mic pres have been designed specifically for the Clarett range, with plenty of gain, yet low noise and distortion. They also include a special "Air" feature that switches in an analogue model of the classic transformer-based Focusrite ISA mic pre. Instrument inputs feature extra headroom to handle the loudest pickup. Its the Focusrite Sound over Thunderbolt. iOS control and Focusrite Control: Remote control from iPhone or iPad - Download the free Focusrite iOS Control app and adjust cue mixes created with the Focusrite Control desktop app remotely from an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch Ableton Live Lite is included as a free download. Red 2 & 3 Plug-In Suite is included as a free download. Softube Time & Tone Bundle is included as a free download. 2GB Loopmasters Samples are included as a free download. Free monthly offers through Plug-In Collective XLN Addictive Keys license with purchase

5. Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 Professional 20 In/20 Out Firewire Audio Interface with Eight Pre-Amps

Feature

Eight high quality, award-winning Focusrite pre-amps provide the best sounding interface in its class
High-quality 24-bit/96kHz Firewire & Thunderbolt compatible interface provides pristine audio quality and guaranteed reliable synchronization
Total I/O count of 20 inputs and 20 outputs, with a host of I/O options provided
Includes Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite's Red Plug-in Suite, and monthly Focusrite Plug-In Collective offers, all available via download upon registration
Two separate headphone buses allow two artists to receive independent and fully-customized monitor mixes

Description

The Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 represents the new generation of Focusrite multi-channel firewire audio interfaces. Focusrite's unparalleled pre-amp legacy forms the foundation of this new interface, with eight award-winning Focusrite pre-amps. Legendary sonic performance is combined with the very latest in firewire interfacing technology to deliver seamless integration, excellent routing flexibility, and future-proof, rock-solid driver stability. With Saffire PRO 40, sonic integrity reigns supreme. The eight Focusite pre-amps ensure low noise and distortion, whilst quality digital conversion and JetPLL jitter elimination technology ensure pristine audio quality as your audio flows between the analogue and digital domains. Alongside the eight Focusrite pre-amps are a host of i/o options; 10 analogue outputs, ADAT i/o, stereo SPDIF i/o and 2 virtual loopback inputs for routing digital audio between software applications - ideal for capturing online audio. Every channel features phantom power, with the first two channels also featuring -9dB pads for additional headroom. Front panel 5-LED metering for each analogue input offers accurate viewing of levels. Saffire PRO 40 comes with a Suite of Focusrite plug-ins. All-new Focusrite Compression, Reverb, Gating and EQ VST/AU plug-ins provide a significant upgrade from standard sequencer effects, bringing a touch of class to your session. Focusrites established xcite+ bundle is also included. The bundle includes Ableton Live Lite, Novations Bass Station soft synth and over 1 gig of royalty-free samples. Saffire PRO 40 Control, the zero-latency 18 x 16 DSP Mixer/Router software provided with Saffire PRO 40, sets a new standard at this price point for audio interface control. It features unparalleled output routing and monitoring, as well as intuitive one-click set-up solutions, a clear and concise mixing layout and large on-screen metering for inputs, outputs and submixes. Two independent headphone buses are provided, each with their own level controls available on the front panel. A dedicated stereo monitor mix output features pads for improved sound quality when connected to active monitor speakers. An 'anti-thump' circuit protects your monitor speakers from spikes when booting up or shutting down. Front panel controls include a main monitor dial with dim and mute switches, all of which fully integrate with customisable software to cover every possible monitoring need, providing a set of controls for any set-up from basic stereo to full 7.1 surround.

6. Focusrite Red 8Pre 64-In/64-Out Thunderbolt 2, Pro Tools HD, and Dante Compatible Audio Interface

Feature

64 inputs/64 outputs - inc 16-in /18-out analogue I/O. 1.67ms round-trip latency - record with plug-ins in real time
Eight Red Evolution mic pres with 'Air' transformer emulation with precision 24-bit/192kHz conversion, with up to 121dB dynamic range
Color LCD displays and assignable controls for simple and quick operation; both front panel and software control
Dual Thunderbolt 2 ports for daisy-chaining. Direct Pro Tools DigiLink connection; Dante Network Audio enabled - add up to 32 extra inputs and outputs via Ethernet
Includes Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite's Red Plug-in Suite, Focusrite Control, Focusrite iOS Control, and monthly Focusrite Plug-In Collective offers, all available via download upon registration; 2-year limited warranty on manufacturing defects

