New Gear Alert: Clarett+ OctoPre from Focusrite, Sennheiser’s XS IEM System, 023 Brass Black FET by Soyuz & More

Focusrite unleashes the Clarett+ OctoPre.

Focusrite’s Clarett+ OctoPre establishes a new standard for clarity.

The Clarett+ OctoPre is a professional-quality 8-in/8-out ADAT microphone preamp with eight dedicated channel inserts and eight professional quality, low distortion, low noise mic preamps for the adaptable engineer. Featuring All-analogue Air, Clarett+ OctoPre emulates the classic Focusrite ISA 110 from the original Studio Console; its high-quality A-D and D-A converters offer pristine conversion, and with connection to a 2Pre, 4Pre, or 8Pre, it is easy to expand I/O via ADAT.

The included Hitmaker Expansion pack offers a bundle of studio-quality plug-ins and virtual instruments, including bx_console Focusrite SC from Brainworx, bx_masterdesk, the Focusrite Red Plug-in Suite featuring Red 2 and Red 3, Antares Auto-Tune  Access, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, Relab LX480, and more.

In addition, you can receive regular discounts and exclusive versions of the most innovative software titles from Focusrite’s Plug-in Collective.

To learn more about Clarett+ OctoPre, click here.

Sennheiser launches the XS Wireless IEM in-ear monitoring system.

Meet the new XS series wireless system from Sennheiser.

The XS Wireless IEM is a complete starter set for personal monitoring and has been designed to set a new standard for simple, flexible, and reliable wireless in-ear monitoring. The system enables you to quickly establish an easy-to-manage wireless connection in the professional UHF range.

Backlit displays on both the receiver bodypack and the rackmount transmitter help to clearly see settings even in poor lighting conditions. In addition, the system offers a limiter to protect your hearing and a high-frequency boost to increase detail and intelligibility.

For your monitor sound, you can opt for a mono mix (one mix, and the pan control adjusts the volume for the left and right ear), or a stereo mix. The latter provides two options: with Focus mode switched off, the pan control will change the left/right volume; with Focus mode switched on, it will determine which of the two input signals will be heard louder, creating a personal mono mix tailored to your needs.

XSW IEM retails at $699; additional receivers and transmitters are priced at $399/each.

Soyuz debuts the 023 Brass Black FET large diaphragm condenser mic.

Soyuz is offering a limited edition oxidized Brass Black version of their popular 023 FET mic.

The 023 Brass Black microphone is a continuation of Soyuz’ Brass Black series from 2021. This limited edition run of 80 microphones uses a unique process called bluing to give the mic’s body its beautiful hue and patina. By oxidizing the brass, a protective coat of magnetite is formed on the mic’s body.

Aside from its stylish appearance and upgraded body, the 023 Brass Black is the same microphone that has won over engineers and musicians all over the world. This FET large diaphragm condenser has earned a reputation as a studio workhorse that expertly captures everything from guitar cabs and kick drums to vocals and strings with the same full-bodied sound at any distance.

The 023 Brass Black FET large diaphragm condenser mic is now available at Soyuz retailers worldwide.

HEAVYOCITY introduces FOUNDATIONS | Staccato Strings.

FOUNDATIONS | Staccaato strings marks the second installment in Heavyocity’s FREE line of virtual instruments.

FOUNDATIONS Staccato Strings is the second installment in Heavyocity’s all-new line of free virtual instruments. It is a dynamic introduction to the modern string orchestra, featuring short, crisp staccatos paired with a layer of our signature sound design, all housed in a highly customizable interface. FOUNDATIONS | Staccato Strings provides a strong rhythmic starting point to help build your story.

As a “powered-by-Kontakt” instrument, FOUNDATIONS | Staccato Strings offers all playback and sound-shaping functionality through the full version of Kontakt 6 or the free Kontakt 6 Player.

Learn more about FOUNDATIONS | Staccato Strings here.

Please note: When you buy products through links on this page, we may earn an affiliate commission.