Crane Song Syren

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated February 6, 2025.

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Price

$1,449.00

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5.0 (2)

$1,425.00

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Average Price: $1,437

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

In the Effects Processors category, Crane Song Syren is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Crane Song Syren". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Crane Song Syren is a masterclass in studio versatility, offering engineers a seamless blend of vintage warmth and modern precision. As a 500 Series tube preamp, the Syren stands out with its innovative Open/Color switch, allowing you to toggle between classic tube coloration and crystal-clear accuracy. Perfect for both purists and experimentalists, this preamp delivers a wide frequency response, making it an indispensable tool for any studio setup.

Equipped with a highpass filter, this preamp skillfully reduces unwanted low-frequency disturbances, ensuring your recordings remain pristine. The dual gain stage circuit, driven by a selected 12AX7 tube, offers an impressive range of overdrive effects, adding layers of texture and depth to your sound. Whether you're capturing the subtle nuances of a vocal performance or the robust tones of an instrument, the Syren's Lundahl transformers ensure every detail is faithfully reproduced.

This preamp's thoughtful design also features a front-panel DI input, phantom power, and switchable pad options, catering to the diverse needs of modern recording environments. With the Crane Song Syren, you’re not just investing in a piece of gear; you're enhancing your creative toolkit with unparalleled sonic flexibility.

Key Features:

500 Series format tube preamp
Open/Color switch for sonic versatility
Dual gain stage circuit with 12AX7 tube
Highpass filter (90Hz, 24dB/octave)
Lundahl input and output transformers
Front-panel DI input and Mic/DI switch
48V phantom power and phase-reversal switch
Switchable pad: 0dB, -15dB, -25dB
Frequency response: 6Hz to 80kHz

Product specs

Preamp Type	Tube
Number of Channels	1
Phantom Power	Yes
EQ	Yes

FAQs

What type of preamp is the Crane Song Syren?: The Crane Song Syren is a tube preamp, known for adding warmth and character to audio signals, making it ideal for studio recordings.
Does the Crane Song Syren provide phantom power for condenser microphones?: Yes, the Crane Song Syren includes phantom power, allowing it to be used with condenser microphones that require external power.
How many channels does the Crane Song Syren have?: The Crane Song Syren is a single-channel preamp, designed for processing one audio signal at a time.
Does the Crane Song Syren include EQ capabilities?: Yes, the Crane Song Syren features built-in EQ, allowing for tonal shaping directly within the preamp.
What kind of sound can I expect from the Crane Song Syren?: The Crane Song Syren offers a warm, rich sound characteristic of tube preamps, enhancing audio with harmonic richness and depth.

Videos

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Production Expert

NAMM 2015: Dave Hill Audio Preview New 500 Series Syren, Insigna And Avocet II

Production Expert

Review / Test del preamplificador Crane Song Syren - Planeta Analogico

Planeta Analogico

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Crane Song Syren.

Use cases and applications

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The Crane Song Syren is highly regarded for bus duties, delivering excellent results without being genre-specific.
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Comparisons

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Users compare the Syren favorably to the Avedis MD7 for bus applications, noting its effectiveness with the jumper engaged.
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Users favor the CAPI VP28 over the API 512c, citing superior sound quality despite lower cost.
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The Great River MP-500NV preamp is noted for its massive sound and reasonable price, despite occupying two rack spaces.
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Features and functionality

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The lack of an output attenuator in the 512c limits its ability to be pushed without peaking converters.
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Setup and maintenance

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Issues with API Lunchbox power supply and customer support have been reported, including unhelpful guidance on resolving module issues.
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Mods and upgrades

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CAPI VP26 kits offer a cost-effective DIY option, with a significant price difference when self-assembled compared to pre-assembled units.
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Critic Reviews

soundonsound.com

The Crane Song Syren is a technically intriguing valve preamp that delivers a unique character to microphone and line-level sources. Its design by Dave Hill ensures a high-quality build with detailed sound, thanks to its wide frequency response. The intuitive controls and gain staging offer flexibility in sound sculpting, allowing for both warm and precise output. However, the lack of an OD LED for phantom power and the challenge in recreating exact sounds may deter some users. Despite this, the Syren excels in adding distinctive color, making it a valuable tool for those seeking character in their recordings.

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