Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre Preamp
My problem was finding a way to add more inputs to my Universal Audio Apollo 8p TB3 based project studio. UA interfaces were beyond my current budget so I decided to purchase a Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen OctoPre at a very reasonable price from Bax. Delivery was prompt as always and over the last week I've been trying it out.
Connection was from the two ADAT outputs of the OctoPre to the two ADAT inputs of my Apollo using short Cinnamon optical leads at my usual recording sampling rate and bit resolution of of 96/24 with a single Word Clock cable running from the Apollo (master) WC out to the OctoPre WC in.
I had feared that I would only get two stereo inputs at 96/24 but I was pleasantly surprised that I got all four showing up in the Apollo's Console software mixer. I was also concerned that there might be a clear difference between the sound of the instruments routed through the OctoPre and a possible increase in latency. In both cases my fears were groundless.
I have two Korg instruments; a Kronos and Wavestate which I routed through my new inputs. The Kronos Berlin Grand piano with low Focusrite pre-amplification coupled with UA digital conversion was effectively latency free and the clarity at the higher frequencies revealed subtle piano action sounds that I hadn't even noticed before while the Apollo added it's usual warmth to the final sound.
I was losing faith with the Wavestate as it's outputs are not as powerful as those of the Kronos or my OB-6. With OcotPre connection and higher preamplification the instrument came to life in a way it's digital synthesis had failed to with the Apollo preamps.
My rating on value and performance is therefore 5 stars. I appear to have stumbled on a winning combination at a very reasonable Bax price. Buy now with confidence if your requirements and expectations are similar to mine!
Connection was from the two ADAT outputs of the OctoPre to the two ADAT inputs of my Apollo using short Cinnamon optical leads at my usual recording sampling rate and bit resolution of of 96/24 with a single Word Clock cable running from the Apollo (master) WC out to the OctoPre WC in.
I had feared that I would only get two stereo inputs at 96/24 but I was pleasantly surprised that I got all four showing up in the Apollo's Console software mixer. I was also concerned that there might be a clear difference between the sound of the instruments routed through the OctoPre and a possible increase in latency. In both cases my fears were groundless.
I have two Korg instruments; a Kronos and Wavestate which I routed through my new inputs. The Kronos Berlin Grand piano with low Focusrite pre-amplification coupled with UA digital conversion was effectively latency free and the clarity at the higher frequencies revealed subtle piano action sounds that I hadn't even noticed before while the Apollo added it's usual warmth to the final sound.
I was losing faith with the Wavestate as it's outputs are not as powerful as those of the Kronos or my OB-6. With OcotPre connection and higher preamplification the instrument came to life in a way it's digital synthesis had failed to with the Apollo preamps.
My rating on value and performance is therefore 5 stars. I appear to have stumbled on a winning combination at a very reasonable Bax price. Buy now with confidence if your requirements and expectations are similar to mine!
October 4, 2020
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Colin C.
