SSL, short for Solid State Logic, is a renowned company in the professional audio field. Founded decades ago, SSL has established itself as a leader through its commitment to sonic excellence and technological innovation. Among its flagship products, the SSL Pure Drive Quad preamplifier is particularly appreciated for its exceptional sound quality and versatility . In this review guide, we take an in-depth look at the features, performance, and user experience of the SSL Pure Drive Quad.
Focus on the Solid State Logic (SSL) brand
Solid State Logic (SSL) is an iconic brand in professional audio , recognized worldwide for its high-end mixing consoles and audio equipment.
Founded in 1969 by Colin Sanders, a British engineer with a passion for audio recording, SSL quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to innovation and the exceptional sound quality of its products.
One of SSL's most significant contributions to the audio industry was the creation of the first mixing console with an all-digital architecture, the SSL 4000 Series , introduced in the 1980s.
This revolutionary console has redefined the standards of sound quality and functionality for professional recording studios . It has been adopted by many renowned audio engineers and has played a crucial role in the production of many hit albums.
SSL has continued to innovate over the years, developing a diverse line of products, including analog and digital mixing consoles , signal processors, preamplifiers , best-in-class USB audio interfaces and audio software. Every SSL product is the result of deep technical expertise and an unwavering commitment to sound quality.
What particularly sets SSL apart is its approach to cutting-edge design and engineering. SSL products are renowned for their reliability, durability and precise sound .
Whether in a professional recording studio, concert hall, theater or live broadcast facility, SSL equipment is widely used and loved by audio professionals around the world.
SSL has also expanded its influence outside of the professional realm by offering more accessible products for amateur musicians and audio enthusiasts. For example, the SSL 2 and SSL 2+ of USB audio interfaces offer exceptional sound quality and a user-friendly interface.
In short, Solid State Logic has embodied excellence in the audio industry for over five decades. Its unrivaled reputation for sound quality, technological innovation and commitment to its customers' needs makes it one of the most respected and influential manufacturers in the world of professional audio.
SSL Pure Drive Quad Preamplifier Overview
The SSL Pure Drive Quad preamplifier is a centerpiece of Solid State Logic's line of audio equipment , recognized for its legacy of sound quality and technological innovation. This preamplifier is designed to deliver transparent sound reproduction , while providing exceptional versatility for a variety of audio applications .
Featuring four independent channels , the SSL Pure Drive Quad is ideal for studio recording, live mixing, music production and much more. Each channel is equipped with a high-fidelity preamplifier , providing a generous gain range and low distortion , while ensuring accurate audio signal capture.
One of the Pure Drive Quad's distinctive features is its ability to deliver sound that is both transparent and warm. With its Class A and input and output transformers , this preamplifier delivers faithful sound reproduction, preserving the subtle nuances and dynamics of the original signal.
Versatility is also a major advantage of the SSL Pure Drive Quad. Each channel is equipped with gain controls , phase switches and high-pass filters , providing maximum flexibility for adapting the preamplifier to a wide variety of audio sources. Whether you're recording vocals or instruments, the Pure Drive Quad can adapt to your needs.
In addition to its exceptional sound quality and versatility, the SSL Pure Drive Quad is also designed to be robust and reliable. Its solid construction and high-quality components ensure optimal performance in the most demanding environments, whether in the studio, on stage or on tour.
The different sections on the front panel
The SSL Pure Drive Quad's front panel is a showcase of features designed to meet the demanding needs of professional audio engineers:
Hi-Z/DI instrument inputs
With its Hi-Z/DI instrument inputs , it provides direct connectivity for instruments such as guitars and basses, eliminating the need for external DI boxes. This feature simplifies the recording process by providing an all-in-one solution for musicians who want to capture their sound without compromise.
Preamplification modes
One of the standout features of the front panel is the ability to choose between three distinct preamplification modes for each channel:
- Clean,
- Classic Drive,
- Asymmetric Drive.
These modes allow users to sculpt the sound to their preferences, offering options from pure transparency to harmonic saturation, whether symmetrically or asymmetrically. This provides sonic versatility , making it suitable for a wide variety of musical genres and recording styles.
Gain and Trim controls
Notched gain and controls are also an important front panel feature, providing precise control over the input and output level of audio signals .
With a gain range of up to +65 dB 31-step trim , users can fine-tune levels to achieve the best balance between dynamics and clarity, ensuring perfect integration into the final mix.
Phantom power and other settings
SSL Pure Drive Quad offers maximum flexibility with features such as independent +48V phantom power , reverse polarity and adjustable high-pass filter for each channel. These settings allow the preamplifier to be adapted to different types of studio microphones and sound sources, ensuring optimal audio capture in all situations.
