Focusrite Debuts Scarlett OctoPre and OctoPre Dynamic Eight-Channel Mic-Pre Units

Two New Scarlett OctoPres make adding inputs easy

Scarlett OctoPre provides eight Scarlett preamps with up to 192kHz conversion and ADAT connectivity; Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic adds analog compression and eight-channel D-A conversion

Los Angeles, CA, February 8, 2017 – Focusrite is debuting two new Scarlett OctoPre mic-pre units: the standard Scarlett OctoPre and the Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic. With eight channels of Focusrite’s second-generation Scarlett preamps and built-in Focusrite precision 24-bit / 192 kHz conversion, Scarlett OctoPres present an ideal way of adding eight extra mic/line inputs to a DAW or digital console. And there are eight analog line outputs too, perfect for stand alone use in a live sound environment.

The Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic adds analog compression and D/A conversion to the standard Scarlett OctoPre described above.

The preamps feed precision 24-bit Focusrite A-D converters that operate up to 192kHz sampling with 109dB dynamic range, making the OctoPres ideal for hi-res audio recording. Dual ADAT ports enable eight channels to be used at sample rates up to 96kHz, while four channels can be transferred at 176.4/192kHz sampling. The Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic model adds eight channels of 24/192kHz D-A conversion too, with 108dB dynamic range, fed from dual ADAT inputs. A button switches the eight line outputs to be sourced from the ADAT inputs, via the D-A.

The eight second-generation Scarlett preamps, with newly-designed high-headroom instrument inputs, will take everything that a band can throw at them. Both OctoPres provide phantom power throughout and accurate five-segment LED metering. The OctoPre offers a pad on every channel and front panel, high headroom instrument inputs. The OctoPre Dynamic comes with optimized headroom as standard, capable of handling the same input levels as the standard OctoPre, plus analogue, soft-knee compression on every channel for natural and transparent control of dynamics, right up to more aggressive compression effects.

Scarlett OctoPre and Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic are ideal for expanding any high quality, multi-channel recording system. With their high-headroom mic, line and dual instrument inputs, they’re ideal for tracking drums as well guitars, keyboards, vocals – and more.

*Often overlooked, ADAT I/O is a simple and easy way of bringing extra channels such as mic preamps into your system, with its affordable optical connectivity carrying up to eight channels of audio, and it’s available on many interfaces and consoles.

Key Features – common to both products

• Record with Scarlett mic pres: Eight natural-sounding 2nd generation Scarlett mic pres with mic/line inputs – including two instrument inputs – delivering plenty of gain, low noise and low distortion for studio quality recordings.
• Focusrite precision A-D conversion: 109dB dynamic range precision Focusrite A-D conversion you can rely on.
• High-resolution audio: Supports 24-bit A-D conversion at sample rates up to 192kHz.
• Plug straight in: Two of the mic pres feature high headroom instrument inputs, with plenty of headroom to handle even seriously hot pick-ups without clipping or unwanted distortion.
• Great for drums: Preamps are optimized to handle extreme levels from sound sources like kick drum and snare.
• Eight line outputs: Perfect for live work – feed the line outputs into a live console while you record the digital outputs.
• Accurate metering and level control: Five-segment metering on every channel plus new generation gain controls for more accurate level settings.
• Simple ADAT connectivity: Connect Scarlett OctoPre instantly via optical cables to any audio interface with ADAT inputs. Dual ADAT ports support eight channels of mic, line or instrument sources at up to 96 kHz and four channels at 176.4/192 kHz.
• 48V Phantom power: Just what you need for condenser mics – phantom power is available on every channel.
• Additional Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic Features
• Eight channels of D-A: 109 dB dynamic range Focusrite precision 24-bit D-A conversion.
• Analog compression on every channel: Keep your inputs under control with this easy-to use, all-analog, single-control “soft-knee” compression system for a tighter sound. Natural and transparent in operation, you can also press the “More” button to double the ratio and use it as “compression with effect.”

About Focusrite
The Focusrite brand was established in 1985 and the founding principles of the company were to develop products that sounded more musical, in addition to just measuring well – today, we still carry these founding principles forward in our class-leading and award-winning designs. We measure our success by the success of you, our clients, and you will find Focusrite product prominent in professional and project studios throughout the world. Based just outside of London, we work with the best design talent throughout the world to bring you the tools to enhance the way you work. Our product is made with pride and principle in a highly automated ISO 9002 factory with significant level of test by engineers who themselves are musicians and understand the part our product plays in your process.

SOURCE: Focusrite