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Average Price: $900

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$100

$501+

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Description

Delve into the realm of sonic excellence with the PreSonus ADL 600, a collaboration that marries high-end studio quality with the warmth of vintage sound. Co-designed with the renowned Anthony DeMaria, this dual-channel, high-voltage tube preamp not only promises but delivers a crystal-clear tone that pays homage to the classic gear of yesteryears. The ADL 600 is not just about its stellar sound; it's about giving you control over your audio with switchable impedance and tunable high-pass filters, ensuring that every note you play or sing is captured with the precision and richness it deserves. Whether you're tracking vocals or adding that final touch to your mix, the ADL 600 elevates your music, blending the old-world charm with modern versatility.

Key Features:

  • Dual-channel, high-voltage tube preamp for unparalleled warmth and clarity
  • Co-designed with Anthony DeMaria for authentic vintage sound quality
  • Switchable impedance for optimal microphone compatibility
  • Tunable high-pass filters for precise control over your sound
  • Separate coarse and fine gain controls to dial in the perfect amount of drive
  • Line operation mode for enhancing your mixes with a tube-driven warmth

Product specs

Brand PreSonus
Model ADL 600 2-Channel Tube Preamp
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Microphone Preamps

FAQs

What type of design does the PreSonus ADL 600 preamp use?

The PreSonus ADL 600 features a high-voltage Class A dual-transformer design, which is known for delivering warm, rich sound with high headroom and low distortion.

How much gain does the PreSonus ADL 600 provide?

The PreSonus ADL 600 offers over 73dB of gain, making it suitable for amplifying a wide range of microphone and instrument signals, from delicate vocals to dynamic instruments.

What inputs does the PreSonus ADL 600 preamp support?

The PreSonus ADL 600 supports microphone (XLR), instrument (1/4"), and line (XLR) inputs, providing flexibility for various recording setups and sources.

Does the PreSonus ADL 600 have a high-pass filter?

Yes, the PreSonus ADL 600 includes a variable high-pass filter, allowing you to reduce low-frequency noise and rumble in your recordings.

Can you adjust the input impedance on the PreSonus ADL 600?

The PreSonus ADL 600 features selectable microphone input impedance, enabling you to match the preamp to different microphones for optimal performance.

What metering options are available on the PreSonus ADL 600?

The PreSonus ADL 600 is equipped with both analog VU meters and fast-acting LED metering, providing precise visual feedback of your signal levels.

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Presonus ADL600 Tube Mic Pre Records Acoustic Guitars, Amazing Studio Recording

Video thumbnail for Presonus ADL600 Tube Mic Pre Records Acoustic Guitars, Amazing Studio Recording by soundpurestudios

Presonus ADL600 Tube Mic Pre Records Acoustic Guitars, Amazing Studio Recording

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for PreSonus ADL-600 And Its Highly Capable Front Panel by gearwire

PreSonus ADL-600 And Its Highly Capable Front Panel

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for PreSonus ADL600 Tube Mic Preamp by Parts Express

PreSonus ADL600 Tube Mic Preamp

Parts Express

Parts Express

Video thumbnail for PreSonus ADL 600 ~ The Mystery Revealed by E. T.'s Omniverse

PreSonus ADL 600 ~ The Mystery Revealed

E. T.'s Omniverse

E. T.'s Omniverse

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tube preamp with huge headroom and bottom end

  • Remarkably clean output with no noise, even in comparison to other high-end preamps

  • Unique design by renowned engineers Forssell and Delmaria

  • Versatile, excels on a wide range of sources from vocals to instruments

  • Provides subtle tube compression when pushed

  • Enhances sources with fullness and richness without adding color

  • High-quality line inputs and DI, especially notable on bass

  • 90dB of gain offering extensive headroom

  • Features accurate VU meters, stepped knobs for precision, and essential switches (phase, 48v phantom power, -20dB pad)

  • Adds a desirable amount of warmth and sonic character

CONS

  • Now only available used, making it harder to acquire

  • Might not suit those seeking a very dark or bright preamp sound

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PreSonus ADL 600.

Comparisons

  • The PreSonus ADL 600 is highly regarded for acoustic instruments, outperforming other preamps in the same price range, particularly for recording acoustic guitars, drums, and vocals.

    Source
  • The ADL 600 is considered a strong alternative to the Neve MPB when cost and function are taken into account.

    Source
  • The API 2500 compressor is favored over the Neve MPB for master bus duties, noted for its essential role in mixing setups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The PreSonus ADL 600 is praised as a quality tube preamp for capturing kinetic energy in vocals and guitar tracking, fitting well in rock/electronic setups.

    Source
  • The Tascam M320, while not universally praised, is appreciated for its quiet operation and punchy, thick drum tracking capabilities.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's recommended for avoiding tape pumping when tracking vocals, suggesting its reliability in maintaining audio integrity.

