PreSonus Studio Channel – 1-Channel Vacuum-Tube Channel Strip – Mic Preamp / Comp /EQ

Presonus named this channel strip the Studio Channel, and indeed it’s a wonderful studio tool. But it’s great for live performance, too. Featuring tube preamplification, a VCA-based compressor, and three-band EQ, it delivers a huge variety of timbres. Produce luscious, in-your-face vocals, dynamic acoustic piano, and fat, solid bass guitar, not to mention crystal-clear acoustic guitars and cracking snare. Yes, we got the name wrong; we should have called it the Anywhere Channel. But we got the design right.

The Studio Channel’s Class A preamplifier starts with a high-output 12AX7 tube that operates on voltages double that of other preamplifiers in its class. The result is lots of headroom and big tone. Gain and Tube Drive controls enable a wide range of sounds, from transparent and clear to edgy and overdriven. A -20 dB pad, 80 Hz highpass filter, and polarity reverse let you tweak your signals to sit properly in the mix.

Their VCA-based compressor is known for musicality and fast attack, with the ability to tame the fastest transients. From slap bass, to snare drum, to vocals, the Studio Channel’s compressor allows you to record blazing-hot signals with accurate dynamics control. In addition to ratio, threshold, attack, release and gain controls, it offers a convenient Auto Attack/Release feature with preset attack and release curves. The backlit VU meter can display gain reduction or output gain.

The three-band equalizer in the Studio Channel is a precision tool, with the ability to carve out unwanted frequencies as well as tailor your tone to enhance your sound. The EQ can be pre- or post-compressor, and you can bypass each stage independently. Custom-designed amplifiers deliver sweet-sounding gain and cut for smooth highs; deep, solid lows; and clear midrange. The midrange band is fully parametric, with variable Q, while the high- and low-frequency bands are semi-parametric, with Frequency and Gain controls but fixed Q, and can be either shelving or peak bands.

Features:
– Class A vacuum tube microphone / instrument preamplifier
– Tube gain and tube drive
– Variable VCA compressor (threshold, ratio, attack, release, make up gain, auto, soft)
– Three-band parametric EQ
– Precision analog VU meter for gain reduction and output
– EQ Pre/Post compressor switch
– 80Hz highpass filter
– 20dB pad
– Phase invert
– Rugged metal chassis
– High-headroom
– Ultra-low-noise design

Specifications:
Preamp Type: Tube
Number of Channels: 1
Phantom Power: Yes
EQ: Yes
Compressor: Yes
Analog Inputs: 1 x XLR (Mic), 1 x 1/4″ (Line)
Analog Outputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4″
Frequency Response: 10Hz-50kHz
Rack Spaces: 1U
Power Source: AC Adapter (included)
Height: 1.75″
Depth: 5.5″
Width: 19″
Weight: 5 lbs.
UPC: 673454001000