Solid State Logic PureDrive Octo Microphone Preamplifier

The Solid State Logic PureDrive Octo is a premium 8-channel microphone preamplifier designed to deliver versatile sonic characteristics for professional recording environments. Built upon SSL’s PureDrive™ technology, the unit offers users a choice between two distinct preamp modes: the ultra-clean ‘Pure’ mode and the harmonically enhanced ‘Drive’ mode. This flexibility allows engineers to shape the tonal character of each channel, from pristine clarity to warm analogue saturation, making the Solid State Logic PureDrive Octo suitable for a wide range of source material.

Each of the eight channels features a front panel Gain control with a ±6 dB Trim function, individually switchable +48V phantom power, polarity inversion, and a high-pass filter selectable at either 75 Hz or 120 Hz. A three-segment LED meter per channel provides clear visual feedback of signal level, while a dedicated front-panel Instrument input on Channel 1 offers direct DI connectivity with automatic input detection and input source switching.

The Solid State Logic PureDrive Octo is designed for seamless studio integration, offering both analogue and digital outputs. The analogue connections are available via rear-panel DB25 connectors for each group of four channels. For digital integration, the unit includes AES/EBU outputs on DB25 and ADAT outputs on Toslink connectors, supporting sample rates up to 192 kHz via internal or external word clock. Clocking is managed with precision thanks to a dedicated Word Clock input and output on BNC connectors.

SSL’s included software app provides remote control over all key parameters via USB or Ethernet, including Gain, Mode selection, HPF settings, Trim, polarity, and phantom power. The app also allows users to save and recall presets, simplifying multi-session workflows and ensuring consistent setup recall across projects.

The rear panel also includes GPIO connections and a footswitch input for remote control of features like talkback or other studio functions, enhancing workflow flexibility in complex studio environments.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the Solid State Logic PureDrive Octo combines high-end audio performance with studio-friendly features in a compact 1U rackmount chassis, making it a powerful addition to any modern production setup.

Features

• 8 channel high-performance PureDrive™ mic preamps
• +48V phantom power, polarity invert and 3rd order hi-pass filter
• Stepped Gain control up to +65 dB Gain
• 31-step Trim control, with precise 1 dB increments – overdrive the signal with the Gain control and then reduce to a suitable level using Trim.
• 3 modes for each preamp – Clean, Classic Drive and Asymmetric Drive
• Mic/Line Input Switching
  • Mic via XLR
  • Line via choice of TRS Jack or dedicated D-Sub connectivity

• 4 x front panel Hi-Z/DI Instrument unbalanced inputs with automatic input detection
• 4 mic preamp input impedance options – explore new tonal possibilities from your dynamic and ribbon microphones

• Balanced analogue outputs/insert sends for external processing
• +24 dBu professional line level insert returns/ADC inputs
• Analogue to digital connectivity via ADAT, AES and USB
• Ability to switch ADAT and AES connections to source audio from DAW outputs (USB) instead of the A/D converter
• USB soundcard mode: OCTO – 8 in / 24 out (@44.1/48 kHz) ; 8 x analogue / 8 AES + 16 ADAT outs
• Stepped pots and digitally controlled analogue electronics for precision, stereo matching and ease of recall
• Up to 192 kHz and 32-bit conversion, professional I/O levels (+24 dBu = 0 dBFS).
• Selectable Auto-Sleep mode
• Auto-ranging Wordclock In and Out