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Solid State Logic PureDrive Octo 8-channel Mic/Line/Instrument Preamplifier

8-channel Mic/Line/Instrument Preamp with 3 Drive Modes, Switchable Mic Impedance, 4 DI Inputs; ADAT, AES and USB Connectivity; Stepped Controls, and Auto-Sleep
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Item ID: PureDrvOCTO
Solid State Logic PureDrive Octo 8-channel Mic/Line/Instrument Preamplifier
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Solid State Logic PureDrive Octo 8-channel Mic/Line/Instrument Preamplifier
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Eight Feature-packed SSL Origin Preamps in One Chassis

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.

The Solid State Logic legacy

Since its founding by Colin Sanders in 1969, Solid State Logic has followed a design philosophy that prioritizes the needs of artists, engineers, and producers, developing products that facilitate creativity by removing technical impediments and streamlining workflows. Firmly ensconced in the pantheon of pro audio greats, SSL helped shape the history of pro audio, and it continues to innovate, bringing its uncompromising quality and signature sonics to a new generation of artists and creators. Sweetwater is proud to offer you SSL’s pedigreed line of consoles and signal processors.

Solid State Logic PureDrive Octo 8-channel Mic/Line/Instrument Preamp Features:

  • 8 high-performance PureDrive microphone preamps
  • 3 modes for each preamp: Clean, Classic Drive, and Asymmetric Drive
  • 4 mic preamp input impedance options
  • 4 front-panel hi-Z DI inputs with automatic input detection
  • 48V phantom power, polarity invert, and 3rd-order highpass filter
  • Stepped Gain control with up to 65dB Gain
  • 31-step Trim control, with precise 1dB increments
  • Mic/Line input switching
  • 8-in (analog) / 24-out (@44.1/48kHz); 8 analog / 8 AES + 16 ADAT outs
  • Mic inputs via XLR; Line via TRS or D-sub
  • Balanced analog Line inputs, outputs/insert sends for via D-sub
  • +24dBu line-level insert returns/ADC inputs via D-sub
  • Digital connectivity via ADAT, AES, and USB
  • Ability to switch ADAT and AES connections to source audio from DAW outputs (USB) instead of A/D converter
  • USB soundcard mode
  • Stepped pots and digitally controlled analog electronics for precision, stereo matching, and easy recall
  • Up to 192kHz and 32-bit conversion, professional I/O levels (+24dBu = 0dBFS)
  • Auto-ranging word clock I/O
  • Selectable Auto-Sleep mode

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Tech Specs

  • Preamp Type: Solid State
  • Number of Channels: 8
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • Polarity Switch: Yes
  • Sample Rate: Up to 192kHz
  • Bit Depth: 32-bit
  • Analog Inputs: 8 x XLR-1/4" Combo, 4 x 1/4" (Hi-Z/DI), 1 x DB-25 (line)
  • Digital Outputs: 4 x XLR (AES/EBU), 2 x Optical Toslink (ADAT)
  • Channel Inserts: 1 x DB-25 (insert returns), 1 x DB-25 (output/instert sends)
  • USB: 1 x USB-C
  • Clock I/O: 2 x BNC (in, out)
  • Computer Connectivity: USB
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.2dB)
  • Rack Spaces: 2U
  • Power Source: Standard IEC AC Cable
  • Height: 3.5"
  • Depth: 11.9" (chassis only)
  • Width: 19"
  • Weight: 13 lbs
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 729745X2

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Reviews

Surprisingly good.
8 channels with plenty of gain on tap, 3 different drive modes, easy controls, hi pass, and its own conversion?

Pretty stellar product so far.

Last night, I was using three channels to do an LCR recording of my upright piano. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised that the channels themselves were fairly quiet, and by a activating the asymmetry mode, it warmed up the mics that I was using—sE 4100 as the spaces pair and one T1 as the center.

Thanks, SSL. Super nice addition to my Apollo.
Best Eight Channel Preamp with Converters
This thing is a beast. First off, it reeks of quality - heavy and well built. The knobs are rock solid and buttons feel great. Nothing on this preamp feels or sounds cheap. Secondly I love the fact that I can use it as a stand alone A/D Converter for my other preamps. And it also has balanced inserts which is great for patching in compression and eq. But the most important thing is that it has that SSL sound! Instant quality and dead quiet. I wish I could give it more stars. If you are in the market to expand your mic inputs and also get eight serious channels of A/D, don't hesitate. This is the best sounding box I've come across. Super happy!
Top quality, insane value
I got the pure drive octo and have been using it weekly for about three months regularly. I must say these preamps are killer! I've never gotten such a good sound on drums - punchy and detailed, guitars are full and in your face, the DI is perfect for bass. Haven't used it for vox yet, but I'm sure it'll be great. Synths can be slammed with the drive function and gained up to breathe some life into software and digital synths. I love running tracks and even whole stems through a pair of these pres for some glue. Now, I just wish ssl would make a pro level interface with like 24 I/o. One can dream. If you are looking for the quickest way to improve your tracking, this unit will not disappoint. Seriously!
Music background: DIY Musician
Very Impressed.
I bought these to replace 8 Syteks I've had for about a decade now. I hoped the SSL would sound at a little better but it wasn't a small jump at all. I couldn't be happier with these, they are so versatile. Even at the cleanest settings they don't feel sterile and you can really drive them as well which also yeilds great results.
Music background: Defeater / Love Letter
Great Value and Quality
Fantastic unit for the money! 8 pres with three flavors and other features, as well as the ability to extend your interface via adat with on-board converters. If you're trying to extend your setup on a budget, you can't go wrong with this. The cost per pre (with converters) is incredible and it also provides a lot of versatility. The clean mode is great if you're not looking to color your signal. Clean, clear, and pristine. I really enjoy the classic drive mode for some added warmth. Asymmetrical drive mode is maybe a little much for me personally, but I think others will enjoy it for adding a bit more color. As a side note, SSL was also very responsive via email, so I believe their customer support is also great.