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Description

Elevate your studio recordings with the Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dynamic, the powerhouse of clarity and control. This 8-channel preamp doesn't just amplify, it transforms your sound with compressors on every channel and pristine 24-bit/96kHz digital outputs. Whether you're laying down drum tracks or capturing the subtleties of string quartets, the OctoPre MkII Dynamic ensures each note is preserved in its purest form. With its VCA compressors inspired by the legendary Focusrite Red 3, this preamp offers both transparency and the option to dial up the drama with the "More" feature for each channel. It's not just about boosting signals; it's about enhancing your musical expression with precision and versatility.

Key Features:

  • 8-channel preamp with individual compressors for dynamic control.
  • High-quality 24-bit/96kHz digital outputs for superior sound clarity.
  • ADAT optical ports for seamless integration with your interface.
  • VCA compressors based on the Focusrite Red 3 model, offering transparent sound or an "effecty" compressed sound with the "More" feature.
  • Ideal for tracking drums without overs, ensuring peak control and optimal sound capture.

Product specs

Brand Focusrite
Model OctoPre MkII Dynamic
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Compressors and Limiters, Microphone Preamps

FAQs

What type of compression does the Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dynamic offer?

The Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dynamic features 'single-dial' Focusrite compressors on each channel, allowing you to compress transparently or with noticeable effect, depending on your needs.

How many channels of digital input and output does the Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dynamic provide?

The OctoPre MkII Dynamic offers eight channels of 24-bit/96 kHz digital input and output, making it versatile for multi-track recording and integration with digital audio workstations.

Does the Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dynamic have phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the OctoPre MkII Dynamic provides phantom power across all channels, which can be switched in two groups: channels 1-4 and channels 5-8, allowing you to power condenser microphones as needed.

What are the connectivity options for clocking on the Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dynamic?

The OctoPre MkII Dynamic supports internal clocking, master clocking, and external clocking via BNC or ADAT connections, ensuring precise synchronization with your recording setup.

Are there instrument inputs available on the Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dynamic?

Yes, the OctoPre MkII Dynamic includes two high-quality instrument inputs, making it easy to connect guitars or other instruments directly to the preamp for recording.

Focusrite

Focusrite

Focusrite // OctoPre MkII Dynamic: Recording and Mixing Drums

Video thumbnail for Focusrite // OctoPre MkII Dynamic: Recording and Mixing Drums by Focusrite

Focusrite // OctoPre MkII Dynamic: Recording and Mixing Drums

Focusrite

Focusrite

Video thumbnail for Focusrite // OctoPre MkII Dynamic: Recording Strings with James Stone and fiN by Focusrite

Focusrite // OctoPre MkII Dynamic: Recording Strings with James Stone and fiN

Focusrite

Focusrite

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Octopre MkII Dynamic on Drums by Clipstreet Sounds

Focusrite Octopre MkII Dynamic on Drums

Clipstreet Sounds

Clipstreet Sounds

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2010: Focusrite Octopre MKII Dynamic by Gear4music Guitars

NAMM 2010: Focusrite Octopre MKII Dynamic

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Superior presence added by compressors

  • Creative routing options via AD-DA button

  • Seamless integration with other Focusrite interfaces

  • Adds 8 inputs effortlessly using Adat

  • Easy setup and syncing with audio interfaces

  • Clean, easily adjustable gain from the front panel

  • Solid build and secure cable connections

  • Effective for dynamic sources like drums/vocals

  • High-quality AD/DA converters

CONS

  • Inputs located at the back, making patching cumbersome

  • Can be temperamental when syncing with other devices

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Scarlett OctoPre MkII Dynamic features 8 analog line outputs, which can be used to route signals to an outboard mixer.

    Source
  • The ADAT>Line button disables analog outs, making them exclusive to DAW use, a function that confuses some users.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners use the OctoPre’s 8 channels of line outputs for sending stereo headphone cues to a headphone amp, demonstrating its versatility in studio setups.

    Source
  • The OctoPre MkII Dynamic can be expanded with pedals for outboard effects, making it suitable for complex setups involving DI guitars and cab mics.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Behringer ADA8200 is noted for being budget-friendly with decent sound quality, making it a viable alternative to the OctoPre MkII Dynamic for expanding mic pre capabilities.

    Source
  • The Presonus DigiMax DP88 offers superior converters alongside preamps, providing an alternative for those prioritizing sound quality.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner reported their OctoPre MkII Dynamic has been reliable for nearly a decade, highlighting its durability and long-term performance.

    Source
  • One user resolved a USB hum issue by using a powered hub with their setup, indicating potential challenges with USB-powered synths.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users report that the OctoPre MkII Dynamic can serve as a master clock for other devices, improving timing accuracy when synced via ADAT.

    Source
  • The Focusrite 18i8 Gen 2 works effectively with the OctoPre MkII Dynamic, despite an initial setup hiccup with Windows recognizing the new audio device.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
groovizm

Solid Mic-pre and AD-DA

It sounds very clean. Gain can be set very easily from the front panel and the metering is good too. The unit feels very solid. Cables lock well into the inputs. Built-in power supply. I like having the connections at the back. The compressors are nice and can be switched off.

tim_horgan

Very impressive

8 clean mic preamps each with individual compressors built in makes life easy when working with dynamic sources like drums/vocals and acoustic guitars the AD/DA converters are really nice too

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matthew Bellamy uses Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dynamic

Matthew Bellamy

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via reverb.com

In this Reverb posting from Muse's Official Reverb Shop, it states Matt Bellamy used a Focusrite OctoPre MK2 Dynamic on his Studio Outboard Rig. Per the posting,

This Rackmountable Focusrite OctoPre MK2 Dynamic is owned by Muse. Used In Matts Studio Outboard Rig For Various Recordings.

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dynamic

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via YouTube

can be seen in the background at 4:20 in the video

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 Dynamic, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
djscratchone

djscratchone

Gear IQ 168

patrickwolf

patrickwolf

Gear IQ 604

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

Focusrite OctoPre MkII

$212.81

Vintage or Discontinued cheaper alternative

It's the same generation and range, so I suspect the same quality. The main difference with the "Dynamic" is it does'nt have the compressors and it lacks DA conversion. It does have 8 outputs on the back, but these carry the signal from the mic-pre's only. It also

So you can have your gear connected to the computer a mixer at the same time if you wish.

If you don't need the compressors or the AD conversion it is a good, cheaper alternative.

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