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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.
Source
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.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Adding an 1176 or LA2A compressor after the Avalon is suggested for more color and harmonic distortion.
Source
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.
Source
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
DJ Jazzy Jeff incorporates the Avalon VT-737sp Mic Preamp into his studio setup, as shown in a video on YouTube.
An Avalon VT-737sp is seen in Morgan Page's LA Studio at the top of his analog outboard gear rack.
at 1:10 in the video we can see their Avalon Preamps
You can see his rack mounted Avalon VT-737sp preamp's in his snapchat story.
Used on EVERYTHING IS LOVE, as stated by producer Stuart White in this September 2018 Sound on Sound interview.
He recorded both Beyoncé and Jay-Z with his “Telefunken mic, Avalon mic pre, and Tube Tech compressor. That was the chain for the entire album on both of them. I use just the one chain, because they jump back and forth on the mic all day long, and they both sound really good on that mic, so I kept it simple.”
White had previously specified this Tube Tech to be a CL 1B in this September 24, 2016 AudioTechnology interview with producer Stuart White about the production of Lemonade.
“We started in August 2014 at the Record Plant in Los Angeles. We were there for a month and had booked every single room; producers were everywhere writing songs. After that we took a break, then went to Paris for 45 days, where we lived in a hotel and set up two studios in two different hotel rooms. The identical setups consisted of ProAc Studio 100 monitors, an Avid Omni converter, Telefunken Elam 251 mic, an Avalon 737 mic pre, Tube Tech CL1B compressor, a Shure SM58 which she likes to use occasionally, and matching Pro Tools sessions."
This article states that Mark Ronson uses Avalon Vt-737sp preamp.
With regard to recording Jay?Z at Roc The Mic, Young Guru relates, "My signal chain is normally a Neumann 87 or 67 going into an Avalon 737"
This shows that Jay-Z uses an Avalon 737 in his studio
Her vocals on the Ellipse album were recorded through the Avalon preamp.
In the Architectural Digest video "Inside Wiz Khalifa's $4.6M L.A. Mansion & Recording Studio," at the 2:50 mark, Wiz Khalifa showcases the Avalon VT-737sp Mic Preamp as part of his home studio setup.
confirmation at 0:29 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdOybV7PJB4
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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