Focusrite announce a new Clarett OctoPre
Expand your audio interface with 8 high-quality Clarett Pre-amps
Focusrite Clarett OctoPre · Source: Focusrite
Focusrite Clarett OctoPre · Source: Focusrite
Focusrite Clarett OctoPre Rear · Source: Focusrite
Introducing the Clarett OctoPre. Whatever your experience might be with an OctoPre, most of us have probably used one or come across one before. The OctoPre has become one of those standard pieces of gear for anyone involved in recording, at any level. I believe this latest update is quite special, potentially changing the pre-amp market for good.
Focusrite Clarett OctoPre
I am quietly very excited about this release for two reasons. Firstly, it feels like I have used OctoPre’s on occasion for as long as I can remember. These units have been the ideal choice for expanding channel counts on audio interfaces, thanks to their audio quality and price point. The original silver-faced units suffered from running extremely hot, which in the worst cases induced digital glitches. I remember trying to keep these units cool on a number of occasions, taking them out of any rack mounting and placing a fan above. Although this was one drawback, they still sounded great and they didn’t really have much in the way of competition. Then the MkII was released, solving the heat issue and has been a similarly popular product.
Secondly, I have used the new Clarett interfaces, experiencing these latest pre-amps and converters from Focusrite which I believe are truly excellent. Focusrite clearly intend on branding these new generation pre-amps and converters as their high-end solution, as they don’t use their ‘Red’ label just for marketing reasons. Like previous OctoPre models, the Clarett OctoPre offers 8 mic pre-amps, including two channels with combo inputs for direct instrument connectivity. This 3-generation model also offers dual ADAT connections for sample rates up to 192kHz and the usual D-Sub line outputs and word clock connections.
This appears to me as a very attractive product, for any professional to add 8 mic channels via ADAT to their interface. As long as there aren’t any heat issues, which I would highly doubt, this is sure to be an excellent product that will be very successful. I would even go as far to say that this Clarett OctoPre will effect the pricing of competitive pre-amps.
More Information
What’s the price I hear? Recommended retail price is going to be 649.99 GBP and will be shipping in November. Personally I believe that’s been priced for the market and in fact 8 Clarett standard pre-amps and converters are worthy of more than that. For more detailed information, visit the Focusrite webpage.
Video
Released only yesterday on Focusrite’s YouTube channel, here’s a track by Veridian recorded with a Clarett OctoPre, covering a few of the unit’s features.
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