Introduction
The Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dynamic is an eight-channel microphone preamplifier with a built-in 24-bit / 96 kHz ADAT output. It serves as a powerful input expansion for Pro Tools systems, other digital audio workstations, analog or digital consoles, and hard disk recorders. This unit is designed to enhance your recording setup by providing high-quality preamplification and versatile digital connectivity.

Figure 1: Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dynamic Microphone Pre Amp - Angled Front View.
This image displays the overall design of the OctoPre MkII Dynamic, showcasing its rack-mountable form factor and the layout of its front panel controls and indicators.
Caractéristiques principales
- Eight High-Quality Preamps: Features eight award-winning Focusrite microphone preamplificateurs.
- Integrated Digital Output: Includes an eight-channel 24-bit / 96 kHz ADAT digital output for seamless integration with digital audio interfaces.
- Optimized for Drums: Pré-microamps are specifically optimized to handle high input levels, making them suitable for tracking drums.
- Entrées instrument: Two channels offer high-impedance (Hi-Z) instrument inputs, conveniently located on the front panel for direct connection of guitars and basses.
- Mesure d'entrée : Each channel is equipped with fast-acting 5-LED input meters for clear visual reference of input levels, helping to prevent clipping.
- Puissance fantôme: 48V phantom power is available on every channel, switchable in two groups (1-4 and 5-8), for use with condenser microphones.
- Compression intégrée : Features VCA-based, feed-forward compressors on each channel, derived from the Focusrite Red 3, with a single dial for control and a 'More' button for aggressive compression.
- Direct Outputs: Provides direct outputs on every channel for routing flexibility, particularly useful in live sound environments.
- Horloge interne : Delivers a jitter performance of less than 10 PPM, with a BNC connector for external clock synchronization using JetPLL jitter elimination technology.
Installation
Déballage et inspection
Carefully unpack the OctoPre MkII Dynamic and inspect it for any signs of damage that may have occurred during transit. Retain the packaging materials for future transport or storage.
Connexion de l'unité
The OctoPre MkII Dynamic offers various input and output options for integration into your audio setup.

Figure 2: Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dynamic Rear Panel.
This image shows the rear panel of the OctoPre MkII Dynamic, detailing the power input, Word Clock I/O, Optical ADAT outputs, Line Outputs, and Mic/Line Inputs.
- Connexion électrique : Connect the supplied AC power cable to the IEC inlet on the rear panel and to a suitable mains power outlet. Ensure the unit is properly earthed.
- Entrées microphone/ligne : Use XLR cables for microphone connections to inputs 1-8. For line-level signals, use 1/4-inch TRS or TS cables.
- Instrument Inputs (Channels 1 & 2): For instruments like guitars or basses, plug directly into the 1/4-inch DI inputs on the front panel. This bypasses the rear XLR input for these channels.
- ADAT Output: Connect the optical ADAT outputs (Lightpipe) to the ADAT input of your audio interface or digital mixer. The unit provides two mirrored ADAT outputs (44.1/48 kHz) for channels 1-8.
- Sorties de ligne: Use 1/4-inch TRS or TS cables to connect the individual line outputs (1-8) to an analog mixer or other analog recording equipment.
- Horloge des mots : For synchronization with external digital devices, connect a BNC cable from your master clock to the Word Clock input, or from the Word Clock output to slave devices.
Mise sous tension initiale
Once all connections are made, press the Power button on the front panel to turn on the unit. The power indicator LED will illuminate. Allow a few moments for the unit to initialize.
Mode d'emploi
This section details the functions of the front panel controls and indicators.