The elements on the rear panel of the SSL Pure Drive Quad preamplifier
The rear panel of the SSL Pure Drive Quad preamplifier offers a full range of features designed to meet the needs of the most demanding professional recording environments:
XLR/Jack combo inputs
Among these features, the XLR/jack combo inputs stand out for their versatility, allowing users to connect both microphones and line-level sources with ease. This flexibility makes it easy to integrate into a variety of studio setups and ensures an all-in-one solution for audio capture.
D-Sub connectors
The D-Sub connectors are another crucial rear panel element, providing a compact and tidy solution for multi-pair cabling . These connectors efficiently manage line inputs, as well as insert sends and returns, ensuring reliable and fast connectivity in professional studios where time is often precious.
Power supply and Wordclock
The standard IEC and Wordclock are essential elements to ensure precise timing and stable power supply to the preamplifier.
These features ensure seamless integration with other digital equipment in the studio, allowing users to maintain peak performance throughout their recording sessions.
Digital connectivity
Digital connectivity, including ADAT , AES and USB , provides additional flexibility for routing and signal conversion. These connections enable seamless integration with digital audio interfaces and computer systems. This allows users a wide range of options for managing and manipulating their audio.
ADAT Link In
The ADAT Link In port provides the ability to cascade two Pure Drive Quad , doubling the number of preamp channels available.
This feature is particularly useful for audio engineers who work on large recording sessions, allowing them to manage a larger number of audio sources while maintaining minimal clutter in their workspace.
The sound quality of SSL Pure Drive Quad
The sound quality of the SSL Pure Drive Quad preamplifier is one of its most notable features, reflecting the SSL brand's commitment to audio excellence.
Designed with meticulous attention to detail and cutting-edge technical expertise, the Pure Drive Quad delivers exceptional sound reproduction that accurately captures the nuance and dynamics of musical performances.
The Pure Drive Quad's Class A pre-amplification circuit ensures transparent and precise sound quality, faithfully preserving the unique character of each audio source. Whether recording vocals , acoustic instruments, guitar amplifiers or drums, the Pure Drive Quad delivers remarkable clarity and definition.
The input and output transformers also contribute to the Pure Drive Quad's exceptional sound quality by adding natural warmth and extra dimension to the sound. This results in rich, expressive recordings impressive presence and that capture the very essence of musical performance.
Finally, the different sections of the preamplifier front panel, such as Clean, Classic Drive and Asymmetric Drive preamp modes, provide unparalleled sonic versatility.
- Clean mode
In Clean mode, the Pure Drive Quad provides transparent and neutral sound reproduction, preserving the fidelity of the original signal without adding sound coloration.
This option is ideal for recordings requiring accurate, transparent sound reproduction where signal purity is paramount, such as clean vocals, acoustic instruments, or direct miking recordings .
- Classic Drive mode
Classic Drive mode adds harmonic saturation symmetrically, evoking the warm, vintage character of classic analog pre-amplifiers.
This subtle saturation adds dimension and texture to the sound, creating a more organic and immersive feel, ideal for music productions seeking a certain characteristic sonic coloration.
- Asymmetric Drive mode
As for the Asymmetric Drive mode, it delivers harmonic saturation in an asymmetrical manner, producing harmoniously unbalanced harmonics that add a unique touch of character and dynamics to the sound.
This pronounced saturation provides a bold and expressive color, ideal for musical productions requiring a bolder and more creative ambiance.
The design of Solid State Logic's Pure Drive Quad
The design of the SSL Pure Drive Quad preamplifier is based on cutting-edge engineering principles and an innovative approach to audio construction. An essential element of this design is the attention paid to the durability and reliability of the product .
Featuring a rugged, sleek housing , the Pure Drive Quad is built to withstand the rigors of professional studio or stage use, while maintaining its professional appearance.
The front panel layout is carefully considered to provide an and efficient user experience Controls are clearly labeled and ergonomically positioned for quick and easy access.
Notched potentiometers and electronic switches allow for precise, reliable adjustments, while LED indicators provide instant visual feedback on the preamplifier's status, contributing to effortless use during recording sessions.
A notable feature of the Pure Drive Quad's design is the use of controlled analog circuitry for its controls, which ensures exceptional precision and consistency in settings. This approach also allows users to simplify the process of recalling settings.
As for construction materials, although the Pure Drive Quad does not explicitly specify the use of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), one can expect SSL to maintain the high quality standards for which the brand is known. This attention to detail in the choice of materials ensures a robust construction for the Pure Drive Quad.
