Top 8 Best Adat Preamp in 2024

Every professional recording studio should have a good ADAT preamp as it’s one of the essential parts of a recording studio.

Well, I’m not saying that if you have an apartment studio, you need a separate preamp, though if you want to build a professional studio, you must get one.

A preamp connects to the microphone, amplifies the audio signal, and sends it to the audio interface with multiplied amplitude.

That’s why a preamp is important for your studio, however choosing the right one is complex as there are many brands and types available in the market.

And, choosing one that works for you is really hard.

So, I have written this blog post. I have compared the 8 best ADAT preamps for you in this post.

This post will help you to choose the right preamp according to your needs.

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I have also shared a buying guide for ADAT preamp which you can follow when you want to buy one that’s not listed here.

Best ADAT Preamp for Vocals

First off,

1. PreSonus DigiMax D8 Preamp

PreSonus DigiMax D8 is and 8-Channel Preamp comes with high-quality eight 48 kHz ADAT outputs compatible to ADAT audio interfaces.

This ADAT preamp features 8 mic/line inputs equipped with Class A XMAX solid-state mic preamps along with 2 instrument inputs 1 word-clock input to sync wordclock with audio interface, and 8 channel ADAT output which supports 24-bit, 44.1/48 kHz sample rates.

The DigiMax D8 is an excellent way to add more analog inputs to any third-party, Lightpipe-equipped digital audio device.

Better yet, add a DigiMax D8 to a Lightpipe-equipped PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL for a 2-Rackspace rig with 16 XMAX-equipped recording channels—enough to record an entire live band.

To keep your digital audio in sync with ultra-low jitter, the D8 receives a word clock at its BNC connection and sends that via ADAT Optical.

Features

• Get the best sound quality with Class A mic preamps
• Connect any mic-level source to the 8 XLR inputs
• Add more analog inputs to any third-party, Lightpipe-equipped digital audio device
• Record an entire live band with 16 XMAX-equipped recording channels
• Keep your digital audio in sync with ultra-low jitter
• 1U rack-mountable unit

Verdict

PreSonus DigiMax D8 is captires excellent sound quality and supports most of the ADAT audio interfaces. Experts say, it is ideal for live recording applications. However you can use this ADAT preamp in recording session as well.

Well, it is found that the unit is a bit noisy, however, it can be manageable. So, if you want a versatile and high quality ADAT preamp under a superior budget then this is one for you.

2. Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre ADAT Preamp

Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre is an 8-channel ADAT preamp for both newbies and established audio engineers.

This preamp features 8 high headroom, low noise, and low distortion Clarett+ preamps – that features All-analog Air with relay-controlled circuitry. This circuitry capture drums, vocals, and acoustic instruments with superb tone and clarity.

High-quality ADA converters gives precise audio clarity to your studio session with high dynamic range, ultra-low noise, and ultra-low distortion.

The Clarett+ OctoPre is a great choise if you are searching for a good ADAT preamp.

Features

• Eight pristine Clarett+ preamps for superb quality recordings
• High-quality A-D/D-A converters with high dynamic range, ultra-low noise, and low distortion
• Exceptional D-A conversion ensures audio quality is preserved when sending audio to analog compressors, EQs, and effects
• Connect to a Clarett+ 2Pre, 4Pre, or 8Pre (or any ADAT-enabled interface) to expand your I/O easily via ADAT
• Clarett+ OctoPre is an 8-channel ADAT preamp for both the aspiring and established engineer

Verdict

The Clarett+ OctoPre is another great add for those looking for an 8-channel ADAT preamp with excellent sound quality. It’s very easy to use and gives and environment for clean and clear recordings.

3. Behringer ADA8200 ADAT Microphone Preamp

Behringer ADA8200 Microphone Preamp is one of the best ADAT preamp in the market. You will get stunningly accurate, reference-class Cirrus Logic A/D – D/A converters and 8 Award-winning Midas-designed Mic Preamps that transforms your audio to the new levels.

Your recording tracks will sound just as amazing when you route them through the ADA8200!

The ADA8200 is very easy to operate and fits into a single rack space.

Well, Thanks to the 8 Midas-designed mic preamps with switchable +48 V Phantom Power and integrated Cirrus Logic 24-bit A/D – D/A converters, you get incredibly detailed, precise audio quality.

If we talk about the sample rates you will get two types – 44.1 or 48 kHz with full 24-bit resolution.

In this premap ADAT Inputs and Outputs can be operated independently, if you use an identical wordclock.

ADA8200’s operating frequency range is an ultra-wide 10 Hz to 24 kHz.

