Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre

Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre – 8-Channel Mic Preamp ADAT Expansion

Scarlett OctoPre adds eight clean, studio-grade mic preamps to your setup using ADAT connectivity. With front-panel instrument inputs, balanced line outputs, High-Headroom design, and pristine converters, it’s the ideal expansion for any ADAT-equipped interface.

Key Features

• Eight 2nd-Generation Scarlett mic/line preamps: Deliver high headroom, clean gain, low noise, and minimal distortion—perfect for drums, vocals, guitars, and more
• Dual front-panel instrument inputs: Easily connect guitars, basses, or synths with extended headroom and flexible gain
• Precision 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA conversion with 109 dB dynamic range: Ensures high-fidelity capture and playback
• Pad on every channel: Accommodate loud sources like drums without clipping
• Balanced line outputs: Derived from mic inputs—ideal for routing to mixers or external gear
• ADAT optical output + Word Clock I/O: Seamless high-channel expansion with reliable studio synchronization
• Accurate 5-segment LED metering: Clear input level monitoring at a glance
• Phantom power (48 V) on all mic channels: Support for condenser microphones, switchable per bank

Customer Benefits

Scarlett OctoPre lets you record more sources without replacing your main interface. Track full drum kits, microphone ensembles, or multiple instruments simultaneously. The instrument inputs add creative flexibility, pads prevent overloads, and converters retain every detail. ADAT and Word Clock keep your setup tight and synchronized—making it a seamless studio growth tool.

Quick Specs

• Channels: 8 mic/line inputs; 2 front instrument inputs
• Analog Inputs: 8 × XLR/TRS combo (mic/line), 2 × ¼″ instrument on front panel
• Line Outputs: 8 × balanced ¼″ outputs
• Digital Output: ADAT optical (up to 8 channels at 44.1/48 kHz; fewer at higher rates)
• Clock I/O: Word Clock input and output
• Converters: 24-bit / 192 kHz, dynamic range 109 dB
• Pads: -10 dB pad on every input channel
• Phantom Power: 48 V, switchable per bank (1-4 / 5-8)
• Metering: 5-segment LED per input
• Dimensions: 482 × 286 × 44.5 mm
• Weight: 3.22 kg
• Power: Internal PSU with IEC cable

What’s in the Box

• Scarlett OctoPre expansion unit
• IEC power cable
• Quick-start and safety documentation
• Software bundle: Hitmaker Expansion (includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, plugins and instruments)

Use Cases / Ideal For

Perfect for studios needing expanded mic input capacity—ideal for drum tracking, orchestral groups, podcast setups, or multi-instrument overdubs. Works beautifully with your existing Scarlett or other ADAT-capable interface for seamless system expansion.

Compatibility

Connects via ADAT to any interface with ADAT input. Analog outputs allow routing to mixers or outboard gear. Word Clock supports tight synchronization across pro setups. Compatible with both analog and digital workflows, in both studio and live architectures.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• High-quality mic preamps with expandable architecture
• Instrument inputs and pads enhance flexibility
• ADAT and Word Clock provide seamless studio integration
• Compact 1U rack unit with analog and digital connectivity

⚠️ Cons:

• Limited to ADAT-equipped systems—no standalone functionality
• No built-in headphone monitoring or direct control interface

Scarlett OctoPre gives you eight pristine mic channels with studio-grade converters and flexible I/O—all without breaking your existing setup.