Tube Mic Preamps

Colin Campbell · Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007, 22:08 (GMT) Post subject: Tube Mic Preamps

Anyone use one? What one? How's it sound to you?

Joe J Thomas · **Voice Talent** Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 1521

Hey Colin,

I've got a PreSonus TubePre hooked up to my Shure mic...

I like the sound - it imparts a "warmth" to my voice, and it has some nice features for a low price unit. Even provides phantom power for when I upgrade my mic in the future.

As always, your mileage may vary.

In any case, my wish list has a processor and condenser mic on it - just waiting for enough box tops!

Peas aught,
Joe J Thomas
www.JoeActor.com

Allen Scofield · **Voice Talent** Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 181

Colin, I use a Studio Projects VTB-1 mic pre. I replaced the stock chinese cheapo tube with a 1958 vintage Mullard 12ax7 (acquired on eBay). Made a very nice difference. This unit is very sturdily built with phantom power, high pass filter, phase reverse and mic/line button as well as DI jack on the front for instruments. It has the usual knobs, one for input gain, one for tube drive and one for output plus ALL pots are detented (nice touch).

As far as the sound, the unit is extremely quiet. It gives a nice smooth warmth to my voice that I like very much! I can go from solid state with NO tube to as much tube as I want. I prefer to keep it around 12:30 on the dial. That seems to be the sweet spot for my voice.

I thought about the Presonus unit but decided to go with Studio Projects in the end. I am very satisfied with it.

Amy Snively · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Posts: 1028

I use a PreSonus TubePre also.

Joe J Thomas · **Voice Talent** Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 1521

Larry Read · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 6

is a Universal Audio LA-610 cannot say enough good things about this unit.
Tube Pre Amp extremely warm/Plus an optical compressor
It's pricy but as they say ..you get what you pay for if you can afford it well worth the investment

Larry Wink