Archive notice: This article was originally published on January 15, 2010. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
At this year’s NAMM Show, Focusrite presents the OctoPre MkII Dynamic. Alongside eight channels with the legendary Focusrite microphone preamps, the OctoPre MkII Dynamic impresses with eight VCA-based compressors, likewise based on Focusrite’s award-winning Red 3. Thanks to one-knob operation, this much excellent sound technology fits into just one rack unit.
Each channel is equipped with a VCA-based compressor whose sound was matched to the legendary Focusrite Red 3 in lengthy listening tests. The Red 3’s control behaviour served as the model when developing the circuit in order to preserve the character of this studio classic. The compressors can achieve either a very clear, clean and controlled sound, but thanks to the “More” switch it is also possible to alter the VCA processing by doubling the ratio, producing an incomparable effect.
The preamplifier circuits are the same as those found in the high-quality audio interfaces of the Saffire PRO series. As expected from all Focusrite preamps, the OctoPre MkII Dynamic preamps are also characterised by very fast transients and a high tolerance of overloads. Not forgetting the incomparable and transparent sound.
On-board digital converters with state-of-the-art clocking and jitter-elimination technology allow accurate transfer of eight channels of 24-bit/96 kHz digital audio to and from recording devices with an ADAT interface. This makes the OctoPre MkII Dynamic the perfect addition to any project studio or for live recordings, since it works seamlessly with all major sequencer programs.
The A/D and D/A converters can operate at various sample rates up to 96 kHz. An SMUX-compatible ADAT signal is output through two TOSlink connections in order to connect the audio interface bidirectionally to mixing consoles or hard-disk recorders. When operating at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, both outputs are mirrored, allowing two ADAT-capable devices to use the same signal, for example another audio interface and a backup recorder.
Eight signature Focusrite mic preamps, eight Red 3-derived compressors, world-class digital I/O, and all of it in one enclosure at a price that also fits a project-studio budget.
The OctoPre MkII Dynamic will be available from March 2010 at a recommended retail price of EUR 629.
