Focusrite Clarett OctoPre 8-Channel Mic Preamp

The new Focusrite Clarett OctoPre is a very versatile 8-Channel Mic Preamp delivering 24-bit / 192kHz A-D and D-A with eight pro-quality Microphone Preamplifiers, and eight line outputs, making this new product ideal for expanding your current computer audio interface via ADAT I/O.

Thanks to its many inputs also great if you want to use your current audio interface for drums, as it has plenty of inputs for this job!

Clarett OctoPre is a mic preamp extension with added 'Air': it provides eight specially-designed Clarett mic pres and 24-bit, 192 kHz A-D and D-A conversion that can be used to extend the capabilities of a Clarett interface – or any other interface fitted with ADAT optical inputs and outputs.

In addition to the mic pres there are eight channels of D-A conversion providing eight analogue outputs.

The eight mic pres feature automatic mic/line switching inputs and two front-panel instrument inputs. Designed specifically for the Clarett range, they offer plenty of gain, yet low noise and distortion - and great sound quality.

They also include a special “Air” feature that switches in an analogue model of the classic transformer-based Focusrite ISA mic pre, switching the impedance of the preamp to that of the original ISA and enabling a ‘transformer resonance effect’, giving  microphone sources the air and clarity of an ISA transformer-based mic pre recording.

In addition, the mic pres have plenty of headroom and are ideal for recording drums and other extreme level sources.

The front panel instrument inputs feature extra headroom to handle high-output pickups, while the rear panel includes universal XLR/jack connectors for the remaining auto-switching mic/line inputs.

In addition, each input has its own switched insertion point for single-cable connection of compression, equalisation and other outboard analogue processing - with hard-wired relay bypass, so you can leave outboard gear or a patchbay connected ready to access at the press of a button.

The inputs drive eight channels of precision 24-bit Focusrite A-D with 118dB dynamic range and standard sample rates up to 192kHz.

In addition to providing eight mic pres, the Clarett OctoPre offers D-A conversion (from the ADAT inputs, with 119dB dynamic range) of up to eight channels, making it perfect for mixing as well as tracking.

The outputs appear on a 25-pin DSUB connector with standard wiring. The line outputs can optionally provide line level output feeds from the mic pres – useful for feeding a live console, for example, while recording the digital outputs. Aside from the insert point, the Clarett OctoPre is balanced end-to-end for maximum noise immunity.

Brainworx bx_console Focusrite Plug-In Free!

The Focusrite ISA 110 Equaliser and ISA 130 Dynamics Modules are two of the most received pieces of recording equipment ever made.

Now, you can get both of these great items recreated in an amazing plug-in by Brainbox called bx_console Focusrite.

Better yet, the bx_console Focusrite plugin is completely free for all owners of Clarett and Red interfaces.

Normally worth $349 when bought alone, this is an incredible bonus to an already amazing audio interface.

Just register your audio interface online, log into your Customer Portal page and the bx_console Focusrite plug-in will be listed on your My Software page for you to download for free!

Three-Year Warranty On All Focusrite Products

Focusrite are excited to announce an extension to the standard limited warranty, which comes with all new products.

Previously, customers enjoyed a two-year warranty. Now — effective on purchases from 1st January 2018 onwards — the warranty period is 36 months from the date of the original purchase.

(The warranty period for product purchased on or prior to the 31st December 2017 remains at 24 months from the date of the original purchase.)

Focusrite Clarett OctoPre Features

• 8-channel I/O mic/line expansion with ADAT interfacing
• Eight Clarett-style mic pres with 'Air' transformer emulation effect
• Eight line outputs fed from D-A or mic pres
• 24-bit A-D and D-A up to 192kHz sample rate - ideal for hi-res audio
• Dual-port ADAT I/O - eight channels at up to 96kHz, four channels at 176.4/192kHz
• Switched insert with true bypass on every channel
• Mic Pres and front panel instrument inputs with extra headroom
• Six-segment LED metering and channel clip indicators
• 48v Phantom Power to all inputs
• Word Clock I/O for synchronization to other studio equipment

What’s In The Box

• Clarett OctoPre
• Getting Started Guide
• Power Cable

Included Software

• Focusrite – Red Plug-in Suite: accurately models Focusrite's classic Red 2 equaliser and Red 3 compressor
• Softube – Time and Tone Bundle: four of Softube's world-class reverb, delay, mastering and distortion plug-ins
• Focusrite – Plug-in Collective: exclusive offers, tutorial content and more, from some of the most innovative and prestigious plug-in companies
• Focusrite Control

Focusrite Clarett OctoPre 8-Channel Mic Preamp Specs:

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 ±0.1 dB
• Dynamic Range (Without Insert): 118 dB (A-weighted)
• Dynamic Range (With Insert): 115 dB (A-Weighted)
• THD+N: 0.001%
• Noise EIN: –128 dBu (A-Weighted)
• Maximum input level: +18 dBu ±0.5 dB
• Gain Range: 57dB

Line Inputs

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 35 kHz ±0.1 dB
• Dynamic Range (Without Insert): 117 dB (A-weighted)
• Dynamic Range (With Insert): 115 dB (A-Weighted)
• THD+N: 0.001%
• Maximum input level: +26 dBU ±0.5 dB
• Gain Range: 57dB

Instrument Inputs

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 35 kHz ± 0.1 dB
• Dynamic Range (Without Insert): 116 dB (A-weighted)
• Dynamic Range (With Insert): 114 dB (A-Weighted)
• THD+N: 0.001%
• Maximum input level: +14dBu ±0.5 dB
• Gain Range: 57dB

Line Outputs

• Dynamic Range (Line Outputs): 118 dB (A-Weighted)
• Maximum Output Level (0 dBFS): +16 dBu, balanced
• THD+N: 0.0007%