Using The Optical Connections - Focusrite Clarett 8Pre USB User Manual

2 . Using the optical connections

In addition to the eight analogue inputs, the Clarett 8Pre USB has an ADAT input port (OPTICAL IN)
which can provide an additional 8 audio inputs at 44.1/48 kHz sample rate, or four at 88.2/96 kHz.
Using a separate 8-channel microphone preamplifier equipped with an ADAT output – such as the
Focusrite Clarett OctoPre – provides a simple and excellent method of expanding the Clarett 8Pre
USB's input capability.
Clarett Octopre
8ch Mic Amp
Computer
running DAW
and Focusrite Control
The Clarett OctoPre's OPTICAL OUT port is connected to the Clarett 8Pre USB's OPTICAL IN port with
a single TOSLINK optical cable. Stable word clock synchronisation may be achieved by connecting
the Clarett 8Pre USB's WORD CLOCK output to the Clarett OctoPre's WORD CLOCK IN and setting
the Clarett OctoPre to use this as its sync source; alternatively, the Clarett 8Pre USB may be set (in
Focusrite Control) to synchronise via the ADAT format signal at the OPTICAL IN port.
NOTE: when interconnecting two digital devices by any method, always ensure that both are set to
use the same sample rate.
The additional inputs realised by use of the optical port may be routed using Focusrite Control in
exactly the same manner as the other inputs. The additional inputs can form part of any musician's
headphone mix, as required.
If a suitable D-to-A converter with an ADAT input is available, the OPTICAL OUT port may be used
in the opposite manner; for example, additional outputs from the DAW may be converted into the
analogue domain to allow the use of an external hardware mixing console to mix down a large
number of DAW tracks.
Inputs 1 & 2 on front panel
Inputs 1 & 2 on front panel
Optional Word Clock link
Optical ADAT connection (TOSLINK)
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