User Guide www.focusrite.com Version 1.
TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Box Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OVERVIEW WARNING: Excessive sound pressure levels from earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss. WARNING: This equipment is only compatible with USB Type 2.0, 3.0 or 3.1 ports, or Thunderbolt 3 ports. More information regarding the compatibility of computer serial ports can be found at https:// support.focusrite.
Features The Clarett 2Pre USB audio interface provides the means for connecting microphones, musical instruments, line level audio signals and digital audio signals to a computer through the computer’s USB port. The signals at the physical inputs can be routed to your audio recording software / digital audio workstation (referred to throughout this user guide as the “DAW”); similarly, the outputs from the DAW can be configured to appear at the unit’s physical outputs. Audio sources – mics, instruments, etc.
Box Contents Along with your Clarett 2Pre USB you should have: • External 12 V DC mains Power Supply Unit (PSU) • USB-C to USB-A cable • USB-C to USB-C cable • Important Information, with codes for accessing the following on-line resources: - Focusrite Control* - Drivers for Windows* (Clarett 2Pre USB is class-compliant for Macs: no drivers required) - 2 GB of Loopmasters sounds and samples - Focusrite Red 2 and Red 3 Plug-in Suite - Time & Tone plug-in bundle - Your choice of one XLN A
GETTING STARTED IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you install the Clarett 2Pre USB drivers before connecting the interface to your computer. Software Installation All software required by the Clarett 2Pre USB, including several powerful and useful extras, is available for download from the Focusrite website (www.focusrite.com/register). The Important Information provided with your Clarett 2Pre USB contains validation codes which you will need to enter at the above web address.
Hardware Features Front Panel 1 3 1 3 5 4 8 5 2 4 10 9 6 2 7 The front panel includes the input gain controls and input connectors for Mic, Line and Instrument signals for both channels, and also the monitoring controls. 1. INPUTS 1 & 2 – Combo XLR input sockets for each channel - connect microphones via an XLR connector, or instruments (e.g., guitar) or line level signals via ¼” jacks. Either TRS (balanced) or TS (unbalanced) jack plugs can be used for instruments or line level signals. 2.
Rear Panel 6 5 3 7 2 1 4 1. LINE OUTPUTS 1 to 4 – four balanced analogue line outputs on ¼” jack sockets; use TRS jacks for a balanced connection or TS jacks for unbalanced. Line Outputs 1 and 2 will generally be used for driving the main L and R speakers of your monitoring system, while Outputs 3 and 4 can be used for connecting additional line level equipment (e.g., outboard FX processors). The signals routed to all the outputs may be defined in Focusrite Control. 2.
Connecting your Clarett 2Pre USB IMPORTANT: Before you connect the Clarett 2Pre USB to your computer, please complete the software installation according to the instructions on page 6. This will ensure that the hardware uses the correct drivers, and will prevent unexpected behaviour. The Clarett 2Pre USB must be powered using the supplied AC adaptor (PSU). Connect the PSU to the rear panel socket and turn the unit on with the power switch. The Clarett 2Pre USB has a USB-C™ port (on the rear panel).
Audio Setup in your DAW After installing the drivers and connecting the hardware, you can start using the Clarett 2Pre USB with the DAW of your choice. Please note - your DAW may not automatically select the Clarett 2Pre USB as its default I/O device. In this case, you must manually select the driver on your DAW’s Audio Setup* page, and select Focusrite 2Pre USB (Mac) or Focusrite USB ASIO (Windows).
Professional equipment will generally have balanced inputs. If your amplifier or powered speakers have balanced inputs, use 3-pole (TRS) 1/4” jacks to connect them to the Clarett 2Pre USB. All the line output connectors are 3-pole (TRS) ¼” jack sockets, and are electronically balanced. Typical consumer (hi-fi) amplifiers and small powered monitors will have unbalanced inputs on RCA sockets.
Examples of Usage The Clarett 2Pre USB is an excellent choice for numerous recording and monitoring applications. Some typical configurations are shown below. 1. Recording a solo artist This setup illustrates a typical configuration for multitrack recording with DAW software on your computer. In this case, two sources – a microphone and a guitar – are connected to the Clarett 2Pre USB’s inputs.
It is possible that the performer may prefer to hear a monitor mix of voice and instruments adjusted to their particular taste. Focusrite Control lets you define a custom monitor mix for the artist and this mix may include the current input signals as well as previously recorded DAW tracks. You can easily route a musician’s stereo monitor mix to Outputs 3 and 4, and it will then be available at the Clarett 2Pre USB’s headphone socket.
2. Using the optical connections In addition to the two analogue inputs, the Clarett 2Pre USB has an ADAT input port (OPTICAL IN) which can provide eight additional audio inputs at 44.1/48 kHz sample rate or four at 88.2/96 kHz. Using a separate 8-channel microphone preamplifier equipped with an ADAT output – such as the Clarett OctoPre – provides a simple and excellent method of expanding the Clarett 2Pre USB’s input capability.
3. Using the Clarett 2Pre USB as an on-stage mic pre-amp The Clarett 2Pre USB automatically stores Focusrite Control settings within the hardware. This feature lets you configure it as a pair of inputs – mic, line or instrument – for use as a stand-alone device. This allows you to use it on stage in a live environment where no computer connection is required, for example.
FOCUSRITE CONTROL - OVERVIEW Focusrite Control is the software application used with the Clarett 2Pre USB. It allows you to create a custom monitor mix for each musician, and also to specify the routing of all audio signals to the physical audio outputs. All sample rate selection, digital syncing and buffer size settings (Windows only) are available from Focusrite Control. Note: Focusrite Control is compatible with other hardware interfaces in the Focusrite product range.
CLARETT 2PRE USB TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Performance Specifications Configuration Inputs 10: analogue (2), ADAT (8) Outputs 4: analogue Mixer Fully assignable 14-in/4-out mixer Digital Performance Supported sample rates 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz Microphone Inputs Frequency Response 20 Hz - 35 kHz +/-0.5 dB (Minimum Gain) Dynamic Range >119 dB THD+N 0.
Physical and Electrical Characteristics Analogue Inputs Connectors Combo XLR sockets: Mic/Line/Inst, on front panel Mic/Line switching Automatic Line/Instrument switching via Focusrite Control Phantom power +48 V switches for each input Analogue Outputs Main outputs 4 x balanced ¼” TRS jacks on rear panel Stereo headphone output ¼” TRS jack on front panel Main monitor output level control Headphones level control On front panel Other I/O ADAT I/O TOSLINK optical connectors: 8 channels at 44.
TROUBLESHOOTING For all troubleshooting queries, please visit the Focusrite Answerbase at www.focusrite.com/answerbase where you will find articles covering numerous troubleshooting examples. COPYRIGHT AND LEGAL NOTICES Focusrite is a registered trade mark and Clarett 2Pre USB is a trade mark of Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited. All other trade marks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. 2017 © Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited. All rights reserved.