Premium preamps are undoubtedly an important prerequisite for outstanding recordings. The SSL ORIGIN console with its PureDrive mic preamps is a modern classic among recording consoles. Its innovative preamps retain the clarity and punch of earlier SSL designs, but add the "DRIVE" option for a warm, overtone-rich and punchy sound that varies with increasing gain. For example, you can capture the subtle nuances of a piano concerto in PURE mode or add warmth to a drum recording in DRIVE mode.The PURE DRIVE OCTO continues this tradition in rack format, offering eight microphone preamps with the familiar PURE and DRIVE modes of the ORIGIN. However, SSL goes one step further and integrates a third, 'unbalanced' DRIVE mode as well as digital interfaces and a USB port. No electromechanical components (potentiometers, mechanical switches, relays, etc.) are used in the audio signal path of the PURE DRIVE OCTO, which increases durability and enables precise equalisation between all channels - not just one stereo pair. The use of digitally controlled analogue circuits, controlled by detented potentiometers and electronic switches, simplifies recall and precision of settings. This makes the PURE DRIVE OCTO one of the most powerful microphone preamps on the market with a multitude of new sonic possibilities and workflows, and the PURE DRIVE OCTO's numerous interfaces open up a wide range of recording options. The PURE DRIVE OCTO has eight rear-mounted XLR combo inputs, four front-panel Hi-Z/DI instrument inputs with automatic input detection and three D-sub connectors for line-level inputs and insert send return. The PURE DRIVE OCTO's insert returns/ADC inputs operate at a line level of up to +24 dBu, so they can be easily connected to other professional equipment.

The PURE DRIVE OCTO's versatile digital connectivity options include an integrated USB sound card that transmits eight audio channels at up to 32-bit/192 kHz to your DAW. There are four AES/EBU output pairs and two ADAT outputs. The AES and ADAT outputs can even be used individually to be used by the integrated USB sound card as outputs from your DAW. Finally, there is a word clock input and output with automatic switching for reliable digital clocking.