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ORAM OCTASONIC: MULTI-MIC MARVEL If you work with multiple microphones and need a mic preamp that delivers absolutely unrivaled audio quality, then you should probably take a serious look at the Oram Octasonic ($2118 list). I personally worked with this terrific-sounding 8-channel mic preamp recently, and I can tell you from first-hand experience that this is the premier multi-mic preamp for situations where a full console is impractical (or maybe even impossible).
I happened to be recording a Latin jazz group recently with tons of percussion, keyboard, bass and a three-piece brass section, and there was no way all these people could fit into my studio. Fortunately they practiced in a small warehouse, so I brought over all my mics, an ADAT and one single rackspace Octasonic. Knowing this unit has exactly the same precision mic preamps as the top-of-the-line Oram BEQ24 console, I was absolutely confident that it could handle the extreme SPLs produced when Each of the Octasonic's eight channels features +48V phantom power and a balanced output. Oram will also be releasing a neat little module called an Octamix which, when used in tandem with the Octasonic, becomes a stereo output, 8-channel mixer that's perfect for live sound, broadcast and theater work. It would have also been perfect for my needs if I had wanted to record the group direct to a DAT machine, for instance. In my case, I wanted to go back to the studio with eight discrete tracks since we would be adding three more horn parts later (to double the horn lines) and at least three or four vocal tracks, all on a second ADAT. At that point we would mix down to stereo and burn a set of CDs. Not only was the group totally impressed when we all gathered in my studio about a week later to lay down the additional tracks, but the leader even offered to trim my poodle for me - should I ever get one (see, he owns a "poodle parlor"). That's how good the recording was. The horns were electrifying, the bass had a fatness to it that shook the walls, the keyboard parts had a nice gloss to them and the percussion, well it kicked some serious butt! Sure, it helped that I was using some nice mics (AKG 414s and Earthworks OM1s), but it was the Octasonic that delivered the sonic transparency we all flipped over. I cannot possibly rave enough about this unit. At its almost shockingly affordable price, it's one impressive box. If you are doing any kind of live work, you really need to take a close look at the Octasonic. Call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer now for your special pricing on this awesome preamp. He or she will be glad to tell you more, quote you specs, etc. If you want to learn more about any of the great Oram products, like any of the BEQ mixing consoles or any of the company's other modules. - Michael Rief Master Index | Sweet Notes Index | Home | Back Page | Next Page |
close-miking these instruments. In fact, the Octasonic has designated channels 7 and 8 as "hot channels," meaning they provide an additional 12dB of attenuation to deliver an input headroom of +34dBu. That would pretty much toast most other mic preamps, but even the other channels can handle super-hot levels of up to +22dBu. In my case I was taking a direct out from the keyboardist's mixer, as well as a line out from the bass player's amp. The Octasonic handled it all beautifully, without the slightest hint of distortion.