Overview; Introduction; Features - Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic User Manual

OVERVIEW

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic, an eight channel mic-pre expansion unit
incorporating high quality Focusrite analogue pre-amplifiers.
The Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic comprises eight natural sounding, low noise preamps with plenty of
gain; eight line inputs and two high headroom instrument inputs, coupled with high quality digital
conversion to ADAT format. You can now expand your studio set-up or live rig by adding Focusrite
quality mic preamps and conversion to any interface with ADAT I/O.
The Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic has both digital and analogue outputs: in addition to dual ADAT optical
ports it also provides a balanced line output from each channel, enabling you to connect it directly
to any analogue device.
This User Guide provides a detailed explanation of the hardware to help you achieve a thorough
understanding of the product's operational features. We recommend that you take the time to read
through the Guide, whether you're new to professional audio or a more experienced user, so that you
are fully aware of all the possibilities the Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic has to offer.
If the User Guide sections do not provide the information you need, be sure to consult
https://support.focusrite.com, which contains a comprehensive collection of answers to common
technical support queries.

Features

The Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic is an eight-channel pre-amplifier for use with microphone, line and
instrument input signals. It converts the inputs into multi-channel, 24-bit digital audio at sample
rates up to 192 kHz. The digital outputs are in ADAT format on optical TOSLINK connectors, which
can be easily routed to ADAT inputs on your studio recording system, or any other ADAT-equipped
interface using optical cables. The Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic can transmit and receive eight channels
of audio at sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96 kHz, or four channels at 176.4 or 192 kHz provided,
of course, that the interface to which it is connected is able to handle the same number of channels
at the sample rate in use.
Each channel includes a switchable, "one-knob" compressor which helps to ensure that the dynamic
range of signals in the OctoPre are kept under control as they are routed to your DAW (Digital
Audio Workstation).
The Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic is an ideal "expansion" unit for adding up to eight more inputs to any
audio interface with ADAT I/O.
The Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic is a bidirectional unit: it is also equipped with ADAT format digital
inputs, and a balanced analogue output from each channel. It incorporates an ADAT-to-LINE mode,
making it a perfect interface for routing tracks from your DAW to an analogue mixing console.
The Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic can be easily synchronised with other digital audio equipment in your
studio, either as a slave to an external word clock signal, or by acting as the master clock source
itself.
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