User Guide Version 2 focusrite.
TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OVERVIEW WARNING: Excessive sound pressure levels from earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss. WARNING: This equipment must only be connected to USB Type 2.0+ or Thunderbolt 3.0+ ports. Introduction Thank you for purchasing this Clarett+ 2Pre, an audibly stunning, pure-sounding, bus-powered interface for PC or Mac to take you on your creative journey. Independent A-D and D-A converters bring you closer than ever to your music and improved D-A dynamic range enables you to capture every detail.
Features Clarett+ 2Pre has two next-generation, high-performance Clarett+ preamps with a preamp design that brings masses of headroom, low distortion and low noise. New and improved A-D and D-A converters capture more accurate recordings, and the independent A-D and D-A converters deliver extremely low noise and high dynamic range. Vocals will shine with the All-analogue Air, its circuitry emulating the classic Focusrite ISA 110 preamp.
Box Contents Along with your Clarett+ 2Pre you should have: • External 12 V DC mains Power Supply Unit (PSU) • USB-C to USB-A cable • USB-C to USB-C cable Focusrite Control is available at focusrite.com/downloads. On Windows, Focusrite Control will also install the driver required. Mac users: Clarett+ 2Pre is class-compliant on Macs, therefore no drivers are required. As a Clarett+ owner, you are also entitled to a selection of third-party software. Go to focusrite.
GETTING STARTED Software Installation Focusrite Control and the driver software needed for the Clarett+ 2Pre are available for download from the Focusrite website: focusrite.com/downloads. Click Clarett+ range on the Downloads page. This will take you to a page with all the downloads which are available for the Clarett+ range. To download the Focusrite Control version you need, click the appropriate Download button. Note that the Windows driver is included within the Focusrite Control download.
3. I f you do have an account, log in and select REGISTER A NEW PRODUCT: 4. S elect your Clarett+ device from the Product drop-down list and enter your device’s Serial Number at the bottom of the page. You can find the serial number on the underside of the Clarett+ 2Pre, and also on the gift box. Then click Set Serial Number. 5. F ollow the rest of the on-screen instructions to finish registering your device. 6.
Hardware Features Front Panel 1 3 1 3 1 10 9 2 5 4 8 5 2 4 6 2 7 The front panel includes input gain controls and input connectors for Mic, Line and Instrument signals for both channels, and also 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). Signals routed to all the outputs may be defined in Focusrite Control. 2.
Connecting your Clarett+ 2Pre The Clarett+ 2Pre has a USB-C™ port (on the rear panel). Once the software installation is complete, connect the Clarett+ 2Pre to your computer using one of the supplied USB-C cables. The Clarett+ 2Pre can be powered either with the supplied AC adaptor (PSU), or via the USB connection, provided your computer has a 15 W Type-C™ port. See Clarett 2Pre USB Bus Power Information to check whether your computer has a port of this type. Turn the unit on with the power switch.
Connecting Clarett+ 2Pre to loudspeakers The 1/4” jack LINE OUTPUTS 1 and 2 on the rear panel will normally be used to drive monitoring speakers. Self-powered monitors have internal amplifiers, and may be connected directly. Passive loudspeakers will require a separate stereo amplifier; in this case, the outputs should be connected to the amplifier’s inputs.
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. All 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. Connecting two pairs of monitors You can connect two pairs of monitor speakers using the Clarett+ 2Pre’s four line outputs.
EXAMPLES OF USAGE The Clarett+ 2Pre is an excellent choice for many 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’s inputs.
It is possible the performer may prefer to hear a monitor mix of voice and instruments adjusted to their 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 route a musician’s stereo monitor mix to Outputs 3 and 4, and it will then be available at the Clarett+ 2Pre’s headphone socket.
2. Using the optical connections In addition to two analogue inputs, the Clarett+ 2Pre 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 method of expanding the Clarett+ 2Pre’s input capability.
3. Using the Clarett+ 2Pre as an on-stage mic pre-amp The Clarett+ 2Pre 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 needed, for example. In the example illustrated, a mic and a guitar are connected to the Clarett+ 2Pre’s inputs; Outputs 1 and 2 go to the main PA system.
FOCUSRITE CONTROL - OVERVIEW Focusrite Control is the software application used with the Clarett+ 2Pre, which can be downloaded from focusrite.com/downloads. An iOS app allowing WiFi control of Focusrite Control is available, from the Apple App Store. Focusrite Control allows you to create a custom monitor mix for each musician, and specify the routing of all audio signals to the physical audio outputs. Sample rate and clock source selection are also available from Focusrite Control.
CLARETT+ 2PRE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Performance Specifications Where possible, specifications are measured to AES17. Unless stated, all specification measurements are unweighted. Configuration Inputs 10: analogue (2), ADAT (8) Outputs 4: analogue Mixer Fully assignable 14-in/4-out mixer Custom mixes 10 mono Maximum custom mix inputs 18 mono Digital Performance Supported sample rates 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.
Impedance 2.3M � Line and Monitor Outputs Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +/-<0.02 dB; 20 Hz – 35 kHz, +/-<0.02 dB Dynamic Range Outputs (1-2) 124 dB (A-Weighted) THD+N Outputs (1-2) -106 dB Maximum Output Level (0 dBFS) 18 dBu Balanced Line/TRS Outputs Impedance 68 � Headphone Outputs Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +/-<0.06 dB; 20 Hz – 35 kHz, +/-<0.
TROUBLESHOOTING For all troubleshooting queries, please visit the Focusrite Help Centre at support.focusrite.com. COPYRIGHT AND LEGAL NOTICES Focusrite, Clarett and OctoPre are registered trade marks of Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd. in the United States and other countries. ADAT is a registered trademark of inMusic Brands in the US and other countries. iOS, iPhone, iPad and App Store are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries and regions.
