Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB User manual

focusrite.com
Version 2
User Guide

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW..................................................................... 3
Features ....................................................................4
Box Contents ................................................................5
System Requirements .........................................................5
Getting Started................................................................. 6
Software Installation ..........................................................6
Registering your Clarett USB ...................................................6
Hardware Features ...........................................................8
Front Panel ....................................................................8
Rear Panel ....................................................................9
Connecting your Clarett 2Pre USB ..............................................10
Computer audio setup ..........................................................10
Audio Setup in your DAW ........................................................10
Connecting Clarett 2Pre USB to loudspeakers ......................................11
Examples of Usage ..........................................................13
1. Recording a solo artist ........................................................13
2. Using the optical connections ..................................................15
3. Using the Clarett 2Pre USB as an on-stage mic pre-amp ...........................16
FOCUSRITE CONTROL - OVERVIEW...............................................17
CLARETT 2PRE USB TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .................................18
Performance Specications ...................................................18
Physical and Electrical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
TROUBLESHOOTING ...........................................................20
COPYRIGHT AND LEGAL NOTICES ................................................20

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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+ ports, or Thunderbolt 3+ ports.
More information regarding the compatibility of computer serial ports can be found at:
support.focusrite.com/hc/articles/115005994565-Scarlett-3rd-Gen-Clarett-USB-Clarett-USB-
connectivity-Do-I-need-a-USB-C-port-
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Clarett 2Pre USB, one of the family of Focusrite professional USB
audio interfaces incorporating newly-designed, high quality Clarett analogue pre-ampliers with the
unique AIR function. In conjunction with the Focusrite Control application, you now have a highly
versatile and professional solution for routing high quality audio to and from your computer recording
system, with super-low latency.
You can also use the Clarett 2Pre USB as a stand-alone interface on-stage, bringing the benets of
Focusrite’s high-quality analogue microphone preamps to your live performance.
This User Guide provides a detailed explanation of the hardware to help you achieve a thorough
understanding of the product’s operational features. We recommend you take the time to read
through the Guide, whether you’re new to computer-based recording or a more experienced user, so
you are fully aware of all the possibilities the Clarett 2Pre USB has to offer.
If either User Guide does not have the information you need, please go to support.focusrite.com,
where you can nd articles and tutorials beyond the scope of this user guide. A Getting Started video
tutorial is also available, at focusrite.com/get-started.
IMPORTANT: As well as this User Guide, you will need the Focusrite Control Software
Guide which can be downloaded from focusrite.com/downloads
This contains full details of Focusrite Control, the software application that has been
designed specically for use with the Focusrite Clarett USB range of interfaces.

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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 congured to appear at the unit’s physical outputs.
Audio sources – mics, instruments, etc., can be recorded into your DAW and then played back
from there through ampliers and speakers, powered monitors, headphones, a mixer or any other
analogue or digital audio equipment you wish to use.
The Clarett 2Pre USB is also a MIDI interface, allowing your computer to connect to other MIDI
equipment in your studio.
An important feature of the Clarett 2Pre USB is the analogue preamplier design. In addition to their
class-leading dynamic range and ability to provide all the gain you’re ever likely to need, the circuitry
now includes an exciting new AIR function. Individually selectable on each channel, AIR subtly
modies the pre-amp’s frequency response to model the impedance and resonance characteristics
of Focusrite’s classic transformer-based ISA microphone preamps. When recording with good
quality microphones, you will notice an enhanced clarity and denition in the important mid to high
frequency range, just where it is most needed for vocals and many acoustic instruments.
The accompanying software application, Focusrite Control, is designed to require a minimal amount
of user interaction, letting you easily congure the Clarett 2Pre USB with signal routings appropriate
for the most common recording tasks. For more complex situations, it provides extensive routing
and monitoring options, as well as the ability to control global hardware settings such as sample rate
and synchronisation. You can download Focusrite Control from focusrite.com/downloads.
iPad and iPhone users can additionally download Focusrite iOS Control from the App Store®. The
app communicates via WiFi with Focusrite Control running on your computer, and lets you adjust
your monitor mixes from your iOS device. For more information see:
support.focusrite.com/hc/articles/212028389-Focusrite-iOS-Control-Basic-setup

