Overview
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.
The Focusrite Mic-pre
Focusrite has, over the past decade, built a reputation as the market leader for high quality recording equipment, with is mic-pre technology as the cornerstone of that enviable reputation. The original mic-pre, as featured in the early Focusrite Forte console, used rotary switched gain controls and high quality audio transformers. This mic-pre is still used by many of the industries greatest producers and is the sound of countless hit records. Today, Focusrite design equipment for a far greater audience, from professionals to amateur enthusiasts, all with varying budgets.
As with the Red and ISA ranges, the Mic-pre technology found in the Platinum and Saffire ranges is designed to the highest possible standards. They uphold the same wide bandwidth philosophy featured in the original fortι console, back in 1989. All Focusrite mic-pres feature custom components which have undergone an intense testing and qualification process. With the facts and figures in, Focusrite designs then have to pass the essential listening stage. Any design can measure well on the test bench but only a great design can be qualified in the studio. The FET-based design in the Saffire range is no exception and ensures the same low noise and distortion performance as earlier transformer-based designs. It delivers clarity without colouration and exhibits the signature transparency for which Focusrite have become famous.
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.
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
4.2kg
9.3Ibs
Dimensions
484mm (W) x 44mm (H) x 265mm (D)
19" (W) x 1.7" (H) x 10.4" (D)
Reviews
Recording Magazine quotes
Darwin Grosse
May 2006
"Focusrite engineers took a look at the digital card, and must have thought, 'I you have an ADAT input on this machine, why not use it for something more than clocking?' Wise folk these engineers, and they offered an option giving you eight channels of D/A conversion as a bonus feature. Eight channels of audio can be piped to the OctoPre and will appear at the analog outputs. This can really come in handy for effects sends, surround outputs or routing digital channels to an analog mixer. Hats off to Focusrite for this innovation"
"As we found with the original OctoPre, these preamps provide fast transient response, making them a great choice for drums, percussion and acoustic guitar. The 60dB of gain provided on each channel was sufficient to work with every mic in my collection, and the highpass filtering was great for removing mic stand thumps and floor rumble"
"The OctoPre LE offers tremendous bang for your buck, especially when you add the digital I/O card (and use the 8-channel ouputs options). The layout is convenient, and both metering and front-panel inputs jacks made for easy integration into my recording system"
"...you're going to get a set of great mic pres at an outstanding price."
Your Thoughts
The Best Preamp I've used. The Focusrite Octopre LE with the ADAT Codec Card installed is a must for anyone using DAW such as the likes as Pro Tools or Cubase SX or Nuendo. I cannot believe the sound quality I'm getting out of this preamp. It is top notch and my synths and instruments never sounded better."
Alex Colon - USA
