The OctoPre provides eight discrete channels of Class A microphone pre-amplification and compression. The unit comes with eight XLR microphone inputs and signals from the unit route directly to any digital audio workstation or recorder via eight analog outputs (using a 25-pin D-sub to 8 XLR or 1/4" phone breakout cable, available separately.) Each channel features a compressor/limiter circuit, which morphs into a brick wall limiter when necessary to avoid critical "overs."
The mic pres featured in the OctoPre are the same as those featured elsewhere in the Platinum range. They are a transistor-based Class A design, that deliver detail and clarity without coloration. The first two channels also feature phase reverse, as well as 1/4" TRS phone inputs on the front faceplate for use as DI inputs. Eight line level balanced (+4dBu) analog inputs are also provided via a 25-pin D-sub connector.
An optional 24-bit/96kHz ADAT interface card provides digital outputs for all eight OctoPre channels, which can be dithered to 16, 20, or 24-bit depths depending upon the destination. External word clock synchronization is available using the rear panel BNC connector. The card features two Lightpipe output connectors. For speeds up to 48kHz both connectors transmit all 8 channels simultaneously. However, for sample rates above 48kHz each audio channel uses two ADAT channels to accommodate the increased quantity of data.
*NOTE*: A 25-pin D-sub output breakout cable (XLR or 1/4" TRS phone) is required to operate this unit.