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Description

The Focusrite OctoPre MkII is a versatile 8-channel microphone preamp designed to seamlessly integrate with your studio setup, whether you're expanding your digital mixer or audio interface. With its sleek design and professional-grade fidelity, the OctoPre MkII is perfect for capturing every nuance of your performance, from the subtle tones of a jazz ensemble to the full-throttle energy of a rock band.

Equipped with 24-bit/96kHz ADAT optical outputs, this preamp ensures you make the most of your interface's ADAT inputs, adding an impressive array of channels to your recording arsenal. The inclusion of -10dB pads on each input allows you to handle high SPL sources with ease, making it ideal for tracking intense sessions like a full drum kit without worrying about clipping.

Analog outputs on the back provide direct feeds for zero-latency monitoring, a must-have for recording live performances. You can effortlessly send a clean signal to the front-of-house console, eliminating the need for multiple mic setups on stage. The OctoPre MkII is a reliable workhorse that balances precision and practicality, offering musicians and engineers the tools they need to elevate their recordings.

Key Features:

  • 8-channel mic preamp for seamless integration with interfaces and mixers
  • 24-bit/96kHz ADAT optical outputs for expanded channel capability
  • -10dB pads on each input to manage high SPL sources effectively
  • Analog outputs for zero-latency monitoring and live performance feeds
  • Ideal for studio and live recording environments

Product specs

Brand Focusrite
Model OctoPre MkII
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Microphone Preamps

FAQs

What are the primary connectivity options for the Focusrite OctoPre MkII?

The Focusrite OctoPre MkII features eight channels of ADAT digital output and input, along with analog outputs, allowing seamless integration with digital audio workstations and expansion of existing audio interfaces.

Does the Focusrite OctoPre MkII provide phantom power for microphones?

Yes, the OctoPre MkII offers phantom power on all channels, which can be switched in two groups (channels 1-4 and 5-8), making it ideal for condenser microphones.

How does the Focusrite OctoPre MkII's compression feature work?

The OctoPre MkII includes a 'single-dial' Focusrite Compressor on each channel, allowing you to compress transparently or with effect, providing flexibility in dynamic control.

Can the Focusrite OctoPre MkII be used for instrument inputs?

Yes, the OctoPre MkII has two high-quality instrument inputs, making it suitable for direct recording of instruments like guitars and basses.

What sampling rates does the Focusrite OctoPre MkII support?

The OctoPre MkII supports sampling rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz, with a 24-bit resolution for high-quality audio recording.

Sound On Sound magazine

Sound On Sound magazine

Focusrite Octopre MkII - AES'09

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Octopre MkII - AES'09 by Sound On Sound magazine

Focusrite Octopre MkII - AES'09

Sound On Sound magazine

Sound On Sound magazine

Video thumbnail for Focusrite - OctoPre MkII by JRR Shop

Focusrite - OctoPre MkII

JRR Shop

JRR Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Adds 8 extra inputs, expanding recording capabilities

  • High build-quality ensures durability

  • Hassle-free operation with compatible interfaces

  • Ideal for daw-less setups, enabling separate recording

  • Direct outputs for seamless integration into mixers

  • Front-facing mic/instrument inputs for easy access

  • Enhances vocal and instrument mix clarity

  • Boosts sound without compromising clarity

CONS

  • Limited to enhancing existing interface capabilities

  • May be redundant for setups not requiring extra inputs

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focusrite OctoPre MkII.

Software and compatibility

  • The OctoPre MkII can function as the master clock via ADAT, ensuring synchronization with interfaces like the Focusrite 18i8 Gen 2.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users resolved USB hum issues by switching to a powered hub, especially when using USB-powered synths.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners successfully integrate pedals like Strymon as outboard effects with the OctoPre, expanding sonic possibilities.

    Source
  • Owners use the TRS outputs for integration with external equipment or headphone cue feeds, enhancing routing flexibility in studio environments.

    Source

User experience

  • No driver issues were reported after initial setup, though Windows users may experience initial device recognition challenges.

    Source
  • An owner has used the OctoPre MKII Dynamic reliably for nearly a decade, indicating long-term durability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The OctoPre MkII can seamlessly connect to any interface with an ADAT input, maintaining consistent performance across devices.

    Source
  • The Behringer ADA8200 is a budget-friendly alternative with ADAT outputs, offering decent sound quality compared to the OctoPre MKII.

