Focusrite Claret 4 Pre, any users?

RandallFlagg

I've been using a Focusrite Saffire Pro 14 firewire interface with my now 10 year old iMac since I got it, I can't believe it's been 10 years.

I'm planning to retire the 2010 iMac as it's now 2 OS updates behind and is no longer able to update to the latest OS and I'm looking to get a new 2020 iMac.

It looks like Firewire is no longer a port on new iMacs so I need a new interface and am looking at the Focusrite Claret 4 Pre USB interface.

Anyone using one with a Mac and have any thoughts? I always saw USB as a lesser option to Firewire but I guess USB 3 or whatever the latest standard is, is faster and more capable?

Or, should I be looking at a Thunderbolt interface?

GavRichList

I don’t have the 4, but I use a clarett 2pre and a clarett Octopre. I really like them; the preamps are noticeably better sounding than the Scarlett solo they replaced. Mine are the usb versions and I don’t suffer with any noticeable latency. Thoroughly recommend them - the air feature is a nice addition too; sparkle on tap. 

fretmeister

You'll probably get a better response in the recording part of the forum.

RandallFlagg

fretmeister said:

You'll probably get a better response in the recording part of the forum.

Oh yeah, I never venture there, I'll move it!

John_A

If you have a Mac, the thunderbolt version of the 4-pre is probably a better option, same box just a different interface.  They've stopped making them but you can still get them direct from Focusrite or often pop up on here or eBay.  here's one:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Focusrite-Clarett-4Pre-Thunderbolt-in-good-condition-Thunderbolt-cable-included/264940950117?epid=4013226462&hash=item3dafb61265:g:MVQAAOSwhkdfssxF

RandallFlagg

John_A said:

If you have a Mac, the thunderbolt version of the 4-pre is probably a better option, same box just a different interface.  They've stopped making them but you can still get them direct from Focusrite or often pop up on here or eBay.  here's one:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Focusrite-Clarett-4Pre-Thunderbolt-in-good-condition-Thunderbolt-cable-included/264940950117?epid=4013226462&hash=item3dafb61265:g:MVQAAOSwhkdfssxF

OK, that one looks like it was washed up ashore though so I'll pass!

John_A

RandallFlagg said:

John_A said:

If you have a Mac, the thunderbolt version of the 4-pre is probably a better option, same box just a different interface.  They've stopped making them but you can still get them direct from Focusrite or often pop up on here or eBay.  here's one:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Focusrite-Clarett-4Pre-Thunderbolt-in-good-condition-Thunderbolt-cable-included/264940950117?epid=4013226462&hash=item3dafb61265:g:MVQAAOSwhkdfssxF

OK, that one looks like it was washed up ashore though so I'll pass!

It does, and I would too

LightB4sound

I had the 4PRE Thunderbolt for 6 years and it has been one of the best interfaces I have ever owned. So much so I also have the 8PRE as my main interface! Pretty much all the interfaces in that price range are fantastic these days. My biggest reason for loving the Clarett is that since Lockdown, the built in loopback feature has been a god send.

RandallFlagg

I'm now considering the Universal Audio Apollo Solo over the Focusrite Clarett 4Pre, it's thunderbolt 3 and powered over TB too. The main reason I wanted the Clarett 4Pre over the 2Pre is for the inputs on the rear as I want to be able to plug my HX Stomp in via the interface rear inputs so I can monitor it via nearfields without having to open Logic or use the HX as my interface.

poopot

Get this.

https://apogeedigital.com/products/symphony-io

you won’t be sorry.

John_A

RandallFlagg said:

I'm now considering the Universal Audio Apollo Solo over the Focusrite Clarett 4Pre, it's thunderbolt 3 and powered over TB too. The main reason I wanted the Clarett 4Pre over the 2Pre is for the inputs on the rear as I want to be able to plug my HX Stomp in via the interface rear inputs so I can monitor it via nearfields without having to open Logic or use the HX as my interface.

Personally I don't think the UA sounds any better than the Clarett, and you would miss the additional I/O. The UA is IMO also a frustrating rabbit hole, you'll but more (expensive) effects, then run out of DSP and buy a bigger interface then start the whole cycle again.

If you can put up with a bit more latency (about 8ms) you could go with a USB interface, I'm selling a Steinberg UR44 which has the same amount if ins and outs as the 4-pre, built in channel strip and reverb including Yamaha guitar sims (not as good as the stomp) but a very cool feature is it doesn't even need you to turn on your computer, it remembers the last settings so you can just turn it on and play


One of these, mint & boxed £150

https://www.thomann.de/gb/steinberg_ur44.htm

I would add that IMO the best value thunderbolt interfaces are a used Zoom TAC either 2 or 8 inputs, the 2 ip ones are bus powered too but lack some of the features of the big one.  Latency is amazing and they sound great too