Solid State Logic PureDrive Quad 4-Channel Microphone Preamplifier

The Solid State Logic PureDrive Quad brings the SuperAnalogue PureDrive microphone preamp technology from SSL’s ORIGIN console into a self-contained 4-channel, 2U rackmount unit — making it equally suited to world-class tracking rooms in Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville as to project studios and on-location sessions where audio quality cannot be compromised. Each of the four channels offers three independently selectable Drive modes — Clean, Classic Drive, and Asymmetric Drive — allowing engineers to move between an ultra-low-noise linear preamp, the symmetrical odd-harmonic colour of the original ORIGIN Drive sound, and a new Asymmetric Drive mode that emphasises even harmonics for pronounced thickness and transient softening, all within the same unit. No electromechanical components are used in the critical audio signal path; digitally controlled analogue circuits with detented pots and electronic switches deliver precise, repeatable recall and channel-to-channel matching across all four preamps. The PureDrive Quad adds four selectable input impedance settings, an onboard USB soundcard with up to 32-bit/192kHz conversion, AES/EBU and ADAT digital outputs, front-panel Hi-Z/DI inputs, and comprehensive D-sub connectivity for a complete outboard preamp and interface solution in two rack spaces.

Key Features

• Three Drive modes per channel — Clean, Classic Drive, and Asymmetric Drive — Clean (White): ultra-low noise, linear signal path for faithful, detailed source capture; Classic Drive (Amber): symmetrical harmonic distortion generating predominantly odd harmonics — the same Drive character as the ORIGIN console; Asymmetric Drive (Green): a new colouration mode designed for the PureDrive range, making even harmonic content dominant for pronounced thickness, colouration, and softening of transients
• No electromechanical components in the signal path — potentiometers, mechanical switches, and relays are eliminated from the critical audio path; digitally controlled analogue circuits improve product longevity and enable impeccable channel matching across all four preamps, not only stereo pairs; stepped controls and electronic switching simplify recall and precision
• Stepped Gain control up to +65dB with 31-step Trim — Gain control provides up to +65dB in stepped increments; independent 31-step Trim control offers precise 1dB increments, allowing the Gain stage to be pushed for harmonic character and then attenuated to the desired output level
• Four selectable input impedance options per channel — engineers can explore tonal variations from dynamic and ribbon microphones or precisely match the preamp’s impedance to the microphone for optimal loading and frequency response
• Per-channel +48V phantom power, polarity invert, and sweepable High-Pass Filter — all three operate independently per channel; third-order high-pass filter is sweepable for precise low-frequency management at the preamp stage
• Four front-panel Hi-Z/DI instrument inputs with automatic input detection — unbalanced instrument-level inputs on the front panel with auto-detection; automatically switches routing when a plug is inserted, integrating DI capture into the preamp workflow without rear-panel reconfiguration
• Comprehensive analogue I/O — four rear-panel combo XLR mic inputs; mic/line input switching (line via TRS jack or dedicated D-sub); three D-sub connectors covering line-level inputs, balanced analogue insert sends, and insert returns; insert returns/ADC inputs accept up to +24dBu professional line level for interfacing with external outboard processors
• Onboard USB soundcard — up to 32-bit/192kHz — integrated USB interface provides four channels of analogue audio into the DAW; +24dBu = 0dBFS for professional headroom alignment; USB soundcard mode: 12 in/12 out at 44.1/48kHz (4 analogue + 8 ADAT in via Link In; 4 AES + 8 ADAT out)
• AES/EBU and ADAT digital outputs — two AES/EBU output pairs; ADAT out provides four channels at 24-bit/48kHz; cascade two PureDrive Quads via the ADAT Link In connection for up to eight channels of digital output; AES and ADAT outputs can be individually repurposed to carry audio from DAW outputs via USB, functioning as digital returns from the DAW
• Auto-ranging word clock in/out — robust digital clocking with automatic rate detection; word clock input and output for integration into larger studio clocking systems
• Selectable Auto-Sleep mode

Specifications

• Format: 4-channel; 2U rackmount
• Drive Modes: Clean; Classic Drive (odd harmonics); Asymmetric Drive (even harmonics)
• Gain: Stepped; up to +65dB
• Trim: 31-step; 1dB increments
• Input Impedance: 4 selectable options per channel
• Phantom Power: +48V; independent per channel
• Polarity: Invert; independent per channel
• High-Pass Filter: Sweepable; 3rd order; independent per channel
• Mic Inputs: 4 × rear combo XLR
• Instrument Inputs: 4 × front-panel Hi-Z/DI unbalanced (auto input detection)
• Line Inputs: TRS jack or D-sub (per channel)
• Insert Send: Balanced analogue; D-sub
• Insert Return/ADC Input: D-sub; max +24dBu
• D-Sub Connectors: 3 (line inputs; insert send; insert return)
• USB: Integrated soundcard; up to 32-bit/192kHz; +24dBu = 0dBFS
• USB Soundcard Mode: 12 in/12 out @ 44.1/48kHz (4 analogue + 8 ADAT in; 4 AES + 8 ADAT out)
• AES/EBU Output: 2 pairs (repurposable as DAW outputs via USB)
• ADAT Output: 4 channels @ 24-bit/48kHz (repurposable as DAW outputs via USB)
• ADAT Link In: Cascade input for up to 8-channel operation (two units)
• Word Clock: Auto-ranging in/out
• Auto-Sleep: Selectable