Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $885
High-end/Boutique
$119
$300+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Avalon U5". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Avalon U5 DI Preamplifier has been the go-to choice for musicians since 1995, known for its class-A signal path and its ability to bring out the best in any instrument, be it a bass guitar, an acoustic guitar, or a keyboard. It stands out for its unique combination of passive tone selector and variable gain preamp, which allows it to accept a wide array of signal levels. The U5 isn't just about power, it's about precision and quality. It's designed to provide the vibrant, clear, and powerful sound your music deserves and is equipped with a robust filter and boost section to amplify and refine your sound to perfection.
Key Features:
- 100% discrete, pure Class A mode
- Variable gain preamp to +30dB
- High input impedance 3 megohm
- Very low noise -100dB
- Dual mic and line level outputs
- Six tone bank selections
- High headroom +30dB output
- HF cut switch eliminates noise
- High level 400 w speaker input
Product specs
| Type | DI Preamp |
| Channels | 1 |
| Ground Lift | Yes |
| Inputs | 1 x Instrument, 1 x TS speaker |
| Outputs | 2 x XLR |
| Power Source | Standard IEC power supply |
| Height | 3.5" |
| Depth | 12" |
| Width | 8.5" |
| Weight | 12 lbs. |
FAQs
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What instruments can the Avalon U5 be used with?
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The Avalon U5 is versatile and can be used with bass guitars, acoustic instruments, electric guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, and low output pickups, enhancing their sound quality.
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Does the Avalon U5 require a specific power source?
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The Avalon U5 uses a standard IEC power supply, making it compatible with most common power setups in studios and live performance environments.
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How does the Avalon U5 improve instrument sound quality?
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The Avalon U5 provides Class A active DI and preamp capabilities, optimizing signal integrity and enhancing musical performance with features that ensure superior sonic quality.
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What are the output options available on the Avalon U5?
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The Avalon U5 offers two XLR outputs, providing balanced connections for optimal signal transfer in recording and live sound applications.
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Is the Avalon U5 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Avalon U5 is designed for both studio and live performance use, offering robust signal processing that enhances the sound of various instruments on stage.
Videos
shnobel
Avalon U5 Class A Active Direct Box with Fender Jazz Bass
Avalon U5 Class A Active Direct Box with Fender Jazz Bass
shnobel
Avalon U5 with Taylor Acoustic Guitar
shnobel
Avalon U5 Direct Box Avalon 737 Avalon 737SP Tube Preamp
Rockstar Rant
Avalon Design U5
*d.a.s. TV
Bass Gear I get asked about the MOST
Dan Hawkins Bass Lessons
Thomann Millenium DI (da 10€) VS Avalon U5 (800€) chi vince???
Basso Elettrico Carlo Chirio
Bass Preamps/DI Comparison (Avalon U5 VS Lehle RMI Basswitch IQ DI) - No Difference?!
Carlos Montull
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Avalon U5.
Setup and maintenance
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Users recommend using the mic-level output of the Avalon U5 to avoid clipping when connecting to inputs with built-in preamps like on the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8.
Source
Features and functionality
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Ports 1 and 3 on the Scarlett 18i8 activate a mic preamp when using XLR connections; ports 3 and 4 are better suited for direct instrument inputs.
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The Avalon U5 can be used to capture a vintage amp's power amp output in parallel with a speaker load, offering versatility in recording scenarios.
Source
Software and compatibility
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It's crucial to avoid using instrument-level signals with XLR inputs on the Scarlett 18i8 to prevent peaking and potential damage, as highlighted by user experiences.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The Avalon U5's mic-level output is traditionally more compatible with mic preamps, providing an option for tonal experimentation with vintage or tube preamps.
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The Avalon U5 is frequently used for bass in studio recordings and has also been applied to organ (B3) and electric piano (Wurlitzer and Rhodes).
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The U5 is praised for its studio use, but some owners successfully integrate it into live setups by mounting it in a rack for protection.
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Some owners use the U5 to re-amp their vintage amps while maintaining a clean tone, preventing wear from prolonged high-volume use.
Source
User experience
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Owners find the Avalon U5 provides a clean and accurate representation of instrument sounds, which may not suit those seeking a warmer or tube-like tone.
Source
Build quality
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The unit is considered fragile for live use, as it may not withstand falls or spills, making it more suitable for studio environments.
Source
Comparisons
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For live versatility, users recommend exploring preamp pedals or tube preamps over the solid-state Avalon U5 for those desiring tube warmth.
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Users suggest exploring alternatives like the Radial JDX or Countryman Type 85 for durability and road readiness, noting these are more cost-effective and rugged.
Source
Value and pricing
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 12 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
If the item appears in a video, mention the timestamp. "The Item can be seen at 1:56 into the video"
Amir uses an Avalon Direct Box, according to this Guitar Geek rig diagram.
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In this photograph from the cover story from issue 104 of Bass Magazine, Wire's amp rack is shown with an Avalon Di in the middle of the rack
A pair of Avalon U5 visible on top of the Aguilar DB 751 head.
Mentions using one for live shows at around 7:50 mark of the one page video.
"Avalon U5 instrument DI, Vt-737sp mic preamp/compressor/EQ" is included in the list of equipment at Stuart Price's studio.
In an interview with Dunlop TV, Mige said the Avalon DI Box was the best they could find.
Lee Pomeroy is confirmed to use the Avalon U5, as evidenced by an image showing him with the device.
Mentioned in this August 4, 2013 Seymour Duncan blog interview. It is also mentioned in [this June 15, 2014 Premier Guitar interview.
Seymour Duncan
Tell me about your current tour set up?
I run three different signals, all direct. Signal #1 is a direct line off of my Shure wireless. Line #2 is the mighty Avalon U5. Line #3 runs through the pedalboard, which currently features a Radial distortion and an old purple Ibanez chorus (for the song “Holy Ground”) and into an active Radial DI. I have an Xotic Effects RC Bass Boost that stays on all night. I’m proud to be endorsed by Fender bass guitars. The current arsenal is a ’62 Reissue Precision, an American Standard Precision with the Seymour Duncan SMB-5A humbucker pickup added in the bridge position, a Gretsch Broadkaster, A Fender Cabronita (a new, precision-style single pickup bass) and a ’71 Orlando. I use Fender nickel bass strings.
Premier Guitar
Amos remains a bass gear junkie, constantly searching for new tones and sonic toys. He takes a straight-ahead approach to his tone, relying on great basses as opposed to lots of outboard gear. A proud Fender endorsee, Amos used his ’62 RI Precision (loaded with Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders) on almost everything during the last U.S. tour, though he also carried a Cabronita P-bass and a Dimension 5 for extended range. His one “quirky” bass, a ’71 Orlando, also sees some use. His pedalboard is modest: an Xotic Bass RC Booster, a Radial Classic Tube Distortion, and an ancient Ibanez chorus, all controlled by tech Steve Uncapher. With no amps on stage, Amos runs it all through an Avalon U5 preamp.
I went for a fairly minimal setup for this album. I recorded everything with a Zon Sonus 6-string bass with Elixir strings, which went direct into an Avalon U5 DI. For distortion/fuzz, I used the Darkglass B7K and Vintage Microtubes, as well as an Amptweaker TightFuzz. My favorite piece of kit, however, was the Boss OC-2, which I used for sub-octave effects on “The Architect” and “Red Giant.
Album Usage
The Avalon U5 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Avalon U5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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