Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 5,201 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Focusrite Clarett 4Pre. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Focusrite Clarett 4Pre. For example, 85% of 447 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Focusrite Clarett 4Pre have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 33 Reviews
Excellent Clarity and No Delays
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by David on Guitar Center
Yes, this is a pricey unit, but you do get remarkable sound quality. The housing is solid brushed aluminum with a metal monitor and headphone knobs; however, the halo gain knobs are plastic which is odd... The unit itself looks great and feels great. I went with the 4pre because of the extra connectivity, and the dual headphone jacks which is a plus. I plug my Grand Meister Deluxe 40 amp straight in from its Red Box out and it sounds incredible when the air is engaged. Now, plugging straight in with the gain knob on zero and set to instrument in the Focusrite control the pickups on my B.C. Rich Warlock with Seymour Duncan pickups will clip right into the red on the unit itself. I have to adjust the volume knob down on the guitar itself to keep from clipping. My other two guitars don't seem to run as hot as that one on the 4pre USB. I don't have thunderbolt, so my concern with reviewers and the popular perception about latency issues as the biggest downfall did concern me; however, I went for it and glad I did. The unit is new to the market, and I have only had it for a week now. Playing through the DAW with effects on a USB unit I haven't noticed any delays or issues of concern. I would definitely recommend. ... More
Extremely Transparent with Great Connectivity: A High Quality Workhorse
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre Thunderbolt Audio Interface
Reviewed by Dave T. on Reverb
I bought this used specifically because I wanted the Thunderbolt 2 interface for my Mac Pro, which is the main computer I intend to use this with; but with the ability to use it on my MacBook Pro as well, via a Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter. First, I love that it is small and extremely portable, with 4 AIR-enabled, but otherwise extremely transparent mic preamps. I'm still deciding whether I like the AIR feature, but I definitely like how clean and dynamic my microphone recordings sound. I have not yet used the front four as instrument inputs, but expect at least as good as my Focusrite Saffire 40 Pro--which was excellent for bass mostly (I didn't really go direct with guitar--I prefer to mic a studio amp instead). I like that there are also four line inputs in the back for a total of 8 inputs, all with the capability of going from 44k to 192k sampling. I have multiple ways to utilize these, including using an m-audio 4 in 4 out mic pre which is about the same size and could travel very easily, or otherwise utilize my racked Focusrite Saffire for in-studio use, or just use line sources DI or otherwise. Since I prefer to record in 24./96, I am able to get 14 total inputs at that sound quality: 8 on the unit alone, 4 via ADAT from my old Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 repurposed for the job, and 2 via SPDIF (two Art Tube Preamps into a Behringer Ultra Match pro for the Analog to Digital Conversion). Also, very important with the higher quality ADAs is the ability to route signals and utilize all the inputs and outputs available and the Focusrite Control is also a great tool and much easier to use than the old Focusrite Mix Control software. I also like that I can keep my iPad on the desktop and use the Control app to make changes on the fly without having to leave my DAW to make routing changes. I had one issue, which was totally my fault for not reading ALL of the instructions, and once on the line with a great technician from Focusrite, it was resolved in less than an hour. And the plug-in bundles are very helpful and appropriate as well, though it would be nice to get even more, but now I'm just getting greedy. My last Focusrite product worked for 10 years, this one will probably do the same, and then some--only if I outgrow the 14 inputs and 3 headphone mixes, and then maybe I'd move on to the Clarett 8Xpre. Call me a satisfied Clarett 4pre Thunderbolt customer, especially for the price! ... More
Unbelievable performance
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre Thunderbolt Audio Interface
Reviewed by Erick L. on Reverb
