Focusrite Announces ISA C8X Audio Interface
Focusrite announced the ISA C8X, the first audio interface in the company’s ISA range. Every ISA preamp ever made has the same Lundahl LL1538 transformer circuit at its core.
ISA C8X is the next step in the company’s evolution. The product is a 26-in, 28-out USB-C audio interface in a 2U anodised aluminum rackmount unit in Focusrite’s original house color.
The company said the product combines the warm, rich character that ISA is known for with all-analog console and 430 Air modes, comprehensive analog and digital I/O and full remote control via Focusrite Control 2.
“ISA is what Focusrite was founded upon, and it’s been beloved by artists and engineers worldwide for over 40 years. The essence of the ISA sound remains the same, but we’ve taken some big leaps forward with ISA C8X in modernising the workflow,” said product manager at Focusrite, Jack Cole. “We felt it was important to augment those ISA preamps with features that befit the ISA name and benefit professional, project, and home studios alike. We hope that users will see, feel and, most importantly, hear the attention to detail that the entire Focusrite team have put into ISA C8X.”
Two of ISA C8X’s eight preamps are built with that same Lundahl LL 1538 transformer that was originally selected in 1985. It has up to 79dB of gain, switchable impedance, balanced inserts and high-pass filtering. The two ISA preamps support a wide range of microphones, including low-output dynamics and ribbons.
The two ISA preamps also feature relay-switchable, all-analog circuits. Alongside the ISA preamps, six low-noise Focusrite mic preamps offer 69dB of gain. Two front-panel instrument inputs run through the Lundahl transformer circuitry.
The product ships with Hitmaker Expansion, which includes the Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC plugin, designed to emulate the ISA 110 and 310 modules from the original Focusrite Studio Console.
ISA C8X is also available in bespoke bundle options, which were created in partnership with Sonnox. The Sonnox ISA Essentials Bundle includes four Oxford-series plugins covering tone shaping, dynamic control, de-essing and intelligent drum gating.
More Stories Like This
Dr. Henry Panion III Powers World-Class Production and Education with Focusrite RedNet and Scarlett
From global stages to the classroom, Focusrite helps drive Panion’s creative vision Los Angeles, CA, January 15, 2026 – Award-winning composer, conductor, educator, and producer Dr. Henry Panion III has built a career at the intersection of orchestral music, technology and large-scale production, from conducting global orchestras for Stevie Wonder to directing complex international broadcasts. […]
Focusrite Introduces RedNet TNX Thunderbolt-Dante Interface
Focusrite has introduced RedNet TNX, a Dante interface that connects to PCs or Macs via Thunderbolt and is designed for high-channel-count audio workflows with low latency. The device supports 128×128 channels of 24-bit/192kHz audio out of the box. An optional Dante Ready upgrade (available through Audinate) expands its capacity to 256×256 channels at 24-bit/96kHz. RedNet […]
Focusrite and Novation components employed at innovative audio and music production programs at Los Angeles Recording School
Equipped with cutting-edge technology and strategic industry partnerships, the Los Angeles Recording School bridges classroom learning with real-world experience, preparing students for success in the professional music industry Los Angeles, CA, February 19, 2025 – Nestled in the heart of Hollywood, steps away from the iconic Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles Recording School, a division of […]