SSL PureDrive Octo 8-Channel Microphone Preamp with ADAT, AES, and USB

The SSL PureDrive Octo is an 8-channel microphone preamp built around the SuperAnalogue PureDrive circuit first introduced in Solid State Logic’s ORIGIN console, now in a compact 2U rackmount format. Each channel switches between Clean, Classic Drive, and a new Asymmetric Drive mode, giving engineers a clear path from transparent capture to warm, harmonically rich color. Four selectable input impedances, a 31-step trim control, and digitally controlled analog circuitry keep settings precise, repeatable, and closely matched across all eight channels. ADAT, AES/EBU, and USB connectivity allow the unit to serve as a preamp, A/D converter, and USB audio interface in a single 2U chassis.

Key Features

• 8 channels of PureDrive microphone preamplification
• Three modes per channel: Clean, Classic Drive (symmetrical, predominantly odd harmonics), and Asymmetric Drive (even-harmonic dominant, with thicker color and softened transients)
• Four mic input impedance options to match the microphone or reshape the tone of dynamic and ribbon mics
• Stepped Gain control up to +65 dB, paired with a 31-step Trim control in 1 dB increments for driving the preamp and setting the final level
• Independent +48V phantom power, polarity invert, and 75 Hz 3rd-order high-pass filter on every channel
• No electro-mechanical components in the critical audio signal path, for long-term reliability and channel-to-channel matching
• Stepped pots and digitally controlled analog electronics for precision and easy recall
• Eight rear combo XLR inputs plus four front-panel Hi-Z/DI instrument inputs with automatic input detection
• Mic/line switching, with line input via TRS jack or dedicated D-sub connectivity
• Balanced analog insert sends and +24 dBu insert returns for external processing
• Built-in USB audio interface, plus ADAT and AES/EBU digital outputs
• ADAT and AES outputs can be switched to carry DAW audio from USB instead of the A/D converter
• Auto-ranging word clock input and output
• Selectable auto-sleep mode

Specifications

• Preamp Channels: 8
• Preamp Modes: Clean, Classic Drive, Asymmetric Drive (selectable per channel)
• Mic Input Impedance Options: 4
• Gain: Stepped, up to +65 dB
• Trim: 31 steps, 1 dB increments
• High-Pass Filter: Fixed at 75 Hz, 3rd order
• Per-Channel Controls: +48V phantom power, polarity invert, high-pass filter
• Mic Inputs: 8 x XLR (rear combo XLR/TRS)
• Instrument Inputs: 4 x front-panel Hi-Z/DI, unbalanced, with automatic input detection
• Line Inputs: TRS jack or D-sub
• Insert Sends/Returns: Balanced analog sends, +24 dBu returns (D-sub connectors for line inputs, insert sends, and insert returns)
• Converter Levels: +24 dBu = 0 dBFS
• Conversion: Up to 32-bit/192 kHz
• USB Audio Interface: 8 in / 24 out at 44.1/48 kHz (8 analog, 8 AES, and 16 ADAT outputs); up to 32-bit/192 kHz
• AES/EBU Outputs: 4 stereo pairs
• ADAT Output: 8 channels at 24-bit/48 kHz, or up to 4 channels at 24-bit/192 kHz via SMUX
• Word Clock: Auto-ranging input and output
• Power Management: Selectable auto-sleep mode
• Format: 2U rackmount