Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre 8-Channel ADAT Microphone Preamp

Overview

The Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre is a professional 8-in/8-out ADAT preamp designed to expand the I/O of modern recording studios. It combines eight Clarett+ microphone preamps, two JFET instrument inputs, all-analogue Air mode with impedance switching, high-quality 24-bit/192kHz conversion, eight balanced analogue outputs, and dedicated channel inserts. It is an ideal expansion partner for Clarett+, Scarlett, and other ADAT-equipped audio interfaces.

Key Features

• Eight Clarett+ microphone preamps with up to 57dB of gain
• Two high-impedance JFET instrument inputs
• Eight analogue inputs and eight balanced analogue outputs
• Eight-channel ADAT input and output connectivity
• All-analogue Air mode with impedance switching
• Eight dedicated switchable channel inserts
• 24-bit/192kHz A-D and D-A conversion
• Up to 124dB dynamic range on line outputs
• Word Clock input and output for digital synchronisation
• +48V phantom power switchable for channels 1–4 and 5–8
• Low-noise, low-distortion fully balanced signal paths
• 1U rackmountable studio design
• Includes Hitmaker Expansion and DAW software

Eight Clarett+ Microphone Preamps

The Clarett+ OctoPre provides eight high-performance Clarett+ microphone preamps with high headroom, low noise, and low distortion. With a 57dB gain range and 118dB dynamic range, the preamps provide detailed and transparent capture for vocals, drums, acoustic instruments, guitars, and full-band recording sessions.

All-Analogue Air Mode

The all-analogue Air mode uses relay-controlled analogue circuitry and impedance switching to recreate the character of the classic Focusrite ISA 110 microphone preamp. Engaging Air mode adds presence and clarity, helping vocals shine and bringing additional definition to drums, guitars, and acoustic instruments.

JFET Instrument Inputs

Inputs 1 and 2 feature dedicated high-impedance JFET instrument inputs designed to preserve the natural character of guitars and other instruments. The wide input bandwidth provides an amp-like response, making the Clarett+ OctoPre well suited to direct guitar and bass recording as well as DI tracking.

Eight Dedicated Channel Inserts

Each of the eight channels features a dedicated insert for integrating external analogue equipment into the signal path. Connect compressors, EQs, effects processors, and other outboard hardware directly to the Clarett+ OctoPre, while switchable inserts make it easy to bypass external equipment when required.

High-Quality A-D and D-A Conversion

High-performance converters provide detailed and transparent audio with low noise and distortion. The Clarett+ OctoPre supports 24-bit/192kHz operation and delivers up to 124dB dynamic range on its line outputs, making it suitable for professional tracking, monitoring, mixing, and outboard processing.

ADAT Expansion

The Clarett+ OctoPre provides eight channels of digital audio over ADAT at 44.1kHz and 48kHz. At higher sample rates, it supports eight channels at 88.2/96kHz and four channels at 176.4/192kHz using its optical ADAT connections. Connect it to a compatible interface to add high-quality microphone and line inputs to your existing studio.

Flexible Analogue Outputs

Eight balanced analogue outputs provide clean connections for studio monitors, analogue mixers, processors, and other external equipment. The outputs use a rear-panel 25-way D-sub connection for efficient integration into professional studio wiring and patching systems.

Word Clock Synchronisation

Dedicated Word Clock input and output connections provide reliable synchronisation with compatible digital studio equipment. This makes the Clarett+ OctoPre suitable for more advanced recording systems where multiple digital devices need to operate from a common clock.

Phantom Power and Studio Monitoring

+48V phantom power can be independently switched for channels 1–4 and 5–8, providing flexible support for condenser microphones and other phantom-powered equipment. The combination of high-quality preamps, analogue outputs, and digital connectivity makes the Clarett+ OctoPre a flexible hub for expanded tracking and monitoring setups.

Expandable Studio Workflows

Connect the Clarett+ OctoPre to a Clarett+ 2Pre, 4Pre, or 8Pre via ADAT to increase the number of available channels. It can also connect to other ADAT-equipped audio interfaces, digital consoles, and recording systems, making it useful for expanding existing studios without replacing the main interface.

Included Software

The Clarett+ OctoPre includes access to a selection of music-production software. The software bundle includes Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools Intro+, and the Hitmaker Expansion, providing instruments, effects, and production tools for recording and music creation.

Typical Uses

• Expanding audio interfaces with ADAT
• Multi-microphone drum recording
• Full-band recording sessions
• Vocal and acoustic instrument tracking
• Guitar and bass DI recording
• Integrating analogue compressors and EQs
• Studio outboard processing
• Digital console and recording-system expansion
• Professional studio monitoring and routing
• Large-scale home and project studio setups

Specifications

• Model: Clarett+ OctoPre
• Type: 8-Channel ADAT Preamplifier
• Analogue Inputs: 8
• Microphone Preamps: 8
• Instrument Inputs: 2 JFET on channels 1 and 2
• Analogue Outputs: 8 balanced
• ADAT: 8 channels at 44.1/48kHz; 8 channels at 88.2/96kHz; 4 channels at 176.4/192kHz
• ADAT Connectors: 4 x TOSLINK optical
• Word Clock: BNC input and output
• Channel Inserts: 8 dedicated switchable inserts
• Phantom Power: +48V, switchable for channels 1–4 and 5–8
• Air Mode: All-analogue Air with impedance switching
• Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz
• Resolution: 24-bit
• Mic Input Dynamic Range: 118dB A-weighted
• Mic Input Gain Range: 57dB
• Mic Input EIN: -129dBu A-weighted
• Mic Maximum Input Level: +18dBu
• Instrument Input Dynamic Range: 116dB A-weighted
• Instrument Input Gain Range: 57dB
• Instrument Input Impedance: 2.3MΩ
• Line Output Dynamic Range: 124dB A-weighted
• Maximum Line Output Level: +18dBu
• Line Output Impedance: 68Ω
• Form Factor: 1U Rackmount

What's Included

• Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre
• AC Mains Cable with IEC Connector

Why Choose the Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre?

The Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre provides a practical way to add eight channels of premium Focusrite preamp and ADAT connectivity to an existing studio. With eight Clarett+ preamps, analogue Air processing, JFET instrument inputs, dedicated inserts, high-quality conversion, balanced outputs, and Word Clock connectivity, it is built for engineers and musicians who need more recording channels and flexible integration with professional studio equipment.