The Solid State Logic PureDrive Octo 8-channel mic/line/instrument preamplifier packs eight high-performance PureDrive preamps ported from the company’s acclaimed Origin console. Featuring 192kHz/32-bit conversion via ADAT, AES, and USB, in addition to stepped controls and digitally controlled analog circuitry, the PureDrive Octo interfaces seamlessly into today’s hybrid studio setups. The preamps inherit the sonic purity and crystalline clarity characteristic of SSL microphone preamp designs. In addition to the Clean setting, SSL’s innovation Drive circuit offers two distinct flavors of gain-dependent, harmonically rich character. The PureDrive Octo also retains four great-sounding front-panel hi-Z DI inputs with automatic input detection to handle electric bass, guitars, keyboards, and other electronic instruments. With all this going for it, the Solid State Logic PureDrive Octo is a no-brainer for inclusion in any modern pro studio rack.
A joy to use
The SSL PureDrive Octo transforms microphone selection into an artistic decision rather than a technical one. With 65dB of gain on tap, you’ll be able to choose mics for their sonic qualities, not their output. Finally, you can feel free to deploy your favorite low-output passive ribbon mic on quiet sources! Four mic preamp input impedance options allow you to explore new sonic possibilities with your ribbons and dynamic mics. Operationally, the PureDrive Octo is a joy to use. It’s fitted with stepped pots for easy gain settings and quick recall. It also has per-channel Gain plus 31-detent Trim controls with precise 1dB increments for fine-tuning, 48V phantom power, polarity invert, and a handy 3rd-order highpass filter.
SSL’s versatile Drive circuit
The PureDrive Octo preamps feature SSL’s versatile Drive circuit, which gives you a choice of three modes: Clean, Classic Drive, and Asymmetric Drive. The Clean setting captures sources with the pristine high-fidelity sound for which SSL preamps are renowned. For heavier musical settings that require a bit more punch, Classic Drive enhances signals with warm, gently saturated, vintage flavor. Working on an aggressive metal or fusion project? Asymmetric Drive delivers a modern, edgier-sounding distortion that’ll plow through a dense track like a hot knife through butter. Both Drive modes are variable depending on the amount of preamp gain, for highly musical, harmonically rich results that always sound natural.
