The Universal Preamplifier
The Universal Preamplifier Triodist and The Universal Preamplifier Pentodist are the most versatile studio preamplifiers you can own. No longer do you have to look for the preamplifier with the right tone, because The Universal Preamplifier gives you total control over its sound. The Triodeist features your choice of twin triode to create gain up to 65 dB. The Pentodist features a selected pentode like those used in classic preamplifiers from the golden Age of Radio or like many European designs.
You can emulate the sound of any classic preamplifier in the past, or create your own unique sounds. The Universal Preamplifier gives you three modes of operation:
- Fixed Bias that is optimized for the best sound from 12AX7 (The Universal Preamplifier Triodist) or EF86 (The Universal Preamplifier Pentodist). Choose this mode when you want clean sound with no fuss.
- Automatic Dynamic bias sets the bias for you automatically, perfectly, for most 8DB, 9A ad 9AJ based tubes (The Universal Preamplifier Triodist) or for your choice of 6AU6A, 6J7, 6SJ7, 5879, or 6267/EF86 (The Universal Preamplifier Pentodist). Choose this mode when you want to experiment with the sound, but with a no-fuss, no muss approach. Simply pop in different tubes to create different sounds, and the The Universal Preamplifier sets the perfect bias instantly, and you are off making music.
- Variable Total Control mode gives you continuously variable bias, continuously variable anode load, continuously variable inverse feedback, and a choice of "traditional" or "modern" overall tone. Choose this mode when a unique or idealized sound for the specific project is needed, whether you need crystal clarity or thick, rich tube sound -- or anything in between.
Other standard features include:
- 48 VDC phantom power
- ground lift
- phase reverse
- selectable input impedances for compatibility with any microphone, including classic ribbon microphones.
- easy connection choices with both XLR and 1/4-phone TRS jacks.
Top professionals know that a tube preamplifier has pleasant-sounding nonlinearities that can cover up the unpleasant nonlinearities of some solid state equipment or digital recordings, enhancing the sound in the process. The ear perceives the even order distortion of tubes the same as it perceives the natural harmonics of a musical instrument, thus it can make a recording sound “richer” or “more musical.” Of course, this must be done subtlely because high distortion sounds horrible regardless.
Studies made over the last several decades indicate that the brain uses a different method of perceiving recorded music than it does to perceive live music. Recorded music is a different experience than live music. One aspect of this is that in certain instances, the characteristics of an audio system’s distortion can affect the listeners’ perception of frequency balance, creating the impression of increased treble, reduced treble, increased bass, reduced bass and so on, in ways no equalizer ever could. Also, the characteristics of an audio system’s distortion can affect the listeners’ perception of dynamics, creating the impression of compression even when none is used! Subtle manipulation of distortion is the secret tool of choice for top recording engineers to achieve the same end result that otherwise would have to be done with EQ or compression, without the adverse aspects of those processors.
The Universal Preamplifier Triodeist: List of Compatible Tubes
- 12AT7/ECC81 and equivalents
- 12AU7/ECC82 and equivalents
- 12AX7/ECC83 and equivalents
- 12AY7
- 12AZ7
- 12BH7
- 12DW7
- 6CG7
- 6BK7
- 6FQ7
- 6DJ8
- 6DT8
- 6AQ8
- 6CX7
- 6CH7
- 6EV7
- 6EV7
- 6922
- 6SN7 and equivalents
- 6SL7 and equivalents
- 6EA7
- 6DN7
- 6GL7
- 6EM7
The Universal Preamplifier Pentodist: List of Compatible Tubes
- 6J7/1620
- 6SJ7
- 6AU6A/EF94
- 6HS6
- 6136
- 5879
- 6267/EF86
Options
- Choice of Cinemag, Jensen, Lundahl, Sowter or Stephens & Billington input and output transformers.
- Traditional analog decibel scale Level Meters
- Bargraph level meters
- Battery pack for extremely low noise operation.
- 130 VDC power for DPA condensor microphones that require a 130 VDC power supply.