Focusrite

Focusrite AMS-SCARLETT-OCTOPRE-DYNA Scarlett OctoPre - Dynamic Mic Preamp

4.5 (155 reviews)
Dynamic Mic48VPhantom powercondenser

The Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic adds eight high-quality mic preamps with built-in analog compression to your studio via ADAT.

$899.99*
In Stock on Amazon.com
View on Amazon

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 08, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

The Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic is an 8-channel microphone preamplifier and AD/DA converter designed to expand the input capacity of an existing recording setup. Each of its eight channels features a Focusrite Scarlett-series mic preamp with 48V phantom power, paired with a dedicated analog compressor that lets you tame dynamics at the source before the signal hits your DAW. This combination makes it particularly effective for tracking drums, ensemble recordings, or any session where you need more high-quality inputs than your primary interface provides.

Connectivity centers on ADAT optical I/O, which sends all eight channels digitally to a compatible interface at up to 48 kHz, with reduced channel counts at 96 and 192 kHz rates. For analog workflows, eight balanced line outputs on the rear panel allow direct connection to a mixing console or outboard gear. The front panel adds two instrument-level inputs for recording guitar or bass directly, and Word Clock I/O ensures tight synchronization in multi-device studio setups. The OctoPre Dynamic occupies a single rack unit and is built to serve as a long-term studio workhorse for engineers who need reliable, clean gain with practical dynamic control on every channel.

Key Features

Eight natural-sounding Scarlett mic preamps, Eight balanced line inputs, Dual front-panel instrument inputs, Eight balanced line outputs - ideal for live use

Flexible analogue compression on every channel

Focusrite precision AD/DA conversion up to sample rates of 192 kHz

Optimized headroom for tracking loud sources such as drums

Accurate 5-segment LED input metering

Simple ADAT connectivity via optical cables

48V Phantom power available on every channel for condenser mics

State-of-the-art digital clocking with Word Clock I/O for synchronisation with external devices

Specifications

Brand
Focusrite
Model
AMS-SCARLETT-OCTOPRE-DYNA
Preamps
8 Scarlett Mic Preamps
Inputs
8 Balanced Line Inputs, 2 Front-Panel Instrument Inputs
Outputs
8 Balanced Line Outputs
Compression
Analog Compression on Every Channel
AD/DA Conversion
Up to 192 kHz
Digital Connectivity
ADAT Optical I/O
Sync
Word Clock I/O
Phantom Power
48V on Every Channel

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Eight Scarlett-quality mic preamps in a single rack unit expands input count efficiently
  • Analog compression on every channel allows dynamic control before digital conversion
  • ADAT connectivity integrates cleanly with existing digital audio setups
  • Supports high-resolution recording up to 192 kHz
  • Dual front-panel instrument inputs add flexibility for direct recording

👎 Cons

  • ADAT channel count is reduced when operating at sample rates above 48 kHz
  • No built-in headphone output for direct monitoring from the unit itself
  • Compression controls are basic single-knob per channel rather than full parametric
  • Requires an interface with ADAT input to use as a digital expander

Frequently Asked Questions

It connects via ADAT optical output, sending all eight channels digitally to any interface or mixer that has an ADAT input, such as Scarlett 18i20 or similar units.
Yes, every one of the eight channels has its own independent analog compressor with dedicated controls, allowing you to apply compression at the preamp stage before the signal is digitized.
It supports AD/DA conversion at sample rates up to 192 kHz, though the number of available ADAT channels decreases at higher sample rates due to ADAT bandwidth limitations.
Yes, it has eight balanced analog line outputs on the rear panel, so you can use it as a standalone preamp feeding a mixing console or other analog gear.
Yes, all eight channels have individually switchable 48V phantom power for use with condenser microphones.