background image

3

OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing this  OctoPre, the studio-grade eight-channel mic preamp with 

ADAT connectivity, designed for engineers and producers who need extremely high-quality inputs 

and outputs. Eight next-generation, high-headroom, low-noise, low-distortion  mic preamps 

— featuring the unique all-analogue Air function — help you capture superbly clear recordings with 

precise clarity. The independent A-D and D-A converters with ultra-wide dynamic range let you hear 

the truth and bring you and your collaborators closer than ever to your music.

 OctoPre is the studio upgrade that connects all your equipment and makes high-quality 

multitracking  easy.  Used  in  conjunction  with    2Pre,    4Pre  or    8Pre  — 

connecting via ADAT — it’s the ideal companion for any multi-channel recording session.

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 the 

Guide, so you are fully aware of all the possibilities the OctoPre has to offer.

FEATURES

The  OctoPre is an eight-channel preamplifier for use with microphones, line and instrument 

input signals. Both analogue and digital outputs are provided: the digital outputs are in ADAT format 

on optical TOSLINK connectors, which can be easily routed to any ADAT-equipped interfaces using 

optical  cables.  The    OctoPre  can  transmit  and  receive  eight  channels  of  audio  at  sample 

rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96 kHz, or four channels at 176.4 or 192 kHz.

The    OctoPre  has  eight  next-generation,  high-performance    preamps  to  capture 

the clearest and most powerful audio with a preamp design that brings masses of headroom, low 

distortion and low noise.

The new and improved high-performance A-D and D-A converters deliver extremely low noise and 

high  dynamic  range  audio,  for  making  recordings  that  are  more  powerful  than  ever.  Switchable 

channel inserts on every channel keep  OctoPre at the centre of your creative process and its 

word clock input offers convenience and reliability for your system.

The ADAT inputs allow you to connect to an interface’s ADAT output - such as on the  8Pre – 

to increase the number of output channels of your recording system.

BOX CONTENTS

Along with your OctoPre you should have:

 

• AC mains cable with IEC connector

Summary of Contents for Clarett+ OctoPre

Page 1: ...User Guide focusrite com Version 2 0...

Page 2: ...ode 10 Inserts 11 ADAT to Line mode 12 EXAMPLE SETUPS 13 1 Clarett OctoPre with audio interface OctoPre as clock leader 13 2 Clarett OctoPre with audio interface audio interface as a clock leader 13 3...

Page 3: ...Pre has to offer FEATURES The Clarett OctoPre is an eight channel preamplifier for use with microphones line and instrument input signals Both analogue and digital outputs are provided the digital out...

Page 4: ...s adjust input gain for signals at Inputs 1 to 8 respectively 5 O L each input channel has a red overload LED this illuminates when the signal level reaches 19 5 dBu Always adjust the level so the LED...

Page 5: ...nnels 1 to 8 feed both the rear panel LINE OUTPUT connector analogue and the ADAT output ports digital When ADAT LINE mode is enabled the signals present at the ADAT input ports are sent to the OctoPr...

Page 6: ...nsert send so excessive signal level is not sent to external equipment 17 INSERTS 3 to 8 6 x TRS jack sockets providing the insert points for Channels 3 to 8 these are electrically identical to 16 18...

Page 7: ...nd 18 Output 5 hot 6 Output 5 cold 19 Output 5 Gnd 7 Output 4 hot 20 Output 4 cold 8 Output 4 Gnd 21 Output 3 hot 9 Output 3 cold 22 Output 3 Gnd 10 Output 2 hot 23 Output 2 cold 11 Output 2 Gnd 24 Ou...

Page 8: ...account log in and select REGISTER A NEW PRODUCT 4 Select your Clarett device from the Product drop down list and enter the Serial Number of your device at the bottom of the page The serial number of...

Page 9: ...ilable from professional audio suppliers DIGITAL OUTPUTS Use the OPTICAL OUT ADAT port s 18 to connect the Clarett OctoPre to the ADAT input s of an audio device using TOSLINK optical cable s The port...

Page 10: ...port can receive eight channels of audio at 44 1 kHz or 48 kHz sample rate via a single optical cable At 88 2 kHz or 96 kHz sample rates each port can receive four channels of audio The right hand por...

Page 11: ...dified by AIR and post the front panel GAIN controls 4 When using an insert point try to adjust the input and output levels of the external processor so the return signal is about the same level as th...

Page 12: ...is mode allows you to use the Clarett OctoPre to connect an 8 channel ADAT format output from a DAW for example to a set of analogue inputs For example you can send the channels from your DAW to outbo...

Page 13: ...e running at 44 1 kHz sample rate The OctoPre s clock source is set to INTERNAL and the 8Pre is synchronised to it because its clock source is set to ADAT via Focusrite Control This setup would for ex...

Page 14: ...nterface running at a sample rate of 96 kHz SMUX II mode Both units must be set to 96kHz you need two optical cables carrying four channels of audio each The Red 8Line is the sync leader This setup is...

Page 15: ...s will need a 25 way D sub on one end and eight connectors appropriate to the desk s line inputs on the other Pre made looms are available from professional audio suppliers This setup would also be ap...

Page 16: ...ect the Red 8Line s OPTICAL OUT ports to the OPTICAL IN ports of two Clarett OctoPres and enable ADAT LINE on both A loom like in Example 4 is used to connect the two OctoPres to Channels 9 to 24 of t...

Page 17: ...coustic drums you can use dynamics control in various ways to get the sound you re after Compression is often added to kick and snare drums to thicken the sound while noise gates are effective on toms...

Page 18: ...ain Range 57 dB Line Inputs Frequency Response 20 Hz 20 kHz 0 05 dB 20 Hz 35 kHz 0 15 dB Dynamic Range 118 dB at minimum gain THD N 100 dB 1 dBFS and minimum gain Maximum input level 26 dBu Gain Range...

Page 19: ...rear panel for Line use TRS jack Mic Line switching Automatic Phantom power 48V switchable Chs 1 4 5 8 in groups Outputs Analogue outputs 8 x balanced on rear panel 25 way female D sub Other I O ADAT...

Page 20: ...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 oth...

Reviews: