Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre 8-Channel ADAT Mic Preamp

• Eight Clarett+ preamps (-129 dBu EIN, 57 dB of gain) with Air mode per channel
• Switchable insert point on each of the eight channels
• Two ADAT optical outputs and two inputs, with ADAT-to-line mode
• Eight balanced line outputs on a Tascam-pinout DB25 connector
• BNC word clock in and out

Each channel has its own TRS insert (tip send, ring return), placed after the gain and after the Air circuit. Plug a compressor into the kick, a noise gate into the toms, an EQ into the bass: the signal is processed before conversion, just like on a console.

A master switch decides whether the channel buttons control the inserts or Air mode; a green or yellow LED shows each channel's state. Six-segment meters on every channel and an overload LED at +19.5 dBu guide gain staging.

The two optical inputs are not preamp inputs: they receive eight channels from the interface, which the OctoPre converts to analog on its DB25 connector when ADAT>LINE mode is on. Meanwhile, the preamps keep sending their eight channels out the optical outputs.

With the mode off, the DB25 mirrors the eight preamps: the OctoPre becomes a stand-alone analog preamp in front of a console, while recording the same performance over ADAT.

At 44.1 or 48 kHz, one optical cable carries all eight channels. At 88.2 or 96 kHz, you need both cables, four channels each. At 176.4 or 192 kHz, the OctoPre is limited to four channels, two per port. So you need an interface with two ADAT inputs to get all eight channels at 96 kHz.

The SYNC switch selects internal clock, ADAT or word clock. With BNC input and output jacks, the OctoPre can lead the studio clock or follow it.

Paired with a Clarett+ 2Pre, 4Pre or 8Pre, it keeps the same preamp and the same Air mode on every channel: a drum kit recorded on sixteen mics sounds consistent. It also works with any other interface that has an ADAT input.

The first two inputs, on the front, accept mic, line or instrument; the other six are on the back. The built-in universal power supply accepts 100 to 240 V.

• Taking a Clarett+ interface to sixteen matching preamps
• Recording drums with compressors and noise gates on the inserts
• Adding eight analog outputs for summing or processing outside the computer
• High-quality front end for an analog console

Several manufacturers offer eight rackmount preamps with an ADAT link. The difference often comes down to which way that link goes.

What's the difference between the Clarett+ OctoPre and the Scarlett OctoPre?

The Clarett+ OctoPre uses Clarett+ preamps with Air mode, adds an insert per channel, ADAT inputs for eight more outputs and word clock in and out. The Scarlett OctoPre has ADAT outputs only and 2nd-generation Scarlett preamps.

How do I connect it to my interface?

An optical cable runs from an ADAT output on the OctoPre to the interface's ADAT input. Set both units to the same sample rate, then choose which one is the clock.

Which unit should be the clock master?

Either the OctoPre on internal clock with the interface synced to its ADAT input, or the interface on internal clock with the OctoPre slaved over BNC word clock.

Does it work with another brand's interface?

Yes, with any interface that has an ADAT input. For all eight channels at 88.2 or 96 kHz, the interface must accept two optical cables.