SOLID STATE LOGIC PureDrive Octo

Product overview

The SOLID STATE LOGIC PureDrive Octo delivers eight PureDrive mic preamps from the SSL ORIGIN console in a 2U rack unit, with Clean, Classic Drive and the new Asymmetric Drive modes, four input impedances, 32-bit / 192 kHz conversion, four AES/EBU pairs, two ADAT outputs and an onboard USB interface.

The ORIGIN recording console introduced the PureDrive microphone preamp: the clarity and punch of earlier SSL designs, with the flexibility to switch to a warm, harmonically rich, driven tone that varies with gain. PureDrive Octo continues that legacy in rack format with eight channels. No electro-mechanical components sit in the critical audio path: digitally controlled analogue circuits, set by detented pots and electronic switches, give long life, precise recall and impeccable matching across all channels, not just a stereo pair.

Key features

• 8 high-performance PureDrive mic preamps
• +48 V phantom power, polarity invert and 3rd order high-pass filter at 75 Hz
• Stepped gain up to +65 dB and a 31-step trim in 1 dB increments
• 3 modes per preamp: Clean, Classic Drive and Asymmetric Drive
• Mic via XLR; line via TRS jack or dedicated D-Sub
• 4 front-panel Hi-Z / DI inputs (channels 1-4) with automatic input detection
• 4 input impedances: 12 kΩ, 1.2 kΩ, 600 Ω and 400 Ω
• Balanced analogue outputs / insert sends and +24 dBu insert returns / ADC inputs on D-Sub
• ADAT, AES/EBU and USB digital connectivity; digital outputs can carry USB playback
• USB interface: 8 in / 24 out at 44.1 / 48 kHz
• Up to 32-bit / 192 kHz conversion; +24 dBu = 0 dBFS
• Auto-sleep mode and auto-ranging word clock in and out

3 flavours, 1 mic pre

Each of the eight preamps switches independently between three modes. Clean is the ultra-low-noise, linear SSL preamp that captures the source with exceptional clarity and detail. Classic Drive (amber) is the symmetrical mode with predominantly odd harmonics: the drive sound of the ORIGIN console. Asymmetric Drive (green), designed for the PURE DRIVE range, makes even harmonics dominant for more pronounced thickness, colouration and softened transients.

Gain, trim, HPF and impedance

GAIN is stepped up to +65 dB; drive the preamp hard, then set the level with the 31-step TRIM. A short press on TRIM switches the 75 Hz, 18 dB/octave high-pass filter and a long press selects the line input; a push on GAIN flips polarity and a long press switches +48 V. Four input impedances let you match the preamp to a microphone or change the tone of ribbon and dynamic mics.

Advanced connectivity

Eight rear combo XLR inputs and four front Hi-Z / DI inputs with automatic detection sit alongside three D-Sub connectors for the balanced outputs / insert sends, the insert returns and the dedicated line inputs. The insert returns work up to a full +24 dBu; INSERT mode turns the ZΩ buttons into per-channel insert switches.

Digital and USB

The integrated USB interface records eight channels straight to the computer at up to 32-bit / 192 kHz. Four AES/EBU output pairs and two ADAT outputs carry eight channels at 24-bit / 48 kHz, or up to four channels at 192 kHz via S/MUX. The AES and ADAT outputs can be re-purposed to carry up to 24 playback channels from the computer, and auto-ranging word clock in and out complete the clocking.

In the box

• PureDrive Octo
• IEC power cord for your country
• Safety sheet

SOLID STATE LOGIC PureDrive Octo: frequently asked questions

How is PureDrive Octo different from PureDrive Quad?

It has eight preamps instead of four, a fixed 75 Hz high-pass filter, D-Sub outputs, four AES/EBU pairs, two ADAT outputs and a USB interface with 8 inputs and up to 24 outputs.

Can I record straight to a computer?

Yes. The built-in USB-C interface records all eight channels at up to 32-bit / 192 kHz.

How do I switch the insert returns?

Press the INSERT button below STANDBY; the ZΩ buttons then switch each channel's insert return in or out.

Why change the input impedance?

With ribbon and dynamic microphones the impedance changes the tone, from a natural response at 12 kΩ to a more accentuated character at 400 Ω.

Where can I buy the SOLID STATE LOGIC PureDrive Octo in India?

The SOLID STATE LOGIC PureDrive Octo is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Tracking a full drum kit

Studios recording drums.

Connections

Setup

1. Set GAIN and TRIM per channel.
2. Classic Drive on kick and snare.
3. HPF on overheads.
4. Record eight channels over USB.

Tip: Flip polarity on one snare mic for a fuller sound.

Workflow 2: Expanding an interface over ADAT

Project studios adding eight inputs.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the sample rate.
2. Set the clock source.
3. Connect ADAT.
4. Record eight channels.

Tip: At 192 kHz use both ADAT ports for S/MUX.

Workflow 3: Ribbon and dynamic mic tone shaping

Engineers shaping tone at source.

Connections

Setup

1. Leave +48 V off for passive ribbons.
2. Press ZΩ to try the four impedances.
3. Listen to the tone change.
4. Adjust TRIM for the level drop.

Tip: Lower impedance accentuates each mic's character.

Workflow 4: Warming stems from the computer

Mixers adding analogue colour.

Connections

Setup

1. Long-press TRIM for LINE.
2. Choose Classic or Asymmetric Drive.
3. Raise GAIN, lower TRIM.
4. Print back.

Tip: Drive depends on level and gain.

Workflow 5: AES distribution

Facilities with AES/EBU systems.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the sample rate.
2. Clock from word clock.
3. Use AES/EBU-specified cables.
4. Monitor levels on the meters.

Tip: AES and ADAT can also carry playback from the computer.

Workflow 6: Inserting outboard before conversion

Engineers with EQ or compressors.

Connections

Setup

1. Patch the processors.
2. Press INSERT, then ZΩ per channel.
3. Set the processors.
4. Record the converted result.

Tip: Insert returns accept up to +24 dBu.