Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "SPL Gainstation 1". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Elevate your studio recordings with the SPL Gainstation 1, a powerhouse preamp designed for the discerning audiophile and professional musician alike. This versatile unit offers high-quality Class A micro and instrument preamplification that ensures your sound is nothing short of pristine. With its unique blend of solid-state and tube technology, you can seamlessly transition from the clean transparency of transistors to the warm saturation of tubes, tailoring your sound to perfection.

The Gainstation 1 doesn't just stop at flexibility; it delivers performance with a stunning 125 dB dynamic range and 30 dB of gain, giving you the headroom needed for any recording scenario. The switchable input impedances and adjustable high-pass filter offer further customization, making it adaptable to any microphone or instrument you throw its way. Plus, the peak limiter ensures your recordings stay distortion-free, no matter how dynamic the session gets.

For those who require portability without sacrificing quality, the Gainstation 1 stands out as an ideal choice for mobile recording. Its robust build and thoughtful design features, like 48 V phantom power and linear frequency response up to 200 kHz, ensure that your sound remains consistent and clear wherever you are.

Key Features:

  • High-quality Class A micro and instrument preamp
  • 60 V technology
  • 125 dB dynamic range with 30 dB gain
  • Separately adjustable solid-state and tube preamps
  • Peak limiter
  • Switchable input impedances: 200 Ohm, 1.2 kOhm, and 10 kOhm
  • Adjustable high-pass filter: 12 dB / 50 Hz
  • 48 V phantom power
  • Frequency response linear up to 200 kHz
  • Ideal for mobile use

Owner's manual

SPL Gainstation 1 User Manual

Product specs

Available since June 2003
Channels 1
Number of microphone inputs 1
Instrument input Yes
Tubes Yes
Compressor/Limiter Yes
Equalizer No
De-Esser No
Phantom power Yes
Phase Reverse Yes
External effect loops No
Analogue Outputs XLR, jack
Digitale Outputs Optional
Headphone connection No
Level Meter Yes
Design Desktop

FAQs

What type of inputs does the SPL Gainstation 1 offer?

The SPL Gainstation 1 features one microphone input and an instrument input, making it suitable for recording both vocals and instruments.

Does the SPL Gainstation 1 include a compressor or limiter?

Yes, the SPL Gainstation 1 includes a built-in compressor/limiter, allowing you to control dynamics directly from the preamp.

Can the SPL Gainstation 1 provide phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the SPL Gainstation 1 offers phantom power, making it compatible with condenser microphones that require it.

Is the SPL Gainstation 1 suitable for both studio and live performance settings?

The SPL Gainstation 1 is primarily designed for studio use with its desktop design, but its robust features can also be beneficial in live performance settings.

What are the output options available on the SPL Gainstation 1?

The SPL Gainstation 1 provides analogue outputs via XLR and jack, with optional digital outputs for versatile connectivity in recording setups.

purewaveaudio

purewaveaudio

SPL Gainstation 1 & 8 Preamplifier Review with Samples

Video thumbnail for SPL Gainstation 1 & 8 Preamplifier Review with Samples by purewaveaudio

SPL Gainstation 1 & 8 Preamplifier Review with Samples

purewaveaudio

purewaveaudio

Video thumbnail for SPL Gainstation1 vs Rupert Neve Designs 517 preamp shooting by A Records.Studio

SPL Gainstation1 vs Rupert Neve Designs 517 preamp shooting

A Records.Studio

A Records.Studio

Video thumbnail for #13 SPL Gain Station1  model 2272 - Valve Preamplifier Audio - Live Original Test Audio. by GTEK LAB TECHNOLOGIES   TELECOMMUNICATION

#13 SPL Gain Station1 model 2272 - Valve Preamplifier Audio - Live Original Test Audio.

