Focusrite
Focusrite AMS-SCARLETT-OCTOPRE 8-Channel Mic Preamp
★★★★★
48VPhantom powercondenser
Add eight transparent Scarlett mic preamps to your studio via a single ADAT optical connection.
$579.99*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Key Features
Eight natural-sounding Scarlett mic preamps, Eight balanced line inputs
Focusrite precision A-D conversion up to sample rates of 192 kHz
Dual front-panel instrument inputs
Pad on every channel for extra headroom - ideal for loud sources such as drums
Eight balanced line outputs - ideal for live use
Accurate 5-segment LED input metering
Simple ADAT connectivity via optical cables
48V Phantom power available on every channel for condenser mics
Specifications
Brand
Focusrite
Model
AMS-SCARLETT-OCTOPRE
Mic Preamps
8× Scarlett-generation
Line Inputs
8× Balanced
Instrument Inputs
2× Front-panel Hi-Z
Line Outputs
8× Balanced
Digital Connectivity
ADAT Optical
A-D Conversion
Up to 192 kHz
Phantom Power
48V per channel
Pad
Per channel
Metering
5-segment LED per channel
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Eight Scarlett-generation mic preamps deliver clean, transparent gain in a single rack unit
- Per-channel pad switches provide extra headroom for loud sources like drums and amplifiers
- Dual front-panel instrument inputs eliminate the need for separate DI boxes for guitars or basses
- A-D conversion up to 192 kHz captures high-resolution audio suitable for professional production
- Eight balanced line outputs make it useful for both studio recording and live sound applications
👎 Cons
- Requires an existing audio interface with ADAT inputs — cannot function as a standalone interface
- ADAT optical connection limits channel count at higher sample rates due to protocol bandwidth constraints
- No built-in digital effects or processing — it is purely a preamp and converter
- Does not include onboard headphone monitoring for independent cue mixes
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Scarlett OctoPre work as a standalone audio interface?
No, the OctoPre is a preamp and A-D converter that connects to your existing audio interface via ADAT optical. Your main interface must have ADAT inputs to receive the eight additional channels from the OctoPre.
Can I use condenser microphones with the OctoPre?
Yes, every channel has individually switchable 48V phantom power, so you can use condenser microphones on any or all eight inputs simultaneously.
What sample rates does the OctoPre support?
The OctoPre supports Focusrite precision A-D conversion at sample rates up to 192 kHz. Note that at higher sample rates, the number of available ADAT channels is reduced due to the bandwidth limitations of the ADAT protocol.
What are the front-panel instrument inputs for?
The two front-panel instrument inputs are high-impedance (Hi-Z) inputs designed for plugging in guitars, basses, or other instruments directly without needing a separate DI box.
What does the pad switch on each channel do?
The per-channel pad attenuates the input signal, providing extra headroom for loud sources like close-miked drums, amplifiers, or brass instruments, preventing the preamp from clipping.
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