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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
Focusrite Control is available at focusrite.com/downloads. On Windows, Focusrite Control will
also install the driver required. Mac users: Clarett 2Pre USB 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. To nd out what’s
included, go to:
focusrite.com/usb-c-audio-interface/clarett-usb/clarett-2pre-usb
System Requirements
IMPORTANT – Please visit the following link for up-to-date information on computer and
operating system compatibility for all Clarett products:
support.focusrite.com

6
GETTING STARTED
Software Installation
Focusrite Control and the driver software needed for the Clarett USB are available for download
from the Focusrite website: focusrite.com/downloads.
Click Clarett USB range on the Downloads page. This will take you to a page with all the downloads
which are available for the Clarett USB 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. No additional
driver is needed for Macs.
Registering your Clarett USB
If you are having trouble with the steps below, please watch our video guide here:
focusrite.com/get-started
1. Go to focusrite.com/register
2. If you do not have already have a Focusrite/Novation account, select CREATE AN ACCOUNT and
follow the on-screen instructions.

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3. If you do have an account, log in and select REGISTER A NEW PRODUCT:
4. Select your Clarett USB device from the Product drop-down list and enter your device’s Serial
Number at the bottom of the page. You can nd the serial number on the rear or underside of the
Clarett, and also on the gift box. Then click Set Serial Number.
5. Follow the rest of the on-screen instructions to nish registering your device.
6. When registration is complete, your Product will appear in your Account under the
My Hardware tab.
7. All your bundled software can be found under the My Software tab in your account.

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Hardware Features
Front Panel
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5 5
4 2
6
7
1 3 3 8 9101
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. 48V – two switches enabling 48 V phantom power at the Combo connectors’ XLR contacts for
mic inputs 1 and 2. Each switch has a red LED to show when phantom power is enabled. Note
that not all microphones require phantom power. If you are unsure whether your microphone
needs it to work, please read the microphone documentation.
3. Gain 1and 2– two rotary controls: adjust the input gain for the signals at Inputs 1 and 2
respectively. The gain controls have concentric bi-colour LED ‘halos’ to conrm signal level:
green indicates an input level of at least -42 dBFS (i.e., ‘signal present’), the ring then turns
orange when the signal level reaches -6 dBFS, and red at 0 dBFS.
4. INST – two red LEDs which illuminate when Instrument mode is selected for the jack Inputs
1 or 2 from Focusrite Control software. When Instrument mode is selected, the line input is
converted to a high impedance unbalanced input. You can connect instruments via a 2-pole
(TS) jack plug here.
5. AIR – two yellow LEDs which illuminate when the AIR function is selected for each input
from Focusrite Control. AIR modies the frequency response of the input stage to model the
classic, transformer-based Focusrite ISA microphone preamps.
6. (USB active) – a green LED which illuminates when the unit has established a connection
with the host computer to which it is connected.
7. (Locked) – a green LED which conrms clock synchronisation, either to the Clarett 2Pre
USB’s internal clock or to the external digital input.
8. MONITOR – main monitor output level control – this control will normally control the level
at the main monitor outputs on the rear panel, but can be congured in Focusrite Control to
adjust the level of either or both pairs of analogue outputs.
9. (Headphones) – connect a pair of stereo headphones at the ¼” TRS jack socket below
the control. The headphone output always carries the signals currently routed to analogue
outputs 3 and 4 (as a stereo pair) in Focusrite Control.
10. POWER – green LED conrming DC power is connected.

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Rear Panel
25 4
1
36 7
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 1and 2will generally be
used for driving the main L and R speakers of your monitoring system, while Outputs 3and 4
can be used for connecting additional line level equipment (e.g., outboard FX processors). The
signals routed to all the outputs may be dened in Focusrite Control.
2. OPTICAL INPUT – a TOSLINK connector carrying eight channels of digital audio in ADAT
format at 44.1/48 kHz sample rate or four channels at 88.2/96 kHz. These are simply additional
inputs to the Clarett 2Pre USB. This input is disabled at 176.4/192 kHz operation. This input is
also capable of accepting an optical S/PDIF source.
3. – USB-C™ connector; connect the Clarett 2Pre USB to your computer with either the
supplied USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to USB-A cable.
4. MIDI IN and MIDI OUT – standard 5-pin DIN sockets to connect external MIDI equipment. You
can send/receive MIDI data between your computer and external MIDI devices.
5. External DC power input – power the Clarett 2Pre USB via the separate AC adaptor (PSU)
supplied. The PSU is a 12 V DC unit rated at 1.5 A.
6. Power On/Off switch.
7. Kensington security slot– secure your Clarett 2Pre to a suitable structure if desired.

