The Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB is a compact audio interface that packs a punch.
It is an audio interface that you could add to your home recording studio.
Here, we review the Clarett 2Pre; we’ll tell you what we think and let you decide if you need it for yourself!
Contents
Pros
- The Focusrite ‘Air’ setting
- Foolproof and intuitive audio interface
- Upgraded and improved compared to the predecessor
Cons
- Reports of driver and software issues for Windows user
- The cables included can be short for some
Key Features
- Dimensions: 2.17” H x 8.27” W x 6.34” D
- Overall Weight: 3 pounds
- Computer Connectivity: USB 2.0
- Preamps: 2
- A/D Resolution: 24-bit/ 192 kHz
- Inputs: 2 x XLR-¼” combo for mic, line, Hi-Z
- Outputs: 4 x ¼” for line out
- Headphones: 1 x ¼”
- USB: 1 x USB-C
- Software: Focusrite Control, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, Softube Time and Tone, Red Plug-in Suite, Focusrite Plug-in Collective, and Brainworx
- Requirement for PC: Windows 7 SP1 or later windows
- Requirement for Mac: OS x 10.11 or later
- Power Supply: 12 volts DC power supply
Software Heavy
The Focusrite Clarett gives you six software to get that perfect sound and mix to your recordings.
The XLN Audio, the Addictive Key software, lets you initially choose a keyboard instrument once you register; the Focusrite Control enables you to route, cue, and monitor your mixes and audio using your Apple gadget or PC.
Those are just two, among other software readily available to utilize and use for your recording pleasure.
Focusrite Control Software
Your brand new Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB will come to you equipped with the Focusrite Control.
Focusrite Control is a software developed by Focusrite to allow you to mix, control your mix, keep track of your combinations through your phone, your desktop, or your iMac.
Focusrite Control is designed to be intuitive and foolproof, giving you access to your mixes without the aid of the hardware or the device itself.
Two Clarett Mic
The two mic preamps available in the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB will give you so much gain and clear sounds while keeping your recording free from noise and no distortions.
The Air mode of the Clarett 2Pre will make your voice recordings, your guitar or keyboard recordings sound as if in a dream: sweet, piercing clarity, and open sounds.
You will be surprised by how much this quality is coveted in recording studios, and Focusrite replicates this quality in the Clarett 2Pre.
Fantastic Converter
This audio interface carries a fantastic 192kHz/ 24-bit digital conversion for seamless and outstanding resonance and sound clarity.
Flexible and Versatile
The Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB gives you many options to record using this device with 10 inputs and 4 outputs.
The front panel offers you two Clarett mics we talked about earlier, together with an output with volume control for high-powered headphones conducive for recording.
There’s also the inclusion of an XLR connector for your XLR mic or even guitar, bass, or keyboard.
To add to the versatility factor, the 2Pre USB holds an ADAT input where you can add 8 more digital mic preamp channels; the available digital preamp channel can accommodate this way.
Every instrument the available inputs cannot carry.
The Clarett USB is so flexible that you essentially have a recording studio in your home with this machine.
Who is it for?
The Focusrite 2Pre USB is for singers, songwriters, guitarists, keyboardists, or even a drummer, and many others looking for the best audio interface money can buy.
This audio interface boasts advanced features and more software that could rival other competitors.
It also has enough versatility, flexibility, and unique mechanisms to warrant its higher price tag.
The Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB also has a warranty for up to three years that guarantees you help or replacement will be given when unavoidable problems occur on your audio interface device.
Everyone will surely get a lot of use with this incredible and compact device.
Potential Drawbacks
A potential drawback to the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB audio interface might be its higher price tag.
Many options are available, although not as finessed and as advanced as the Clarett 2Pre like the Scarlett 2i2, which is pretty impressive on its own, but you’re guaranteed the best when you pay for the premium price.
Conclusion
The Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB is an excellent audio interface with an advanced mechanism and upgraded specifications.
It might be more expensive, but you are guaranteed to be paying for every advancement and improvement made in the Clarett 2Pre.
It is genuinely a worth-it investment that will last you for a long time!
FAQs
What are the differences between the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre and the Scarlett 2i2?
The Clarett 2Pre USB preamp has much more gain, and it’s overall cleaner than the Scarletts.
The converters also have much more headroom and power.
The Air mode in the Clarett 2Pre is also more advanced than the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Generation; the Clarett one changes the input on the preamp, then after adding another level entirely on your mic’s characteristics.
The USB-C port can be used with USB-C or USB 2.0 on your computer, and Focusrite Clarett includes a cable for each.
The Clarett also wins in the mic input as it has a 118dB A-weighted USB over Scarlett 2i2 3rd Generation’s 111dB A-weighted ones.
What are the similarities between the Focusrite Clarett 2Pre and the Scarlett 2i2?
Aside from the durable and attractive casing of both the Clarett 2Pre and the Scarlett 2i2, they both are similar in that these interfaces utilize USB Type-C connectivity.
They are also similar with the inclusion of the Air set to both these audio interfaces.
How many inputs does the Focusrite Clarett 2pre USB have?
The Clarett 2Pre has ten audio inputs:
It has two x combi mic/line/instrument XLR inputs with 48V phantom power.
According to whatever you need, it also has 1 x optical ADAT input allowing users to expand it by up to 8 extra inputs.
The Clarett 2Pre has a MIDI input as well as a Stereo Loopback Input.