Overall, the design of the SSL Pure Drive Quad preamplifier demonstrates the brand's commitment to audio excellence and technological innovation . With its combination of durability, user-friendliness and exceptional sound quality, Pure Drive Quad presents itself as a powerful tool to realize your musical projects with confidence and creativity.
Connecting and installing the SSL Pure Drive Quad preamplifier
Connecting and installing the SSL Pure Drive Quad preamplifier is quick and easy. Here's a quick guide to the hookup and installation process:
- Connect audio sources
Use XLR or TRS jack to connect your audio sources to the corresponding inputs on the Pure Drive Quad. Whether for condenser microphones , instruments, or line-level equipment, the Pure Drive Quad offers versatile connectivity to accommodate a variety of sound sources.
- Power the device
Use the supplied power cord to connect the Pure Drive Quad to an AC outlet. Make sure the power switch on the front panel is in the “ON” position to start the device.
- Check the settings
Before you start using the preamplifier, make sure that the gain, trim, and other settings are correctly configured according to your needs. LED indicators on the front panel provide visual information on the gain and phantom power level for each channel.
- Connect the audio outputs
Use XLR or TRS jack cables to connect the Pure Drive Quad's line outputs to your audio devices, such as audio interfaces, mixing consoles or recorders . Make sure output levels are set correctly to avoid saturation or distortion.
- Finalize the configuration
Once all devices are connected, check the overall operation of your audio setup to ensure that all signals are routed correctly and sound is reproduced as expected. Make adjustments as necessary to get the best sound possible.
Compatibility with audio software
The SSL Pure Drive Quad preamplifier is compatible with a wide range of audio software , providing seamless integration into modern music production workflows. With its USB connectivity, the Pure Drive Quad can be easily connected to a computer for use with recording, mixing and music production software.
Many popular audio software programs, such as Pro Tools , Logic Pro , Ableton Live , Cubase and Studio One , are compatible with the Pure Drive Quad, allowing users to capture and process their audio directly in their preferred production environment.
Additionally, the Pure Drive Quad can also be used with leading studio software for amp and effects modeling, such as Guitar Rig , AmpliTube and Waves GTR , allowing guitarists and bassists to explore a range range of sounds and textures for their recordings.
The characteristics of SSL Pure Drive Quad
- Class A tube microphone preamplifier
- Frequency response of 12 Hz to 100 kHz in analog mode
- 4 dynamics processors, including compressor , expander , de-esser and gate
- 4-band semi-parametric equalizer
- 4 independent channels
- Gain control with +65 dB
- Preamplification modes: Clean , Classic Drive and Asymmetric Drive
- Trim control with 31 steps , adjustable in precise 1 dB
- XLR , TRS jack or SubD connection options
- unbalanced Hi-Z/DI instrument inputs
- 4 analog inputs + 8 ADAT
- Wordclock input and output
- Conversion up to 32-bit and 192 kHz , with professional I/O levels (+24 dBu = 0 dBFS )
- Professional line-level insert returns/ ADC +24 dBu
- mic preamp input impedance settings
- +48V phantom power
- Analog-digital connectivity via ADAT , AES and USB
- Possibility of connecting 2 PURE DRIVE QUAD in cascade
- audio interface mode 12 inputs / 12 outputs ( @44.1 / 48 kHz )
Our Overall Opinion
Overall Sound Quality
Value for money
Global mark
Our opinion on the SSL Pure Drive Quad preamp
Our review of the SSL Pure Drive Quad preamp is positive overall, as it offers a set of remarkable features that make it an attractive choice for audio professionals.
Firstly, its four independent channels allow exceptional flexibility when recording multiple sources simultaneously, which is ideal for studios where versatility is essential.
Clean, Classic Drive and Asymmetric Drive preamp modes offer a diverse sonic palette, allowing users to precisely sculpt their sound to suit their artistic needs.
Additionally, the +65 dB step gain control and 31-step trim control provide precise adjustment of input and output levels, ensuring seamless integration into the final mix.
In terms of connectivity, the SSL Pure Drive Quad is impressive with its extensive input and output options, including analog and digital connections via ADAT, AES and USB. This allows for easy integration into any studio environment.
Despite its strengths, SSL Pure Drive Quad is not without its drawbacks. Some users might find the price of the SSL Pure Drive Quad relatively high compared to other preamplifiers on the market.
However, considering its build quality, versatility, and sonic performance, it offers good value for money for those looking for high-quality professional equipment.
In short, I highly recommend the SSL Pure Drive Quad preamp to all audio professionals looking for a versatile and high-performance solution for their studio recording needs.
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