Seriously Good Converters for ADAT! - The Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre

[@creativesoundlab]

Free Download for All 8 Years of CSL Downloads and PDF guides: www.creativesoundlab.tv/alldownloads

[@MrMuppetbaby]

You are a great presenter and very comfortable in front of the camera. You strike me as knowledgeable, talented, and a good guy. Your reward today is that I have liked and subscribed! :) I have a little studio with the UA Apollo Twin X quad as the center piece. I am looking for a cost effective alternative to UA gear channel expansion (don't tell them I said that) and I think I have just found it. Thanks again, Tod in Las Vegas. :)

[@ryancrawford9894]

I’ve got two of the gen 1 Clarett Octopres, unbeatable conversion for the money and glad to see them get some upgrade love. Leveraging the inserts makes them super flexible for routing. You lose the balanced IO but it allows you to keep a straight path from pre->AD during tracking and line inputs for mixing. The inserts have a relay bypass so you won’t have any signal loss when disabled, or you can track with outboard with minimal patching. Throw in a patchbay and you’ve got even more flexibility.

[@alpenglow4243]

I own the 4 Pre+ and couldn’t be happier with it.

[@alpenglow4243]

@@apostolicway2604 Was using the 2i2 3rd Gen before, and yes I do hear a difference with the Clarett. The Clarett also has control software that needs to be downloaded, but I find it pretty easy to work with.

[@alpenglow4243]

@@apostolicway2604Clarett 2 Pre is an option.

[@alpenglow4243]

@@apostolicway2604 Both are good.

[@weschilton]

Man, for the price this is unbeatable and it does sound very good. I use Apollos, but another 8 preamps would be almost $4,000. Bluh!

[@tangosierra9649]

I have a giant drumset requiring 16 inputs and want 3 units (24 ins). Been checking everything out and, yeah, the Apollo x8p looks great but at $4,000 a pop there’s just no way jose’! These will definitely let me get pro quality without busting el banko

[@lexhitreset]

Awesome demonstration Ryan! ⚡️

[@Nathankaye]

Great video! I’ve got the Clarett 8pre and Clarett Octopre (not the + range). Thus far I’ve only used the octopre for extra preamp lines in, but today was trying to hook up a WA Bus-Comp2 VCA compressor via adat, with no luck as yet. I’ve only got the 1 ADAT cable (as I’ve only used it as extra preamps) so I guess, after watching your video, that’s why I get no sound because I need 2. Focusrite should get you to do their explanation videos, because they didn’t give the full details I needed. Thanks again. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@levicashrocker]

Finally a real song with real instruments in demo..nice job..good song too!!

[@sfn4702]

Came back for round two! Thanks again.

[@jamescassidy4045]

I know it probably wont happen, but Id love to hear a proper comparison between the Clarett Octopre and Octopre+! Just an idea! Thanks dude!

[@jayjohnson9894]

Was thinking the same thing 😊

[@jayjohnson9894]

I saw this comparison on KZbin yesterday. Really didn't seem to be that much difference. My question is the difference in using USB vs regular 1/4, XLR, besides the $200 difference in price

[@jamescassidy4045]

@@jayjohnson9894 What do you mean by USB? And in what context are you referring to 1/4" and XLR?

[@jayjohnson9894]

@jamescassidy4045 I've seen where one supports USB C connections

[@jamescassidy4045]

@@jayjohnson9894 So you are probably thinking of the Focusrite Clarett Audio Interfaces which do connect to your Computer via USB. Essentially all typical Audio Interfaces need to be hooked up to your Computer in some way, whether it's USB/Thunderbolt/Firewire/Ethernet Etc. The Clarett Octopre, and other Octopre's like the Scarlett or Saphire don'r connect to your Computer directly, they are meant to connect to your main Audio Interface via an Optical ADAT Cable, and a Wordclock BNC Cable, or just an ADAT Cable if you want the Octopre to be the Master Clock. Essentially the Octopre's are just to add additional Mic Preamps/Line Inputs/Line Outputs to your main Audio Interface. They do not work as a Stand alone unit though, I mean maybe unless your Computer itself had ADAT, then maybe there would be a way, but never really heard of anyone doing that, so not to sure!

