bFly-Audio Octopus – Record Weight & Clamp

The bFly-Audio Octopus is a modular system for stabilising records that can be converted between record clamp and record weight using a swap-in adapter.

Instead of choosing between clamp or weight, the Octopus gives you both in one body – implemented via eight newly developed, two-stage damping elements made from beech wood and gel.

Why the Octopus?

Via an interchangeable spindle adapter, the Octopus becomes either a clamp that screws onto the platter and flattens slightly warped records, or a pure weight that adds mass to the record. Eight damping elements – beech-wood hemispheres that pass vibrations on to gel pads – absorb vibrations from the record; a second adapter made from a low-resonance special plastic additionally dampens what travels up through the platter spindle.

What you hear

A calmer record surface with less mechanical noise and a more stable, more focused image – especially audible on slightly warped records in clamp mode, or as additional stabilisation combined with PG0/PG1 record weights.

Who is the Octopus for (and who isn't it for)?

Ideal for anyone looking for a high-quality combined solution of clamp and weight, and who likes switching between both functions themselves. Bottom line: if you only occasionally need a simple record clamp, a fixed clamp is the cheaper solution – the Octopus pays off mainly through its flexibility and damping technology.

Our verdict

The Octopus is the most thought-out solution we know for stabilising records – usable from light to heavy mass-loaded turntables. Which version, colour and whether VARIO makes sense for you is something we're happy to work out with you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical data

• Type: modular record clamp/weight with swap-in adapter
• Octopus Light: body entirely aluminium, copper insert in the aluminium knob; cylinder knob 230 g, ball knob 300 g; colour Black or Aluminium
• Octopus Heavy: knob entirely copper, body aluminium; cylinder knob 275 g, ball knob 525 g; colour Black or Black-Copper
• Damping: 8 two-stage absorber elements made from beech wood and gel, spindle adapter made from low-resonance special plastic
• VARIO option: both spindle adapters (clamp and weight) included, so you can convert it yourself
• Colour & knob: selectable directly here on the page – cylinder or ball knob, no surcharge
• Manufacturer: bFly-Audio, Germany
• Included: 1× Octopus in your chosen version, colour and knob shape incl. spindle adapter(s)

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Light and Heavy?

Octopus Light has a body entirely made of aluminium with a copper insert in the knob and weighs 230 or 300 g depending on knob shape. Octopus Heavy has a knob entirely made of copper and tips the scales at 275 or 525 g respectively – for a noticeably stronger weighting effect.

Which colour and knob shape should I choose?

That's purely a matter of taste, all combinations cost the same. Octopus Light comes in Black or Aluminium, Octopus Heavy in Black or Black-Copper – each with a cylinder or ball knob, selectable directly here on the page.

What does the VARIO option give me?

With VARIO you get both spindle adapters – for clamp and for weight operation – included, and can switch between both functions yourself instead of committing at purchase.

Can I use the Octopus as a clamp AND as a weight?

Yes, via the interchangeable spindle adapter, the Octopus can be converted between both functions. Without the VARIO option, you decide on one of the two adapters at purchase; a second one can be bought separately later.

Does the Octopus fit my turntable?

The Octopus can be used from light to heavy mass-loaded turntables. If you're unsure, just bring the details of your turntable with you, and we're happy to check the fit at our store in Wädenswil.

Why buy the bFly-Audio Octopus at HD Zürisee?

We help you find the right combination of Light, Heavy, colour and VARIO for your system. Get in touch by phone, email or WhatsApp, from our practice in Wädenswil.

Goes well with

Matching turntable accessories can be found under Turntable Accessories.