Introduction
Overview
Introduction
PURE DRIVE OCTO takes the highly regarded PureDrive™ mic preamps from the SSL ORIGIN console and delivers them in an 8
channel 2U rackmount device, supercharged with cutting-edge conversion and flexible digital connectivity.
3 Flavours, 1 Mic Pre
Each of the 8 preamps offers a choice of three modes: Clean, Classic Drive and Asymmetric Drive. Clean is a linear, ultra-low noise
preamp capable of impeccably recreating the sound source with clarity and detail. Classic Drive introduces pleasing harmonic
distortion to enrich the input signal, using predominantly odd harmonics; the same sound signature found on the ORIGIN console.
Asymmetric Drive offers up a new colouration option, making the even harmonic content dominant and providing more pronounced
thickness, colouration and softening of transients.
Analogue Obsession
PURE DRIVE OCTO continues SSL's obsession for progressive analogue circuit design with high performance mic preamps,
evolved from SSL's acclaimed VHD™ (Variable Harmonic Drive)* technology. In addition, PURE DRIVE OCTO features balanced
analogue outputs/insert sends for external processing, as well as high headroom insert returns/ADC inputs with +24 dBu A/D
line-up level. No electro-mechanical components such as potentiometers, mechanical switches or relays are used in the critical
audio signal path which increases product longevity and results in impeccable level matching across all channels. The use of
digitally controlled analogue circuits, along with by stepped pots and electronic switches further simplifies recall and precision of
settings.
Extensive Connectivity
PURE DRIVE OCTO features extensive connectivity, opening up a world of possibilities; whether you're tracking a band in a world-
class recording studio, looking to expand your home studio setup or even going out on tour, PURE DRIVE has you covered with an
array of options to best suit your needs. It can also be used to add analogue warmth to stems by running DAW stems through it,
using the line-level inputs. Furthermore, an integrated USB audio interface allows you to record directly into your DAW, via cutting-
edge 32-bit/192 kHz conversion. Or, use the AES and ADAT outputs to connect to your existing audio interface. The AES and ADAT
outputs can also be individually re-purposed to be fed from the on-board USB audio interface (as outputs from your DAW). To round
out the digital side of things, there is an auto-ranging word clock input and output for robust digital clocking.
VHD™ (Variable Harmonic Drive) was introduced in the SuperAnalogue™ Duality large-format console in 2006,
featuring an innovative FET-based circuit that provides a range of colouration options from 'valve warmth' to
'transistor grit'.
PURE DRIVE OCTO User Guide
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