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Focusrite launches the Clarett+ OctoPre, a revised version of the Clarett series 8-channel ADAT preamp. After the interfaces, the ADAT preamp and AD/DA converter have also been brought up to date with the Plus series. That allows you to expand your audio interface with eight additional microphone inputs and line outputs.
In September last year, Focusrite introduced the new audio interfaces of the Clarett+ series. They offer the same I/O configurations as their predecessors but are equipped with new converters and offer better dynamic range and lower distortion values.
The only member of the Clarett family not updated at the time was the Clarett OctoPre, an 8-channel ADAT preamp, and AD/DA converter. As of now, this device is also available as a Clarett+ OctoPre with the new converters and improved values.
The Clarett+ OctoPre is not a standalone audio interface. Instead, it is connected to an interface (e.g. a representative of the Clarett+ series) via the ADAT socket and provides eight additional analog inputs with microphone preamps and eight line outputs. That allows you to expand your setup with additional analog channels without having to buy a completely new audio interface.
The preamps are equipped with the analog Air mode, which emulates the classic Focusrite ISA-110 design from the Studio Console and is based on impedance switching and a relay-controlled analog circuit. According to Focusrite, the Air mode improves transient behavior and gives vocals extra shine.
In addition, according to Focusrite, the fully balanced signal path ensures a low noise level and distortion level. Phantom power can be activated separately for two groups of four channels each. Each input is also equipped with a switchable insert for integrating external compressors or EQs.
The Clarett+ OctoPre also offers JFET guitar inputs, eight analog line outputs (on a D-SUB connector), and word clock I/O. Focusrite specifies the dynamic range as 118 dB and the input noise (EIN) as 129 dB. The Clarett+ OctoPre converts at up to 192 kHz / 24 bit. However, due to the limitations of the ADAT interface, only four I/O channels are available at the highest sampling rate. All eight channels run at up to 96 kHz.
All in all, the innovations compared to the predecessor are manageable. But the new version brings the 8-channel preamp up to the standard of the current Clarett+ interfaces so that a consistent sound is guaranteed throughout the setup.
Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre price and availability
You can get the Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre at Amazon.com, Bhphotovideo.com, and Amazon.co.uk websites for $799.99 / £709.99. Delivery is expected in about one month.
