28/04/2026

ISA C8X

A milestone in audio interface history: Meet the Focusrite ISA C8X

We have the great honor of presenting a milestone in the history of audio interfaces. Today, Focusrite launch their latest innovation: the ISA C8X.

For the first time ever, Focusrite has integrated the circuits of the iconic ISA series into a powerful USB-C audio interface. The ISA amplifier has been the heart of professional recordings since 1985 – from Sir George Martin’s first order with Rupert Neve to today’s world-leading studios. Now, you can bring that same legendary sound directly into your modern studio.

The ISA C8X is a 26-in/28-out USB-C audio interface that combines the warm, rich character of the Lundahl LL1538 transformer with today’s most advanced digital technology. All packaged in a 2U chassis in Focusrite’s classic original color.

Tailor your sound with two fully analogue modes: Console mode for analogue saturation and warmth, and the acclaimed 430 Air mode for a shimmering high-end.

World-class conversion featuring the same AD/DA converters found in the RedNet series, with up to 125dB of dynamic range. In addition to two ISA microphone inputs, there are six additional ultra-low-noise microphone inputs with 69 dB of gain. Two front-panel instrument inputs pass through Lundahl transformer circuits to provide the genuine feel of a large-format console.

All eight preamps are fully remote-controllable via the Focusrite Control 2 software.

The ISA C8X comes with the Hitmaker Expansion software bundle, which includes plugins such as Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC — an emulation of the ISA 110 and 130 modules from the original Focusrite Studio Console — as well as Oxford Reverb by Sonnox and other plugins from some of the industry's most respected names.

"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. 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."

- Jack Cole, Product Manager: Professional Solutions and Drivers at Focusrite