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Description

Experience the PreSonus Bluetube DP, a versatile preamp that harmoniously blends solid-state clarity with tube warmth, giving you the best of both worlds for your studio recordings. This dual-path preamp offers two distinct sonic flavors, making it a must-have for any musician or audio engineer who craves flexibility and character in their sound. With its dual path technology, you can easily switch between a transparent solid-state preamp and a richly warm tube preamp, allowing for a wide palette of tones.

Ideal for both microphones and instruments, the Bluetube DP is packed with features to enhance your recordings. Whether you're capturing the subtle nuances of a condenser mic or the raw power of an electric guitar, this preamp handles it all with finesse. The front-panel controls include an adjustable Tube Drive circuit, letting you dial in just the right amount of tube warmth. Plus, the illuminated analog VU meters provide easy visual monitoring, ensuring your levels are always spot on.

Loaded with practical features like phantom power, a 20dB pad, and an 80Hz bass roll-off filter, the Bluetube DP is ready to tackle any recording challenge. Its high headroom and low-noise performance make it a reliable choice for project studios looking to elevate their sound without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

  • Dual-path technology for solid-state and tube preamp options
  • Adjustable Tube Drive circuit for customizable warmth
  • Illuminated analog VU meters for easy level monitoring
  • XLR and 1/4" High-Z Neutrik input combo connectors
  • Balanced XLR and 1/4" TS Neutrik output connectors
  • 20dB pad and 80Hz filter on each channel
  • Polarity reverse switch
  • High headroom, Class A gain stage

Product specs

Brand PreSonus
Model Bluetube
Finish Silver
Year 2010s
Categories Microphone Preamps

FAQs

What type of tubes are used in the PreSonus Bluetube DP preamp?

The PreSonus Bluetube DP utilizes 12AX7 vacuum tubes, which are known for adding warmth and character to your audio signals, making it ideal for enhancing vocals and instruments.

Can the PreSonus Bluetube DP be used with both microphones and instruments?

Yes, the PreSonus Bluetube DP is designed to work with both microphones and instruments, featuring dual-path preamps that accommodate a wide range of audio sources.

Does the PreSonus Bluetube DP offer phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the PreSonus Bluetube DP provides +48V phantom power, which is essential for powering condenser microphones.

How does the PreSonus Bluetube DP affect the tonal quality of recordings?

The Bluetube DP adds tube warmth and saturation to recordings, enhancing the tonal quality by providing a richer, fuller sound that is often sought after in both vocal and instrumental recordings.

Is the PreSonus Bluetube DP suitable for home studio use?

Absolutely, the PreSonus Bluetube DP is compact and user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for home studios looking to add professional-grade preamplification to their setup.

LastStopReviews

LastStopReviews

PreSonus BlueTube Dual-Path PreAmplifier Review

Video thumbnail for PreSonus BlueTube Dual-Path PreAmplifier Review by LastStopReviews

PreSonus BlueTube Dual-Path PreAmplifier Review

LastStopReviews

LastStopReviews

Video thumbnail for Presonus BlueTube V2 Review by The Beat Kultr

Presonus BlueTube V2 Review

The Beat Kultr

The Beat Kultr

Video thumbnail for PreSonus Bluetube v2 preamp demo. Samples of acoustic and vocals with and with out preamp. by Music for mental health

PreSonus Bluetube v2 preamp demo. Samples of acoustic and vocals with and with out preamp.

Music for mental health

Music for mental health

Video thumbnail for BlueTube DP v2 Preamp Setup by Lensrentals

BlueTube DP v2 Preamp Setup

Lensrentals

Lensrentals

Video thumbnail for PreSonus BlueTube DP V2 2 - Ján Rau by Ján Rau

PreSonus BlueTube DP V2 2 - Ján Rau

Ján Rau

Ján Rau

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners suggest trying NOS tubes from eBay for improved performance, as newer tubes may not last as long or work as well.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Presonus BlueTube DP is preferred over the Behringer Ultragain Pro MIC2200 for its perceived better quality and individual tube channels.

