As recording sessions grow more complex, many studios quickly run into the same limitation: not enough microphone inputs. Drum kits, live bands, orchestral sessions, and multi-mic recording setups can easily exceed the input count of most audio interfaces.
The Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre was designed specifically to solve that problem. Instead of replacing your interface, the OctoPre expands it by adding eight additional microphone preamps through ADAT optical connectivity.
Built around Focusrite’s Clarett+ preamp architecture and high-quality digital conversion, the unit functions as both a microphone preamp bank and an analog-to-digital converter. This allows producers to increase their recording capacity while maintaining consistent audio quality across their signal chain.
For studios that need more inputs without rebuilding their entire recording system, the Clarett+ OctoPre offers a flexible and scalable solution.
Expanding Your Interface with ADAT
The most common reason producers purchase the Clarett+ OctoPre is to expand the input count of an existing audio interface.
Many modern interfaces include an optical ADAT input that allows additional microphone preamps to be connected externally. The OctoPre sends eight channels of audio through this optical connection directly into the interface.
The signal flow typically looks like this:
Microphones → Clarett+ OctoPre → ADAT → Audio Interface → DAW
At standard sample rates such as 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, the ADAT connection allows all eight channels to be transmitted simultaneously.
This makes the OctoPre particularly useful for recording drum kits, live performances, or ensemble sessions where multiple microphones must be captured at once.
Clarett+ Microphone Preamps
The OctoPre is built around Focusrite’s Clarett+ microphone preamp design.
These preamps are engineered to provide a clean and transparent signal path with low noise and high headroom. Unlike vintage-style analog preamps that intentionally introduce coloration, the Clarett+ preamps are designed to preserve the natural character of the microphone.
This makes the unit well suited for a wide variety of recording tasks, including vocals, acoustic instruments, and multi-microphone setups where tonal consistency across channels is important.
The preamps also provide enough gain to support dynamic and ribbon microphones alongside standard condenser microphones.
Air Mode for Subtle Tonal Enhancement
A distinctive feature of the Clarett+ series is Air mode.
Air mode is designed to emulate the high-frequency response and harmonic characteristics of classic Focusrite ISA preamps used in professional recording consoles.
When enabled, Air mode introduces a subtle lift in the high frequencies along with a slight harmonic enhancement.
This can make vocals and acoustic instruments sound slightly more open and detailed within a mix.
Because the feature can be switched on or off for each channel, engineers can apply it selectively depending on the source being recorded.
Front-Panel Instrument Inputs
The first two channels of the Clarett+ OctoPre include front-panel instrument inputs.
These inputs allow guitars, bass instruments, and synthesizers to be recorded directly without requiring a separate DI box.
High-impedance instrument inputs ensure proper signal matching so instruments retain their full tonal range when recorded directly.
For producers working with hybrid recording setups, this provides additional flexibility beyond microphone recording.
High-Quality Digital Conversion
In addition to providing microphone amplification, the Clarett+ OctoPre includes built-in analog-to-digital conversion.
The converter operates at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz resolution and sends audio through the ADAT optical outputs to a connected audio interface.
This allows the OctoPre to function as a high-quality front-end recording device while relying on the interface for monitoring and DAW integration.
High-resolution conversion ensures that recordings retain dynamic range and detail throughout the signal chain.
Balanced Line Outputs
The unit also includes balanced line outputs for all eight channels.
This allows the Clarett+ OctoPre to operate as a standalone microphone preamp feeding external hardware, such as analog mixing consoles or additional converter systems.
In hybrid studio environments where both analog and digital gear are used, these outputs provide flexible routing options.
Strengths
1. Eight Additional Microphone Inputs
The OctoPre significantly expands recording capability by adding eight channels of microphone preamps to an existing interface.
2. Clean Clarett+ Preamp Design
Low-noise preamps provide transparent signal amplification suitable for a wide range of recording applications.
3. Air Mode Tonal Enhancement
Optional Air mode adds subtle brightness and harmonic detail inspired by classic Focusrite console preamps.
4. Flexible Studio Integration
ADAT connectivity and balanced line outputs allow the unit to integrate easily into various recording setups.
Weaknesses
1. Requires an ADAT-Compatible Interface
The OctoPre is designed primarily for expanding existing interfaces that include optical ADAT input.
2. Minimal Analog Coloration
Producers seeking heavily colored vintage-style preamps may prefer transformer-based hardware.
3. No Built-In Compression or EQ
The unit focuses on clean microphone amplification rather than full channel strip processing.
Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre
An 8-channel microphone preamp and ADAT expansion unit featuring Clarett+ preamps, Air mode, and high-resolution digital conversion.
Check Price at Sam AshFinal Verdict
The Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre is designed to solve one of the most common problems in growing studios: the need for more microphone inputs. By providing eight additional Clarett+ preamps along with high-quality digital conversion, the unit allows producers to expand their recording systems without replacing their primary interface.
With optional Air mode, flexible routing, and clean preamp performance, the OctoPre integrates easily into both project studios and professional recording environments.
For producers who regularly record multi-microphone sessions such as drum kits, live bands, or ensemble performances, the Clarett+ OctoPre offers a reliable and scalable way to expand recording capability.
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