Top Features

award-winning M-Audio preamp technology
8 mic preamp channels, 2 with instrument ins
8 line inputs
ADAT Lightpipe output (TOSlink)
24-bit audio resolution throughout

The 8-channel Octane preamp is specifically designed to enhance the front end of any multitrack digital recording system. Its award-winning M-Audio preamp technology delivers pristine digital signals to any Lightpipe-compatible devices such as hard disk recorders and digital mixers. Octane is ideal for miking drum kits or bands—and the two mic/instrument channels are great for guitar, bass and other instruments. M-S matrix encoding lets you employ stereo miking techniques previously available only in pro studios. Octane even has analog preamp (direct) outs for each channel, making it the perfect upgrade for any digital audio interface or mixer. Word clock also means that you can sync multiple Octanes for as many channels as you need as your studio grows.

Full Features

award-winning M-Audio preamp technology
8 channels, each including:
• microphone input (XLR)
• line input (1/4” TRS)*
• preamp out (1/4” TRS)*
• 3-segment LEDs
• 20dB pad
• phantom power with indicator (groups 1-4, 5-8)
2 channels are mic/instr preamps (front-panel 1/4” TS)
ADAT Lightpipe output (TOSlink)
24-bit audio resolution throughout
selectable sample rate (44.1k and 48k) and external sync
word clock I/O (75-ohm BNC) for synchronization to other digital devices
line inputs are half-normalled as insert ins or standalone A/D
M-S matrix encoding on channels 7 & 8 with width control
phase reverse switches on even channels
low-cut filter on channel 1 (-12dB/oct @ 80Hz)

* balanced/unbalanced operation

Specifications

microphone inputs (analog)
variable gain: 50dB
frequency response: 20-20kHz, +/- 0.11dB; mid gain
signal-to-noise ratio: 120dB, A-weighted; mid gain
dynamic range: 120dB, A-weighted; mid gain
THD+N: 0.00041% -107dB, 1dB below clipping, 22Hz-22kHz; mid gain
EIN noise rating: -129dBu @ max gain, 600 ohms, 22Hz-22 kHz (unweighted)
input impedance: 2.85k ohms, no pad; 3.600k ohms, pad engaged

instrument inputs (analog)

input impedance: 3M ohms
variable gain: 44dB
frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz, +/- 0.03dB; min gain
signal-to-noise ratio: 133dB, A-weighted; min gain
dynamic range: 133dB, A-weighted; min gain
THD+N: 0.0018% -95dB, 1 dB below clipping, 22Hz-22kHz; min gain
system throughput gain: 6dB to 50dB (balanced out); 0dB to 44dB (unbalanced out)

line inputs (analog to digital)

line input impedance: 20K Ohms (balanced), 13.3k ohms (unbalanced)
frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz, +/- 0.04dB
signal-to-noise ratio: 110dB, A-weighted
dynamic range: 110dB, A-weighted
THD+N: 0.00067% -103dB, -1dBFS, 22Hz-22kHz

additional features

maximum rated analog output (digital clip): +26dBu (balanced), +20dBu (unbalanced)
output impedance: 600 ohms (balanced)
M/S matrix: L=M+S/3 and R=M–S/3
digital clip level at line inputs: +20dBu
channel quasi-peak level indicators light 3dB, 10dB and 20dB below digital clip
word clock range (switchable): 44.1kHz, 48kHz and external
word clock slave sync range: 33kHz to 59kHz
word clock impedence: 75 ohms
power: 18 VAC (16.5 VAC minimum) @ 3.5A inline power adapter

size: 17" x 5" x 3.5" 7.1 lbs