NAMM: Compact Tube Preamp from PreSonus

PreSonus introduced the TubePRE Single-Channel Microphone/Instrument Tube Preamplifier.

"The TubePRE is a fantastic product that solves problems for the musician or vocalist," says Jim Odom, president of PreSonus. "The TubePRE is a no-nonsense, tube-based preamp that delivers the classic warm sound of valve technology, while providing a flexible platform that addresses the many interface needs found in live and recording situations. The TubePRE offers excellent sound at a very aggressive price point, making this product a winner for musicians and studios alike."

The TubePRE is a single channel preamp based on a 12AX7 vacuum tube circuit that provides a stable, transformer-free signal path. The unit can be used as the first stage of a live or studio system, as a direct box or in a side effects chain. The dual-servo gain stage design employs no capacitors providing ultra-low noise performance and wide dynamic control that allows the TubePRE to boost the desirable signal without increasing unwanted background noise.

The TubePRE offers a frequency range of 10Hz to 80kHz with a noise floor of 94dBu and a signal-to-noise ratio of greater than 90dB. Un-weighted THD + Noise is typically 0.05% with no Tube Drive used and up to 10% with 20dB of Tube Drive. This means the TubePRE can provide both a high-quality, crystal-clear sound as well as a colored saturation tube effect.

The front panel offers a gain and tube drive rotary potentiometer yielding 0dB to +40dB performance for the gain stage and 0dB to +20dB performance for the overdrive circuit. Four illuminated push switches insert phase reverse to interface with any audio system, 20dB pad to control high level input signals, an 80Hz 'rumble filter' that rolls off the low frequency section to control bass swell (especially in live situations) and a 48-Volt phantom power signal to power condenser and some ribbon microphones. A red peak indicator light and a backlit VU meter round out the front panel features.

The back panel is home to the input, output and 16-volt AC power connectors. The input section features a standard balanced XLR connector with an input impedance of 1.3k ohms and a 1/4-inch connector to accommodate unbalanced inputs with a 1 Meg ohm input impedance. The output section features the same connectors as the input section with a balanced XLR output impedance of 51 ohms and an unbalanced 1/4-inch TRS output impedance of 51 ohms. The power connector is through an external transformer rated at 16 VAC/1000mA consuming a lean 16 watts. The unit comes in a compact, solidly built steel and aluminum case that takes up a 1/3-rack space and fits in a universal rack tray.