    Source
  • The Audioscape EQP-1 is recommended alongside 1176 compressors for tracking vocals, particularly to prevent tape pumping.

    Source

User experience

  • It's noted that the ADL 600 performs well in diverse studio environments, adding versatility to professional and project studios alike.

    Source
  • Owners who mix ITB prefer capturing distinct tonal flavors during tracking, then using 2-track comp or tape for mastering to ease recall issues.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some users find Neve MPB overpriced, suggesting that its cost outweighs its functional benefits for certain setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

PreSonus: ADL 600 tube preamp | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The PreSonus ADL 600 is a tube preamp that shines in usability and sound quality, thanks to its collaboration with Anthony DeMaria. Its intuitive design, with clear controls and versatile impedance settings, makes it user-friendly for quick setup. The sound is notably clear and bright, outperforming some vintage models in capturing acoustic details. While it may not extract every nuance like some high-end competitors, it holds its own in most scenarios, adding pleasant harmonics and slight grit when desired. The line-input feature is a handy bonus for modern digital workflows. Overall, it's a reliable choice for both studio veterans and those looking to elevate their recording gear.

positive

Review: PreSonus ADL 600 — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

The PreSonus ADL 600 mic preamp impresses with its vintage tonality and high gain output, making it ideal for capturing warm, rich recordings. Its stepped gain control and variable impedance offer precise tonal sculpting, while the low noise floor ensures clarity. Although the XLR-only line inputs and flashy blue lights may not suit everyone, the ADL 600’s performance justifies its price, standing out as a high-end investment without breaking the bank. An excellent choice for those seeking natural yet characterful sound.

positive

Field Test: PreSonus ADL 600 High-Voltage Tube Preamp

mixonline.com

The PreSonus ADL 600 impresses with its vintage-like tube sound, offering a lush tonal character that excels with miked electric guitar and broadens mids for a warm, analog-like mix. While it shines in certain applications, its distinctive coloration means it doesn't flatter all instruments equally. The highpass filter aids in sculpting sound, though the unit could benefit from more top-end sparkle on vocals. LED meters can be hard to read, but at $2,295, it's a solid choice for tube gear enthusiasts seeking a unique tonal palette.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
chris_hare

Tube heaven

Great preamp. Makes anything you plug into sound amazing. 5 stars.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Bootsy Collins uses PreSonus ADL 600

Bootsy Collins

Singer, Bassist

Funkadelic

...
Verified via Photo

Two are visible in this January 21, 2018 Facebook post.

See how Justin Timberlake uses PreSonus ADL 600

Justin Timberlake

Keyboardist, Guitarist

All Star Tribute

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for the vocals on "SexyBack", as stated by mix engineer Jimmy Douglass in this July 2007 Sound on Sound interview.

Lead vocals: Universal Audio 1176, MXR flanger, Izotope *Trash*

"The signal chain for Justin's vocals was an Audio-Technica 4060 mic, into a Presonus ADL600 mic pre, and then a Universal Audio 1176 limiter. I normally use the U87 for recording vocals, but I was curious about the AT and I had both mics in front of Justin. The effects I used on his vocals seemed to work better with the AT. I used the U87 on Timbaland's vocals and went straight into the desk. I like using the Neve VR mic pre. It's a little crunchy, it's not quite the 1072 or 1073, but it works.

"Justin then said 'Man, can you put some effect on the vocal? Something crazy, like a distorted kind of thing?' So I put the Trash plug-in on [Izotope's distortion, filter, delay and amplifier modelling plug-in]. I just happened to have it. To give you my exact settings would be silly. But I'll give you one clue: it wasn't something that I worked really hard to get. Just by using the plug-in the setting almost came up.

"The Trash plug-in wasn't the only thing I used on the lead vocals. I also had an outboard MXR flanger on it. Plus there was an outboard compressor, the Urei 1176. I used the same three effects on Timbaland's vocals, just less than on Justin's. But you can hear the flanger and compressor acting in the spaces, like just before Justin sings 'dirty baby'. There's no hiding it, and it creates a whole other dimension of sound."

Backing vocals: MXR flanger, Digidesign Impact, Sound Toys Filter Freak, Celemony Melodyne, Waves Q10, Metaflanger and Renaissance Reverb, Pultec EQ

"The backing vocals are all Justin. I'd say it's about 12 tracks, three-part harmony. I'm sure I used the MXR flanger on this as well, and also the Impact plug-in, which is supposed to simulate the SSL board compressor. I wanted to really hit it hard, with an attack-y kind of sound that releases really quickly. I also used the Filter Freak plug-in, which is great, and Melodyne, Metaflanger, the Waves Q10 EQ, the Pultec EQP1A and the Rverb [Renaissance Reverb] plug-ins. Rverb is not a great reverb, but I like it, because it's low-grade. The weird backing vox effects are a combination of things, and I have no idea how I did what."

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use PreSonus ADL 600, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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