Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dynamic

This is a mic / line and AD / DA converter class A preamp rack 19 "
Eight combo inputs brand Amphenol (XLR / TRS) with compressor function and More to increase the rate at 2: 1 or 4: 1
Display 5 LEDs per channel assignable 48V 2 groups of 4 channels.
Inputs 1 and 2 switchable intruder / lines.
8 line outputs switchable A / DD / A.
Possible recording 44.1 Khz 96 SMUX

UTILIZATION

Configuration is very simple, sync is done manually by selecting what you want, ADAT, Word Clock, Internal.
No problem it syncs very well Adat I did not ssay the wordclock.
The compressors are interesting I still have to learn (I would say more in a few times).
The manual I have not read because the use is easy if you know a little of the principle of a preamp.
The use of compressors is simple there just has a knob to adjust the compression.

SOUND QUALITY

I have just so I will make a Update my mind later ...
I did try a few records for keyboards / piano sound is really clear, no particular color.
Another test performed with a micro Rode NT1, I am currently left hungry because I set the gain to 15 hours to get a decent level, you have to play with the compressor for more dynamic ... but that the it anyway !!!
No breath found the sound is clean and transparent rather to my surprise.
As soon as you push the gain to more than 15 hours there! You really get the power and it's not bad at all.

OVERALL OPINION

Like I said I use it for a few days, I posted my opinion because it is a machine that we know little of the notice.
I use a voice in Mindprint where headroom and still higher than the Mk2 Dynamic, but the result is very good if you know how to adjust the machine to add eight inputs to my sound card RME HDSP 9652 is a really good value for money !!!
I could take a Ada8200 (not comparable anyway) but I trusted the Focusrite quality and I do not regret my choice.
Compared to the Mk2 I have preferred the compressors and more particularly the Adat return to better manage my retours.ça is really great and it lacks the basic version Mk2.
On the reserve gains I think it was designed for miking dynamic which could explain this subject, but do not worry there is excellent !!!
In this price range I would do without this choice problem.

A mic / line and AD / DA converter Class A eight combo inputs (XLR / TRS) with compressor equipped preamp, two inputs and ADAT outputs 24-bit / 96 kHz and eight line outputs in jack for mixdown, all a word clock to synchronize several other converters.
The OctoPre MkII offers a small array of 5 LEDs per channel to monitor the modulation. The 48 volts is not assignable by groups of 4 channels.

UTILIZATION

This preamp is very easy to use. The facade is stripped in particular settings for each track, then there is only one volume knob and one for the compressor "one knob". A small push button doubles the ratio of the compressor.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound is excellent and preamp support large dynamic surprisingly well.

OVERALL OPINION

I waited a lot to make this assessment because they are (I have three) in a mobile studio that does more for live video or radio multitrack. They are so little used.
Since 2012, they are installed in the truck and it is parked outdoors all year round. The three Focusrite resistant to this abuse.
They are connected to an ADAT pipeline Presonus firewire attacking my Pro Tools 10 to record 32 tracks. BNC word clock interconnects three for sync.
I use them mainly as line inputs are connected to the direct out of the control room. For some instrument I starts slightly compressor to mitigate large peaks. That's perfect.
I never had any problems with the MkII Dynamic Focusrite OctoPre despite their cheap price.
The only fault I would note is the 48V phantom that can not be assigned in increments of four entries.

8 preamps with a compressor for each. Converter 8 in / 8 out ADAT in. 8 analog output jack. We can either choose to route the 8 preamps is the 8 ADAT outputs on jack which is very convenient to use the machine as DA converter (although this is not its primary function).
Showing levels of the 8 inputs on LED done well.
1U rackmount.

UTILIZATION

Very easy to use. The setting of the compressors is quite handy (more button sets the rate, either 2:1 or 4:1).

SOUND QUALITY

I am very happy with the sound of the machine. We're really in the machine that does the job, without making any particular coloration to the sound. The preamps are nice, well above an ADA8000 for example, (fortunately saw the price difference), do not blow. I compressors are very honest, it can compress fairly discreet in making what in some cases is very convenient. Same, they really do not color the sound, it just do their job: to alleviate dynamic!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for three months, I made several recordings. Robust unit, very convenient. Compact, I use it in mobile with a sound card, it's nickel. The level display is well done. Good value for money.