This interface works flawlessly (on a Mac). Thunderbolt is so awesome..... I was originally going for the 2pre but the 4pre has so many options. The Air preamp setting sounds really nice (like the clarity and oooomph you get from a tube preamp). I am using a MacbookPro w/ Bootcamp. In Windows, Focusrite control program (beta) won't recognize my device (says "No Hardware Connected"), but the device works in all my Windows DAWs (Mixcraft/Reaper/Amplitube). Everything works in OS (I'm using Sierra w/ Logic Pro X and Garageband). I can turn the Air setting (and change the routing) in OSX and then switch over to Windows and the settings stay the same (that's my work-around for Windows Focusrite Control not working). The 2 headphone outs are very convenient and they have plenty of power (lots of headroom, total clarity and drives hi-z headphones no problem). Much beefier than my old Scarlett interface. I play guitar through Amplitube (I love the Mesa models) with my open-back headphones on and I love how detailed and beautiful my electric guitar sounds through this interface. This thing has 4 more ins and outs on the back, too. You can plug your guitar into channel 1, run the 4 outs into 4 different amps and route them back into the box for 5 tracks of guitar (DI 1 amp and mic the other 3...... this is ridiculous, I know, but it's possible!) My gf and I record together. I set up 2 mics and 2 guitars (direct into the Clarett w/ Air setting on all 4 channels) and 2 sets of headphones. I run Amplitube on both guitar tracks (Mesa Mk iv for me, Deluxe Reveb for her) and iZotope Nectar on both vocal tracks. I set her guitar channel as "instrument" for the passive pickups on her Tele but my guitar has active EMG's, so my guitar channel is set to "Line". The sound is flawless and the 2-3 millisecond delay may as well be zero. I can hit record without her knowing (no awkward delay, no pop, no clicking... it just starts recording). She has her own headphone knob so we don't fight over how loud it is. Our sessions are so much more pleasurable because I'm not fighting with the interface and DAW. The Clarett line is a huge jump forward for the DIY at-home-musician (especially guitar players who have long-struggled with latency and software bugs). This interface really ties all my stuff together. For the first time, all my DAW's and VST's work in harmony with my fingers and ears. It's definitely worth the low price..... ... More
Fantastic Audio Interface - Especially For A Mac User
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre Thunderbolt Audio Interface
Reviewed by Jeffrey D. on Reverb
I have just started to use the Clarett 4Pre (Thunderbolt) and all I can say is “Wow!” This is a fantastic interface with loads of input and output options. Some of the highlights from my perspective: 1) Easy setup with the Focusrite Control software and Logic Pro X. 2) The “Air” function actually works quite well. I do primarily classical and acoustic guitar instrumental work and it is noticeable with/without Air. 2) Love the headphone output - the dual headphone jacks are a nice touch but I haven’t needed both yet. I am planning to play with my keyboardist friends and do some vocals as well so the multiple inputs plus two headphone jacks will come in handy at that point. 3) No noticeable latency at all with Logic. 4) Great compatibility with old and New Macs. I have a 2014 Mackbook Pro with Thunderbolt 2 connections - it works great with that. And the new MackBook Pros with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C connections) only require the Thunderbolt 2 -> 3 adapter. So it works with my current MBP and will work with my new MBP whenever I get one. Downsides (some already mentioned by others): 1) Does not comes with a Thunderbolt cable. I was kind of OK with this since I was able to get a good OWC cable and get one with the appropriate length. 2) It does run a bit warm. I noticed the top of the case was warmer than I expected - not a big deal but took me by surprise a bit. 3) Not great compatibility for Windows PCs - drivers for this Thunderbolt version have not been updated for a while. Maybe the Clarett 4Pre USB is a better option for Windows users. Hope that helps. :) ... More
Great interface
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB Desktop 18x8 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Elizabeth on B&H Photo Video
No noise even with the pres all the way up. Nice coversion as well. Low latency is great for monitoring.
Ads
Clarett 4Pre - Thunderbolt Audio Interface
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB Desktop 18x8 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by kapaudio on B&H Photo Video
Both headphone outs and mic inputs are extremely quiet and clean. This is a superb sounding unit!
Great sounding interface!
