RECORDING Video Review: Focusrite ISA C8X

RECORDING Magazine Editor Paul Vnuk Jr. takes an in-depth look at the Focusrite ISA C8X, a 26-in/28-out USB-C audio interface that combines the legendary Focusrite ISA transformer-based preamps with modern connectivity, routing, and monitoring capabilities. In this video review, Paul explores the eight microphone preamps, including two classic ISA transformer-based channels, and demonstrates the sonic differences between the various impedance settings, 430 Air and Console modes. He also examines the six additional preamps and their variable Drive settings, the monitoring capabilities of the interface, and the Focusrite Control 2 app. 00:00 - Intro 00:28 - Unboxing 01:00 - Focusrite ISA C8X 02:10 - Ins & Outs 03:24 - ISA C8X Overview 03:59 - ISA Preamp Section 06:32 - ISA Preamp – Impedance Examples 08:09 - ISA Preamp – 430 (Air) Examples 09:44 - ISA Preamp – Console Examples 10:58 - ISA Instrument Impedance, 430 & Console Examples 11:43 - ISA C8X – Non-ISA Preamps 13:35 - Non-ISA Preamp Drive Settings 14:17 - Monitoring & Outputs 15:23 - Focusrite Control 2 App 16:42 - User Experience 18:03 - Full Song Example 19:51 - Conclusion READ THE FULL REVIEW Check out Paul's complete review in the August 2026 issue of RECORDING Magazine: https://recordingmag.com/ LEARN MORE Explore the Focusrite ISA C8X and the complete Focusrite audio interface lineup: https://focusrite.com/ #Focusrite #ISAC8X #RecordingMagazine #AudioInterface #StudioGear #RecordingStu