Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre 8-channel ADAT Preamp
- Fully balanced signal path
- Eight dedicated channel inserts
- Phantom power: +48V, switchable in groups 1-4 and 5-8
- 8 LED level meters and channel clip LEDs
Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre Review
Focusrite is expanding its Clarett+ line of premium USB audio interfaces for PC and Mac with the new Clarett+ OctoPre. Building on the strengths of the popular Clarett OctoPre, this new addition features upgraded converters and powerful, professional-quality mic preamps.
The Clarett+ OctoPre adds eight high-quality mic preamps or line inputs and outputs to any ADAT-equipped recording interface. It offers a significant upgrade to the AD/DA converter chips compared to the previous OctoPre.
This means a higher dynamic range, an ultra-low noise floor, extremely low distortion, and some of the clearest recording quality available—even compared to competitors’ products costing three or four times more per channel. Focusrite has achieved this by concentrating on the components that most directly affect recording quality: the converter chips and microphone preamps.
Thanks to its pristine conversion, the Clarett+ OctoPre is an ideal choice for engineers who want to go in and out of their DAW to track or mix using outboard gear while maintaining the highest audio quality. Eight flexible channel inserts allow users to route signals through their favorite outboard equipment and capture the true character of that gear.
Connecting a Clarett+ OctoPre to a Clarett+ 8Pre via ADAT provides 16 recording channels. The Clarett+ OctoPre is also a great choice for tracking drums, mixing live-streamed performances, connecting to analog synthesizers, or simply upgrading a desktop interface with more inputs and outputs.
Additionally, its premium all-analog circuitry with relay control emulates the exceptionally clean ISA 110 mic preamp from the classic Focusrite Studio Console. The Air mode changes the input impedance and adds two cumulative high shelves for up to a 4dB boost in the high frequencies, adding clarity and presence that makes vocals, drums, and acoustic instruments shine.
Focusrite Clarett+ Design
The front-panel inputs offer extended headroom to handle the high-output signals of sources like electric guitars, while the rear panel features XLR / 1/4″ combo jacks for the other six inputs.
With a dynamic range of 118 dB, every input runs through a 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion stage, supporting sample rates up to 192 kHz. Each input also has its own insert point with a hard-wired relay bypass, allowing you to connect outboard compressors, EQs, or any other processors you need.
On the output side, the Clarett OctoPre provides eight channels of digital-to-analog conversion, delivering 119 dB of dynamic range. The analog outputs are available through a 25-pin D-Sub connector.
Since the outputs can be set to accept line-level signals from the mic pres, this unit is perfect for mixing sessions or feeding live consoles, while simultaneously recording on the digital side.
Included Plugins and Software
- Brainworx Bx Console Focusrite SC – Experience the preamps that defined Focusrite and continue to shape their sound today. No other plug-in captures the unique character of this legendary large-format console, featuring ISA 110 preamps—the origin of the famous ‘Air’ still found in Focusrite interfaces. Bx Console Focusrite SC is a complete channel strip, offering EQ, de-esser, compressor, limiter, gate, and expander all in one.
- Brainworx BX Masterdesk – Get your tracks ready for release with this high-end analog mastering system. BX Masterdesk brings a streamlined, intuitive workflow to the art of mastering, making it easy for anyone—from first-time producers to industry veterans—to achieve professional-quality results quickly and effortlessly.
- Brainworx BX Oberhausen – Enjoy a fully analog-modeled recreation of a classic American polysynth. BX Oberhausen is a meticulous, component-by-component replica of an iconic instrument. With 32 voices, this digital synth delivers twice the polyphony of today’s most respected all-analog synths, allowing for rich chords and massive unison sounds.
- Focusrite Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite – This suite features detailed digital models of the iconic EQ and compressors that have made the Focusrite name a staple in world-class studios worldwide. If you’ve listened to major releases over the past 30 years, you’ve heard the sound of Red 2 and 3.
- Antares Auto-Tune Access – From natural-sounding, near real-time pitch correction for perfect vocal takes to lightning-fast, Hip-hop-inspired pitch effects for a fresh sound, Auto-Tune Access brings industry-standard pitch processing to your tracks.
- Relab LX480 Essentials – Get four classic reverbs, modeled after The Hit Factory NYC’s legendary reverb unit, used on countless hits. LX480 Essentials delivers the sound of a studio whose client list ranges from Springsteen and the Stones to The Weeknd, Pharrell, Katy Perry, and many more.
- Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555 – The modern evolution of the iconic JCM800, expertly modeled by Softube’s analog specialists. The Silver Jubilee delivers everything from warm cleans and classic crunch to high-gain tube amp tones for today’s music.
- XLN Audio Addictive Keys – Bring beautifully sampled piano to your productions with a choice of four professional models from Steinway, Yamaha, and the classic Rhodes. Connect your MIDI controller and play—instantly enjoy a studio-quality piano, captured in a world-class recording environment, right from your own setup.
- XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2 – Studio Rock: Easily add the sound of a professional drummer to your songs. Featuring expertly recorded samples from high-end Tama and Pearl drums, and Paiste and Sabian cymbals, all captured at Decibel Studios in Stockholm.
- Focusrite Plug-in Collective – Receive a new plug-in and exclusive offers from a different partner every few months.
- 8 premium Clarett+ mic preamplifiers
- Focusrite’s acclaimed Air circuit, switchable per channel
- Pro-standard ADAT connectivity
- Front-panel instrument/mic combo inputs x 2
- Front-panel JFET instrument inputs x 2
- Rear-panel 1/4-inch/XLR combo inputs x 2
- 48V phantom power (switchable in 2 banks)
- Per-channel rear-panel TS insert jacks
- Word clock I/O BNC connectors
- Line outputs via DB-25 connector
- Includes Hitmaker Expansion software bundle
- Internal power supply; IEC power cable included
Why You Need the Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre
If you need to record the whole band, track their performance, or use more inputs and outputs for a concert or live act, this unit will definitely help you out. Thanks to its high-quality build, you’ll enjoy pristine sound no matter how you use it.
Its compact size makes it easy to store or take with you. And if you’re planning to use it only in your studio, the rack-mount design will fit perfectly into your setup.
Conclusion
Overall, this is a fantastic device for everyone—whether you’re just starting out in music production or you’re an experienced professional. The Clarett+ provides everything you need, from high-quality sound to essential tools for beginners, making it a reliable companion that’s built to last!
If you have any questions about this unit, please let us know in the comment section below, or reach out to Focusrite customer care through their website.