[@EmenSeranWilik]

is using a focusrite brand soundcard and mic preamp better?

[@robertsimpson5801]

Great video! I really appreciate your very well thought out presentation and the way you thoroughly demonstrate the features of devices like this. Thank you!

[@risingphoenix1484]

This was really cool... nice demo.

[@sfn4702]

Thanks Ryan. Good video. How would you send an external pre through the OctoPre without using the octopre’s preamps?

[@creativesoundlab]

I would go - Line out of preamp - 1/4 inch in - Set gain to 8 olclock. They say there is still a gain trim, but it doesn't color the sound. Honestly, even if it does "Go through the preamp" per se, it sounds better than the line input/conversion on my MOTU.

[@chadsmith6309]

Thanks for asking the question that I had in my mind! @SFN

[@stevedaycreative]

Thank you! Great intro video (setting mine up this morning 😊)

[@starsandguitars2050]

Excellent video. I love Focusrite gear.

[@ernieg]

I have a the Crëme by teagler Audio. And i have the apollo x4. My question is would i use the insert or connect the ins and out reg. Also , im using pro tools

[@philby8]

Has anyone upgraded from the older Clarett model to the Clarett+ ? If so, have you notice a real improvment in sound quality and clarity ?

[@steelesaldutti]

Man’s a legit drummer

[@mathenoo]

I send my API312 kick and snare trough the clarett pres with air on. Sounds greeaaaat!

[@Ancaja123]

I reallly loved the clarity of my Focusrite Sapphire Pro40, but I really struggled gain staging some of the quieter instruments I would record because of the exponential nature of the gain staging on it.

[@director2bob]

I am so happy I found this review. I am an old dude getting back into music at the age of 60 and love electronic music. I just setup my studio for first time in 7 years and maxed out the 8 channels on my an old clarrett 8pre version which still sound great to my ears. It's at least 7 years old and uses thunderbolt. I need 8 more channels mostly for instruments. My question to you is would you buy a older Clarett 8 pre instead of the newer clarett 8 pre + if the inputs were going to be mostly for keys, drum machines, guitars etc because I thought you could connect two of the older units using spidif or adat? Been out of the game for a while so not sure what I unit should purchase for the 8 more inputs. Was also concerned about any latency issues with older units when synced together. Thanks for advice 🙏

[@chinmeysway]

in a very similar place as you, as described here. let me know what you ended up doing!

[@director2bob]

@@chinmeysway still trying to figure out what to get. Very confusing for me. Not sure if I need a second clarette # versus OctoPre. I need 16 inputs of audio so not sure what to get.

[@director2bob]

@@chinmeysway I decided to wait to buy a UAD Apollo 6 which is dope but also expensive at $2300 and use the old clarett for 8 channels of ADAT into the Apollo. Sweetwater has a sale going for next 9 days. If you buy a UAD Apollo Converter, they are throwing in a free Townsed L22 mic which is a killer mic and costs $1200, So it's like getting the UAD 6 for $1100 which is great deal. Pretty certain I am pulling the plug this week. If not, going to just by a used clarett octopre,

[@dylangirotto903]

can you pair this with a scarlett 18i20?

[@ronithhalder5277]

Is it possible to just use the line outputs of the OctoPre preamp through ADAT connected to a desktop interface with 2 in 2 out (Babyface pro) , so that it extends the output channels for hybrid mixing? or do your suggest getting a clarett 8 pre audio interface instead for the same.

[@anthemmakersmusic]

Very slick sounding song.

