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PreSonus TUBEPRE Single Channel Tube Microphone Preamp
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.
- Tube based microphone preamp
- Dual-servo gain stage (no capacitors) provides ultra-low noise performance and wide dynamic control
- Drive potentiometer for controlling the amount of signal routed to the 12AX7 vacuum tube
- Microphone/instrument input
- 48v phantom power for condenser microphones
- 20dB pad and 80Hz filter
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Inputs |
1 x XLR 1 x 1/4" TS phone |
| Output |
1 x XLR 1 x 1/4" TS phone |
| Phantom Power | +48V |
| Multi Function | No |
| Gain Range | 0db to +40dB |
| Maximum Output Level | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz to 50kHz |
| Noise | -94dBu |
| Dimensions | 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 1 3/4" |
| Specialties | Functions as a direct box |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 9 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (9)
- Good audio (7)
- Professional functions (6)
- Good power output (4)
- Versatile (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (7)
- Amateur recording (4)
- Performances (3)
- Professional recording (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (4), Professional musician (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 9 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
- Affordable
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Powerful
Cons
- Change the tube
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about PreSonus TUBEPRE Microphone Preamp:
This is my 2nd one, and I will purchase a third to put it in my rackmount case. I have been using this preamp for my Epiphone Dot, it sounds loud & clean with the gain at about 9:00 and drive at 12:00. Turn the gain past 9:00 and you get a much warmer, fuzzy analog tone. I also love the VU meter, it comes in handy if you are trying to prevent distortion/clipping. I have this going to a PreSonus Comp16 compressor, through a Behringer FBQ1502 EQ, and into my 30-watt Vox guitar amp. No modulation or effects. This works well for my recording needs for full, warm, clean guitar recordings that I add effects to later when mixing. Yes, I immediately swapped out the tube for a quality Harmonix tube. I knew that I needed to do this after reading others' reviews. It's easy to do the swap. I can't rate the quality of the tube that came with it because I never used it. Also, I haven't used this yet with a mic because I'm not a vocalist but will try it in the future. This gets 5 stars because of the price and it is perfect for my uses both in the studio, and the garage jamming with buddies.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Low cost
- Professional Functions
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about PreSonus TUBEPRE Microphone Preamp:
Designed for microphones but great for electric guitar too. I used it to play guitar at home at low output level without sacrifying on soud quality. Professional sound for a cheap price.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Powerful
- Professional Functions
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about PreSonus TUBEPRE Microphone Preamp:
Now I have a few mic pre's and have used alot of them in my day, and this one is great. I'm actualy using it for as a direct box and let me tell you for the price it does exactly what it should and then goes a step above that! Excellent buy! In this Price range you wont find anything better.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Professional Functions
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about PreSonus TUBEPRE Microphone Preamp:
Does what it says; warms up the voice and adds a touch of resonance and bass. Now permanently in the mic chain.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Professional Functions
Cons
- Breaks Easily
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about PreSonus TUBEPRE Microphone Preamp:
[...]Solid sound, easy to use, but I'm going to replace the Ruby tube with something a bit higher end, maybe a Tung-Sol. The VU meter doesn't seem overly useful as its pretty small and hard to read. Made the mistake of plugging my mic into this and then into the XLR input of my interface, which made for a signal running through 2 preamps with a whole lot of clipping. Put on the pad though and it was all good. Overall, worth the money.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Quality Duplicates
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about PreSonus TUBEPRE Microphone Preamp:
Well worth the money spent, big sound with a hint a warmth only con about it is the cheap chinese tube it come with.I upgraded mines with a Tung-Sol GoldPin and the tube made a pretty big differnce as far as the tone of the tube drive not any fuzz that come with the stock tube, I use it for vocals along with the Presonus EQ3B and Comp16. I defintely Recommend this for any artist or engineer on a budget!!!! just remember to upgrade the tube and possibilities are only limited by ones imagination
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Powerful
- Professional Functions
- Versatile
Cons
- A bit noisy for recording
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about PreSonus TUBEPRE Microphone Preamp:
This preAmp adds a nice warmth and fullness to music...it is a bit noisy for recording quiet passages with an annoying low level hiss, but replacing the Chinese 12ax7 tube with a new Mullard reissue 12ax7 will help with this problem...Well worth adding to you electronic collection...
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Noisy
Best Uses
Comments about PreSonus TUBEPRE Microphone Preamp:
This is not a $3,000 preamp. If you compare it to very expensive tube preamps, you will be disappointed. However, it costs a tiny fraction of that, and for that, it is a lovely device.
The sound at mid-amp levels is very good. It's not the quietest preamp you will ever find, especially near the top of the gain range, but the sound (especially with the drive in the mid-range) is very warm and clean.
Recommended as a good intermediate step while you are saving for the preamp of your dreams.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Professional Functions
Cons
Best Uses
- Soundtracks
Comments about PreSonus TUBEPRE Microphone Preamp:
I used this preamp with M-audio Nova mic and it sounds clean and warm
the thing I don't like about it that it has no power switch
Displaying reviews 1-9
Cables
-
- Original: $15.99
- Save: $1.60
- Price: $14.39
- GBP 9.19
Cases & Protection
- Price: $34.99
- GBP 22.34
What's in the Box
- External Power Supply
- Warranty: One Year to Original Owner
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