M-Audio Octane 8-Channel Mic Preamp with ADAT Lightpipe
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.
Order today with the no-risk assurance of our Total Satisfaction and Low Price Guarantees!
I discovered almost immediately that when plugging my overhead condenser mics into channels 7 and 8 with phantom power engaged, that a fairly loud buzzing and humming noise came up. The noise slowly faded away after about 10-15 min. I switched chords, outlets, ground scenarios etc. and it still happened after a cold start. The weird thing was that if I engaged the -20 db pad on channels 7&8 the buzz went away, even with the gain all the way up. M-audio sent me a 2nd unit to try to see if the unit was defective. Same results with the 2nd unit.I took the Octane to a local high end recording studio to check it with other mics, cables and power supply. Same results with my mics (Marshall's & Rode) but when some Neumann U87's were used, no buzz. We started trying some other mics with different ohm ratings (ADK-A51's, Oktava mk012's, Shure KSM-141's). Bottom line, any mic less than 200 ohms caused channels 7&8 to buzz. I informed M-audio's tech support of this and they did their own testing of the Octane units at their factory with various mics. Sure enough, they have admitted to me that it is a design flaw. So, if you have an M-audio octane or are looking to buy an Octane be careful about the condensers you use. Anything less than 200 ohms will more than likely cause you a very annoying buzz or a 15 min. warm up time for the noise to go away.
* Price guarantee valid on all new in-stock merchandise sold by an authorized U.S. Dealer. Guarantee does not apply to discontinued, blemished, damaged, closeout, open box, refurbished or auction items.