GTEK LAB TECHNOLOGIES   TELECOMMUNICATION

GTEK LAB TECHNOLOGIES TELECOMMUNICATION

Reviews

PROS

  • Clear sound quality

  • Easy to switch between transistor and tube circuitry

  • Versatile with hybrid preamp features (separate transistor, tube, and output gain control)

  • Includes useful studio features like parallel output jack and FET limiter

  • Offers a range of sound colors due to hybrid design

  • Provides options for impedance levels, HPF, phantom power, and phase reverse

  • User-friendly operation

  • Solid and good build quality

  • Suitable for both studio and live stage use

CONS

  • Initial learning curve for optimal level setting

  • Potentiometers (pots) may produce crackling noise

  • Tends to heat up significantly during use

Critic Reviews

Field Test: SPL GainStation 1 Mic Preamp

mixonline.com

The SPL GainStation 1 is a powerhouse of sound versatility, combining solid-state and tube preamps for a wide tonal palette. Its exceptional gain capabilities and features like a dual-mode analog limiter make it a standout choice for those seeking dynamic sound control. While the rear panel's inconvenient jack placements can be a minor hassle, the unit's impressive sound quality—clear highs, rich mids, and robust bass—compensates well. The threshold settings for the limiter might be higher than some would prefer, but overall, this mic preamp offers superb audio sculpting options, making it a top choice for serious audiophiles.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More SPL Preamps

SPL Goldmike 9844

$469.00 - $477.66

# 45

Rank

 
SPL Goldmike MK2

$1,699.00 - $2,499.00

 
 
Avalon VT-737SP

$1,652.95 - $4,199.00

# 1

Rank

Matthew Bellamy Skrillex Ed Sheeran
106 artists using
API 512c

$841.75 - $977.00

# 2

Rank

Kevin Parker Jack White Ray Toro
32 artists using
AMS Neve 1073

$3,399.80 - $4,115.00

# 4

Rank

Kevin Parker Billie Joe Armstrong John Mayer
86 artists using
Focusrite ISA One

$515.00 - $699.99

# 5

Rank

Mac DeMarco Lil Peep Bonobo
10 artists using
Universal Audio 4-710D

$1,750.00 - $1,999.00

# 6

Rank

Ray Toro Dijon Oneohtrix Point Never
10 artists using
AMS Neve 1073LB

$947.11 - $1,285.00

# 7

Rank

Chris Martin Lorn Manny Marroquin
14 artists using
Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre

$333.00 - $464.00

# 8

Rank

Chris Cornell James Taylor Masaru Teramae
11 artists using
AMS Neve 1073DPA

$1,890.00 - $2,830.00

# 9

Rank

Avicii Steven Wilson Matt Berry
12 artists using
Rupert Neve Designs 511

$777.00 - $849.00

# 10

Rank

Josh Dun Bibio Vance Powell
4 artists using
Warm Audio WA73-EQ

$599.99 - $899.00

# 11

Rank

George Clanton Josh Turner nothing,nowhere.
6 artists using
Focusrite ISA 828

$2,299.00 - $3,499.99

# 12

Rank

The Edge Chris Wolstenholme Jacob Collier
8 artists using
AMS Neve 1073 SPX Preamp / EQ

$1,699.00 - $2,095.00

# 13

Rank

Geddy Lee Keshi Andy Morin
9 artists using
Focusrite OctoPre MkII

 

# 14

Rank

Kevin Parker Brian Eno Ulrich Wild
5 artists using
Focusrite ISA Two

$795.00 - $999.99

# 15

Rank

Frank Ocean Yuki Kajiura Sick Individuals
3 artists using
ART Tube MP

$45.00 - $129.99

# 18

Rank

Mac McCaughan Tobin Sprout Andre .S
5 artists using
Audient ASP880

$800.00 - $1,799.99

# 20

Rank

Tim Henson Alex Rüdinger Simon (Deceiver)
4 artists using
Art Tube MP Project Series

$145.99 - $169.00

# 22

Rank

mndsgn James Petralli Mirrored Theory
3 artists using
Great River ME-1NV MIC PREAMP

$1,150.00 - $1,500.00

# 23

Rank

Matt Didemus Andy Schichter
2 artists using
ART Pro MPA II

$492.00 - $579.00

# 24

Rank

Josh Turner Ivan Julian Zac Tiessen
3 artists using
Vintech Audio X73i

$1,200.00 - $1,375.00

# 26

Rank

Joe Bonamassa Kashiwabara Yuzuru Headscan
3 artists using
See also: Preamps, SPL, SPL Preamps

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides