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Description
Elevate your studio recordings with the sleek and versatile PreSonus Studio Channel Tube Channel Strip. This powerhouse integrates a Class A tube preamplifier, a VCA compressor, and a 3-band parametric EQ into one compact, rack-mountable unit. Ideal for capturing the essence of vocals, acoustic instruments, and more, the Studio Channel ensures that your projects resonate with clarity, warmth, and depth. Whether you're looking to inject lush, tube-driven warmth into your tracks or seeking precise tonal control, this channel strip offers unparalleled flexibility to shape your sound.
The heart of the Studio Channel lies in its high-output 12AX7 tube preamplifier, offering an expansive palette from crystalline clarity to rich, harmonic saturation. Combined with dynamic control from the VCA compressor, and detailed sculpting via the 3-band parametric EQ, your recordings will leap from your speakers with professional-grade fidelity and character. Not just a tool for great sound, its robust, all-metal construction promises durability in the most demanding studio environments. Connect with confidence using gold-plated XLR and 1/4" TRS connectors, ensuring every session is captured with the utmost integrity. Dive into a world where premium sound quality meets creative versatility with the PreSonus Studio Channel.
Key Features:
- Class A tube preamplifier with 12AX7 tube for rich, harmonic warmth
- VCA compressor for dynamic control, featuring adjustable threshold, ratio, attack, release, and gain makeup
- 3-band parametric EQ for precise tonal shaping, with variable Q control and +/-15dB of boost/cut per band
- Dual gain and tube drive controls, offering a spectrum of sound from clean to saturated
- Auto-attack feature on compressor for optimal settings on various sources
- Precision analog VU meter for monitoring gain reduction and output levels
- EQ Pre/Post compressor switch for flexible signal routing
- 80Hz highpass filter and 20dB pad for enhanced input signal management
- Phase invert switch for phase correction
- Rugged metal chassis for durability
- High-headroom, ultra-low-noise design for pristine audio capture
Owner's manual
PreSonus Studio Channel Tube Channel Strip User ManualProduct specs
| Preamp Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| EQ | Yes |
| Compressor | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz-50kHz |
| Analog Inputs | 1 x XLR (Mic), 1 x 1/4" (Line) |
| Analog Outputs | 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" |
| Rack Spaces | 1U |
| Power Source | AC Adapter (included) |
| Height | 1.75" |
| Depth | 5.5" |
| Width | 19" |
| Weight | 5 lbs. |
FAQs
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What features does the PreSonus Studio Channel Tube Channel Strip offer?
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The PreSonus Studio Channel Tube Channel Strip includes a tube preamp, a VCA-based compressor, and a 3-band EQ, making it versatile for shaping your sound. It also offers phantom power for condenser microphones and has a frequency response of 10Hz-50kHz.
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Is the PreSonus Studio Channel suitable for both vocals and instruments?
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Yes, the PreSonus Studio Channel is designed for both vocal and instrument applications, thanks to its tube preamp and comprehensive EQ and compression features, providing warmth and clarity to your recordings.
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Can the PreSonus Studio Channel Tube Channel Strip be used in a rack setup?
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Yes, the PreSonus Studio Channel is designed to fit into a standard 19-inch rack space, occupying 1U of space, making it ideal for studio rack setups.
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Does the PreSonus Studio Channel include phantom power for condenser microphones?
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Yes, the PreSonus Studio Channel provides phantom power, allowing you to use condenser microphones that require external power.
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What are the input and output options on the PreSonus Studio Channel?
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The PreSonus Studio Channel features 1 XLR input for microphones, 1/4" input for line-level signals, and outputs include 1 XLR and 1/4" for connecting to other audio equipment.
Videos
SoundsAndGear
Presonus Studio Channel vacuum tube mic preamp review
Presonus Studio Channel vacuum tube mic preamp review
SoundsAndGear
PreSonus Studio Channel Tube Channel Strip, Preamp, EQ, Compressor Overview | Full Compass
Full Compass
PreSonus Studio Channel Tube Preamp Review
RecordingStudio9.com
PreSonus Studio Channel Microphone Preamp - PreSonus Studio Channel
American Musical Supply
Presonus Studio Channel | On The Mix
Soundcast Studios
PreSonus Studio Channel Review - Is This A Good Option for Home and Project Studios?
askdrtk
PreSonus Studio Channel Tube Preamplifier, Compressor, Equalizer
Beyond Soup by Jaed Arzadon
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional warmth, headroom, presence, clarity, and punch
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Versatile compressor with soft knee operation and order switching
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Tube drive adds dimension and brings sound alive
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Easy and impactful tube replacement for customization
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Solid build quality and sturdy controls
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Multiple routing options (EQ before compressor, etc.)
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Enhances a wide range of sources: vocals, guitars, bass
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Built-in EQ offers significant tonal flexibility
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Noticeable improvement in signal quality even with budget microphones
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Provides professional-grade sound at an affordable price
CONS
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Stock tube quality is subpar, benefits from replacement
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Compressor described as "a bit flat" by some users
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Lack of a ground lift switch can introduce grounding issues
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Minor circuit construction and labeling issues noted
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Input/output signal returns wired to frame, complicating setup
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PreSonus Studio Channel Tube Channel Strip.
Features and functionality
Comparisons
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Unlike many tube pres, the Studio Channel's separate tube drive control offers unique saturation handling compared to standard input gain adjustments.
Source -
Users compare the PreSonus Studio Channel to the DBX286s, noting the former lacks an expander/gate but offers a true parametric EQ and tube sound.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Some users prefer using the Studio Channel with instruments like bass guitars for a clean tone with mild harmonic enhancement.
Source -
The PreSonus Studio Channel is favored for non-DAW hardware processing in live broadcast situations, where its tube characteristics might enhance vocal presence.
Source
User experience
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Owners note that increased tube drive can result in harsher mid frequencies, suggesting careful adjustment or post-processing EQ for optimal warmth.
Source -
Owners debating between tube and solid-state preamps often find the subtle differences less noticeable in compressed streaming environments like YouTube or Twitch.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 14 Ratings
612
This is a great tube-preamp for the price, but much better when modified!
Because of a saxophone's sonic and harmonic fidelity, it absolutely/positively HAS to be run from a good condenser mic thru a decent studio-grade tube-preamp for optimum sound quality when you are recording, but (as we all know) good tube-pre's are not very price-friendly.
The Studio Channel ended-up being the tube-amp of choice for me because: 1) of the its initial low cost "as-is", 2) it has great sounding onboard EQ and compression, but most of all 3) it is "easily upgradable" from what it actually is. I give it 4-stars "as-is" from PreSonus, because it does have a few minor issues (circuit construction, mislabeled AC adapter voltage, low-grade tube).
The easiest (noticable) ugrade is to replace the stock AX tube yourself with a good quality Tung-Sol ECC803s 12AX7 Gold Pin or Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7. However, the best upgrade available (and I recommend) is a full component, power supply, and op-amp mod/upgrade performed by Revive Audio, ...after which the unit rivals studio preamps costing 4-times or more the price.
314
Climb Aboard !
A buddy who is a pro recordist hipped me to these; he sort of said "You need a Studio Channel" I was like "What, now ???" For pretty cheap you get tube and solid state drive, compression, and really usable EQ. Theres low pass/high pass; switchable phase, and ground lift all on the front along with phantom power, and you can go I&O either xlr or 1/4" or any mix of. If you need some front end for recording but your not trying to start a studio THIS is THE box...
269
extremely versatile
picked up one of these and i got a lot more out of this box than i was expecting. super flexible with a fairly large pallet for tone shaping. things like tube saturation, vca compression, and para-eq make a worlds difference tracking (especially paired with other outboard units).
for around $300, this is definitely worth the price and will give you a nice taste of analog workflow and sound quality.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
auto release on a vocal is like magic.
214
Lots of bang for the bucks! I found plug-ins that are better but great outboard gear especially for bass guitar.
Power switch is on the back of the gear which can be difficult to get to when its in a rack.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Favorite settings are sometimes subject to your clients tastes and thats perfectly ok with me. I can only advise, we all have opinions and you know what that means! We all have one.
Artist usage
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Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use PreSonus Studio Channel Tube Channel Strip, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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