Essential Information About the SSL PURE DRIVE QUAD Mic Preamp
- 4 SuperAnalogue PureDrive mic preamps with 3 sonic characters: "Clean," "Classic Drive," and "Asymmetric Drive."
- High-end 32-bit / 192 kHz conversion and built-in USB 12x12 audio interface.
- Ultra-precise gain control: "Stepped-Gain" up to +65 dB and "Trim" with 31 levels in 1 dB steps.
- Comprehensive connectivity (XLR/Jack, DI Hi-Z, inserts, AES/EBU, ADAT, Word Clock) and cascading via "Link."
From the ORIGIN Console to the 2U Rack: SSL DNA for Modern Studios
A direct descendant of the PureDrive mic preamp introduced on the ORIGIN recording console, the PURE DRIVE QUAD condenses the SSL sonic aesthetic into a compact 2U chassis. It preserves the brand's iconic transparency and punch while offering the possibility to add controlled harmonic saturation, faithful to modern hybrid workflows.
Who Is It For and What Are Its Uses?
Designed for professional studios, demanding home studios, and creators recording vocals, instruments, drums, or ensembles, the PURE DRIVE QUAD excels both in clean capture and musical coloration. Its 4 independent channels, built-in DIs, and digital connectivity make it a versatile hub for multi-mic recording, production, and post-production.
Key Features and Innovations
Advanced PureDrive Modes
The "Clean" mode delivers impeccable transparency, while "Classic Drive" introduces soft, musical saturation. "Asymmetric Drive" pushes harmonic richness further for a more pronounced grain, ideal for bringing out vocals, basses, or synths.
Granular Gain Control
The combination of "Stepped-Gain" up to +65 dB and "Trim" in 1 dB increments ensures reproducible settings, precise gain staging, and consistency between sessions-crucial for multi-mic setups.
Integrated Conversion and USB
With 32-bit / 192 kHz conversion and a 12x12 USB interface, the PURE DRIVE QUAD integrates directly with your DAW without additional interfaces. The digital flow ensures faithful capture of dynamics and transients.
Connectivity and Cascading
The presence of AES/EBU, ADAT, and Word Clock I/O facilitates integration into advanced digital systems. The "Link" function (ADAT) allows cascading to quickly expand channel count.
Technical Specifications
Preamplifiers & Analog Processing
- 4-channel microphone preamplifier
- SuperAnalogue PureDrive mic preamp technology from the ORIGIN console
- 3 modes per preamp: Clean, Classic Drive, Asymmetric Drive
- "Stepped-Gain" control with gain up to +65 dB
- "Trim" control with 31 levels and precise 1 dB steps
- Microphone/line input switching
- 4 input impedance options for mic preamps
- +48 V phantom power
- Polarity switching
- Adjustable high-pass filter
Conversion & Interface
- 192 kHz / 32-bit resolution
- USB 12x12 audio interface
- Cascading via "Link" connection (ADAT)
Analog Connectivity
- 4 microphone/line inputs on XLR/6.3 mm Jack
- 4 insert returns/line inputs on Sub D-25
- 4 Hi-Z/asymmetric instrument DI inputs
- 4 line outputs/insert sends on XLR
Digital Audio & Synchronization
- AES/EBU input/output on XLR
- ADAT input/output
- Word Clock input/output on BNC
- USB port
Format & Dimensions
- 19-inch rack format / 2U
- Dimensions: 482 x 303 x 88 mm
- Weight: 5.9 kg