[@arthur.monticelli]

Good stuff man, thanks for the video

[@creativesoundlab]

You bet

[@freddiebarrguitar]

is there a way to bypass the pres whilst using outboard gear in post? Thanks!

[@t3reeproduction314]

Very nice sounding unit..

[@scrapethebottom]

thanks for sharing! just one q, do i understand correclty: if plugged in via XLR the signal goes through the mic pre's and the volume knobs control the pre-amps' gain (at 0 no gain, at 10 max gain), while if plugged in via 1/4' the signal does NOT go through the mic pres and the volume knobs are a line level trim (at 10 no trim, at 0 max reduction)?

[@romanrhymes6333]

I could actually be as you describe. The manual says that if you're using an XLR cable the preamp adapts gain and impedance for microphones - if you're using 1/4" jacks its gain and impedance is adapted to line level. Nevertheless, I've read some sources that say you never really bypass the preamp, but since it's clean it won't alter or colour the sound.

[@joserancel6255]

Is this one a audio interface or only for pre-amp? Thanks

[@Gretsch0997]

Hi Ryan, can you clarify if you were using the Clarett interface for these demo's? Im confused because at the beginning of the video you kept referring to your "original" interface (Unnamed). As the video progressed I did not see your original MOTU interface. So I'm quite confused. I watched twice. I guess what im really asking is, "ws your comparison to the MOTU, done befor the video capture"?

[@Gretsch0997]

Oh never mind , I watched it again , Thanks!

[@NAMApl]

To record 16 channels at 48hz, there must be two Toslink cables? Is one enough?

[@glendabed]

Great video.. one question - when you change from Insert to Air, all the lights change from green to yellow.. does this mean you can't activate the insert on one channel and air on another?

[@glendabed]

Oh right I see what's happening, the toggle on the right shows what the lights represent along each track, and operate independently, gotcha!

[@mrrnrob]

11:05..Thats Sounds Like ZZ Top, Man.. Good Job

[@S7V7N_SEAS]

Can you show how you have it configured in the software? I have a clarett 8pre and I have it setup with an RME ADI-2 PRO FS for the clock and ad/da. I'm using mine to connect my 500 series rack and some pedals.

[@MattChalkGuitar]

Cool video, been looking at one of these to add more outboard. Are you running your outboard gear (compressors etc.) out of the Octopre, then back in to the Octopre input and then on some channels, also having another outboard unit plugged into the insert jack that you can toggle on and off by turning the insert on and off? Does that make sense? Cheers!

[@metalfather8139]

Is the conversion a high step above? I have the 3rd gen 18i 20 and wondering abt when printing using outboard gear is their a big difference? Do the insert buttons work with a software and do they bypass the pre amps completely when knobs at 0? Thanks

[@FortSoundStudio]

Did anyone knows which converters focusrite use in the Clarett+ octopre? I would upgrade my studio with the rme fireface 802 fs and thinking about the audient asp 800 or the clarett+ octopre.

[@russgenders7550]

Hello Ryan, I have a Focusrite 8 Pre X and an Octopre. I hooked mine up the same way you did by following your video and my octopre is not capturing audio anymore. I used to have the 8PreX as slave to the octopre but I wanted the 8PreX to be the main unit so I switched them around. what am I doing wrong? I also have a Behringer power play 16 headphone system that everything goes to. The reason I tried switching is because I didnt want to power up the octopus pre if not necessary.

[@jackvankouwenberg3379]

How about this dillema-I have the old version of the clarett interface. I also have an antelope orion 32+ gen 3 that I got for AD/DA on a big analog mixer I got. I dont use the Clarett as an interface anymore, only for the pres. Do I sell the clarett usb and get a clarret+ octopre, or keep with what I have currently? I like the preamps on it. I'm not sure if it makes sense to go through all the trouble of selling my old interface, and pay extra to REDUCE the number of functions I am capable of.

