Focusrite have announced the launch of a new eight–channel mic pre with A-D/D-A conversion — Clarett OctoPre — which can be used to add eight mic/line inputs and line outputs to any interface with ADAT I/O.
What sets this OctoPre apart from previous models is an 'Air'-enable preamp — the same as those found in the Clarett interfaces — which is a tilt-like EQ that emulates the transformer–based sound of Focusrite’s ISA range of heritage mic pres.
It also features an electronically-balanced relay-bypassed insert point, allowing analogue processing to be left connected and brought into play with the push of a button
According to Focusrite, the preamps have extensive headroom, making them suitable for drums or other high–level signals. The Clarett OctoPre also sports two instrument DI inputs on the front panel. The ‘Air’ effect can be switched in or out on a per-channel basis and phantom power is also provided, switchable in two groups of four channels.
In addition to being fed to the A–D converter, the input channels are also available at the analogue outputs, from where they can, for example, be routed to a live mixing console while at the same time capturing the inputs digitally. The analogue outputs, which appear on a rear–panel DB25 connector, can alternatively be switched to pick up the ADAT inputs via the D–A converters.
The Clarett OctoPre offers 24–bit conversion at standard sample rates up to 192 kHz. Both A–D and D–A converters measure a dynamic range of 118dB. Two ADAT input and two output ports are provided, allowing the Clarett OctoPre to carry eight channels of I/O at sample rates of up to 96kHz and four channels at 176.4/192kHz. The Clarett OctoPre can sync either to external ADAT or Word Clock, or may be clocked internally, and features JetPLL jitter elimination technology. Word Clock out is also provided.
Metering is via a group of six–segment LED bar meters plus per–channel clip indicators next to the channel level controls.
The Clarett OctoPre will be shipping in November and will carry a recommended retail price of £649.99 (inc VAT) / $699.99 (ex Tax).
