SSL Pure Drive

[Metheny]

Hi, have you tried the new SSL Pure Drive preamps?. Considering it has three types of drive colours, how does it compare in tone coloration to a Neve 1073 preamp?.
Looking to buy a preamp that adds character, but can only buy one of them.
Thanks

[Hugh Robjohns]

Alternatively... if you're looking for useful character, consider the Cranborne EC1/2. The Mojo control does exactly what you want, and is very flexible with excellent tonal variety.... It's also a stunningly good clean preamp in it's own right with Mojo switched off.

...and you get free high-quality headphone amp(s) too!

https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/cr ... camden-ec2

Other candidates include the Focusrite ISA 428/828 preamps which are later Neve designs and very nice!

If you can hang on a few weeks, Sam's review of the SSL Octo and Quad preamps is in the June edition...

[Metheny]

That’s great Hugh, thanks for the info.
I’ll wait some weeks until I can read the review.

[tea for two]

Sam did do this 2002 review of Focusrite Platinum Octpre.
https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/focusrite-octopre
I know it isn't what you are looking for. The Neve and SSL likely quite a step up. I've never had this Focusrite although I have had Clarett, Forte, Saffire.
I only mention this because whilst waiting until Sam's June SoS magazine review there is one Platinum Octpre £79.99 currently in cashconverters if you are in Blighty. Caveats when purrchasing 2nd hand 2decade older gear, at least there's returns and warranty.

[Matt Houghton]

Looking to buy a preamp that adds character, but can only buy one of them.

I've not heard the new SSL ones, so can't really comment on those yet — Sam's upcoming review will, I am sure, fill you in. But if you're looking for a colourful preamp, then there are a LOT of options. I reviewed the Lightning Boy Dark Storm last year and absolutely loved it. So much mojo. Speaking of which, I'd also second Hugh's recommendation of the Cranborne preamps, whose mojo control makes the colour very... well, controllable!

[Matt Houghton]

Sam did do this 2002 review of Focusrite Platinum Octpre.
https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/focusrite-octopre
I know it isn't what you are looking for. The Neve and SSL likely quite a step up. I've never had this Focusrite although I have had Clarett, Forte, Saffire.
I only mention this because whilst waiting until Sam's June SoS magazine review there is one Platinum Octpre £79.99 currently in cashconverters if you are in Blighty. Caveats when purrchasing 2nd hand 2decade older gear, at least there's returns and warranty.

I've had various Octopres over the years, including the original Platinum one as well as the LE version that followed. They're decent enough if you need a bunch or preamps, but they're not what I'd go for if looking to add colour. The newer Clarett+ Octopre that came out a couple of years ago is a bit better in that respect, with the air control (and the insert point — just add a saturator!). But I didn't get the impression that this is quite what the OP was after.

[tea for two]

I've had various Octopres over the years, including the original Platinum one as well as the LE version that followed. They're decent enough if you need a bunch or preamps, but they're not what I'd go for if looking to add colour. The newer Clarett+ Octopre that came out a couple of years ago is a bit better in that respect, with the air control (and the insert point — just add a saturator!). But I didn't get the impression that this is quite what the OP was after.

Tru. My post would been more suited to OneWorld's query as he is looking for a 8mic pre.

[Metheny]

The review has been published by Sam:
https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/so ... drive-octo

I would like to have more information about the different sonic colours mentioned, how do they compare to a Neve preamp. “Drive and impedance options introduce a useful range of different sonic colours”
My main preamps are a DAV BG1U and the preamps in the RME Fireface 802.

[Hugh Robjohns]

... how do they compare to a Neve preamp.

Which Neve preamp did you have in mind?

[Matt Houghton]

Which Neve preamp did you have in mind?

OP mentions the 1073 at the top of the thread...

[Metheny]

I was thinking about the Neve 1073 DPA or similar. But I know it doubles the price of the SSL Pure Drive Quad… Just trying to know the difference in colour.

[Sam Inglis]

I'm not sure there are any current Neve products that are direct competitors to the PureDrives really. The most affordable of the many 1073s on offer nowadays is the 500-series version, which is nearly as expensive as the PureDrive Quad even without the chassis, and only gives you one channel. At the other end of the scale, the 1073 OPX has eight channels with digital interfacing, but is more than twice the price of the PureDrive Octo, and some would say it's not a 'full fat' 1073.

The coloration options in the PureDrives are quite versatile and fun to play around with. It's possible you could get close to the sound of a Neve or other preamp on a given source / mic combination if you had them side by side. But ultimately if you want the Neve sound and only the Neve sound will do, then you should buy a Neve, because if you don't you'll never quite scratch that itch.

As Hugh says, the most obvious competitors to the PureDrives are the Focusrite ISA units. I have an ISA828, and any coloration that imparts is usually very subtle. You can get much more out of the PureDrive if you try, to the point of obvious saturation, but it's nicely controllable and gradual in its onset.

If you really want a coloured mic preamp and you're not wedded to Neve, check out the Chandler Germanium.

[Metheny]

Hi Sam, thank you very much for your explanations! I will study the different options you kindly suggested.

Martin

[Metheny]

Hi again,

I still haven’t made a decision about the preamp, but I’ve upgraded my main microphone to a Neumann U87 Ai.

I’m still thinking about the SSL Pure Drive Quad and also the Focusrite ISA Two.

Considering the U87 Ai, what do you think would be a good choice for the preamp?. Just looking for your opinion because I can’t test them…

Maybe I’ll forget about the Neve, because it’s twice the price and not sure if the difference would be so noticeable, considering Sam”s comments.

Best regards

[Hugh Robjohns]

If you're looking for a really good quality preamp that can do colour in a controllable way, I would add the Cranborne Camden design to your shortlist. Available in single and dual channel versions and as a 500 series model.

All have a 'Mojo' amount control and two flavour variations that replicate different vintage sounds, but can also be bypassed for very high quality neutrality.

[The Elf]

Can I add the Focusrite Liquid Channel for consideration? Mine have been a great investment - a lovely clean pre, with character pre's on tap when required. Ridiculously cheap secondhand if you can find one.

[Aled Hughes]

+ 1 for the Cranborne Camdens here. I can't imagine needing a different preamp!

I have a handful of the 500 modules and an EC1 in a 1/2 rack travel bag that gets a lot of use in all kinds of different situations.

[Metheny]

Thank you all, I think I would choose the Pure Drive Quad because of its ADAT output, so I can enable some extra ADAT channels in the Apollo Twin X.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Some of the other preamps mentioned have ADAT outputs, either natively or as options.

[Metheny]

I know, I would like to try them all, specially the Camden and the ISA Two, but considering it’s not possible for me, I will have to make a decision…