The TubePRE is a single channel microphone preamp based around 12AX7 tube with inputs for both a microphone or instrument. The unit provides a Drive potentiometer for controlling the amount of signal routed to the vacuum tube and therefore the amount of tube saturation. Greater levels of tube saturation impart a greater "warmth" to the signal that works equally well on microphones and instruments.
The unit supplies phantom power at a constant rate. This assures optimum performance of a condenser microphone and ensures that the signal will be free of distortion due to insufficient power. A phase reverse switch on the TubePRE allows the user to invert the phase of a microphone if phase cancellation is noticed when using identical microphones in close proximity to one another. This switch can also be used to compensate for different XLR connector hook-ups where pin connections have been inverted.
A -20dB pad is available for reducing the incoming signal level along with an 80Hz rumble filter to help eliminate low frequency noise. The TubePRE has a separate XLR and 1/4" connector on the back of the chassis for signal input from a microphones or instruments.