Focusrite Clarett OctoPre Review

The Focusrite Clarett OctoPre is an 8-channel audio interface aimed at professional producers, musicians, and audio engineers who need high-quality AD/DA conversion and flexible connectivity. With 8 pristine mic preamps, dual headphone outputs, and comprehensive I/O, the OctoPre packs an impressive amount of functionality into a compact 1U rackmount unit.

In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the key features and performance of the OctoPre, who it’s best suited for, and how it compares to competitors.

Overview of Key Features

Here are some of the most notable features and capabilities of the Focusrite Clarett OctoPre:

• 8 Air-enabled mic preamps – Custom-designed transparent preamps with Air mode to add warmth and presence. 60dB gain range.
• 8 line inputs – Combo XLR/TRS inputs provide flexibility. Can be used as 8 additional line inputs.
• 24-bit/192kHz conversion – Premium AD/DA converts analog sources to digital with exceptional quality.
• Dual headphone outputs – Independent headphone mixes can be created.
• LED input metering – Visual monitoring makes gain staging easy.
• Loopback recording – Route computer audio into your DAW.
• Main and assignable monitor outs – Flexible monitoring options for studio and live use.
• Robust metal construction – Road-ready 1U rackmount enclosure.

Detailed Review of Key Features and Performance

Crystal Clear Mic Preamps

The star of the show on the Clarett OctoPre is undoubtedly the mic preamps. Focusrite uses high headroom, low noise input circuits paired with premium components like precision resistors and smooth dual-stage gain controls.

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The preamps deliver over 60dB of gain range and can easily capture subtle details, even with quiet sources. Engaging the “Air” mode adds warmth and presence through analog harmonic saturation, similar to Focusrite’s iconic ISA preamp design. It’s ideal for adding sheen to vocals and acoustic instruments.

Overall, the OctoPre’s preamps deliver exceptional transparency and flexibility for the price point. They outclass many budget interfaces and hold their own against preamps costing much more.

Versatile Connectivity

A major strength of the OctoPre is its versatile input and output connectivity. You get 8 combo XLR/TRS inputs that can handle both mic and line level sources. Use all 8 as transparent mic preamps, or toggle inputs 1 & 2 to instrument level for plugging in guitars and basses.

On the output side, you get stereo monitor outs on 1/4″ TRS jacks, S/PDIF stereo outs, and dual stereo headphone outputs. There’s also ADAT I/O for expanding with external mic pres or digital conversion.

With this well-rounded I/O suite, the OctoPre can slot seamlessly into just about any studio workflow or live rig. Focusrite really packed as much flexibility as possible into the chassis.

Cirrus Logic Conversion

Under the hood, Focusrite equipped the OctoPre with Cirrus Logic’s flagship A/D and D/A converters. These premium circuits deliver 114dB dynamic range on inputs and outputs, keeping your signals pristine whether recording or monitoring.

The OctoPre provides sample rates up to 24-bit/192kHz on all channels simultaneously. This high resolution captures subtle room ambience and spatial cues that lower sample rates miss.

Overall, the OctoPre’s conversion delivers exceptional transparency that brings out the most from high-end mics and outboard gear. The specs match or exceed interfaces costing twice as much.

Intuitive Control Software

Configuring the OctoPre is easy thanks to Focusrite’s Control desktop app. It provides one-click access to buffer settings, sample rate, clock source, and routing. You can remotely control the OctoPre from your computer without having to touch the hardware.

The app also enables “loopback” recording, allowing you to route audio from your computer apps straight into your DAW. For example, you can record podcasts or stream music while capturing the audio in real time. It’s an extremely useful feature for content creators.

Ideal Users for the Clarett OctoPre

With its excellent mic channels, flexible I/O, and clean conversion, the OctoPre is well suited for:

• Project studios – 8 tracks is plenty for singer-songwriters, podcasters, and YouTubers. The OctoPre provides pro-grade quality at a reasonable price.
• Commercial studios – The OctoPre works great as extra mic pres for large tracking sessions. You can expand via ADAT with Clarett or Red interfaces.
• Live sound – Front of house and monitor engineers will appreciate the rugged metal chassis, assignable outputs, and pristine preamps.
• Pro podcasters – Loopback recording, Air mode, and headphone cues are perfect for capturing podcasts with studio-quality sound.

Of course, the OctoPre can work seamlessly in virtually any audio production context. It’s an extremely versatile interface.

How It Compares to Other Interfaces

So how does the OctoPre stack up against the competition? Here’s a brief comparison to two popular 8-channel interfaces in the same price range:

• Audient iD14 – The iD14 has Audient’s flagship console mic preamps. It excels for vocals and acoustic instruments. The OctoPre offers more flexible routing and better DAC performance.
• PreSonus Quantum 2626 – The Quantum 2626 features tube preamp emulation and motorized faders. The OctoPre provides lower noise, Cirrus Logic conversion, and a better control software.
• Universal Audio Apollo Twin X – The Apollo Twin X has UA’s excellent analog emulations like Unison preamps. But the OctoPre gives you more physical inputs and LED meters at a lower price point.

Overall, the OctoPre holds its own against the competition by leveraging Focusrite’s excellent preamps and conversion. It punches above its weight class.

Pros and Cons of the Clarett OctoPre

Pros

• Crystal clear Air-enabled mic preamps
• 24-bit/192kHz conversion on all channels
• Flexible connectivity for mics, lines, and instruments
• Excellent Control software with loopback
• Sturdy metal 1U rackmount chassis
• Competitive pricing for the features

Cons

• No onboard DSP for modeling plugins
• Headphones only go up to 150ohm impedance
• No Thunderbolt connectivity

Conclusion and Recommendation

With its 8 pristine preamps, hi-res conversion, and flexible I/O, the Focusrite Clarett OctoPre is an extremely capable audio interface for the price. It delivers professional quality and features in a compact 1U form factor.

From mobile producers to commercial studios, the OctoPre has something to offer almost any user. If you need quality mic preamps above all else, it’s hard to beat at this price point.

Overall, the OctoPre earns a strong recommendation. It’s a powerful hub for any studio, providing great sound and seamless connectivity. Given the premium features and performance, it’s an excellent value for the money.

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