The annual NAMM show is always a hotbed for groundbreaking audio technology, and back in 2018, Focusrite stole the spotlight by expanding their highly acclaimed Clarett range. For years, Clarett was synonymous with ultra-fast, high-bandwidth Thunderbolt connectivity, leaving many PC users and legacy Mac owners longing for a compatible alternative. With the debut of the NAMM 2018: Focusrite Clarett USB interfaces, the company successfully bridged this gap, bringing elite-class preamps and pristine conversion to any studio setup running standard USB or USB Type-C ports.
This product release was a significant pivot for the industry. Prior to this, home and project studio owners often had to choose between high-performance Thunderbolt interfaces or compromised USB alternatives. By optimizing custom-written USB drivers and utilizing premium converter chips, Focusrite managed to deliver extremely low round-trip latency alongside the class-leading dynamic range their high-end models are famous for. At SM Mastering, we often test these interfaces in real-world hybrid environments; you can find more in-depth reviews and studio gear guides in our SM Mastering Audio Articles.
Exploring the NAMM 2018: Focusrite Clarett USB interfaces Range
When looking at the technical specifications of the NAMM 2018: Focusrite Clarett USB interfaces, the hardware preamps immediately stand out. They feature an ultra-low noise floor (-128dB EIN) and a highly linear design that ensures a transparent, clean signal path. This level of sonic purity puts them in direct competition with premium desktop options from industry giants like Universal Audio, offering clean amplification without adding unwanted color to the source material.
The range consists of three primary models designed to cater to different studio sizes: the Clarett 2Pre USB, the Clarett 4Pre USB, and the flagship Clarett 8Pre USB. Each unit is equipped with high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters, ensuring that the critical step of digital conversion is handled with absolute accuracy. This makes the NAMM 2018: Focusrite Clarett USB interfaces highly attractive for producers who need top-tier AD/DA conversion but do not wish to invest in dedicated mastering-grade standalone converters.
Advanced Hardware Specifications
To help you decide which model fits your studio workflow, we have compiled a detailed overview of the core models introduced in this range:
| Name | Use Case | Estimated Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarett 2Pre USB | Solo artists, mobile producers, basic voiceover work | $399 | 4.7 / 5.0 |
| Clarett 4Pre USB | Small bands, multi-instrumentalists, desktop tracking | $599 | 4.8 / 5.0 |
| Clarett 8Pre USB | Full band tracking, commercial project studios, rack setups | $799 | 4.9 / 5.0 |
From a mastering perspective, the way the NAMM 2018: Focusrite Clarett USB interfaces handle digital-to-analog conversion is particularly impressive. Boasting up to 119dB of dynamic range on the outputs, these interfaces ensure that the playback sent to your studio monitors is highly detailed and structurally intact. This precision is absolutely crucial when you are making micro-adjustments in EQ, compression, or stereo imaging.
Practical Studio Workflow Tips
- Utilize the ‘Air’ Mode Strategically: This analog effect emulates the classic ISA transformer-based preamps, adding a high-frequency lift. It works wonderfully on acoustic guitars and breathy vocals, but you may want to leave it off for bass guitars or kick drums to preserve low-end weight.
- Optimize Buffer Settings: Thanks to the highly stable custom USB drivers, you can comfortably track at a 32 or 64-sample buffer size in your DAW to minimize monitoring latency without causing audio dropouts.
- Expand via ADAT: If you purchase the 2Pre or 4Pre and later find yourself needing more inputs for drum tracking, use the optical ADAT input to easily connect an external 8-channel mic preamp.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the NAMM 2018: Focusrite Clarett USB interfaces represent a milestone in affordable desktop recording. They successfully democratized premium conversion and professional preamp designs, making high-end fidelity accessible to any producer with a standard USB port. Whether you are running a mobile setup or building the centerpiece of a commercial studio, this interface lineup continues to stand the test of time as a reliable, stellar-sounding workhorse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run the Clarett USB interfaces on older USB 2.0 ports?
Yes. Although the units ship with both standard USB and USB Type-C cables, they are fully backwards-compatible with standard USB 2.0 ports. The proprietary Focusrite drivers ensure that latency performance remains exceptional regardless of the port type used.
What does the ‘Air’ button actually do to the signal?
When ‘Air’ is enabled, the preamp switches its impedance to match the classic Focusrite ISA preamps and applies a subtle frequency boost in the high-mid and treble ranges. This is a completely analog process that adds clarity and “airiness” to the recording before it reaches the analog-to-digital converter.
Do these interfaces support MIDI connectivity?
Yes, all three models in this range (2Pre, 4Pre, and 8Pre) feature traditional 5-pin MIDI Input and Output ports on the rear panel, allowing you to connect hardware synths, controllers, and drum machines seamlessly.
🛒 Official Product Info & Where to Buy
Check full technical specs, pricing, and purchase options directly from the official manufacturer or authorized dealer for NAMM 2018: Focusrite Clarett USB interfaces.
Written by SM Mastering
Official content on sound engineering, mixing, mastering, and advanced electronic production by SM Mastering.