The Octo-Pre, combined with my Scarlett 18i20, gives me 16 channels with XLR ins for all 16 channels at a combined price of $800. Audio clarity is pristine, and the customer service is good. When I first bought the 18i20, had a problem with digital artifacts related to clocking settings, and I contacted Focusrite’s customer service and within three days, was sent a link to a driver that solved the problem. They also sent follow-up emails to make sure my issue was resolved. This is one of the best interfaces out there for the money. You can’t beat it, and the preamps are designed to handle high volume, so it’s perfect for recording a drum set, which is why I bought it.

Adding the OctoPre to my existing 18i20 was a breeze (just one Toslink cable) and I finally had the 18 In/20 Out I'd been longing for! This was an "open box" purchase, though I wouldn't have been able to tell looking at the unit. It was in pristine condition, making the price I paid a real bargain. My DAW immmediately recognised the additional ADAT I/O ports, too, with zero additional configuration. What's not to like?

8 additional press through ADAT Lightpipe.

Paired with a Focusrite interface. Works great. Input monitoring is a bit quirky. But after a chat with support I was able to figure it out.

Amazing performance for drum tracking or any adat expansion needs!

Overall:I had been using my old Mackie 1604VLZ Pro for nearly 2 decades, and it served me well, but after so long it began getting a little flaky in the preamps. I had been using the Mackie's direct outs to feed the 1/4" analog inputs on my Focusrite Scarlett 18i6, and after losing a few takes to crackles and pops I decided to invest in a new preamp. I was afraid of a mediocre improvement for the money, but I was so happy upon trying it out. I am hearing more detail from my mics than ever before! It's so clear, rock solid so far, and runs quite cool compared to my 2 channel tube pre. SO happy with the Scarlett Octopre!

Better Get One While You Can-Too Good To Miss This Deal

Overall:Look at this unit as a 19" rack sized 8 channel mixer: 8 analogs in+ 8 analog outs + the 8 ADAT/Optical outs. Simple perfection setting it up. Preamps were the pleasant surprise, but man gotta admit, a lotta good going one here at very fair price! 1st time tracking with a full drum kit, yep--we knew then that the onboard preamps are performing well above average. Stellar pre's., for reals. We use it a summing mixer,too. Take some advice if reading...get one while you can!

Exactly what I needed . . . at a great price.

Already had a Scarlett 18i20, needed 8 more inputs. Wanted/needed eight more (2nd generation) Focusrite pre's at a good price. Got everything I needed and nothing I didn't want/need. Hook-up to the 18i20 took 20 seconds. Now I have 16 incredible pre's in a small, beautiful package

Great device!

I purchased this device to give me more channels for recording drums. So far I haven't had an opportunity to use it but I can tell you that I like the build quality and the sound of this model of mic pre should give you all you want. I thought I might start getting into some more expensive pre's but I like the sound of my other focusrite units so much that I didn't see the need to spend the extra money at this point.

Have been wanting one of these for a while...

Excellent addition to my Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. I'm running 16 direct inputs from Midas Venice F32 it's a dream. I also initially was running it into a Soundcraft Signature 22 MTK that is inputting into a Teac 80-8.Lovin' every minute of it!!!

Works with Avid Protools !!!

I have full recording home studio with rack mount/keyboard synths, V drums, a drum machine, and a guitar effects processor. I got tired of plugging and unplugging audio cables to track outboard gear into DAW. The Focusrite Scarlet 18i20 gave me 8 inputs. I found out the OctoPre could give me 8 more via ADAT connection through a Toslink cable. Syncing up the 2 units is done through Toslink cable. I use OctoPre internal digital clock (press hardware button on front of unit) and slave the 18i20 by selecting ADAT clock control on the Focusrite 18i20 software control panel. I can keep my outboard gear plugged in now. This will also enable several musicians to track record live simultaneously. I plan on upgrading my V drums to a Roland TD-20 or TD-30. These units have ... MoreI have full recording home studio with rack mount/keyboard synths, V drums, a drum machine, and a guitar effects processor. I got tired of plugging and unplugging audio cables to track outboard gear into DAW. The Focusrite Scarlet 18i20 gave me 8 inputs. I found out the OctoPre could give me 8 more via ADAT connection through a Toslink cable. Syncing up the 2 units is done through Toslink cable. I use OctoPre internal digital clock (press hardware button on front of unit) and slave the 18i20 by selecting ADAT clock control on the Focusrite 18i20 software control panel. I can keep my outboard gear plugged in now. This will also enable several musicians to track record live simultaneously. I plan on upgrading my V drums to a Roland TD-20 or TD-30. These units have individual outputs for each drum and cymbal. OctoPre gives me plenty of extra audio inputs so I can record 10 drums sounds simultaneously on different tracks in Protools DAW. This saves me time.

so far so good, the sound is perfect

I've been using it for about a year and I'm learning as I go. I bought this unit through extensive research only. I've had very little to no hands on experience in sound engineering. That being said this thing is quality. It was easy to connect to my clarett 8pre.