Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre

The Scarlett OctoPre from Focusrite is an affordable yet high-quality compact eight-channel preamp unit that provides an extension for an existing audio interface (regardless of manufacturer). The staple preamps are the same as on the second-generation Scarlett series and provide up to 50 dB of gain and a clean and dynamic sound that is usually only found at higher price points. All the inputs are in XLR/jack combo format and allow mic or line-level signals, while two of the front sockets have switchable high-impedance inputs, so that instruments can be directly plugged in. Each channel is equipped with a pad for attenuating signals that are too hot, and thanks to the handy metering section, which consists of five LEDs per channel, gain staging is quite intuitive, and can be carried out on the unit itself. The OctoPre also comes complete with the Focusrite Hitmaker Expansion, a comprehensive software package that essentially gives you everything you need to carry out every stage of the production process on your computer, from beginning to end.

If you need eight additional input channels to seriously track a drum kit, or even a whole band for that matter, the Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre is the perfect solution. Combining it with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, the flagship model of the series, puts a total of 16 premium-grade preamps at your disposal. If your audio interface has even more digital inputs, you could also cascade two or more OctoPre units, although, depending on the specifications of your hardware, you might be limited to lower sample rates.

The Hitmaker Expansion contains software tools for further enhancing your music productions: Guitar sounds with Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555, tuning options for vocals with Antares Auto-Tune, reverb effects with Relab's LX480 Essentials, the XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2: Studio Rock kit, and the XLN Audio Addictive Keys Studio Grand Piano. Additionally, an EQ and compressor are offered with the Focusrite Red Plug-in Suite, a full channel strip offering an EQ, de-esser, compressor, limiter, gate, and expander with Bx_console Focusrite SC, and finally, two months with the Landr Studio mastering tools with five free masters to add the finishing touch to your projects. With the Hitmaker Expansion, you get both the interface and a selection of tools, so you have all the software you need to get started.