Octopre MkII or 2nd Pro 40

[dr_daw]

I want to make sure I make the right choice and don't miss out on a deal. There is a seller in my area that is selling an Octopre MkII for $400 (cdn) and a Saffire Pro 40 for $400 (cdn). I don't really need either of them, but it's a good deal, no tax, no shipping etc...I wouldn't be able to get these for that price new here.

The big question, is it a better choice to go dual unit with the Pro 40, or just get the extra 8 ins on the Octopre MkII. On the pre, I like that you get a pad on each channel (which the Pro 40 lacks). Thoughts?

[Katherine_Focusrite]

Personally I would get the second Pro 40.

If this was an Octopre MkII and not Octopre MkII Dynamic you are only offered A/D and not D/A.

Getting the second Pro 40 would allow you to also set up the D/A.

Additionally I think the ability to use Dual Unit mode on the Pro 40s is very nice as you have your ADATs free still.

However if you wish to hook up the Octopre MkII with SMUX it has two ADAT Outputs, so you could get 8 channels up the 96k out of that unit which will be limited to 8 channels at 48k or 4 channels at 96k on the Pro 40 in Standalone as it has only one ADAT Output. So if you are aiming for higher sample rates and have another interface with 2 ADAT ins that is a great option.

All in all they are both nice choices at those prices. I would consider if you want the Pro 40 as a backup interface as well, if say you had to send another interface for repair.

[dr_daw]

That is a valid point Katherine, I never thought about the lack of D/A with the octopre. And c'mon, my unit should never break down...who needs a back up (shoot, I should knock on wood since I'm in the middle of a session) I run all my sessions in 48k, so I'm not concerned about the SMUX. Now, I'm torn. I've been trying to wheel and deal with this guy all day, but seems like fate isnt' on our side.

Thanks for the input Katherine.

edit: Without clawing through the manual, can I daisy chain that second F/W unit. I don't have another F/w port and my t/b port is used for a monitor. I DO like the idea of having the pads on the octopre.

[graveleye]

I would get another unit, maybe not the Octopre, but something different than the Pro 40 just to have a variety of pres... something with different characteristics.

[Katherine_Focusrite]

You can daisy chain the two Pro 40s together in what is called Dual Unit Mode.

You can check out further details about setting up Dual Unit Mode via the following:

Dual Unit Mode Guide

Answerbase Articles on Dual Unit Mode

Let me know if you have any questions about either of those products.

Best regards.

[dr_daw]

Graveleye, I'd love to go with a different pre, but this was a situation where I found a deal on a Pro40 and Octopre.

In the end I decided to go with the Octopre so I could have the 10db pads on each channel. It was a tough choice, but I think my drum sounds will appreciate it in the long run. Everything is hooked up, synched and sounding good. I don't think is was a waste of $350 for the Octopre MkII, it was only used twice...what a deal