Focusrite

inputs on the front and six on the
back and all use combi mic/line TRS
connectors. The two on the front are
suitable for Hi-Z instruments. You’ve
also got single jack TRS-style insert
points for all eight inputs. Line
outputs are on a 25-pin D-Sub,
which is slightly frustrating, but
understandable given the space
constraints on the back panel. You
also have two pairs of ADAT optical
in/out and Word Clock in/out. The
ADAT I/O serves two purposes,
providing digital output of the mic
pre signals, but also providing D-A
conversion from the optical input to
the line outputs on the D-Sub
connector (see below).
One-stop shop
OctoPre is very much a self-
contained unit and front panel
features include sample rate
selection, phantom power (two banks
of four), clock sync (Internal, Word
Clock and ADAT with lock indicator
LED), multi-part input meters, and
individual switching to Hi-Z for
inputs 1 and 2. Each mic pre gets its
own smooth action physical gain
knob with red overload LED. Below
these are two-colour backlit soft
buttons that work in conjunction with
the global Insert and Air buttons to
activate these functions. There is also
a button labelled ADAT to Line, for
simultaneous A-D and D-A
M
ost audio
interfaces offer
two or maybe
four mic inputs.
If you want to
record
multimiked
drums or simply want more mic
inputs, you could opt for one of the
few interfaces with eight mic inputs.
However, many interfaces include
additional line or digital inputs
allowing you to extend your mic
input options by using an additional
mic input device. This is where
Focusrite’s OctoPre comes into play.
Part of their prosumer Clarett+ USB
interface range, OctoPre is a mic pre
and A-D, D-A converter with no
computer interfacing. This not only
makes it pretty easy to understand,
but also means that you can pair it
up with any manufacturer’s suitably
equipped interface. It offers
improved sonic performance over the
original Clarett devices, with a lower
noise fi gure on both inputs and
outputs, better dynamic range and
new A-D and D-A converters.
Magic 8
Let’s have a quick run through what’s
on offer. First up you get eight
Clarett mic pres. These were
specifi cally designed for this range
and have a very linear response and
very low noise. The preamp also
includes their switchable analogue
Air circuit. This emulates Focusrite’s
classic ISA transformer design,
changing the input impedance and
also engaging the transformer
resonance effect, resulting in a
gentle sloped boost that starts
around 100Hz, reaching +4dB at
about 10kHz.
The Clarett+ OctoPre has two
THE PROS & CONS
+
Very quiet, linear
mic preamp
Excellent JFET
instrument input
Simple, one-button-
per-function design
Simultaneous A-D
and D-A routing
-
Quite expensive
Line output only
via D-Sub
FM VERDICT
8.7
OctoPre was already a great
and this refresh brings it
in line with other Clarett+
units. A costly but excellent
way to extend your I/O
conversion using both ADAT inputs
and outputs. When disabled, the mic
preamps feed both the line outputs
and ADAT outputs.
OctoPre’s instrument inputs use
a JFET circuit. I’ve tested this
before and once again the clarity of
this design coupled with the
impressive gain on offer (57dB)
make this great for weedy passive
pickups. It also handles peaky
transients really well. As you’d
imagine, the mic pres are whisper
quiet, and deliver a nice clean
signal. But you’ve also got the Air
option for added sheen if needed.
All told it’s a welcome, though
predictable, upgrade to this mic pre
converter, and although not cheap, it
provides an excellent I/O extension
to your existing interface.
You can pair it up with any
manufacturer’s suitably
equipped interface
Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre | Reviews
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