Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $3,091

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Retro Instruments Powerstrip". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the sonic magic of vintage tube gear with the Retro Instruments Powerstrip, an all-in-one channel strip that brings the warmth and character of classic recording consoles to your studio. This 2U rackmount unit is a powerhouse, combining a Class-A preamp inspired by iconic RCA designs, a Pultec-style passive EQ, and a legendary British variable-mu compressor. Whether you're recording vocals, guitars, or even direct-inject bass lines, the Powerstrip delivers stunning depth and dimension, making it an indispensable tool for any recording rig.

The Powerstrip's microphone preamplifier offers transformer-coupled Class A circuitry with ample gain for any mic, ensuring pristine audio capture and offering a balanced line-level input for seamless integration. Its Pultec-style EQ provides authentic tonal shaping with customizable frequency boosts and cuts, allowing for precise sonic sculpting. Engage the British-style tube compressor to add smooth, musical compression that enhances mix cohesion without muddying your sound.

Beyond its technical prowess, the Retro Instruments Powerstrip is designed for ease of use, with a front-panel instrument jack and intuitive controls for immediate sound manipulation. Craft your sound with the power of handmade, high-stability components, all housed in a durable steel chassis that promises longevity and reliability.

Key Features:

  • Transformer-coupled Class A tube microphone preamp with phantom power
  • Pultec-style passive EQ with classic frequency settings
  • British-style variable-mu tube compressor with selectable attack/release time constants
  • Front panel 1/4" instrument input and rear panel XLR mic/line inputs
  • Fully floating transformer-balanced I/O to minimize noise
  • Hand-crafted in Retro's Northern California factory for exceptional build quality

Product specs

Preamp Type Tube
Number of Channels 1
Phantom Power Yes
EQ Yes
Compressor Yes
Analog Inputs 1 x 1/4", 2 x XLR
Analog Outputs 1 x 1/4" (Hi-Z), 1 x 1/4" (Thru), 1 x XLR
Rack Spaces 2U
Height 3.5"
Width 19"

FAQs

What are the main features of the Retro Instruments Powerstrip?

The Retro Instruments Powerstrip combines a tube preamp, Pultec-style EQ, and a British tube compressor in one 2U rack unit, delivering a classic vintage studio sound.

Does the Retro Instruments Powerstrip provide phantom power?

Yes, the Retro Instruments Powerstrip includes phantom power, allowing you to use it with condenser microphones.

How many channels does the Retro Instruments Powerstrip have?

The Retro Instruments Powerstrip features a single channel, making it ideal for processing individual tracks with high-quality tube sound.

What type of inputs and outputs does the Retro Instruments Powerstrip offer?

The Powerstrip provides 1 x 1/4" and 2 x XLR inputs, along with 1 x 1/4" (Hi-Z), 1 x 1/4" (Thru), and 1 x XLR outputs for versatile connectivity options.

Is the Retro Instruments Powerstrip suitable for vocal recording?

Yes, the Retro Instruments Powerstrip is well-suited for vocal recording, offering a tube preamp, EQ, and compressor to enhance vocal tracks with warmth and clarity.

Vintage King

Vintage King

Retro Instruments Powerstrip @ AES 2011 | VintageKing.com

Video thumbnail for Retro Instruments Powerstrip @ AES 2011 | VintageKing.com by Vintage King

Retro Instruments Powerstrip @ AES 2011 | VintageKing.com

Vintage King

Vintage King

Video thumbnail for Retro Instruments Powerstrip | VintageKing.com by Vintage King

Retro Instruments Powerstrip | VintageKing.com

Vintage King

Vintage King

Video thumbnail for Retro Instruments Retro Powerstrip Tube Channel Strip Overview by Sweetwater by Sweetwater

Retro Instruments Retro Powerstrip Tube Channel Strip Overview by Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Retro Powerstrip Sound Demo by Cdel TV

Retro Powerstrip Sound Demo

Cdel TV

Cdel TV

Video thumbnail for RETRO Powerstrip Channel Strip Compressor @ ZenPro Audio by ZenProAudio

RETRO Powerstrip Channel Strip Compressor @ ZenPro Audio

ZenProAudio

ZenProAudio

Reviews

PROS

  • Produces smooth, beautiful, and euphonic sound quality

  • Noise-free preamp with tons of gain and immersive detail

  • EQ is amazingly smooth, never harsh

  • Compressor works perfectly on many sources with few controls

  • Military-grade hardware, flexible for tracking and mixing

  • Enhances everything it records (vocals, guitar, bass DI) beautifully

  • High headroom, very clean like good tube gear

  • Pultec EQ emulation is spot-on, low end boost/cut trick effective

  • Makes users fall in love with their mic collection again

  • Solid, sexy design with an aesthetic appeal

CONS

  • High cost could be daunting for some budgets

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Retro Instruments Powerstrip.

Comparisons

  • The AudioScape LA-2A is noted for its unique tube sound, which is reportedly harder to replicate in software compared to the 1176, which is easier to model digitally.

    Source
  • Hairball Audio's Bluestripe 1176 is favored over other clones, including UA's, for its authentic vintage vibe, particularly praised in vocal applications.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Changing the opto cell in Klark Teknik compressors can significantly improve performance, with some users suggesting a 30% enhancement in sound quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The LA-2A is preferred for softer vocals, providing a pleasant tube saturation effect, while the 1176 excels with harder vocals due to its reaction to heavier transients.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Retro Instruments Powerstrip is highlighted for its RS124-like compressor with a sidechain filter, noted for its smoothness on vocals, especially female vocals.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Aphex Twin uses Retro Instruments Powerstrip

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

Mike & Rich

...
Verified via Photo

Also on the extensive official Syro gear list is the Retro Instruments Powerstrip, which is a pre-amp EQ, DI and Compressor.

See how Devendra Banhart uses Retro Instruments Powerstrip

Devendra Banhart

Guitarist, Singer

Megapuss

...
Verified via Photo

In the image taken from the making-of short film of 'Mala' a Retro Instruments Powerstrip can be clearly seen in his rack.

It might be assumed that Devendra uses it as a preamp before going into his soundcard/convertor/computer.

Album Usage

The Retro Instruments Powerstrip has been featured on the following albums:

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 Retro Instruments Powerstrip, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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