Focusrite Launches OctoPre LE DAW Interface at NAMM
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(Click for a close-up) |
January 19, 2005
At this year's Winter NAMM show, Focusrite is
showing the OctoPre LE, the "lite edition" of the company's OctoPre,
bringing Focusrite preamplification and A/D-D/A conversion to a new level of
affordability for DAW and digital console users. OctoPre LE provides eight
channels of pristine Focusrite preamps, including two "Super Channels" that
offer mic impedance matching and instrument D.I. inputs plus other features.
With the optional A/D-D/A board installed, OctoPre LE brings more to the DAW
via ADAT lightpipe than ever before, allowing users to make the most of
often neglected ADAT inputs and outputs for tracking and monitoring. In
addition, the A/D-D/A option provides wordclock in and out featuring 256x clock.
OctoPre LE helps to save session time and engineer
heartache. Auto Switching front and rear panel inputs and total control of
the digital I/O from the front panel allow the unit to remain racked and
patched, with every I/O solution available at the flick of a switch. The OctoPre LE boasts some impressive specifications as well, such as 0.003% THD (with 0dBu input - maximum gain), wide bandwidth frequency response with 3 dB down at 200kHz, and signal to noise ratio of 124dB on the analog section, and a dynamic range of 110 dB A-weighted for the digital.
Housed in a 1U chassis with the familiar Platinum faceplate, OctoPre LE
is the first of the Platinums to feature a 'porthole'-style peak-reading
meter, similar to Focusrite's Red range of products. The
meter can be switched to display the input level of any one of the eight
channels.
The two Super Channels feature DI for guitars or similar instruments, as
well as a low impedance switch for making the most of ribbon mics and
allowing deliberate mic mis-matching for enhanced creativity. Other features
include phantom power, independent clip metering and low cut filters on
every channel.
The OctoPre LE is available from January 2005 and will cost $499 MSRP (£349
inc. VAT, U.K.). The optional A/D-D-A will cost $199 MSRP (£129 inc.VAT) and
can be retrofitted at any time.
For more information, visit their web site at www.focusrite.com. | 
