RME OctaMic II 8-Channel Mic/Line Preamp and 192 kHz AD Converter

RME OctaMic II: Eight Transparent Preamps with ADAT and AES Expansion

The RME OctaMic II is a high-end 8-channel microphone and line preamp with 192 kHz AD conversion in a 1U rack. It pairs eight clean, quiet preamps with dual ADAT optical and four-pair AES/EBU digital outputs, making it a natural way to add eight recallable channels to any interface or console that has an optical or AES input. Per-channel 48V phantom power, low-cut filtering, and phase reverse cover the practical needs of real tracking sessions. For studios that need more inputs without sacrificing quality, the OctaMic II is a proven expander.

Eight Clean Preamps with 6-60 dB Gain

A microphone preamp raises a low microphone signal to a usable level, and its noise and transparency set the quality ceiling for everything recorded through it. The OctaMic II provides 6 to 60 dB of gain across eight balanced Neutrik XLR/TRS combo inputs, with a maximum input level of +21 dBu so loud sources stay clean. Its transparent, low-noise circuitry adds no character of its own, letting the true tone of the microphone and source through. This neutrality is exactly what makes it a dependable workhorse for tracking and expansion alike.

192 kHz / 24-Bit AD Conversion at 107.5 dB SNR

The OctaMic II converts all eight channels to digital at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz with a 107.5 dB signal-to-noise ratio, capturing the amplified signal with a wide, quiet dynamic range. Sampling at 192 kHz keeps the anti-alias filter well above audibility and preserves fast transients, while the high SNR means the conversion stage does not add hiss to the quiet preamps ahead of it. Integrating conversion into the preamp removes an analog cable run and an extra converter from the chain. The result is a clean digital capture ready to drop straight into a session.

Dual ADAT and 4x AES/EBU Digital Outputs

The unit outputs two ADAT optical ports carrying eight channels using S/MUX up to 96 kHz, and four AES/EBU pairs via DB25 carrying eight channels up to 192 kHz. ADAT is the standard optical expansion input on most audio interfaces, so the OctaMic II can add eight preamps to an interface over a single optical cable. AES/EBU handles higher sample rates and connects to professional digital consoles. Offering both formats means the OctaMic II fits into nearly any digital setup as an input expander.

Per-Channel Phantom, Low-Cut, Phase, and Metering

Every channel has switchable 48V phantom power for condenser microphones, a low-cut filter to remove rumble and handling noise, and a phase-reverse switch for correcting polarity on multi-mic sources like a snare drum's top and bottom mics. Comprehensive per-channel LEDs show signal presence, clip, and phantom status at a glance, so you can set levels and spot problems without a screen. These practical controls are what turn a plain preamp bank into a usable tracking front end. Having them per channel means each source is treated on its own terms.

SteadyClock Jitter Reduction and Sync

SteadyClock is RME's jitter-reduction clocking, and it lets the OctaMic II run as an internal master or lock to external wordclock, AES/EBU, or SPDIF references. Low jitter keeps the converter's sampling precise, which preserves stereo imaging and keeps multiple channels phase-coherent. When the OctaMic II expands an interface or console, clean sync ensures its eight channels line up sample-accurately with the host's own inputs. Reliable clocking is what makes it trustworthy as a permanent part of a larger rig.

For Multitrack Tracking, Expansion, and Location Work

The OctaMic II fits studio multitrack tracking, ADAT or AES expansion for interfaces and consoles, live and broadcast preamp banks, location recording, and drum and ensemble miking. Its combination of transparent preamps, dual digital formats, and per-channel controls makes it as useful on a drum kit as on an orchestra. First-time expanders gain eight quality inputs over a single optical cable, while established studios add recallable, well-metered channels. If you need more clean preamps that connect over ADAT or AES, the OctaMic II is a reliable choice.