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Neal F. on Reverb
I have owned a lot of interfaces over the years... mostly entry level 2 channel devices. Some of those were bus powered and never provided enough juice to drive my 250 ohm and 600 ohm headphones. They all sounded pretty decent, but none were extraordinary. My most recent workhorse has been a MOTU Track 16 and it is a versatile and good sounding unit. It was good and effective, but not great. The Focusrite Clarett is a head above. The preamps are clean and quiet... the air feature makes a difference especially on dynamic mics. It's not just an EQ, but actually changes the circuit, impedence... the way mics interact. The headphone output is really great. Plenty of power and I am hearing details I missed before. The mixing interface is fairly intuitive though I can't resize it properly on my laptop which is annoying, but not a deal breaker. If you are on the fence and willing to spend a bit more money, you will be rewarded with a different level of sound quality and more importantly, joy! ... More
Pleasantly surprised
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Sean, H on Guitar Center
There are a lot of interfaces that do the job, and I'm not going to pretend that the Focusrite blows everything else on the market out of the water. The Focusrite sounds good, don't get me wrong, but the other interfaces I've owned also sounded good. What does set the Focusrite apart from the interfaces I've owned before is how quickly I was able to set everything up and just start recording. I've never had an interface that didn't throw a temper tantrum at some point during set up. It didn't read something right, it needed 10 software updates, Pro Tools didn't like it for whatever reason, etc etc etc. But the Focusrite was as simple as install the drivers, plug in, switch the primary interface in my audio I/O, and record. Maybe that doesn't sound like a big deal, but frankly, after 20 years of recording it was an enormous relief to finally have a sturdy, good sounding interface that just works well right away. ... More
Extremely pleased
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre Thunderbolt Audio Interface
Reviewed by Jon l. J. on Reverb
I got this for its low latency and it doesn't disappoint. I've never had to "not" worry about latency before. Very cool. Virtually noiseless, the AIR effect is handy for lead vocals and acoustic guitars (don't overuse it) and the overall sound is fantastic. Perhaps a slightly heavy in the high mids compared to some others, but I really like it. There's this thing called EQ that you can use to make just about any interface sound like any other. ;-) My one nit is not having physical buttons for the AIR and line/inst pad. That's done in software. Runs a little warm, not hot, but I think that's par for the course with these type of pres. The AC adapter was a little loose, but after reading on GearSlutz that this is because of a slight mismatch between the socket and plug, I grabbed another that fits more snugly. Don't let the 4 stars throw you off. I don't give anything 5 stars, but the 4Pre would get 4.5 if there were the option. I had no desire to jump down the UAD rabbit hole, so this was near perfect. ... More
Great IO Box!
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by alightbeacon on Guitar Center
Love how clean the preamps are and the interface for control is excellent. No popping clicks or any nuances that I experienced with my previous EIE Pro interface. This one is totally worth the money.
I love many inputs
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre Thunderbolt Audio Interface
Reviewed by Charles W. on Reverb
First thing I noticed is that thing gets pretty hot. so I turn it off when I'm not using it. However, when I turn it back on, it doesn't sync with Logic unless I unplug the thunderbolt cable. I then always have to change the setting to use the internal clock. Other than that its a fine peice of equipment. I sort of preferred the way the Apogee Duet sounds, however I love having so many more inputs. I bought some cheap pre's online and now have 8 channel interface.
I am amazed
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB Desktop 18x8 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I was using a Komplete Audio 6 USB DAC. I purchased this one and connected it to my Windows 10 PC with the new driver and was amazed. The sound quality is so clean and great sounding. I highly recommend this DAC. The Thunderbolt connection is wonderful, no latency at all and the SOUND IS AMAZING
Unbelievable
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Joseph L. on Reverb
I jumped from a 1st generation Scarlett to the Clarett 4 Pre and the difference in pre amps was like removing pillows from in front of my speakers. Guitar Di's on the high Z input sound crystal clear and huge. The Mix Control software is much easier to use. I got this specific model for the 4 line ins on the back that aren't affected by the pre amps. This allowed my outboard compressors to have less coloration. 10/10 would buy again
Wooooow
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB Desktop 18x8 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Fabian on B&H Photo Video
AD/DA converters are so good and clean, air mode is perfect for some instruments, no noise. Value for money!
Perfect
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB Desktop 18x8 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Felipe on B&H Photo Video
No Problems
don't bother with W7
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Joe B. on Reverb
skips and glitches galore on a finely tuned machine that otherwise runs Steinberg, RME and MOTU via USB perfectly. Also, W7 has to be FULLY updated to install.
Absolutely Love this!
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB Desktop 18x8 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
Reviewed by Gary on B&H Photo Video
This is my 4th Focusrite interface. I lost a 6i6 due to a power surge so decided to upgrade to the Claret line...and boy am I glad! Great detailed pre-s and converters are top notch. Sure, it's more epensive than the Scarlet line but the difference is instantly noticeable! Love love love the Claret!
Great stuff
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Chris B. on Reverb
Took a little adjusting going from the Scarlet, but the additional inputs, and the additional dynamic range, and greater flexibility this interface offers is great.
Outstanding in every way.
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre Thunderbolt Audio Interface
Reviewed by Michael P. on Reverb
Thunderbolt is the only way to go, and this thing sounds incredibly transparent and warm. Works effortlessly with my mac - buy it!!
Fast , clear and preamp
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre Thunderbolt Audio Interface
Reviewed by Peymon G. on Reverb
It works as advertised , I needed more mic input and lot less latency . And faster data transfer All accomplished with 4pre. Works perfectly with Protool ag and Logic , Abilton