    Source
  • The Presonus DigiMax DP88 is highlighted for its excellent converters in addition to preamps, making it a strong contender against the OctoPre MKII.

    Source
  • Audient ASP880 is considered a significant upgrade over the OctoPre MKII, with users noting its superior sound quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The two ADAT outputs on the OctoPre MkII allow for all 8 channels at 44.1/48kHz, or 4 channels each at 96kHz due to ADAT bandwidth limitations.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Focusrite Octopre MkII & MkII Dynamic

soundonsound.com

The Focusrite OctoPre MkII impresses with its combination of quality and affordability, making it a standout in the budget-conscious home-studio market. Its neutral-sounding Saffire preamps and user-friendly one-knob compressor-limiters on the Dynamic model are notable highlights. However, the basic MkII lacks D-A conversion and could benefit from more gain for ribbon mics. Despite these minor drawbacks, the OctoPre MkII series offers excellent value, especially for those who don't require the Dynamic's compression features. Overall, it's a solid choice for both tracking and live recording.

positive

Focusrite OctoPre MkII review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Focusrite OctoPre MkII impresses with its high-quality preamps and seamless integration into any ADAT-ready studio setup. Its inclusion of digital connectivity as standard is a major upgrade over its predecessor, making it particularly appealing for DAW and Pro Tools users. The unit's versatility, with features such as improved metering and dual phantom power blocks, makes it a strong contender in both studio and live environments. Though there's little to criticize, the OctoPre MkII stands out as a well-priced, feature-rich expansion for those needing extra audio channels.

positive

Focusrite OctoPre MkII Preamp – MusicPlayers.com

musicplayers.com

The Focusrite OctoPre MkII is a stellar choice for home and project studios needing clean, uncolored sound across eight channels. Its seamless DAW integration and improved interface make it user-friendly, but the shared phantom power and mixed input locations might frustrate some users. Despite these minor drawbacks, its value and performance shine, especially for tracking drums and electronic instruments. A solid buy for those seeking straightforward, reliable preamps without breaking the bank.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 22 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
groovizm

Cheap, but great ADAT expander.

I use this to add 8 extra inputs to a RME Babyface. They can be had for cheap nowadays, , but the build-quality is excellent and it works with zero hassle.

It is ideal for a daw-less setup, if you want to record everything separetely. I have my synths connected to the Octopre and I run the outputs into my mixer. This way I can play my synths via the mixer with the PC off, but when it's time to record everything goes straight into Ableton Live.

I like the 2 mic / instrument inputs on the front if I occasionally want to record a microphone or a synth via an effect pedal for instance.

M

I love this piece of hardware!

This piece has helped me get clearer vocals and instrument mixes. I can take a soft sounding live artist and this bad boy will boost the sound without compromising clarity.

T

pre amp mk ii

boost my interface gives that clean should i need to push my kicks harder...

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses Focusrite OctoPre MkII

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Instagram

Seen right at the beginning of this instagram video, during the recording of Currents

See how Flux Pavilion uses Focusrite OctoPre MkII

Flux Pavilion

Music Producer

...
Verified via reverb.com

According to Flux Pavilion's official Reverb shop, this instrument was listed among the items that were used to him and subsequently were sold afterwards.

See how Brian Eno uses Focusrite OctoPre MkII

Brian Eno

Singer, Keyboardist

Roxy Music

...
Verified via Photo

In this blog about the recording of the Eno/Karl Hyde album Someday World, Eno's then-recent studio upgrades are described as follows:

"To make all this possible, Peter installed two Focusrite Octopre preamps, and a Liquid Saffire 56 multichannel Firewire interface. The Liquid Saffire acted as the computer interface for the audio, but also passed the raw signals on to a Mackie CR-1604..."

See how Angger Dimas uses Focusrite OctoPre MkII

Angger Dimas

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

The Focusrite Octopre MkII can be seen toward the middle of this rack, shared in an image from Angger Dimas' Instagram account.

See how Ulrich Wild uses Focusrite OctoPre MkII

Ulrich Wild

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Deftones

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Ulrich Wild shows his Focusrite Octopre MkII in his studio.

Album Usage

The Focusrite OctoPre MkII has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Focusrite OctoPre MkII, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
C

christian_van_someren

Gear IQ 59

cobaltorder

cobaltorder

Gear IQ 1021

1 alternative for Focusrite OctoPre MkII, curated by the Equipboard community.

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