ISA has evolved: Introducing ISA C8X
Today, Focusrite announces ISA C8X. Designed to be the centrepiece of an entire studio, ISA C8X is the first ever audio interface in the ISA range and the next chapter in a story that began in 1985.
The result of a commission from Sir George Martin to Rupert Neve was ISA 110, which defined Focusrite's approach to preamp design for four decades — from the Forte console to the Focusrite Studio Console, and through a range of standalone preamps trusted in professional studios worldwide.
ISA C8X brings Focusrite’s design philosophy into a new era. At the heart of this 26-in, 28-out USB-C interface are eight digitally-controlled mic preamps. The two ISA preamps feature the same Lundahl LL1538 transformers that have defined the ISA sound since its inception, analogue Console and 430 Air modes, 79dB of gain, switchable impedence, balanced inserts, and high-pass filtering.
Designed to run your entire studio, ISA C8X is patchbay-ready with dedicated mic and line inputs, two independent headphone outs, and up to 16 channels of ADAT I/O. Full remote control via Focusrite Control 2 desktop and mobile apps allows operation from anywhere in the studio, 24-bit/192kHz conversion ensures nothing is lost from the moment you capture, to the moment you mix, and 12 balanced line outputs with three monitor groups. Work in mono, stereo, or up to 7.1.4, switching between setups from the front panel or via Focusrite Control 2. Outputs one and two available on both XLR and TRS.
ISA C8X is now available to order.
Sonnox bundle options
ISA C8X includes Hitmaker Expansion and Oxford Reverb as standard. For those who want more, two Sonnox bundle upgrades are available — adding professional EQ, dynamics, and processing tools built for serious studio work
Sonnox ISA Essentials bundle
Four Oxford-series plugins covering tone shaping, dynamic control, de-essing, and intelligent drum gating.
- Oxford Dynamics
- Oxford EQ
- Oxford SuprEsser
- Oxford Drum Gate 2
Sonnox ISA Elite bundle
Seven Oxford-series plugins for a complete mixing and mastering toolkit — tone, dynamics, loudness, transient control, and more.
- Oxford Dynamics
- Oxford EQ
- Oxford Inflator
- Oxford Limiter
- Oxford SuprEsser
- Oxford TransMod
- Oxford Drum Gate 2
