Focusrite

Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic 8-Channel Mic Preamp Bundle

4 Inch

Eight Scarlett mic preamps with per-channel analog compression and ADAT connectivity, bundled with quality cabling.

View price on Amazon
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 bundle provides a streamlined path to expanding your studio's input count with professional-grade preamps and onboard dynamics processing. At its core, the OctoPre Dynamic features eight 2nd-generation Scarlett mic preamps, each paired with a soft-knee VCA compressor controlled by a single knob per channel. This design lets you dial in compression during tracking without navigating complex parameters — ideal for taming transients on drum kits, controlling vocal dynamics, or smoothing out instrument levels before they hit your DAW.

Connectivity is handled via ADAT optical output, which delivers all eight channels digitally to any compatible audio interface. The unit also provides eight balanced line outputs that can be sourced from either the ADAT return or directly from the preamp inputs, making it equally useful as a live sound preamp rack. The bundle rounds out the package with four 25-foot XLR cables and two 6-foot TRS cables, covering the most common studio wiring needs right out of the box. Whether you are tracking a full band, expanding a home studio, or building a hybrid live and recording rig, this bundle offers serious channel count and dynamic control in a single rack-space unit.

Key Features

Bundle Includes: Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic 8-Channel Mic Preamp with ADAT Connectivity, 4 x 25-Feet Microphone Cable and 2 x 6-Feet 1/4 TRS to 1/4 Inch TRS Cable

Eight Scarlett Mic Preamps: Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic is the ideal way of adding eight extra mic/line inputs to your DAW. It also offers eight balanced line outputs, sourced directly from their respective mic preamps for use on stage in a live environment

Control Your Dynamics: Featuring eight channels of Focusrite's 2nd generation Scarlett preamps and a soft-knee VCA compressor on every channel. Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic lets you control the dynamics of all your input signals with an easy-to-use single-knob analogue compressor on every channel

Outputs: In addition to the eight input channels, Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic includes eight line outputs, sourced either from the ADAT inputs for eight additional analogue outputs or directly from the mic inputs for use in a live sound environment

Plenty of Headroom: Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic is ideal for expanding any high-quality, multi-channel recording system. With its high-headroom mic, line and dual instrument inputs, and analog compression, it's ideal for tracking drums as well guitars, keyboards, vocals, and more

Specifications

Brand
Focusrite
Model
Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic
Type
8-Channel Mic Preamp
Preamps
8 x 2nd Generation Scarlett
Compression
Single-knob soft-knee VCA compressor per channel
Digital Output
ADAT Optical
Analog Outputs
8 x Balanced Line
Bundle Contents
OctoPre Dynamic, 4 x 25ft XLR cables, 2 x 6ft TRS cables (7 items total)
XLR Cable Connectors
XLR Male to XLR Female
TRS Cable Connectors
1/4" TRS to 1/4" TRS

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Per-channel analog compression simplifies tracking by controlling dynamics at the source
  • Eight high-quality 2nd-generation Scarlett preamps in a single rack unit
  • Bundle includes four XLR and two TRS cables so you can connect immediately
  • Dual-purpose line outputs work for both ADAT-based studio expansion and direct live sound use
  • High headroom across all inputs handles loud sources like drums and amplifiers without distortion

👎 Cons

  • Requires a separate audio interface with ADAT input for DAW recording — not a standalone interface
  • Single-knob compressor offers simplicity but lacks ratio, attack, and release controls for fine-tuning
  • No instrument-level DI inputs on the front panel for direct guitar or bass connection
  • Bundled cable lengths may not suit every studio layout — 25-foot XLR cables can be excessive for small rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

The bundle includes the Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic 8-channel preamp, four 25-foot XLR microphone cables, and two 6-foot 1/4" TRS cables.
While it functions as a preamp and can route mic inputs directly to its line outputs for live use, recording to a DAW requires connecting it via ADAT to a compatible audio interface.
Each channel has a single-knob soft-knee VCA compressor that tames peaks and evens out dynamics on the input signal before it reaches your DAW, reducing the need for post-processing.
It adds eight mic/line inputs via ADAT, effectively expanding your interface by eight channels.
Yes, the eight line outputs can be sourced either from the ADAT return signal or directly from the mic preamp inputs, making them usable in both studio and live sound configurations.