If you want to have a full drum kit recording setup, you need to have a powerful interface to run all your microphones through. Many drummers who are new to recording don’t think about this, only focusing on what mics to get. Without an interface, you won’t be able to use those mics, so you need to get an interface first.
In this review, we’ll be looking at the Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre USB-C interface. It’s an amazing tool that allows you to get some amazing drum recordings. We’ll explain what it offers and why it’s a good choice to run your sound setup from.
This interface is packed with every feature that you could possibly need to mic up a full drum kit. It has eight preamps that include Focusrite’s Air feature. It also has eight analog inputs and ten outputs.
It has an amazing sound metering and monitoring screen so that you can check the levels of all your inputs.
It also comes with an extensive range of free software so that you can use tools and plugins as soon as you set it up.
It has a solid build, but it’s also small enough to be portable if you want to travel with it to record in different places.
The most impressive thing about this interface is the sheer clarity that it has. All the ins and outs are incredibly clear, giving you a clean recording every time.
All the ins have an Air button, which boosts the highs a bit when pushed, giving all your mics even more clarity. It’s amazing how the push of a button can suddenly improve your drum sound. It won’t do it every time, but it works very well in certain settings.
You’ll find that this interface makes working with a mix quite easy. The clarity you get from each mic that you’ve plugged in gives you a good starting point to set up an EQ for your drum kit.
The construction quality is notable. Focusrite interfaces are always built very strongly, and you’ll get that same feeling with the Clarett+. It’s the type of interface that will last decades, and that’s exactly what you want when getting something to set your studio up.
All the features on the interface are also great. We’re big fans of the LED monitoring system. It feels modern, and it gives you a very clear picture of how all your levels are doing.
There are several other small buttons to utilize as well, such as the dim and mute ones.
The Clarett+ has 24-bit/192kHz conversion, meaning the performance you get from it is very quick, detailed, and clear. The sounds going in and out sound amazing because of this.
While someone who is new to recording and interfaces won’t notice just how good this interface is, more experienced users will appreciate its performance quality.
There are better interfaces out there, but they either cost a lot more or they’re not as portable.
Compared to Focusrite’s Scarlett line of interfaces, the Clarett+ is quite expensive. However, it’s affordable compared to Focusrite’s RedNet interfaces. It sits in the middle in terms of cost, and it’s a good option for drummers who want premium features compared to what you get with the Scarlett line.
With that being said, this isn’t a cheap interface. You’ll be spending a good amount of cash on it, but it will last decades of regular use. So, the high price is well worth it in the long run.
Focusrite interfaces are brilliant, and they’re some of the best value-for-money options on the market. The best thing about them is that they’re easy to use. This makes them ideal options for drummers who don’t have extensive skills when it comes to audio engineering.
All the affordable Focusrite interfaces are plug-and-play devices, so you can use them to record very easily and quickly.
Focusrite also sells amazing interfaces that are capable of running full professional recording studios. So, whether you want a small home studio or plan on running an all-out professional one, Focusrite has an interface for you.
Focusrite’s Clarett interfaces were released in 2015. The Scarlett interfaces had been around for a few years before that.
Yes, the Focusrite Clarett interfaces are superior to the Scarlett ones. The Scarlett interfaces are intended for home studios and musicians who don’t want hectic studio equipment. They’ve very easy to use, and they’re also affordable. There are a few valuable bundles to buy in the Scarlett range that will get your home studio set up quickly.
The Clarett interfaces are more professional in their features. They offer a lot more ins and outs, and they also have better sound quality. If you want a highly professional sound setup, you should go for a Clarett interface instead of a Scarlett one.
If you’re just starting out and want something very easy to use, a Scarlett interface may be a better choice.
Overall, the Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre USB-C is an amazing audio interface to consider getting, especially if you want to create premium drum kit recordings with an 8-piece microphone setup.
It’s quite an expensive option compared to the Scarlett line of interfaces, so just keep that in mind when buying it. If the Clarett seems a bit expensive, then check out the Scarlett 18i20. It’s about half the price, but it’s better for beginners.
If you get the Clarett+, it will last you decades. So, it’s a better option if you can afford it.
Drum Teacher
Brett Clur has a Drum Performance Diploma from Trinity College London has been playing drums for over 20 years. He is passionate about advanced concepts and uses his years of experience to teach his students about them. While he is a full-time drum teacher, he is also working on growing a YouTube channel where shares his insights. You can see him playing there, or on Instagram where he posts daily videos.
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