OctoPre LE, the "lite edition" of the company's established OctoPre, brings Focusrite pre-amplification and A/D-D/A conversion to a new level of affordability for DAW and digital console users. OctoPre LE provides eight channels of pristine Focusrite preamps, including two "Super Channels" that offer mic impedance matching and instrument DI inputs plus other features.
With the optional A/D-D/A board installed, OctoPre LE brings more to the DAW via ADAT* lightpipe than ever before, allowing users to make the most of often neglected ADAT* inputs and outputs for tracking and monitoring. In addition, the A/D-D/A option provides wordclock in and out as well as being the only converter in its class to feature 256x clock - a must-have for Pro Tools engineers.
Extremely easy to use, OctoPre LE helps to save session time and engineer heartache. Auto switching front and rear panel inputs and total control of the digital I/O from the front fascia allow the unit to remain racked and patched, with every I/O solution available at the flick of a switch. In typical Focusrite fashion, the OctoPre LE upholds professional standards throughout, boasting class-leading specifications.
FOCUSRITE OCTOPRELE Specs
Specifications
Mic Input Response
Gain = +13dB to +60dB
Input Impedance = 2.5k/ 150 on Lo Z (Ch1 & 2)
EIN = 124dB @ 60dB Gain with 150 Termination & 22Hz/22kHz Filter
THD+N @ Min Gain (+13dB) = 0.0006% with 0dBu input & 22Hz/22kHz Filter
THD+N @ Max Gain (+60dB) = 0.003% with -36dBu input & 22Hz/22kHz Filter
THD+N @ Max Input (+9dBu) = 0.0008% with 22Hz/22kHz Filter
Frequency Response:
Min Gain (+13dB) with -13dBu input = -0.4dB @ 10Hz & -3dB @ 122kHz
Max Gain (+60dB) with -60dBu input = -2.3dB @ 10Hz & -3dB @ 67kHz
CMRR @ Max Gain (+60dB) = 80dB
Line Input Response
Gain = -10dB to +36dB
Input Impedance = 24k
Noise @ Unity Gain (0dB) = -88dBu with 22Hz/22kHz Filter
S/N Ratio relative to max headroom (+36dBu) = 124dB
S/N Ratio relative to 0dBfs (+22dBu) = 110dB
THD+N @ Unity Gain (0dB) = 0.001% with 0dBFS (+22dBu) input and
22Hz/22kHz Filter
Frequency Response @ Unity Gain (0dB) = -0.5dB @ 10Hz & -3dB @ 110kHz
Instrument Input Response
Gain = +13dB to +60dB
Input Impedance = 1M?
Noise @ Min Gain (+13dB) = -87dBu with 22Hz/22kHz Filter
Noise @ Max Gain (+60dB) = -42dBu with 22Hz/22kHz Filter
THD+N @ Min Gain (+13dB) = 0.001% with 0dBu input & 22Hz/22kHz Filter
Frequency Response @ Min Gain (+13dB) with -13dBu input = -0.4dB @ 10Hz &
-3dB @ 122kHz
Input Meter
Peak Level Moving Coil Meter
-24dBfs to +2dBfs (-2dBu to +24dBu), +22dBu = 0dBfs
Overload LED's triggered @ 0dBfs (+22dBu)
High Pass Filter
Roll off = 12dB per octave 2 pole filter
Cut off frequency:
-3dB at 120Hz
-6dB at 85Hz
-12dB at 56Hz
Weight
4.2 kg
Dimensions
480mm (W) x 44mm (H) x 265mm (D)
FOCUSRITE OCTOPRELE FAQ
FAQs
Q: Should I use balanced connectors with my OctoPre?
A: Preferably yes; the Line level analogue inputs and outputs are balanced, operating at +4dBu. If you wish to connect unbalanced equipment to the OctoPre LE's Line inputs however, this can be done, but the signal level will be 6dB lower. Channels 1 and 2 will expect to receive an unbalanced signal if the INST switch on those channels is selected.
Q: Does the OctoPre LE have the same kind of spectacular bandwidth that has given the Red and ISA range units their reputation for ‘open-ended' sound?
A: Yes. The audio bandwidth of the OctoPre LE is 10Hz to 122kHz!
Q: Can I take my OctoPre LE with me when I travel internationally?
A: It depends. There are three versions of the OctoPre LE mains transformer. One is suitable for use in North America and Japan, with mains voltages in the 100-120V range. The other two versions are designed for use in the UK and Europe (the only difference being the mains plug), with mains voltages in the 200-240V range. If you buy an OctoPre LE in a particular territory, it will be configured for ONLY that territory's mains voltage range. For example, if you're travelling from the USA to the UK, you CANNOT use your US model OctoPre LE with the supplied mains transformer. But if the mains voltage in the country you're visiting is in the same range, you can use the OctoPre LE with no problems - so taking an OctoPre LE from the USA to Japan, or from Germany to France, for example, would be fine. An external supply for different territories is available from your local Focusrite distributor.
Q: Can I retrofit a digital board to an analogue OctoPre LE at a later date?
A: Yes, and you can do it yourself - it can easily be retro-fitted by the customer without any soldering etc, just a few screws to undo and three clip-connectors to join to the main PCB.
"[The] Platinum range is well established in the UK project-studio market due to its low cost and good audio quality."
"Without the digital card, you simply have eight mic/line preamps feeding eight balanced line outputs, which is ideal for feeding multi-channel audio interface cards that have only line-level inputs, or for feeding multitrack recorders without the need for a mixer."
"Despite the OctoPre LE's modest UK cost, the mic circuitry turns in a very pleasing performance, balancing clarity with weight."
"I tested the OctoPre LE by connecting it to the ADAT port of a MOTU 828 MkII interface. I selected ADAT sync and it worked right off with no fuss."
"To my ears, the mic preamps sound similar, if not identical, to those used in other Platinum products, and operation of the OctoPre LE is very straightforward. Having the option to split the outputs into groups (ADAT or mic/line channel) adds to the flexibility."
"Recording via the high-impedance instrument inputs provides a clean, uncoloured DI feed, and overall, if you're familiar with the audio quality of a regular Platinum box, there should be no surprises."
"Where corners have been cut to meet a price, it has been done thoughtfully."
"Overall the OctoPre LE is a nicely presented, straightforward rack box that delivers Platinum quality to the DAW owner with ADAT connectivity, but it is equally at home as a stand-alone rack of eight analogue preamps if you don't need the digital I/O option."
"...if you've used a Focusrite Platinum before, you'll know exactly what you're getting. PLatinum may not be esoteric, but you do get extremely good preamps for your money."
Paul White, Sound On Sound, July 2005
"The OctoPre LE shoudl be of interest to anyone with a redundant ADAT port on their computer [or interface] because the digital option provides eight digital inputs and outputs for just an extra £129."
"Polished sound quality, good looks and digital input and output options that are good value for money sum up this offering from a top-notch company."
Music Tech Magazine, issue 25
Focusrite Octoprele Mic Pre at MusiciansBuy!
RATING:
Sound Quality
9
Features
8
Ease Of Use
10
Value
10
Reliability
10
Overall
10
For the price you can't beat this. If you're running protools with an 002 or 003 (consumer ). This can expand your recording capabilities by getting 16 tracks. You have to get the optical i o card which is @ $200, but it's an easy install and hook up. You can get your drums sounding like the pro studio's. Throw up to 16 mics on your drums room and hear the difference. The preamps are solid, for the money it's hard to beat this.
-thegearer -Georgia, 03/06/08
Other views of FOCUSRITE OCTOPRELE (Click to enlarge):
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