User Guide www.focusrite.com Version 1.
TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OVERVIEW Introduction Thank you for purchasing a Scarlett OctoPre, an eight channel mic-pre expansion unit incorporating high quality Focusrite analogue pre-amplifiers. The Scarlett OctoPre 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.
Box Contents Along with your Scarlett OctoPre you should have: • AC mains cable with IEC connector • 4 x self-adhesive feet – stick to underside of unit for table-top use Printed on the inside of the box: • Getting Started Guide • Bundle Code for on-line product registration* *After registration, you will have access to downloads and licences for the following software: Softube Time and Tone bundle Focusrite Red 2 and Red 3 plug-in suite 4
Hardware Features Front Panel 2 11 1 4 3 5 3 5 5 5 2 2 5 5 2 5 5 2 6 9 8 7 10 11 All operational controls and metering for all eight channels are on the front panel. 1. INPUTS 1 to 2 – 2 x “Combo XLR” input sockets for Channels 1 and 2 - connect microphones or line level signals via XLR or ¼” jacks: either TRS (balanced) or TS (unbalanced) jack plugs can be used for instruments or line level signals. Note that the inputs for Channels 3 to 8 are on the rear panel [12]. 2.
Rear Panel 12 17 13 16 15 14 The remainder of the Scarlett OctoPre’s inputs and outputs are on the rear panel. 12. INPUTS 3 to 8 – 6 x “Combo XLR” connectors; note that the inputs for Channels 3 to 8 do not have INST mode, but are otherwise identical to those for Channels 1 and 2. 13. ADAT OUT – two TOSLINK connectors providing the digital outputs of the unit. Utilisation of the two connectors is sample rate-dependent, as follows: Sample Rate OUTPUT 1 (RH port*) OUTPUT 2 (LH port*) 44.
USING THE SCARLETT OCTOPRE Combo Inputs All eight of the analogue inputs use “Combo XLR” connectors. These can accept male XLR connectors, TS (unbalanced) ¼” jacks or TRS (balanced) ¼” jacks. When an XLR connector is used, the pre-amp automatically configures gain and impedance to receive microphone level signals. If a ¼” connector is used, the pre-amp is set to accept balanced or unbalanced line level signals.
Line Outputs By connecting the line outputs of the Scarlett OctoPre to the analogue line inputs of a mixing console (or any other device), the unit can be used either as a purely analogue, 8-channel microphone pre-amplifier. The line outputs are balanced: for a balanced connection use ¼” 3-pole (TRS) jacks, or ¼” 2-pole (TS) jacks for an unbalanced connection. The maximum output signal level is +16 dBu (balanced), or +10 dBu (unbalanced).
Digital Synchronisation A number of synchronisation options are available: Scarlett OctoPre as Clock Source Master via ADAT: Connect the Scarlett OctoPre to the receiving digital device via the ADAT OUT port(s) and ensure that the receiving device is set to source its clock from its ADAT input and also that the sample rates on both devices match. On the OctoPre, SYNC should be set to INTERNAL and the LED will illuminate.
EXAMPLE SETUPS 1. Scarlett OctoPre with audio interface: OctoPre as clock source Master Scarlett OctoPre SYNC set to INTERNAL from the front panel Scarlett 18i20 Scarlett 18i20 Clock set to ADAT using Focusrite Control Optical TOSLINK Here ADAT OUT on the Scarlett OctoPre is connected to OPTICAL IN on a Scarlett 18i20 audio interface with a single optical cable. Both units are running at 44.1 kHz sample rate.
3. Scarlett OctoPre with audio interface – SMUX-II and SMUX-IV modes Optical TOSLINK SYNC set to WORD CLOCK from the front panel Scarlett OctoPre Clarett 8PreX Clock set to Internal via Focusrite Control Coaxial (BNC) This example shows a similar setup to Example 2, but using a Focusrite Clarett 8PreX allows operation at a sample rate of 96 kHz (“SMUX-II” mode). Both units must be set to 96 kHz; two optical cables are used, carrying four channels of audio each. The Clarett 8PreX is the sync master.
5. Scarlett OctoPre with analogue mixing desk and digital record/backup Scarlett OctoPre Optical TOSLINK SYNC set to INTERNAL from the front panel Optical TOSLINK Scarlett 18i20 Scarlett 18i20 Clocks set to ADAT using Focusrite Control Scarlett 18i20 To Mixer Channels 1 to 8 ANALOGUE MIXING DESK This example shows how the setup in Example 4 can be extended to add simultaneous digital recording, with or without secondary backup.
SCARLETT OCTOPRE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Performance Specifications (All performance figures are measured to the AES17 standard). Sample Rates Supported sample rates 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz & 192 kHz Microphone Inputs Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0.5/-1.5 dB Dynamic Range 109 dB (A-weighted) THD+N <0.
Physical and Electrical Characteristics Analogue Inputs Connectors “Combo XLR” sockets on rear panel; for Line use ¼” TRS jack, for Inst use ¼” TS jack. Mic/Line switching Automatic Line/Instrument switching (Chs. 1 & 2 only) via front 2 x front panel switches Phantom power +48 V, switchable Chs. 1-4, 5-8 in groups Outputs Analogue outputs 8 x balanced, on rear panel ¼” TRS jack sockets Other I/O ADAT Output 4 x TOSLINK optical connectors: 8 channels at 44.1/48 kHz (RH port*) 8 channels at 88.
TROUBLESHOOTING For all troubleshooting queries, please visit the Focusrite Answerbase at https://support.focusrite.com where you will find articles covering numerous troubleshooting examples. COPYRIGHT AND LEGAL NOTICES Focusrite is a registered trade mark and Scarlett OctoPre is a trade mark of Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited. All other trade marks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. 2016 © Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited. All rights reserved.