Features

• The Best Adat Preamp on the market
• 8 Award-winning Midas-designed Mic Preamps
• Stunningly accurate, reference-class Cirrus Logic A/D – D/A converters
• Fits perfectly into a single rack space
• Ultra-wide 10 Hz to 24 kHz operating frequency range
• 48 kHz sampling rate
• ADAT Inputs and Outputs can be operated independently

Verdict

As I have told above, Behringer ADA8200 is one of the best Adat Preamps in the market.

It features 8 Award-winning Midas-designed Mic Preamps and stunningly accurate, reference-class Cirrus Logic A/D – D/A converters.

This technology makes it possible to achieve an incredibly detailed, pristine recording. Also the ADAT Inputs and Outputs can be operated independently, with same wordclock. These features make it a versatile tool for any digital recording/mixing environment.

4. Audient ASP880 8-channel Microphone Preamp

Audient ASP880 is another high quality 8-channel microphone preamp ij the market.

This premap comes with Class-A console mic pres, high-end Burr-Brown converters, and more.

You will also get free plugins and software to make your recordings sound even better.

Audient ASP880 is my one of the top pick in Adat preamps.

Features

• Get transparent, world-class audio with just a hint of analog coloration
• 8 channels of Audient’s acclaimed Class-A console mic pres
• High-end Burr Brown converters
• Line inputs, variable highpass filters, insert points, and two discrete JFET DIs
• Metal enclosure

Verdict

With prinsine sound quality and high end preamps it can be a good choice for you if you have a deep pocket. Well, its not for the budget studios.

It offers transparent, world-class audio with slight analog coloration.

You will also get free plugins and software. So, If you can afford it, the Audient ASP880 is a great option.

5. Apogee 8×8 Mic Preamp

Apogee 8×8 Mic Preamp is one of the best option on the market. With its 8-mic preamps, it delivers pristine sound quality which makes it perfect for professional studios.

The easy-to-use interface and flexible modular design is perfect for musician of any level who wants to take their recordings to the next level.

Features

• 8 channels of AD/DA conversion
• Ultra-low 1.35mS latency
• User-friendly 4.3-inch TFT touchscreen display and front-panel controls
• Easy to expand your setup as your needs grow
• Outstanding per-channel value
• Apogee Network Control software supplies remote control of Symphony I/O settings

Verdict

Apogee 8×8 Mic Preamp can make a world of difference in your recordings with it’s pristine sound clarity with a slight analog touch. The sound quality is remarkeble, with easy to use interface.

If you’re serious about taking your music to the next level, then this ADAT mic preamp is built for you.

However you may face driver issues with this preamp so first read the manuals in details, check related forums and then go for buy.

6. Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre Microphone Preamp

Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre is an 8-channel ADAT preamp that provides a combination of pristine sound quality and great features.

If you want to expand the inputs and output in your audio interface, then this is the perfect equipment for you.

The conversion quality of this mic preamp is class-leading 24-bit/192kHz with 109dB dynamic range.

This ADAT preamp comes with a big software bundle.

Features

• Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre Preamp has 8-channels. All the channels are equipped with high-quality preamps.
• If you want to expand the inputs and outputs in your home studio then it is a perfect equipment.
• You will also get a wide range of exclusive software to quickly get started.
• The class-leading 24-bit/192kHz conversion, 109dB dynamic range, and extensive software bundle are great features of this mic ADAT mic preamp.

Verdict

You will get a combination of high-quality sound and features in Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre Preamp which makes it a perfect contender for this list.

This is perfect for you if you want to expand the inputs and outputs without compromising the sound quality.

But it’s a bit pricey and not ideal for budget-friendly recording engineers. So if you are searching for a budget ADAT preamp, then it’s not for you.

7. Midas XL48 Mic Preamp

Another great choice in ADATI preamps is Midas XL48 which is class-leading preamps on the market. You will get eight channel inputs equipped with Midas world-class and legendary microphone preamp.

Each preamp has its variable gain, phase invert, pad, and phantom power selection switches along with high and low pass filters given over each channel.

The XL48 also comes with a precision clock reference and word clock input/output connections. The standard 1U 19″ rackmount chassis is ideal for auto-ranging universal switch-mode power supply.

Features

• This ADAT mic preamp provides 8 channels of amplification with variable gain, phase invert, pad, and phantom power selection switches.
• It also has high and low pass filters for each channel
• Comes with a precision clock reference and word clock input/output connections
• You will also get a 1U 19″ rackmount chassis with an auto-ranging universal switch-mode power supply.