Description

There's never been a better Focusrite audio interface range than the Red Range. The second member of this acclaimed new series, the Red 8Pre, features eight new 'Red Evolution' mic preamps with 'Air' transformer emulation, high-headroom instrument inputs, a new low-noise conversion design plus a grand total of 64 inputs and 64 outputs (including 16 analog inputs and 18 analog outputs). Red 8Pre incorporates dual Thunderbolt 2 ports for round-trip latency as low as 1.67ms, and direct connection to Pro Tools | HD systems. Add to that the ability to connect up to 32 additional inputs and outputs via Dante Ethernet-based audio networking, and you have one of the most advanced interfaces available today. The eight digitally-controlled mic pres deliver clear, honest audio performance with -129 dB EIN and 63dB of gain, and include Focusrite's unique Air effect, authentically recreating the sound of the transformer-based preamps in the classic ISA range - ideal for bringing out the breathy quality of a vocal or adding presence to an acoustic guitar. Red 8Pre's new high-performance conversion system features 'parallel path summing', where two matched converters are run in parallel to increase the signal to noise ratio. Red 8Pre offers exceptional connectivity. Not only does the Red 8Pre deliver Thunderbolt 2 capability and the lowest round-trip latency, it also includes dual DigiLink connectors for direct connection to Pro Tools | HD systems and Avid interfaces. In addition, Dante Ethernet-based audio networking is built in. Download the free Focusrite iOS Control app and adjust cue mixes created with the Focusrite Control desktop app remotely from an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. With its extensive capabilities and beautiful yet robust design, the Red 8Pre represents the perfect balance of form and function, delivering the sound quality, transparency and versatility that audio professionals across the world expect from Focusrite.

7. Focusrite RedNet PCIeR Dedicated Dante Audio Interface Card With Network Redundancy For Windows Or Mac, 128x128 Dante Audio Interface at Up to 96kHz, 64x64 Performance at 176.4kHz and 192kHz

Feature

ASIO and Core Audio drivers
Very low latency (approximately 1.6ms round trip with RedNet analog I/O at 96kHz)
Primary and Secondary Ethernet ports provide seamless network redundancy
Compatible with Thunderbolt expansion chassis
Remote signal metering through RedNet Control

Description

Focusrite RedNet PCIeR Dedicated Dante Audio Interface Card With Network Redundancy For Windows Or Mac, 128x128 Dante Audio Interface at Up to 96kHz, 64x64 Performance at 176.4kHz and 192kHz

RedNet PCIeR is a dedicated 128x128 Dante audio interface for Mac and Windows PCs. Featuring a primary and secondary Ethernet port, RedNet PCIeR delivers high channel counts at very low latency with the utmost reliability. The 4x PCIe card operates with ASIO or Core Audio applications. RedNet PCIeR combines extremely low latency with network redundancy, offering the best possible system performance coupled with exceptional reliability. The card requires a standard 4x PCIe slot in a Windows or Mac computer and delivers up to 128 channels I/O with very low latency. Dual RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet connectors switch automatically according to network availability and link the audio computer to the rest of the Dante audio-over-IP network.

Key Features

• 128x128 Dante audio interface at up to 96kHz
• 64x64 performance at 176.4kHz and 192kHz
• ASIO and Core Audio drivers
• Very low latency (approximately 1.6ms round trip with RedNet analog I/O at 96kHz)
• Primary and Secondary Ethernet ports provide seamless network redundancy
• Compatible with Thunderbolt expansion chassis
• Remote signal metering through RedNet Control

Specifications

• Computer Connectivity: Dante Network
• Simultaneous I/O: 128 x 128 (up to 96kHz), 64 x 64 (192kHz)
• I/O Location: PCIe RedNet card
• Digital Inputs: RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
• Digital Outputs: RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 8.5" x 3.1"
• Weight: 1 Lb

8. Focusrite Clarett 8PreX 26-In/28-Out Thunderbolt Audio Interface Includes Free Wireless Earbuds - Stereo Bluetooth In-ear Earphones

Feature

Eight New Clarett Mic Pres with Extra "Air"
Use DAW Plug-ins in Real Time
Precision Digital Conversion
New 64-bit AAX, AU, and VST compatible Red 2 and Red 3 Plug-in Suite
Includes MIDI I/O

Description

Enjoy your Free Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds, actual item color and style may vary

Better. Faster. Easier.

Designed primarily for permanent studio installation, Focusrite's 26-in, 28-out Clarett 8PreX combines eight mic preamps, class-leading digital conversion and extra-low round-trip latency - enabling DAW plugins to be used while monitoring recordings. Clarett's specially designed mic pre offers superbly low noise and distortion, plus the "Air" effect that models the sound of Focusrite's renowned ISA transformer-based preamps.

Use any of your DAW plugins in real time

With extraordinarily low round-trip audio latency over Thunderbolt, you can record and monitor with your favourite DAW plugins, in real time. No need for add-in DSP or special processing - choose any of your plugins, from virtually any manufacturer, to create the perfect recording path on every channel - as well as custom monitor setups for both you and your artists.

Eight New Clarett Mic Pres with extra 'Air'

The mic pres have been designed especially for the Clarett range, with plenty of gain, yet low noise and distortion. In addition, they include a special "Air" feature that switches in an analogue model of the classic transformer-based Focusrite ISA mic pre. Instrument inputs feature extra headroom to handle the loudest pickup.

Precision digital conversion

Clarett features Focusrite's class-leading 24/192 conversion quality: with up to 119dB dynamic range, Clarett offers the cleanest way yet to get music in and out of your DAW.

The heart of the studio

Specially designed for studio installation, Clarett 8PreX includes separate rear panel inputs for mic, line and instrument, as well as ADAT I/O to add 16 more channels, dedicated phantom power, phase reverse and high pass filters on every channel.

Conclusion

By our suggestions above, we hope that you can found the best focusrite thunderbolt audio interface for you. Please don't forget to share your experience by comment in this post. Thank you!