Designed to provide an additional eight mic pres, eight line outputs, and 24-bit / 192 kHz AD/DA conversion, the Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre connects with your existing interface via ADAT connections. Building upon the success of the original OctoPre, the Clarett+ OctoPre features improved high-dynamic-range A/D and D/A conversion with ultralow distortion that provides clearer mixes and stunning details at all levels. The mic pres are outfitted with Focusrite's proprietary Air feature, which allows you to switch impedances to emulate an analog ISA preamp. You can also instantiate a transformer-resonance effect to lend your signal clarity and a sense of air. These mic pres switch automatically between mic level and line level.

The front-panel inputs feature an extended amount of headroom to suit the high-output signal of sources such as electric guitars, while the rear panel offers XLR-1/4" combination jacks for the remaining six inputs. With a dynamic range of 118 dB, each input leads into a 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion stage capable of sample rates up to 192 kHz. Every input also sports its own insertion point—with hardwired relay bypass—for outboard compressors, EQs, or any processor you have.

On the output side, the Clarett OctoPre offers eight channels of digital-to-analog conversion, giving you 118 dB of dynamic range in the process. The analog outputs are accessible via a 25-pin D-sub connection. As the outputs can also be configured to accept line-level signal from the mic pres, this device is suitable for mixing sessions and for feeding live consoles, while simultaneously recording on the digital side.

Adds 8 Mic Pres to Existing Interfaces    Adds 8 Line Outs to Existing Interfaces    Classic Focusrite Analog Air (ISA 110)    24-Bit / 192 kHz AD/DA    Dual-Port ADAT I/O for 8 Channels    Switchable Insert Point on Every Channel    48V Power on All Inputs + Word Clock I/O    118 dB of Dynamic range + 129 dBu EIN    Two Hi-Z Instrument Inputs    Outputs Fed from D/A or Mic Pres

Get closer to the origins of Focusrite with premium relay-controlled analog circuitry on every preamp that emulates the classic Focusrite ISA 110, as featured on the original Focusrite Studio Console. When Air is engaged, it switches the impedance to 2.2 kilohms and adds two cumulative high shelves, totaling a 4 dB boost in the high frequencies.

Achieve clear recordings in any session. With 118 dB of dynamic range and 129 dBu EIN, the natural sound of source signals is preserved. The fully balanced signal path ensures inbound signals are clean and with ultralow noise—giving sessions the professional Focusrite sound.

Clarett+ OctoPre's eight dedicated channel inserts allow you to track through your favorite outboard and capture its true character. Easily add analog equipment to the signal path with our flexible insert design.

Multitrack with confidence and handle any recording session. Offering ultralow noise/distortion, Clarett+ OctoPre's A-D conversion combined with the powerful preamps give professional-sounding tracks ready for mixing.

Clarett+ OctoPre's exceptional D-A conversion allows engineers to easily process audio in their signature style, confident that audio quality is preserved when sending audio to analog compressors, EQs, and effects. Connect Clarett+ OctoPre to a Clarett+ 8Pre via ADAT and send 16 channels to a mixer.

Add Clarett+ OctoPre to a 2Pre, 4Pre, or 8Pre to expand your I/O easily and consistently via ADAT. Non-Clarett+ users can upgrade to a professional standard and bring the classic Focusrite sound to their recordings by connecting to an ADAT-enabled interface, benefitting from the premium quality offered by Clarett+ OctoPre.

Capture the true characteristics of guitars with Clarett+ OctoPre's JFET guitar inputs. Wide input bandwidth retains the purity of high frequencies and feels like you are plugging straight into an amp.

The Clarlett line of interfaces comes with some of the best-loved software tools in the business. Click here to see the complete list.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. How much latency does the Adat to Dante conversion introduce? And how much latency is expected end to end between devices?

A: Ferrofish has not provided specifications for latency, however, they do offer some information regarding clocking provided by Dante and the ability to adjust latency: Dante provides reliable clocking via Precision Time Protocol (PTP) and a sophisticated clock master selection. It supports low latency operation which is adjustable from 150 microseconds to 5 ms (default: 1 ms for up to 10 switches). Dante includes a suite of diagnostic tools, monitoring the network health status, e. g. device latency monitoring, active clock health monitoring, packet error reporting, and usage statistics.

Q: 2. Since this doesn’t work for IPhone, would it still work directly plugged into your PC for recording two mics? Like on Audition?

A: The Saramonic SR-PAX1 Two-Channel Audio Mixer, Preamp, Microphone Adapter's 3.5mm output could technically be plugged into a computer's microphone jack, but this is not how it is designed to be used and you would achieve much better results by using an audio interface instead.

Q: 3. Does this work with Focusrite Control software?

A: This unit will show up as digital inputs in the Focusrite Control Software, when connected to the ADAT input of an a compatible Focusrite interface.

Q: 4. Will this work to provide line level control and phantom power to an Alexa Mini, and if so, what other components would be needed to ensure it works well?

A: Yes, you need to make sure you have the appropriate phantom power setting; 48volt is the most common, and make sure your Alexa is set to line level input. All you need is 2AA batteries, a microphone, and two XLR cables. One to connect the mic to the MM1, and another to go out of the MM1 to the Alexa. Recommend energizer ultimate lithium batteries. They'll last days.

Q: 5. If I do not need phantom power, can I still use it without the battery?

A: The Saramonic SR-PAX1 Two-Channel Audio Mixer, Preamp, Microphone Adapter requires power from a 9V battery in all use cases for proper operation. Using the SR-PAX1 with the phantom power feature disengaged still requires power from the internal 9V battery source.

Q: 6. what cables do I need to hook this up to my 70d??

A: Looks like you'll need to purchase a XLR F to 3.5mm (mono) male cable. The output of the SD MM-1 is Line level. So, the cable will need to be the type that can attenuate line level down to Mic level for the 70D to receive.

Q: 7. Will it work with other interfaces such as Universal Audio apollo? or is it only built to work with focusrite interfaces?

A: The OctoPre can be used together with any interface that has ADAT inputs. It will work with the Universal Audio Apollo as well as other Focusrite Scarlett interfaces.

Q: 8. I have 2 3.5mm mics will they be on separate left and right channels or be all in one?

A: The Saramonic SR-PAX1 Two-Channel Audio Mixer, Preamp, Microphone Adapter can be used to connect two microphones with 3.5mm connectors. There are separate left and right inputs on the back to connect both mics and a button on the front labeled "M/S" which is used to select between mono and stereo mode. When using the mono setting, the left and right channels will be combined as one mixed signal on both the left and right channels (same audio on both sides). When using the stereo mode, the two mics will be separated on different sides.

Q: 9. I'm from Argentina and here we have 220V. Is the power supply or this product compatible with this voltage?

A: The power supply for the Focusrite Clarett+ 4Pre Desktop 18x8 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface is not compatible with 220v power outlets. To use this product with a 220v power outlet, a step-down transformer will be required.

Q: 10. how connect cable?

A: The Saramonic SR-PAX1 Two-Channel Audio Mixer, Preamp, Microphone Adapter has a 3.5mm TRS output to connect the cable which will also connect to the mic input on the camera. You can use a cable like the Kopul CMX-RC30 Right-Angle Coiled Stereo Mini Cable (B&H # KOCMXRC30B) to connect to a camera with a 3.5mm TRS mic input.