Focusrite Launches OctoPre LE DAW Interface at NAMM

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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.