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Connecting your Clarett 2Pre USB
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.
Computer audio setup
When you connect your Clarett 2Pre USB to your computer for the rst time, you will need to select
it as the audio input/output device.
• Mac OS: selection is made in System Preferences >Sound: select the Focusrite device on
both the Input and Output pages.
• Windows: selection is made in Control Panel >Sound: right-click on the Focusrite device
and select Set as Default Device in both Recording and Playback tabs.
In case of difculty, full details of how to select the Clarett 2Pre USB as the audio device on all
operating systems can be found at focusrite.com/get-started/clarett-2PreUSB.
On all subsequent connections, your OS should automatically select the Clarett 2Pre USB as the
default audio device.
Audio Setup in your DAW
After installing the drivers and connecting the hardware, you can use the Clarett 2Pre USB with the
DAW of your choice.
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). Please refer to your DAW’s documentation or Help
les if you are unsure where to select the Clarett 2Pre USB as your audio device.
* Typical name – page names may vary with DAW

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Connecting Clarett 2Pre USB to loudspeakers
The 1/4” jack LINE OUTPUTS 1 and 2on the rear panel will normally be used to drive monitoring
speakers. Self-powered monitors incorporate internal ampliers, and may be connected directly.
Passive loudspeakers will require a separate stereo amplier; in this case, the outputs should be
connected to the amplier’s inputs.
Professional equipment will generally have balanced inputs. If your amplier 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-) ampliers and small powered monitors will have unbalanced inputs on RCA
sockets.
Connecting active speakers
Connecting passive speakers

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Main
Monitor
Speakers
Additional
Monitor
Speakers
IMPORTANT:
LINE OUTPUTS 1 and 2incorporate “anti-thump” circuitry that protects your speakers if
the Clarett 2Pre USB is turned on while the speakers (and amplier if used) are connected
and active.
LINE OUTPUTS 3 and 4do not have this circuitry.
If you’re using additional speakers connected to these outputs, we recommend you
power your Clarett 2Pre USB on rst, then turn on the speakers or power amplier.
But get into the habit of following the general rule in any case - it is
always good
audio practice to turn on a speaker system of any kind
after turning on the equipment
feeding it.

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Examples of Usage
The Clarett 2Pre USB is an excellent choice for numerous recording and monitoring applications.
Some typical congurations are shown below.
1. Recording a solo artist
This shows a typical conguration 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. As the guitar is connected to Input 2, ensure INST mode is selected for Input 2 from Focusrite
Control, and the INST LED is illuminated.
The connection to the computer running DAW software is via a USB cable. This will carry all the input
and output signals between the DAW and the Clarett 2Pre USB. Once the audio setup is correctly
congured in the DAW, each input source will be available for recording.
A mix of the recorded tracks will be available at Line Outputs 1 and 2, so you can hear the results on
the speakers.