[@corystevenponzo7007]

MODIFY the Console to have Discreet Preamps like an API 2520 or Jensen 990 with an 8dip to Pro footprint OPAMP board. That way you got the awesome Orion converters and classic preamps with your Console. Use different opamps for different flavors of sound on different channels. Also, larger coupling capacitors on the MIC Preamp section of the Console. Last but not least get a bigger power supply for the Console. This is what I'm doing with a 40 channel AudioArts Console. Into Lucid Converters and RME ADAT soundcard. Also adding Transformers to each channel of the console made it much better.

[@jackvankouwenberg3379]

@@corystevenponzo7007 that is way too complicated and expensive lol. Bet it would sound nice tho

[@corystevenponzo7007]

@@jackvankouwenberg3379 it's like any hobby. Just try different techniques. Eventually you will want different preamps. At least one different preamp.

[@anthonycorley3268]

How did you hookup the outboard gear to the Focusrite Clarett 8 + ???

[@ryanshook8284]

Does this unit have Digital to Analog conversion for outboard mixing after something has been recorded? Thx for your time

[@DanielS10291]

So can i use the octo pre for 16 mic pres? I just bought a second clarett+ 8 pre to do this but im struggling to get it synced and working and i just realised the octo pre is £100 cheaper!

[@jayjohnson9894]

Good evening What's the different with using usb vise 1/4 inch besides the different in price in focusrite 8pre and octopre

[@Duskybuka]

Great video, I subscribed!! I use a claret 8pre with octepre. Currently use patch bay and to mix with outboard gear. Have been looking into using the inserts on the octepre to track with my outboard. This video shows its possible, but I have not been able to figure it out. Any advise? 😊

[@Phanatic207]

So does it have better word clock than the Clarett+ 8pre? Or did you mean the Clarett+ range as a whole has better word clock than the other stuff in your studio?

[@massimozirilli3282]

Do you preferito clarett+ converters to RME UFX converters?!

[@gaetanclybouw]

The previous Clarett (thunderbolt generation) sounds the same btw. There is no sound difference, I have both. Also the conversion is as good as it was when it came out in 2015.

[@frankjum]

Thanks for this. I was going to ask the question if they are the same. Got my Thunderbolt 2 version in 2016.

[@director2bob]

so happy I just read that. I am setting up my studio for first time in 7 years and maxed out the 8 channels on my older Clarett 8 pre thunderbolt NOT the new 8 pre+. I need 8 more inputs mostly for instruments and was thinking the older model would work fine as long as I can link the the two units. Only thing that worries me is latency. Any thoughts on using two of the older units in synch? Any latency issues? Thanks.

[@gaetanclybouw]

@@director2bob It will work out fine, latency is really low with both old and new units so no worries. I bought the + range as a backup, but I still use the 2015 model everyday. I hear no difference in sound quality or latency.

[@director2bob]

@@gaetanclybouw thanks bro!!

[@director2bob]

@@gaetanclybouw Do you know if two clarett 8 pres can be hooked together? What confuses me is this demo is for the Octo Pre,+, not the 8 pre +. Why would you want an octo over the 8 pre? Other question I have is the second preamp I am getting is for synths and drum machines, not for mics. Just wondering if the scarlett 18i20 which is only $550 would be fine instead of the higher end clarett if only used for synths. Thanks Gaetan.

[@director2bob]

Hey man, you seem to be the most knowledgeable person I have come across on YT when discussing interfaces and I need help ASAP as my old Clarrett 8 pre is maxed out and I need 8 more ports as I have gear I need to hook up. I am really confused at moment and always afraid of buying the wrong piece of gear. 1.) Can I buy a Clarrett # 8 pre and use my Clarett 8 pre for the additional 8 ports using the ADAT connection on both units? If so, buying one tomorrow and problem solved. 2.) Why use an Octopre if you can use two Clarretts with ADAT? I feel really freakin stupid for asking that question but I don't understand and trying to learn. 3.) Sweetwater has a promotion where you get a free L22 mic which sells for $1200 when you buy a UAD Apollo 6, 8 etc .And that mic gets the very best reviews. The Apollo 6 sells for $2300 so that's like getting the Apollo 6 for $1100. Would you go for the Apollo 6 if you got the free L22? Promotion runs another week so need to make a move as I desperately need ports and can live without the mic. Thanks bro

[@mattsun71]

Do you think it is worth trading my old clarett for the new clarett+ ? Thanks for another great video btw!

