The Clarett 8Pre hardware interface provides the means for connecting microphones, musical instruments, line level audio signals and digital audio signals to a computer through the computer’s Thunderbolt port. The signals at the physical inputs can be routed to your audio recording software / digital audio workstation; similarly, the outputs from the DAW can be configured to appear at the unit’s physical outputs.

Audio sources - mics, instruments, etc., can be recorded into your DAW and then played back from there through amplifiers and speakers, powered monitors, headphones, a mixer or any other analogue or digital audio equipment that you wish to use. Although all inputs and outputs on the Clarett 8Pre are, by default, routed directly to and from your DAW for recording and playback, you can configure the routing any way you like within the Focusrite Control application in order to meet your precise needs.

The Clarett 8Pre also has connectors for sending and receiving MIDI data, and for transmitting word clock to external devices, to ensure synchronization with other items of digital audio equipment.