New Audio Interface Recommendations?

[Mick C]

Hi All,
My trusty Focusrite Clarett 8Pre (the original thunderbolt 1 version) has given up on me after 10 years of faithful service. I'm not sure if it can be repaired, but the cost of finding out simply if it can be repaired, and then the possible cost on top of that to do the actual repair, is making me pause for thought as to whether I should look at an alternative.

My worst case cost scenario for a new unit is that Focusrite have offered me 25% discount off a new Clarett+8Pre if I trade in my faulty one, which equates to a purchase price of £650.

So does anyone have any suggestions for an 8 pre-amp interface at or below £650?

Thanks!

[OneWorld]

Have you not considered a used interface? I have seen 2nd and 3rd generation models of the Focusrite from £125 to £250 (and above of course) some of them little used. That way you can simply plug in and off you go

[Mick C]

Have you not considered a used interface? I have seen 2nd and 3rd generation models of the Focusrite from £125 to £250 (and above of course) some of them little used. That way you can simply plug in and off you go

I did look on eBay but there's not enough of a cost benefit to justify going 2nd hand vs brand new with a 3 year warranty. My £650 offer for a new one from Focusrite compares to typically £500 for a 2nd hand one

[James Perrett]

How much of it still works? If it is the audio interface part that is faulty then could you use it as a front end to an RME Digiface USB?

Alternatively, I'd say that the Audient EVO16 might be worth a look.

[Stratman57]

Plus 1 for the EVO16. I got one to replace my XR18 in my home setup. (I got fed up with having to unplug all the connections when the XR18 was needed for gigs). I have it paired with a Behringer ADA to give me the 16 channels.

Regards, Simon.