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Description
Introducing the Avalon VT-737sp Mic Preamp, a game-changer in the realm of sound engineering. This vacuum tube channel strip is renowned for its exceptional ability to highlight lead vocals and offer a "finished" sound to bass or keyboard tracks. A trusted ally for A-list artists and producers, the VT-737sp is celebrated for its crystalline fidelity, vast tone-shaping ability, and military-grade build quality.
Whether you're running the dullest mic or the most sterile one, the VT-737sp injects warmth and sweetness into the sound. This 2-rackspace combo takes your audio to unparalleled heights, energizing your recordings with precise creative control.
The Class A preamp design of the VT-737sp offers three input selections, each tailored to deliver optimal results. The preamplifier utilizes two cascaded, dual vacuum tube triodes configured with minimum negative feedback. The built-in opto-compressor features a minimum signal path design with twin Class A vacuum tube triodes for gain matching.
Furthermore, the VT-737sp comes with a sweepable EQ that uses 100% discrete, Class A-high-voltage transistors for optimal sonic performance. The high and low-frequency bands offer the smooth characteristics of an all-passive design, complemented by the dual mid bands that include variable frequency and switched Q-width selection.
Key Features:
- Vacuum tube and discrete design: Offers a wide range of tube tone and control.
- Ideal for DAW and digital recording: Enhances the quality of your recordings.
- Class A preamp design with three input selections: Features a high-performance microphone input transformer with 48-volt phantom selection, an instrument DI high-source input, and a balanced line input with discrete high-level Class A circuitry.
- Opto-compressor with minimum signal path: Features twin Class A vacuum tube triodes for gain matching.
- Sweepable EQ and hardwired bypass: Utilizes 100% discrete, Class A-high-voltage transistors for optimum sonic performance.
- Rugged Avalon construction: Ensures durability and longevity.
Owner's manual
Avalon VT-737SP User ManualProduct specs
| Preamp Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| EQ | Yes |
| Compressor | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz-120kHz |
| Analog Inputs | 1 x XLR (mic), 1 x XLR (line in), 1 x 1/4" (Hi-Z) |
| Analog Outputs | 1 x XLR (line out) |
| Other I/O | 1 x 1/4" (link) |
| Rack Spaces | 2U |
| Height | 3.5" |
| Depth | 12" |
| Width | 19" |
| Weight | 22 lbs. |
FAQs
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What type of preamp is the Avalon VT-737sp?
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The Avalon VT-737sp is a tube channel strip, offering a warm and rich sound characteristic ideal for professional studio recordings.
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Does the Avalon VT-737sp have built-in EQ and compression?
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Yes, the Avalon VT-737sp features both a built-in equalizer and compressor, allowing for detailed tonal shaping and dynamic control.
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Can the Avalon VT-737sp provide phantom power for condenser microphones?
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Yes, the Avalon VT-737sp provides phantom power, making it suitable for use with condenser microphones.
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What are the input and output options available on the Avalon VT-737sp?
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The Avalon VT-737sp includes 1 XLR mic input, 1 XLR line input, 1 Hi-Z 1/4" input, and 1 XLR line output, offering versatile connectivity options.
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Is the Avalon VT-737sp suitable for recording both vocals and instruments?
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Yes, the Avalon VT-737sp is versatile enough for recording both vocals and a wide range of instruments, thanks to its comprehensive preamp, EQ, and compression capabilities.
Videos
jephthastudios
Avalon VT737 SP
Avalon VT737 SP
jephthastudios
6922 Tube Comparison - NOS vs. Stock - Avalon 737sp Mic Pre
Kalani Music
Shure SM7b Mic Test with Avalon Vt 737sp
Lo Knows
I Bought An Avalon 737
TyTheProdigy
Audio Technica AT899 Lavalier Mic Test with Avalon Vt 737sp
Lo Knows
Reviews
PROS
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Provides very clean tone, great for vocals and guitar
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Dynamics and EQ section extremely helpful for vocal shaping
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High gain function allows for warm tube saturation
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Versatile across genres, from pop/rock to jazz and classical
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Solid, heavy build quality indicating robustness
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Inspires confidence and attracts clients with its reputation
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Enhances the performance of high-quality microphones like Neumann U87
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Offers significant audio improvement, reducing post-production effort
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Built with attention to detail, both inside and out
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EQ and compressor add value to various instruments
CONS
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Heavy, may be cumbersome for some setups
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High demand makes it hard to find
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Pricey, especially at its usual $2000 tag
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Plastic buttons may resonate when placed near speakers
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Compressor considered somewhat slow and lacking character
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Some users reported ground noise issues with the unit
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Avalon VT-737SP.
Features and functionality
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The compressor in the Avalon VT-737sp is noted for being difficult to use, with either noticeable reduction or no gain reduction at all for some users.
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The hardware’s tube sound is considered irreplaceable by users, contributing to a more analog warmth and presence in recordings, which plugins can't fully replicate.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The Avalon VT-737sp is frequently paired with Neumann U87 microphones for hip-hop/R&B vocal recordings, following a popular vocal chain from the early 2000s.
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The Avalon VT-737sp has been used effectively for bass guitar and vocal recordings, but users find the compressor's slow response not ideal for all situations.
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Avalons are said to excel on bass, providing a distinct tonal quality that some users prefer for this application.
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Setup and maintenance
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Users suggest avoiding recording in closets, instead recommending the use of heavy blankets and light stands to create a makeshift booth for better sound diffusion.
