SSL Pure Drive Octo

8-Channel Microphone Preamplifier

192 kHz / 32-bit AD converter (up to 192 kHz / 32-bit)
8x24 USB audio interface (44.1 / 48 kHz – 8 analogue input channels + 8 AES and 16 ADAT output channels)
SuperAnalogue PureDrive microphone preamp technology from the ORIGIN mixer
Stepped gain control with up to +65 dB gain
31-stage trim control with precise 1 dB steps
3 Modes for each preamp – Clean, Classic Drive and Asymmetric Drive
Mic/Line input switch
Four input impedance options for microphone preamps
+48V phantom power
Polarity switch and high-pass filter
Design: 19" / 2 U

Connections:

8 Combo inputs: XLR / 6.3 mm jack
Line input: Sub-D25
Insert Return: Sub-D25
4 Hi-Z / DI instrument input: unbalanced
8 Line outputs / insert send: Sub-D25
ADAT input and output
8 AES/EBU outputs: XLR
Word Clock input and output BNC
USB

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3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since January 2024
Item number 578445
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Channels 8
Number of microphone inputs 8
Instrument input Yes
Tubes No
Compressor/Limiter No
Equalizer No
De-Esser No
Phantom power Yes
Phase Reverse Yes
External effect loops Yes
Analogue Outputs Sub-D 25-pol
Digitale Outputs ADAT, AES/EBU
Headphone connection No
Level Meter Yes
Design 19" / 2U

1.899 €

All prices incl. VAT

Sales Rank

in Preamps

Prestigious professional preamps

The SSL Pure Drive Octo offers far more than a simple eight-channel microphone preamp, combining versatile preamps with multiple sound circuits, insert points for external outboard effects, and the ability to function as a USB audio interface. The Pure Drive Quad offers three distinct drive modes – Clean, Classic Drive and Asymmetrical Drive – alongside four selectable input impedances, a USB-C connector for interface duties, and a state-of-the-art converter operating at 192kHz with up to 32-bit resolution: Despite all that, the real highlight is the SuperAnalogue PureDrive microphone preamp technology, a feature previously reserved for SSL's full-size ORIGIN mixing console. Completing the package are extensive connection options and a compact rackmount design of just two height units.

Analogue functionality

The SSL Pure Drive Quad has four input impedance options – 12k, 1.2k, 600, and 400 ohms – that give sound engineers the freedom to explore different tonal characteristics or to precisely align the preamp's output with a microphone, while each microphone preamp also includes independent 48V phantom power, polarity reversal, and a fixed 75Hz high-pass filter. The finely detented gain controls provide up to 65dB of amplification, complemented by a trim control that allows adjustment from -15dB to +15dB. Both the gain and trim knobs are push-type, enabling activation of the insert path or phase reversal, and on the far right of the front panel, a six-segment LED display clearly visualises the levels of all eight channels.

Front panel of the SSL Pure Drive Octo Preamp

Advanced connectivity

The SSL Pure Drive Octo is equipped with eight rear-mounted XLR combo inputs, four Hi-Z/DI instrument inputs with automatic detection on the front panel, and three D-Sub connectors handling line-level inputs, insert send, and insert return; four pairs of AES/EBU outputs and two ADAT outputs deliver four channels at 192kHz/24-bit via SMUX. Both the AES and ADAT outputs can be reassigned individually to function as outputs from the built-in USB sound card to the DAW, and for digital clocking, the unit provides a word clock input and output with automatic switching. The CLK button on the lower right of the front panel selects the clock source, allowing the Pure Drive Octo to synchronise via its internal clock, ADAT, USB, or external word clock.

Rear panel of the SSL Pure Drive Octo Preamp

Level meter on the SSL Pure Drive Octo microphone preamplifier

For tracking and mixing

The SSL Pure Drive Octo is aimed squarely at discerning producers and sound engineers who demand uncompromising audio quality and require a large number of inputs and outputs for extensive recording sessions. Unlike the four-channel Pure Drive Quad, its expanded capacity makes it perfect for projects that involve recording many mics simultaneously, while the ability to precisely adjust microphone impedances and shape the signal flow with its versatile drive modes ensures it meets the needs of studio professionals working in music and post-production. The SSL Pure Drive Octo is a powerful preamp that combines impeccable sound, first-class features, intuitive operation, robust construction, and remarkable versatility – all at a comparatively affordable price.

Inputs of the SSL Pure Drive Octo Preamp

About SSL

Solid State Logic (SSL), is a renowned British manufacturer of high-end mixing consoles and hardware. It was founded in 1969 by Colin Sanders and is based in Begbroke, Oxfordshire. Initially the company developed transistors to control church organs, hence the name Solid State Logic. At the end of the 1970s they made huge advances in the domain of large mixing consoles with the 4000 series which pioneered the oncoming era of the ‘super’ consoles. Later, the 6000 and 9000 series also proved to be a great success and are still being used in countless recording studios all over the world. In 2005, Peter Gabriel and David Engelke took a majority stake in the company and then sold it to the Audiotonix Group in 2017.