    Source
  • The PreSonus Eureka is noted for its versatility and rack-mount feature, with potential to find two within budget if bought used, offering more functionality than standalone pres.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite Behringer's reputation for poor durability, some users find value in low-cost, used purchases like the Ultragain Pro MIC2200.

    Source
  • Owners have reported that the PreSonus BlueTube DP remains reliable even after heavy use, indicating robust build quality despite its budget-friendly price.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Presonus BlueTube DP is appreciated for vocal and instrument mics, and for boosting DI box output to line level.

    Source
  • The Presonus BlueTube DP has been used effectively in portable recording rigs for vocals, emphasizing its practicality and suitability for mobile setups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Presonus TubePre Mono Tube Preamp, a similar product to the BlueTube DP, is described as having a slightly enhanced tube sound due to newer design tweaks.

    Source

Critic Reviews

PreSonus Blue Tube DP

soundonsound.com

For budget-conscious studio users, the PreSonus BlueTube DP offers a versatile mic/instrument preamp with a mix of solid-state clarity and tube warmth. Its sleek design and essential features, like phantom power and a low-cut filter, make it a practical choice. While its tube sound isn't as refined as high-voltage designs and requires careful handling on vocals, it still adds a creative touch. Overall, it's a solid performer at an attractive price, though a bit more gain would be welcomed.

positive

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

tapeop.com

The PreSonus Bluetube DP impresses as a budget-friendly mic preamp, lauded for its versatility and remarkable quietness at high gain levels, particularly benefiting recordings with low-output dynamic mics. The tube drive feature stands out, offering a range from subtle enhancements to full-blown distortion, effective in adding character to mixes. It shines in its adaptability across different recording scenarios, though caution is advised with high-end artifacts at extreme settings. The ability to change the vacuum tube for varied tonal qualities is a notable plus, reflecting PreSonus's thoughtful design even in their entry-level offerings. Overall, it's a strong contender in its price range, especially for those seeking both functionality and creative flexibility.

positive

3.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
xaqary

Meh. It's so-so

Really nothing too spectacular. I actually don't use it at all anymore unless I am recording to my Tascam 388 & I need more tracks w/ phantom power & exhaust my other 1st pick pres because the 388 doesn't have phantom power. That said I paid $70 bucks for it & it does get the job done. Building out my front end is definitely one of my top priorities and that'll start w/ more preamps so this one likely won't be around much longer.

The "tube" part of this implies some nice harmonics if you push it & yeah, it does that kinda except the sweet spot is super small & if you go over it? Really not a musical sound at all. I suppose it could be used for heavily coloring of a source. Maybe I'll be inclined to try that at some point.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jack Conte uses PreSonus Bluetube DP

Jack Conte

Guitarist, Music Producer

Pomplamoose

...
Verified via YouTube

In this 2008 Jack Conte music video, some shots show a blue Presonus box in the background. Although text on the box is rather illegible, it looks like the small text says "Two Channel Microphone/Instrument Preamp", which matches the original BlueTube Dual Path box. Just to be sure, I checked a manual of the BlueTube DP V2 which appears to have made its release in 2012. The original released in 2004 so that confirms Jack owns the original product.

See how KayKay uses PreSonus Bluetube DP

KayKay

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4:25, Kay shows her Avalon 737sp and her Presonus BlueTube.

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 PreSonus Bluetube DP, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Akai MPC 2000XL
Akai MPC 2000XL Production & Groove
1
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Yamaha MX49 Synthesizers
1
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E-Mu Proteus 2000 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
Roland MV-8000
Roland MV-8000 Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
1
Akai MPC60
Akai MPC60 Production & Groove
1
ADAM Audio A8X Powered Studio Monitor
ADAM Audio A8X Powered Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
1

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