The front-panel inputs feature an extended amount of headroom to suit the high-output signal of sources such as electric guitars, while the rear panel offers XLR-1/4" combination jacks for the remaining six inputs. With a dynamic range of 118 dB, each input leads into a 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion stage capable of sample rates up to 192 kHz. Every input also sports its own insertion point—with hardwired relay bypass—for outboard compressors, EQs, or any processor you have.

On the output side, the Clarett OctoPre offers eight channels of digital-to-analog conversion, giving you 118 dB of dynamic range in the process. The analog outputs are accessible via a 25-pin D-sub connection. As the outputs can also be configured to accept line-level signal from the mic pres, this device is suitable for mixing sessions and for feeding live consoles, while simultaneously recording on the digital side.