Quite a bit of drive

Whether the goal is to reproduce sound as naturally as possible or to shape it creatively with harmonic distortion, the SSL Pure Drive Octo delivers on both thanks to its versatile drive modes: Classic Drive and Asymmetric Drive are capable of generating distinct overtones that enrich the signal and create a fuller, more expressive sound, blending analogue warmth with digital precision and flexibility. The built-in PureDrive microphone preamps are already a standard in many renowned recording studios worldwide; an eight-channel preamp like the Pure Drive Octo is thus perfect for full band setups, orchestral recordings, complex productions, or stem editing. And with its integrated USB sound card, the SSL Pure Drive Octo is also a high-end solution for project studios and on-location sessions where top-quality sound is essential.

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4.9 / 5

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8 Reviews

Excellent!

HomegrownAudio 17.12.2024

If you are looking for a colorfull preamp with transformes (ISA, 1073 etc) then you might think this is not for you. BUT, this is an amazing, pristine, open sounding, ultra low noise preamp, with many many coloring options.

The two drive modes are very subtle but distinct, and the input impedance option gives you additional choices. There is really no microphone that you won't make the best of it with this preamp.
I alswo own an ISA TWO, and though I still track vocals most of the time through the focusrtie (I find myself to be a huuuge fan of lundahl transformers), everything else I track with the ssl now. Outstanging for drums, electric guitars, and acoustic instruments and top class at everything else.

Top class convertion to expand your I/O and/or use it for outboard gear, lot's of connectivity, and very very easy to operate.

I bought one a year ago, which sits on my studio and operates both as a preamp and as a converter for outboard units, and I bought a seccond one this month for a total of 16 SSL pure drive preamps to use on mobile recordings.

In my opinion, other than consoles, this is SSL's finest product yet.

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excellent preamplifier

Pule123 24.08.2024

The SSL sound is very natural, detailed, and pleasantly refined. It's a delight to use! Additionally, it's attractively priced for those looking to enter the high-end club.

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Katema 04.06.2024

Hab das erste Recording hinter mir - und bin soweit sehr zufrieden - DI Inputs sehr gut - Wandlung über Adat auch top - leider stimmt bei mir was mit der Wordclock noch nicht (bei Termination gedrückt findet der Wandler keine Clock, ohne jedoch schon?!?), aber da mach ich erstmal noch nicht SSL verantwortlich.
Hatte DI Gitarren, Amps über Bändchen, Piano mit MD421 und Drumoverheads drauf. Einzig als Vocalpreamp hat er mich (noch) nicht überzeugt. Ansonsten punchy wie SSL halt. Im Vergleich zu den älteren freut mich der integriert Wandler, die Möglichkeit der Abschaltung des Drives und die Impedanzänderung. Die Veränderungen sind (wie bei Preamps üblich) nicht unendlich drastisch aber merkbar. Praktischer Einsatzzweck ist zB die 4 DI Inputs benutzen - über Adat ins Interface aber gleichzeitig aus den SUB-D25 Outs raus in Reamping Boxen und Amps und von dort in den anderen 4 Kanäle. Spart Aufwand und Splitter etc.
Ärgerlich für mich als Farbenblinden ist die Mehrfachbelegung der Schalter nur mit Farbe - Amber und Green empfinde ich als gleich - nun gut - doch auf die Ohren verlassen. :)
Ich denke, mehr Erfahrung und weitere Recordings werden zeigen, wo der beste Einsatzzweck liegt - bei mir im portablen Setup ist er jedenfalls mal gut aufgehoben, obwohl er relativ schwer ist.
Das USB Interface werd ich erstmal nicht verwenden, vor allem weil man damit noch gleich mal anderen DA Wandler benötigt.

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Główny filar mojego domowego studia

Tomasz Pe 30.04.2025

Jestem muzykiem amatorem, gitarzystą, wokalistą, który nagrywa swój własny zespół, czasami znajomych. Poszukiwałem jakiegoś rozszerzenia po ADAT do mojej karty RME UCXII do nagrywania bębnów. Nagrywałem wcześniej swój skład na innych preampach (skład mały wiec nagrywamy na setkę) Wcześniej korzystałem z preampu Warm audio, RME i Focusrite. Jesteśmy z zespołem pod wrażeniem jakości brzmienia SSLa. Głownie mowa o bębnach, bo mamy porównanie z poprzednich sesji na innych preampach w tym samym miejscu z tym samym bębniarzem. Dźwięki z SSL Pure Drive Octo wydają się być pełne i nasycone. Preamp daje sporą możliwość wpływania na czułość mikrofonu, co za tym idzie dzwięki w zależności od mikrofonu różnią się. Ostatnie nie chciało mi się brać mojego Focusrite isa One którego głownie używałem do nagrywania wokalu, bo miałem już zapięty SSL Pure Drive , wieć nagrałem wokale z SSLa i nie mam specjalnych uwag co do jakości nagrania. Testowałem to na swoim WA47F i Sontronics Corona. Zmiana impedancji na Coronie dawała ciekawe efekty. Na Wa 47F trzeba się było wsłuchiwać w niuanse. Nie posiadam jeszcze mikrofonów wstęgowych wiec nie wiem jak sobie te preampy radzą z takimi „opornikami” , ale a większości moich mikrofonów wzmocnienie jest wystarczające i co najważniejsze nie słyszę tam żadnych szumów. Z mojej strony gorąco polecam te urządzenie, choć nie odkryłem jeszcze wszystkich jego zalet i funkcji, to Pure Drive Octo od SSLa długo pozostanie w moim domowo-mobilnym studio.

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SSL Pure Drive Octo

8-Channel Microphone Preamplifier

Prestigious professional preamps

Analogue functionality