Using The Octopre Mkii Dynamic; Combo Inputs; Phantom Power; Preamp Gain - Focusrite OctoPre MkII Dynamic Mode D'emploi

Using the OctoPre MkII Dynamic

Combo Inputs

All eight of the analogue audio inputs use professional combo connectors. These can accept male XLR connectors,
TS (un-balanced) and TRS (balanced) jack connectors.
If an XLR cable is used, then the preamp will automatically switch to microphone level.
If a jack cable is connected, then the preamp will automatically switch to line level. For instrument signals connected to
inputs 1 and 2 use the Inst button to switch to high impedance instrument level.
Phantom Power (MIC 48V)
The two phantom power switches turn on 48V phantom power to Mic inputs 1-4 and 5-8. Phantom power is required for
most condenser (capacitor) microphones. Phantom power is only sent to the XLR connector on the combo inputs, so if a
group of 4 preamps is shared between mic and line level signals, +48V is only sent to the microphones.
Dynamic microphones do not require phantom power but most will operate with phantom power supplied.
Ribbon microphones do not require phantom power and may be damaged if supplied with phantom power.
If you are unsure about your microphone DO NOT supply phantom power until you have confirmed the specifications with the
manufacturer.

Preamp Gain

The gain of each preamp should be set with reference to the level of the input source. Use the LED metering to monitor the signal
level of each preamp.
Start with the preamp gain set to minimum. Ensure that the compression is set to off. Ask the recording artist to
play at the loudest level required by the performance.
The O/L LED will light if the signal level is too high. If the signal causes the O/L LED to light, even with the gain
set to a minimum then compression will be required.
Compression can also be applied to signals that don't overload the preamp, but require an amount of 'levelling' of the dynamics.

Compressor

The Compress control allows compression to be applied to the signal. With the control fully anti-clockwise, the compressor is set
Off: no compression is applied.
To turn on the compressor, rotate the Compress dial clockwise. As soon as the dial is moved from the Off position the yellow Comp
LED will briefly light to indicate that the compressor is now active. As the control is turned further clockwise, the compression
threshold is progressively reduced, resulting in heavier and heavier compression of the signal. Now the yellow Comp LED will light
whenever compression is being applied to the signal.
A compressor acts as an automatic volume control, effectively turning down the volume of a signal if it gets too loud. As the
Compress dial is turned clockwise, the make-up gain is progressively increased, bringing up the overall signal level.
The More button will provide a greater ratio, thereby applying heavier compression to the signal.
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