The Octane is M-Audio's eight-channel mic preamp and A/D converter, built around the same preamp circuit found in their well-regarded DMP3. The concept is straightforward and useful: eight channels of clean, low-noise preamp gain feeding both individual analog outputs and an ADAT Lightpipe output, which means you can drop this into any recording rig with a spare optical input and immediately add eight more analog channels at 24-bit resolution. All eight channels have rear-panel XLR mic inputs, balanced 1/4" line inputs and preamp outputs, front-panel gain knobs, 20dB pads, and three-segment LED meters. Channels 1 and 2 add front-panel hi-Z instrument inputs with independent gain. Channels 7 and 8 include M-S matrix decoding with width control for mid-side stereo recording. Phantom power is switchable in two groups of four, phase reverse is available on all even channels, and a low-cut filter sits on channel 1. Word clock I/O via BNC lets you sync multiple units or lock to an external clock. A practical, honest workhorse for anyone who needs more inputs.
This unit is in excellent condition and fully functional. Minor cosmetic scratches on the chassis — photos show the condition accurately.
- Make: M-Audio
- Model: Octane
- Type: 8-channel microphone preamp and A/D converter, 2U rackmount
- Channels: 8
- Gain: 50dB variable per channel
- Mic inputs: 8 x balanced XLR (rear panel)
- Line inputs: 8 x balanced 1/4" TRS (rear panel, half-normalled as insert ins or standalone A/D)
- Preamp outputs: 8 x balanced 1/4" TRS (rear panel)
- Instrument inputs: channels 1 and 2, front-panel 1/4" TS, independent gain
- Digital output: ADAT Lightpipe (TOSlink), 24-bit
- Sample rate: selectable 44.1kHz or 48kHz, external sync 33-59kHz
- Word clock: I/O via 75-ohm BNC
- Phantom power: +48V, switchable in groups (ch. 1-4, ch. 5-8)
- Phase reverse: even channels
- Low-cut filter: channel 1 only, -12dB/oct at 80Hz
- M-S matrix: channels 7 and 8, with width control
- Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz, +/- 0.11dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 120dB A-weighted
- Dynamic range: 120dB A-weighted
- THD+N: 0.00041%
- Modifications: none
- Includes: none
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
