The Focusrite OctoPre is versatile, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go recording as part of a compact 8-channel system with a laptop or as an additional set of preamps for any analogue or digital console or hard disk recorder. Each channel features the renowned VoiceMaster PRO preamp and a cutting-edge dynamics circuit for complete control with exceptional sound quality.
The first two “Super Channels” include phase reverse and front panel TRS jack inputs for quick and easy direct connection. Its digital converters support up to sixteen simultaneous outputs, all configurable directly from the front panel. Housed in a single 1U chassis, the Focusrite OctoPre sets a new benchmark for multi-channel recording solutions.
The Focusrite OctoPre is equipped with eight high-quality VoiceMaster preamps, now also featured in the latest VoiceMaster PRO. These preamps continue the tradition of the original ‘Neve-designed’ Focusrite units, offering a wide bandwidth design that ensures low noise and minimal distortion.
This results in a clear, warm sound that has become synonymous with the Focusrite name. Additional features include Phantom Power, a Line level switch, and a High Pass filter, allowing the OctoPre to accommodate various audio sources with exceptional versatility and finesse.
The Focusrite OctoPre is equipped with eight independent compressors and limiters, featuring a unique circuit design that allows dynamic control through a single knob. It starts with a brick-wall limiter to prevent clipping, and as the knob is turned, more compression is added gradually. Each channel includes two independent side-chain control circuits – one for limiting and one for compression – each generating two control signals (one fast and one slow) that are applied through custom optical components.
These components are divided into high and low frequency bands, which helps to reduce distortion when the limiter responds to fast transients. By handling the high frequency elements separately, this design minimises inter-modulation distortion and non-related harmonics, resulting in a more musical and natural sound.
Both side-chains operate using a feedback system, which calculates the compression and limiting based on the level after the optical elements. This means that the limiter only engages when absolutely necessary, ensuring more precise control. Furthermore, an additional make-up gain is introduced to balance the level changes caused by compression. This automatic make-up gain feature maintains a consistent output level to the analogue-to-digital converter, eliminating the need to readjust input levels during dynamic settings.
With just one control knob, the Focusrite OctoPre provides a streamlined way to achieve warm, controlled, and musical dynamics without sacrificing any sonic detail or quality.
Focusrite OctoPre’s first two channels also feature high quality instrument inputs and phase reverse, both available direct from the front fascia, avoiding the need for a separate two channel DI box. Both channels allow all three sources to be patched simultaneously, with input selection switchable direct from the front fascia, allowing the unit to be permanently racked and patched to your own specifications.
The Focusrite OctoPre offers two high-quality analogue-to-digital converter options. Both converters are 24-bit with 128x oversampling and can operate at sample rates up to 96 kHz, with the ability to dither down to 20-bit or 16-bit resolution. All frequency settings and bit rates can be adjusted directly from the front panel, and an analogue-to-digital converter lock LED indicates word clock synchronisation.
- Option 1: 8 channels of ADAT lightpipe (up to 96 kHz)
- Option 2: 8 AES/EBU or S/PDIF outputs, plus 8 channels of ADAT lightpipe
An external word clock input (BNC connector) is available, allowing simultaneous use of AES/EBU or S/PDIF and lightpipe outputs, providing up to 16 channels of digital output at any sample rate.
When it comes to converters, quality is determined not just by specifications like sample rate or bit depth, but by the entire signal path. Focusrite’s analogue-to-digital converter cards are engineered to maximise the potential of the converter chipsets used. By integrating the converters within a single, closed unit, Focusrite minimises unwanted analogue connections, maintaining a shorter and cleaner signal path.
This design approach reduces external noise interference and ensures the highest possible signal integrity, resulting in superior clarity and accuracy in recordings.
