Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre
8-Channel microphone preamplifier / line AD/DA converter
- With 2 JFET instrument inputs
- 24-bit A/D and D/A conversion with up to 192 kHz sample rate
- Fully analogue relay-controlled ‘Air’ circuitry in each preamp, replicating the classic Focusrite ISA 110
- Dynamic range of 118 dB and 129 dBu ON
- Fully balanced signal path
- Eight dedicated channel inserts
- +48V phantom power (switchable in groups 1-4 and 5-8)
- 8x LED level indicator and channel clip LEDs
- Design: 19" / 1U
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 482 x 286 x 44.5 mm
- Weight: 4.15 kg
- Includes Hitmaker Expansion Software Bundle (Ableton Live Lite) and Pro Tools Intro+
Connections:
- 2 Microphone / instrument inputs: Combo XLR/jack 6.3 mm
- 6 Microphone / line inputs: Combo XLR/jack 6.3 mm
- 8 Insert connections: 6.3 mm jack
- 1 Sub-D25 line output (8-channel)
- Word clock input and output: BNC
- 2 ADAT inputs and outputs
Hitmaker Expansion Plugins:
- Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555 – Amp Sim
- XLN Audio Addictive Keys - Virtual Keyboard Instruments
- XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2: Studio Rock – Virtual Drum Library
- Antares Auto-Tune Access – Vocal Tuning
- Brainworx Bx_console Focusrite SC – Channelstrip
- Focusrite Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite – EQ and Compressor
- Relab’s LX480 Essentials – Reverb
-
Available since June 2022
-
Item number 542893
-
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
-
Channels 8
-
Number of microphone inputs 8
-
Instrument input Yes
-
Tubes No
-
Compressor/Limiter No
-
Equalizer No
-
De-Esser No
-
Phantom power Yes
-
Phase Reverse No
-
External effect loops Yes
-
Analogue Outputs Sub-D 25-pol
-
Digitale Outputs ADAT
-
Headphone connection No
-
Level Meter Yes
-
Amount Of Channels 8
-
AD Conversion Yes
-
DA Conversion Yes
-
Max. Resolution 24 bit
-
Max. sampling rate 192 kHz
-
ADAT Yes
-
Word clock Yes
-
Number of analog inputs 8
-
Number of Analog Outputs 8
-
Special Features None
-
Design 19"
-
A powerful expansion
Ready for use in a standard 19" rack, the Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre is microphone and line preamp with a supplementary D/A section; it's ideal for expanding audio interfaces and other peripherals with an ADAT interface, adding up to eight input and output channels. In addition to the high-quality preamps, with phantom power that can be activated in groups of four, the OctoPre's premium converters ensure optimum sound quality with sampling frequencies of up to 192kHz. Word clock inputs and outputs make it easy to integrate this 1U unit into larger production environments. And as with all Focusrite products, users benefit from a three-year manufacturer's warranty and 24/7 support.
)
Premium transformers and preamps
The Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre adds up to eight additional inputs and outputs to any audio interfaces or mixing consoles with an ADAT interfaces. Thanks to the use of high-quality A/D and D/A converters and first-class, low-distortion microphone/line preamplifiers, the sound quality is outstanding for both recording and playback – low noise, dynamic, and high resolution by design. Each input also features an insert switch and an analogue air switch, which switches the impedance to 2.2 kiloohms and boosts the treble by approximately 4dB via two filters, replicating the sound of the legendary Focusrite ISA 110. Finally, two of the channels feature switchable JFET sections for connecting high-impedance gear like electric guitars and basses.
)
Add more to recordings
The OctoPre significantly expands the channel capacity of ADAT-compatible audio interfaces, which is an advantage everywhere from project studios to professional recording setups, as well as for live recordings. The multiple inputs enable larger-scale multi-track recordings and the integration of peripheral devices and instruments in the studio. Conversely, the additional outputs enable playback on external mixing consoles and output in multi-channel audio formats. Eight six-segment level meters on the front of the device give sound engineers an overview of what's going on, while protecting sensitive gear from overloads. Thanks to dual ADAT interfaces, the full channel capacity can still be used at sampling frequencies up to 96kHz. If necessary, the preamps can even be used standalone: If required, they'll output the input signals directly in analogue form via the balanced D-Sub output. Finally, the Hitmaker Expansion, a comprehensive software package of plug-ins and virtual instruments, is included in the price here, as is a three-month licence for Pro Tools Intro+.
)
About Focusrite
Founded in 1985 by Rupert Neve, Focusrite quickly made a name for itself with high-quality analogue consoles. Today, the company markets audio interfaces, mic preamps, consoles, analogue EQs, and channel strips as well as hardware and software for digital audio processing. The company is based in High Wycombe, England, and has won numerous industry awards. In addition to the Focusrite Pro line, the company also has subsidiaries that include Adam Audio, Novation, and iOS app creator Ampify Music.
Expansive possibilities packed into 1U
The Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre provides eight additional recording channels in studio-grade quality, so in combination with a compatible audio interface, it can be used to capture a full band, including miked drums – whether it's live or in the rehearsal room. In a project studio, the expanded number of channels means that synthesizers, modellers, or other playback devices will always be inmmediately available via fixed cabling. The OctoPre's truly excellent microphone preamps more or less entirely eliminate the need for additional peripherals of this kind. In addition, the two high-impedance JFET instrument inputs, designed for electric guitars and basses, enable direct recording in optimum quality. The same applies to the balanced line inputs, which, in combination with the first-class converters, guarantee rich detail and vivid dynamics.
In the spotlight
Hitmaker Expansion
The Hitmaker Expansion is a complete package for music producers that includes everything from guitar sounds courtesy of the Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555, pitch correction with Antares Auto-Tune Access, and the Sonnox VoxDoubler through to reverb effects from Relab LX480 Essentials, the Brainworx Bx_console Focusrite SC channel strip, and two items from XLN Audio: Addictive Drums 2: Studio Rock and Addictive Keys Studio Grand Piano. A new addition is the Massive software synth from Native Instruments, which offers 1,300 presets. Focusrite's own Red 2 & 3 plugin suite is also included, as is the Fast Balancer, which uses AI to help provide an optimised mix, and the package is rounded off by a two-month subscription for the Landr studio mastering tools and a three-month Splice Sounds membership for new customers.
)