Figure 3: Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dynamic Front Panel.
Cette image fournit un aperçu détaillé view of the OctoPre MkII Dynamic's front panel, highlighting the gain knobs, pad buttons, phantom power switches, compressor controls, and metering section.
Commandes du panneau avant
- Gain Knobs (1-8): Adjust the input gain for each microphone/line channel. Rotate clockwise to increase gain.
- Pad Buttons (1-8): Engages a 10dB pad for the corresponding channel, useful for very hot signals like close-miked drums.
- Phantom Power (48V) Switches: Two switches control 48V phantom power for channels 1-4 and 5-8. Press to engage for condenser microphones.
- Instrument Inputs (1 & 2): 1/4-inch jacks for direct connection of high-impedance instruments.
- Compressor Controls (1-8):
- Compress Knob: A single dial that simultaneously decreases the threshold and increases makeup gain for the VCA-based compressor.
- More Button: Engages a more aggressive compression mode, doubling the ratio from 2:1 to 4:1 and shifting the threshold range.
- Compress LED: Illuminates when compression is active.
- Input Meters (1-8): 5-LED ladders display the input level for each channel, indicating signal presence, nominal level, and potential clipping (O/L).
- Sample Rate Select: Buttons to select the desired sample rate (44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz) for the ADAT output.
- Sync Source Select: Buttons to choose the clock source: Internal, ADAT, or Word Clock.
- Bouton d'alimentation : Allume ou éteint l'appareil.
Using the Compressors
The OctoPre MkII Dynamic features a unique single-dial compressor on each channel. Turning the 'Compress' knob clockwise increases the amount of compression. For a more pronounced and aggressive compression effect, engage the 'More' button. The 'Compress' LED will light up when the compressor is actively reducing the signal's dynamic range.
Synchronisation
For stable digital audio, it is crucial to properly synchronize the OctoPre MkII Dynamic with your other digital devices. Select the desired sample rate using the 'Sample Rate' buttons. Then, choose your sync source: 'Internal' for the OctoPre's own clock, 'ADAT' if receiving clock from an ADAT input, or 'Word Clock' if synchronizing via the BNC Word Clock input.
Entretien
- Nettoyage: Utilisez un chiffon doux et sec pour nettoyer l'extérieur de l'appareil. N'utilisez pas de nettoyants abrasifs, de solvants ni de cires.
- Ventilation: Veillez à ce que les fentes de ventilation ne soient pas obstruées afin d'éviter toute surchauffe.
- Stockage: When not in use for extended periods, store the unit in a cool, dry place, ideally in its original packaging.
- Cordon d'alimentation : Regularly check the power cord for any damage. Do not use a damaged power cord.
Dépannage
| Problème | Cause possible | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pas de courant | Câble d'alimentation non branché ; prise de courant défectueuse. | Vérifiez que le câble d'alimentation est bien branché. Essayez une autre prise de courant. |
| No audio output via ADAT | S incorrectsample rate or sync source; ADAT cable faulty or disconnected. | Verify sample rates match on both devices. Check sync source setting. Ensure ADAT cable is correctly connected and not damaged. |
| Input signal clipping (O/L LED) | Input gain too high; signal source too hot. | Reduce the input gain. Engage the 10dB pad for very loud sources. |
| L'alimentation fantôme ne fonctionne pas | Phantom power switch not engaged for the correct channel group. | Ensure the 48V switch for the relevant channel group (1-4 or 5-8) is pressed. |
Caractéristiques
- Dimensions du produit : 24 x 14.2 x 5.2 pouces
- Poids de l'article : 11.3 livres
- Numéro de modèle de l'article : AMS-Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dyanamic
- Nombre de canaux : 8
- Technologie de connectivité: XLR, 1/4-inch TRS/TS, Optical ADAT, BNC Word Clock
- Logiciels pris en charge : Windows (general compatibility for DAW integration)
- Appareils compatibles : Keyboards, Microphones, Guitars, Basses, Digital Audio Workstations, Analog/Digital Consoles
- Première date disponible : 15 septembre 2009
- Fabricant: Focusrite
Garantie et assistance
For detailed warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Focusrite website or the comprehensive User Guide provided with your product. A digital version of the User Guide is available for download:
Télécharger le guide de l'utilisateur (PDF)
Vous pouvez également visiter le Focusrite Store on Amazon pour des informations et des ressources supplémentaires sur les produits.