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Mods and upgrades
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Adding an 1176 or LA2A compressor after the Avalon is suggested for more color and harmonic distortion.
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Comparisons
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The Avalon VT-737sp is compared to the Scarlett Gen 3, with users noting that a Lynx Aurora offers wider soundstage and higher precision, though lacking input/output amplification.
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The Avalon VT-737sp hardware is noted for allowing low end to sit well in the mix and smoothing out high end, even without EQ or compression, unlike plugins.
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The debate between the Avalon VT-737sp and Universal Audio plugins often revolves around cost versus the inherent qualities of analog sound, with hardware generally favored for authenticity.
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Some users describe Avalons as making recordings sound "thin and plasticy," contrasting with the "fat and warm" output of Neve-style pres like the BAE 1073mp.
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User experience
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Some users prefer the compressor at a low ratio (1.5-2:1) with the fastest attack and release settings, achieving a more subtle compression effect.
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Owners report the Avalon VT-737sp provides vocals that sit in a mix with minimal effort, contrasting with the longer process required when using just plugins.
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Some users find the Avalon VT-737sp’s top end more pronounced on high-quality speakers (e.g., Genelec 8331) but indistinguishable on headphones like DT770 Pros.
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Users report a noticeable "air layer" over vocals with the Avalon VT-737sp, even without boosting high end, which can be challenging to manage.
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It's noted that the Avalon VT-737sp can sound unnatural when attempting to achieve a "fat" low end, prompting some users to seek alternatives.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 27 Ratings
1745
Fantastic
One of the most versatile, useful and essential pieces of gear that I will ever own. My primary bass sound in the studio is this 2U piece of gear, I also use it on vocals, as a mic pre for kick drum, snare, and a 57 on a guitar cab. The individual parts (Pre, Comp, EQ) are incredible on their own, but this unit is definitely more than the sum of it's parts.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
For Bass: Mic Input, Gain 7, No High-Gain, No HPF, Threshold 2, Compression 7.5, Attack 3, Release 7, Bass +9db @ 60Hz, Low Mid -5db @ 500Hz, Hi Mid +5db @2kHz, Treble +5db @10kHz
Artist usage
Add artist
In this Vine video of Skrillex's studio, towards the end of the clip when his studio desk is shown, the Avalon VT-737sp Mic Preamp can be seen in a rack on the right side, below the Barefoot monitor and the Antelope Audio Orion 32. The video is a bit blurry, but the layout of the knobs and lights matches the Avalon VT-737sp exactly.
Matt Bellamy's rig for the Black Holes and Revelations tour includes the Avalon VT-737sp Mic Preamp.
"For vocal recordings i use the Avalon VT-737sp. It's a great-sounding compressor and a really warm pre amp."
Chris Marsh, Sheeran's FOH, uses the Avalon 737 for guitar and vocal reverbs
In this inteview, Steve Aoki gives us a look to the main gear he use to produce records in both of his studios : The ''Neon Future Cave'' in Las Vegas, NV and the ''Dim Mak Studio'' in Los Angeles, CA.
As far as preamps and compressors go, I’ve got an Avalon VT-737SP in my Dim Mak studio. The Avalon gives me a warmer tone. In my home studio here [in Las Vegas] I have a different set up. I have a Universal Audio UA 6176, which is a combo of the classic 610 preamp and the 1176 compressor/limiter.
A VT-737sp preamp is shown in his rack in these interviews.
"We run the vocals through an Avalon VT preamp most of the time."
Dr. Dre used it to record mainly rap vocals, initially on Eminem albums in the late 90s and on his 2001 album
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Below an Avalon VT-747SP, the VT-737sp Mic Preamp can be seen in Showtek's studio.
Bassnectar shows off a cabinet stacked with four Avalon VT-737sp Preamps.
"The streamlined approach to vocals helps; Coleman will tell you that a good large-diaphragm condenser microphone like the C12 through the Avalon 737 is a pleasantly neutral signal path." - via Sound On Sound interview with Pharrell's engineer Andrew Coleman
In an interview with XLR8R, Simon Green is asked how he records, and if he goes through a pre-amp into his computer. He responds, "I've been using an Avalon [VT-737SP] as a front end. It's a mono vacuum-tube compressor and EQ, and it's really nice... I use it for everything. Then the whole thing goes into [Apple] Logic. With the exception of a few reverbs and some other outboard stuff, I'm doing everything with Logic and [Native Instruments] Kontakt."
Album Usage
The Avalon VT-737SP has been featured on the following albums:
NEVER LEFT
Lil Tecca (2021)
Virgo World
Lil Tecca (2020)
EVERYTHING IS LOVE
THE CARTERS (2018)
Luv Is Rage 2
Lil Uzi Vert (2017)
HYDRA 3D
Dat Adam (2016)
Lemonade
Beyoncé (2016)
Pelagial
The Ocean (2013)
Ghostory (Deluxe Version)
School Of Seven Bells (2012)
Recovery
Eminem (2010)
Like a G6
Far East Movement & Dev & The Cataracs (2010)
Ellipse (Deluxe Version)
Imogen Heap (2009)
Circus (Deluxe Version)
Britney Spears (2008)
Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent (2003)
Frank
Amy Winehouse (2003)
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
Outkast (2003)
Second Skin
The Mayfield Four (2001)
2001
Dr. Dre (1999)
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 VT-737SP, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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