[@ainchamama]

I just don't understand why they would put only one ADAT in on the interface since you can't get 8 channels of 96k audio over one cable. The Clarett+ has two ADAT outs, so it would only make sense to include that on the interface as well. I really like working with 96k, so I guess that would limit me to 12 total inputs since only 4 can run at 96k over ADAT:(

[@creativesoundlab]

Yeah that's good feedback. I didn't think of higher sample rates.

[@AlavonMajor]

Is ADATs method of clocking uneffected by the quality or accuracy of each units internal clock?..I understand how master clock accuracy is applicable and important to word clock but is that also the case with ADAT protocol?

[@corystevenponzo7007]

In my experience clocking is good as long as its locked. I haven't heard a difference yet between my different clocks or ADAT vs internal or BNC. No clicks or pops then your good.

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

Is it possible to bypass the AD converter to go out to an external Converter???

[@Roman_andtheprey]

Have you guys used this to get more hardware inserts in your i/o in protools? I've been messing with mine, but I haven't managed to get it to work as additional channels to use as channels for hardware. Any tips?

[@Roman_andtheprey]

Update. I'm running my arturia rev2 as main interface with octopre and it works great. At 48k. I'm having a hard time getting the rev2 to see the octopre at 96k. No signal at all....any ideas?

[@IntegrativeDrumming]

It's the best bang for the buck. Paying more than the Clarett there's the law of diminishing returns as far as sound quality. And if you're over the age of 20 chances are your ears can't hear the difference anyhow.

[@sinewavekings8636]

I just bought one based on the inserts, in the video are you using the D sub output connectors to the gear and then from the gear back into the input? Like a loop? It really be dope if you showed how you hooked all that up with the output that is. Thanks for the video and the recommendation.

[@ernieg]

Yes i just bought one. But i don’t know how to correctly connect

[@sinewavekings8636]

I called Focusrite and they had no idea either. My guess is that he is going into the ins on the other interface. All he says is “from the 160 compressor back in”. 🤷‍♂️

[@neoaureus]

It’s a loop…. Take a pair of LINE OUTS to the outboard gear…then back into the OCTOPRE LINE INS…. then you gotta set it up in the Focusrite control ( if you don’t set up the inputs and outputs properly you won’t hear it )

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Have you tried Audient ASP 800? How do you think this compares?

[@seane1081]

I'd like to know that too. I was planning on getting the 800, but then saw the announcement for this. Finding reasonably priced ones with ADAT in seems to be a pain as of late

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

@@seane1081 is personally still go with the ASP. Burr Brown converters = done deal 👍

[@mauriziomauricone]

Anyone compared it with the Alesis HD24XR?

[@hepphepps8356]

Haven’t checked out the newer focushite stuff. The first generation Octopre shocked me so immensly with it’s unbeliveably bad audio audio quality. It had a built in compressor that would utterly degrade and trash anything put through it, and the pots were so bad it would sometime engage by itself. We had 32channels of them for pretty important archival purposes, and I am still sometimes exposed to some of those recordings and feel grief over all that was lost, and anger towards focushite for presenting such an abyssmal product as a professional alternative.

[@anthemmakersmusic]

Send the track to Timberlake smiling

[@redcomn]

But some people still hate adat

[@fullalbums5675]

I dunno, sounds like typical "blanket on the speakers" focusrite unit

[@mostlyharmless88]

Christian rock is so gross.