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PreSonus Studio Channel

BH #PRSTUDIOCHAN • MFR #STUDIO CHANNEL
6 reviews
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PreSonus Studio Channel
Key Features
  • Class A Tube Preamp
  • VCA Compressor
  • 3-Band Parametric Equalizer
The Presonus Studio Channel is a channel strip that features a tube preamp, a VCA compressor, and a 3-band parametric EQ. The tube preamp section features two knobs: Gain and Tube Drive. This allows you to adjust the amount of signal that hits the tube circuitry, opening up a wide range of sonic options. The VCA compressor section is well-suited to help all different kinds of audio sit nicely in a mix, whether it's percussion with fast transients, or smooth and silky vocals. The parametric EQ features a custom amplifier with a gain control on each of the 3 bands, with a variable Q knob on the mid frequency.
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PreSonus STUDIO CHANNEL Overview

The Presonus Studio Channel is a channel strip that features a tube preamp, a VCA compressor, and a 3-band parametric EQ. The tube preamp section features two knobs: Gain and Tube Drive. This allows you to adjust the amount of signal that hits the tube circuitry, opening up a wide range of sonic options. The VCA compressor section is well-suited to help all different kinds of audio sit nicely in a mix, whether it's percussion with fast transients, or smooth and silky vocals. The parametric EQ features a custom amplifier with a gain control on each of the 3 bands, with a variable Q knob on the mid frequency.

If you're curious about outboard gear and want to upgrade your signal path from the stock preamp found on most audio interfaces, the Presonus Studio Channel is an excellent choice for deeper sonic exploration. Likewise, experienced professionals will appreciate the Studio Channel's solid set of sound shaping tools, as well as its afforable pricetag.

Class-A Vacuum Tube Preamp
The Studio Channel features a high-voltage 12AX7 tube with both Gain and Tube Drive controls, giving you the ability to dial in a variety of different tones.
VU Meter
The illuminated VU meter displays both output level and gain reduction.
A Host of Useful Tools and Controls
  • 80 Hz High-Pass Filter
  • 20 dB Pad
  • Phase Invert
  • Make-Up Gain, Auto, and Soft (Compressor Section)
  • Low Noise Design
UPC: 673454001000

PreSonus STUDIO CHANNEL Specs

Number of Channels
Single
Inputs
1 x XLR
1 x 1/4" TS, unbalanced
Outputs
1 x XLR
1 x 1/4" TRS, balanced
Frequency Response
10 Hz to 50 kHz
Noise
-96 dBu
Preamp
Gain Range
-6 to +66 dB (+/-10 dB trim on line input)
Maximum Output
+22 dBu
Phantom Power
+48V
Compressor
Threshold Range
-40 to +2 dBu
Ratio
1-10 (1:1 to 2:1)
Attack Time
0.1 to 200 ms
Release Time
0.05 to 3S ms
Sidechain
No
Frequency Bands
Low frequencies = variable from 40 to 500 Hz

Mid frequencies = variable from 200 Hz to 3 kHz

High frequencies = variable from 2 to 20 kHz

Range (Boost/Cut)
Low and high frequencies = variable between +/-10 dB

Mid frequencies = variable from -10 to +10 dB

Physical
Power Requirements
120 VAC, 60 Hz for included external power adapter
Dimensions
19 x 5.5 x 1.75" (483 x 140 x 44 mm)
Weight
5 lb (2.3 kg)
Specialties
Tube gain and tube drive

EQ Pre/Post compressor switch

Packaging Info
Package Weight
6.3 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
23.8 x 12 x 4.9"

PreSonus STUDIO CHANNEL Reviews

Great VO! Full featured comp and VariableQ is the SECRET

By BRADLEY
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-10-07

LOVE the PreSonus Studio Channel! Full featured compressor and variable-Q is the secret. Great for VO. I've been a working voiceover announcer since the late 90's, and was a recording engineer back in the 80's (those analog days). My voiceovers are heard on broadcast promos and movie trailers, most recently on Fox and NBC. I'm no Don LaFontaine of course but I do pretty well. Over the years I've used and owned a wide range of tools that were popular in the Hollywood studios. Mics such as Neumann U87, AKG 414, vintage Sony tubes etc. And a range of preamps: DBX, Focusrite, Neve and so on. And I have to admit I felt pretty cool looking at a $4K Manley preamp in my rack. But for years I still struggled to find a sweet spot in my VO sessions. TODAY (and for years now) my favorite and highest return-on-investment setup is the Sennheiser 416 shotgun mic, Presonus Studio Channel, SoundDevices MixPre3 recorder and of course Sony MDR-7506 headphones (still the standard since the friggin 90's). Nearly 20 years ago PreSonus came out with the Eureka Channel Strip preamp. It was exactly the same as the current Studio Channel but it was a deeper and heavier rack unit because it had an internal power supply. When I saw a single rack unit, with a full featured compressor (attack, release and soft knee) and an EQ with adjustable Q on the Mid-band and switchable bell curve on the other 2 bands I had to try it... needless to say, never looking back. Currently I have two of these PreSonus Studio Channel units, one in my LA studio and one at my mom's house in Virginia (so I can get home for those family holidays and still drop a read for my clients). Features like attack-release and variable-Q require that you EXPERIMENT and find your sweet spot. But believe me they will become your most indispensable tools. I would also like to say BH has been my favorite vender since the 80s! I've been a BH customer for many big projects whether setting up studios for clients or my own purchases over these decades. Thanks as always BH.

best bang for the buck

By FAMA
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2010-10-25

Class A tube preamplifier, VCA compressor and 3-band Parametric EQ the PreSonus Studio Channel is your ticket. Fatten up your voiceovers...warm and smooth, the sound sits right up front ... it will make your voice over jobs fast and easy. and for this price is the best you can get...

See any errors on this page?

I have a PreSonus StudiLive AR12 mixer. Would I ...

I have a PreSonus StudiLive AR12 mixer. Would I be correct in saying that this sits before the mixer in the chain? So mic into this channel, channel out to the mixer. If so would I bring it in as a mixer channel insert? Thanks everyone!
Asked by: Mark
Hey John thanks for the reply. So I tried that with the mic in the line out in the back of the channel into the line/instrument of the AR12 but I get nothing. It's like the mic doesn't exist? I have phantom turned on and the mute/PFL/AFL etc are all off. This is why the question because I must be missing something but I cannot figure it out. Thanks again for the reply
Answered by: Mark
Date published: 2019-07-23

question

Am I understanding this correctly--the PreSonus Studio Channel has a compressor, but does NOT have a Noise Gate? Meaning that noise gets increased in volume as well? Thanks.
Asked by: Phillip
Correct, there is no noise gate or expander in the Studio Channel. Compressors don't increase level (or noise), they only decrease or limit dynamic range. If you don't have your input gain set correctly, that will decrease your signal-to-noise ratio. If you apply compression to a noisy signal, that noise will seem louder because you've brought the input signal peak and noise floor closer together by compressing the dynamic range of that original signal. Hope that helps!
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2023-03-17
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