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It is possible the performer may prefer to hear a monitor mix of voice and instruments adjusted
to their particular taste. Focusrite Control lets you dene 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. If you need to send the monitor mix to more than one musician,
you can use the rear panel line outputs to send the mix to a headphone amplier.
When sourcing monitor mixes from input signals in this way, ensure the DAW channels you are
recording are muted, otherwise the musicians will hear themselves “twice”, with one signal audibly
delayed as an echo.
Please refer to the Focusrite Control User Guide for more details on setting up monitor mixes.
A note about latency
You will probably have heard the term “latency” used in connection with digital audio systems. In the
DAW recording application described above, latency is the time it takes for your input signals to pass
through your computer and audio software, and back to you.
While not an issue for most recording situations, latency can be a problem for a performer who
wishes to record while monitoring their input signals. This might be the case if you need to increase
your buffer size, which could be needed when you record overdubs on a large project using many
DAW tracks, software instruments and FX plug-ins.
Common symptoms of a buffer setting that is too low could be glitching audio (clicks and pops), or a
particularly high CPU load within your DAW (most DAWs have CPU readouts). If you experience this
on a Mac, you can raise the buffer size from the DAW application itself; on a Windows PC you will
need to change this from the ASIO ControlPanel which can usually be accessed from your DAW
Setup Preferences*.
The Clarett 2Pre, in conjunction with Focusrite Control, allows “low latency monitoring”, which
overcomes this problem. You can route your input signals directly to the Clarett 2Pre’s headphone
and line outputs. This enables the musicians to hear themselves with ultra-low latency – i.e.,
effectively in “real time” – along with computer playback. The input signals to the computer are not
affected in any way by this setting. However, note that any effects being added to the live instruments
by software plug-ins will not be heard in the headphones in this case, although the FX will still be
present on the recording.
* Typical name – page names may vary with DAW

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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 preamplier with an ADAT output – such as the Clarett
OctoPre – provides a simple and excellent method of expanding the Clarett 2Pre USB’s input capability.
The Clarett OctoPre’s OPTICAL OUT port is connected to the Clarett 2Pre USB’s OPTICAL IN port
with a single TOSLINK optical cable. The two devices must be synchronised to ensure audio passes
cleanly, without clicks and pops. This can be achieved by selecting ADAT as the clock source in the
Device Settings tab within the Focusrite Control software. Both devices must be set to the same
sample rate.
The additional inputs realised by use of the optical port may be routed using Focusrite Control in
exactly the same manner as the other inputs. The additional inputs can form part of any musician’s
headphone mix, as required.

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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 congure 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.
To FOH Mixer
In the example illustrated, a mic and a guitar are connected to the inputs of the Clarett 2Pre USB;
Outputs 1 and 2 go to the main PA system. The performer can adjust the volume of the mic and guitar
separately from the front panel.

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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.
Focusrite Control has its own, dedicated User Guide, which contains detailed operating
instructions for all aspects of the software. This may be downloaded from:
focusrite/downloads

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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
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, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
Microphone Inputs
Frequency Response 20 Hz - 35 kHz +/-0.5 dB (Minimum Gain)
Dynamic Range >119 dB at minimum gain (A-Weighted
THD+N 0.0009%
Noise EIN >-129 dB (A-weighted)
Maximum input level +18 dBu (at minimum gain)
Gain Range +57 dB
Line Inputs
Frequency Response 20 Hz - 35 kHz +/-0.5 dB (Minimum Gain)
Dynamic Range >119 dB
THD+N 0.001%
Maximum input level +26 dBu (at minimum gain)
Gain Range +57 dB
Instrument Inputs
Frequency Response 20 Hz - 35 kHz +/-0.5 dB (Minimum Gain)
Dynamic Range >118 dB
THD+N 0.001%
Maximum input level +14 dBu (at minimum gain)
Gain Range +57 dB
Line and Monitor Outputs
Dynamic Range Outputs (1-2) 119 dB
THD+N Outputs (1-2) 0.00075%
Maximum Output Level (0 dBFS)
Balanced Line/TRS Outputs +18 dBu (at minimum gain)
Headphone Outputs
Dynamic Range >115 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N 0.0008%
Maximum Output Level +16 dBu

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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 On front panel
Headphones level control
Other I/O
ADAT I/O
TOSLINK optical connectors:
8 channels at 44.1/48 kHz
4 channels at 88.2/96 kHz
Data connector (to Mac) 1 x USB Type C™ connector
MIDI I/O 2 x 5-pin DIN sockets
Weight and Dimensions
W x D x H 210 mm x 161 mm x 55 mm / 8.27” x 6.34” x 2.17”
Weight 1.36 kg
3.00 lbs

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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.
USB Type-C®and USB-C®are registered trademarks of USB Implementers Forum.
Thunderbolt is a trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries.
2021 © Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited. All rights reserved.