AudioChainsDB
PreSonus

Studio Channel

intermediate

$419

Used market: $345*

Manufacturer datasheet

Specifications

3 of 8 values have a recorded source
Type
outboard_preamp·
Added Gain dB
54
Input Connector
1x 3-Pin XLR Mic (10 kΩ) + 1x 1/4" TRS Line (10 kΩ) + 1x 1/4" TS Instrument·
Output Connector
1x 3-Pin XLR + 1x 1/4" TRS (51 Ω)·
Expert Description
En: A tube channel strip: 12AX7 gain stage, a fully variable VCA compressor with attack, release, ratio, threshold and make-up gain plus auto and soft/hard-knee switches, and a three-band parametric EQ with a sweepable mid and switchable shelving on the outer bands. A -20 dB pad, an 80 Hz high-pass, polarity invert and a backlit VU meter that can show gain reduction instead of output. · Uk: Лампова канальна смуга: каскад на 12AX7, повністю змінний VCA-компресор з атакою, відновленням, співвідношенням, порогом і доведенням рівня плюс перемикачі auto й м'якого/жорсткого коліна, і трисмуговий параметричний еквалайзер із перебудовною серединою та перемикними полицями на крайніх смугах. Є атенюатор -20 дБ, фільтр 80 Гц, інверсія полярності та підсвічений VU-індикатор, який можна перемкнути на показ пригнічення.·
Provides Phantom Power
yes
Requires Phantom Power
no
Updated At
2026-08-05T22:03:05.256Z·

Expert Audio Engineering Commentary

Gain Staging Advice

There are two gain controls in series here — the preamp input and the compressor's make-up — and the VU meter can be switched to show either the output or the gain reduction. Set the input for the tube's working point first, then let make-up return the level; doing it the other way round changes how hard the tube is driven.

Production Warning

Two different maxima for the same preamp appear on the same page. This record takes the smaller of the two, so the calculator will under- rather than over-promise on a quiet ribbon.

What the datasheet actually says

Quoted verbatim from the manufacturer’s own page, with the date we checked it. We state what is printed, not what anyone intended by it.

The maker’s own documents disagree
««Gain control with +10 dB to +54 dB gain range» (перелік можливостей) проти «Microphone Preamp Gain: -6 dB to +66 dB» (таблиця Specifications)»

The feature list and the specification table on the same page give two different gain ranges for the same microphone preamp: +10 to +54 dB in one, -6 to +66 dB in the other. Neither states what the other is measuring, and the difference is 12 dB at both ends. The catalogue records the smaller maximum, 54 dB.

checked 8/5/2026

* Estimated with the depreciation fallback (~82% retained value). · checked on 8/5/2026