Verdict

Midas XL48 Mic Preamp is one of the best ADAT preamp because you will get separate knobs and controls for all the channels, including adjustable gain, phase invert, pad, and phantom power selection switches.

The X factor of this Mike preamp is Midas actually known for its world-class preamp circuitry which is used in this ADAT preamp.

That’s why you will get pristine sound quality with a slight analog touch, which is rare in regular audio interfaces.

8. TASCAM SERIES 8p Dyna

The TASCAM SERIES 8p Dyna is a top-notch solution for adding extra channels to your live or studio rig. It features 8 HDIA microphone preamps, which capture any source with natural, transparent sound.

There are also easy-to-use 1-knob compressors on each channel, for taming hot input signals. Plus, the compressors include true-bypass switching to safeguard your sound when they’re disengaged.

The SERIES 8p Dyna also has two instrument/microphone combo inputs that accommodate mics, guitars, basses, and more.

The rear face of the unit has 6 balanced mic/line inputs used for connecting microphones and line-level equipment.

There is also +48V phantom power given for your condenser microphones.

The SERIES 8p Dyna also includes dual S/MUX optical outputs for expanding your existing audio interface easily.

And it’s housed in a rugged metal enclosure so it can withstand the rigors of the stage and studio!

Features

• Adds extra channels to your live or studio rig
• HDIA microphone preamps capture any source with natural, transparent sound
• Easy-to-use 1-knob compressors on each channel for taming hot input signals
• Compressors include true-bypass switching to safeguard your sound when they’re disengaged
• 2 instrument/microphone combo inputs accommodate mics, guitars, basses, and more
• 6 balanced mic/line inputs accommodate microphones and line-level equipment
• +48V phantom power for your condenser microphones
• 52dB of gain on tap – works with all but the most gain-hungry of microphones
• Dual S/MUX optical outputs make expanding your existing interface easy
• 8 line-level analog outputs for routing signals to A/D converters, mixers, consoles, and more
• Word clock I/O enables you to synchronize with your digital gear
• Front-panel indicators make monitoring the device’s performance a piece of cake
• Housed in a rugged metal, 1U rackmount enclosure

Verdict

The TASCAM SERIES 8p Dyna is a great option for adding extra channels to your live or studio rig.

It offers eight high-quality microphone preamps, 1-knob compressors, true bypass switching, and an affordable price tag.

However, it lacks digital I/O, and some users have reported quality control issues with the preamps.

Adat Preamp Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the right ADAT Preamp for your home studio, there are a few key factors you should take into your knowledge.

Well, in this section, I am going to give you some tips on what to look for when choosing an ADAT preamp.

Channel Count

First things first.

You have to decide how many channels you need in your Mic preamp.

Some recording engineers and music producers need only 2 channels which is common in most of the audio interfaces. So if this is the case, then you don’t need an extra Mic preamp.

But if you want to record more than 2 instruments and vocals, such as chorus, etc, then you must need a good quality Mic preamp to fulfill your need.

So first of write down the number of channels you need in your recording sessions.

Inputs and Outputs

Next, you need to take a look at the I/O capabilities of the preamp.

Does it have enough input and output jacks for your needs?

Does it have digital I/O?

Now come to the input and output options. As your audio interface, ADAT input and output supported? If yes, then you need ADAT mic preamp.

Brand Value

Now, that you know how many inputs you need, and if your audio interface or mixer has ADAT input-output feature or not, it’s time to choose between the brands.

Brand value is very important when choosing a preamp.

There are a lot of great brands out there in the world of music, production, gear, and equipment, so make sure you have done proper research and choose a preamp from a reputable company.

Price

When choosing a product price is very important. It can make or break your bank account.

So first of you must see if the preamp fits your budget.

Well, there are several options available with different price ranges to choose from, so do your own research and choose the best for you.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Also, you should always read customer reviews and ratings from different shopping websites, forums, and social media to get an idea of the ADAT preamp before making your purchase.

Reading and watching testimonials and reviews is a great way to get an idea of how the product performs in real-world situations.

Quality and Durability

Last but not least, you need to make sure the preamp is durable as you are going to use it for years to come.

Check out online forums and read customer reviews to get an idea of the quality and durability of the preamps that you are considering purchasing.

Conclusion

There are a lot of great ADAT preamps on the market, but I have listed here some of the best for you to choose from.

Listen, when choosing a preamp you must make sure it has a good brand value, features, and specifications.

You should also look for positive customer reviews and ratings which gives you a proper idea of the preamp.

Let me know in the comment section below if you have any questions or suggestions.

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