Pricing and availability

Average Price: $3,730

High-end/Boutique

$599

$2000+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the meticulous craftsmanship and sonic clarity of the Tree Audio The Branch preamp, a staple in professional studios around the world. This all-tube channel strip delivers an unparalleled warmth and depth that analog enthusiasts crave, making it an essential component for capturing the true essence of any vocal or instrument performance. The Branch combines a handcrafted tube circuit with a versatile EQ section, ensuring your recordings boast both character and precision. Known for its reliability and robust build, it's the perfect choice for musicians and engineers who demand the highest quality in their audio production.

With its intuitive layout, The Branch offers a user-friendly experience without compromising on control or nuance. The inclusion of a custom Cinemag transformer further enhances the preamp’s ability to deliver pristine sound with a touch of vintage charm. Whether you're looking to add warmth to a vocal track or bring out the detail in an acoustic guitar, The Branch is your go-to tool for achieving a polished, professional sound.

Key Features:

  • All-tube signal path for exceptional warmth and clarity
  • Custom Cinemag transformer for enhanced sound quality
  • Versatile EQ section for precise tonal shaping
  • Handcrafted in the USA, ensuring top-notch build quality
  • Intuitive layout for easy operation and adjustment
  • Designed for professional studio use, offering reliability and durability
Sound On Sound magazine

Sound On Sound magazine

Tree Audio The Branch - AES 2013

Video thumbnail for Tree Audio The Branch - AES 2013 by Sound On Sound magazine

Tree Audio The Branch - AES 2013

Sound On Sound magazine

Sound On Sound magazine

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tree Audio The Branch.

Comparisons

  • The Tree Audio Branch 2 and Chandler Redd 47 are suggested for high-end audio recording, offering a luxury tier experience for vocal preamps.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the Neve 1073 clone over the UA M610 tube preamp for its more versatile sound.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Tree Audio Branch 2 lacks integrated ADC (USB), as most prosumer/pro-level preamps require a dedicated audio interface.

    Source
  • Tube preamps are favored for adding warmth and body to sterile digital recordings, especially for high-range vocals and wind instruments.

    Source

User experience

  • Although priced at $3k, some users suggest saving with more affordable options like the Grace Design m101 for a clean, detailed sound.

    Source
  • Owners are skeptical of tube preamps unless a specific tonal character is desired, often sticking with solid-state options like the Neve 511 or Capi vp28.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Tree Audio Branch 2 is recommended for high-end audio drama and voice recording in sound booths, emphasizing luxury sound quality.

    Source
  • The Tree Audio Branch 2 is visually appealing but lacks online audio demos, causing hesitation among potential buyers.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Tree Audio The Branch

soundonsound.com

Tree Audio's The Branch is a vintage-voiced valve channel strip that impresses with its outstanding sound quality and classic tube design. The all-valve signal path, featuring custom-wound transformers and a Vac Rac-derived optical compressor, delivers a big, open, and warm sound. The straightforward controls offer ease of use, while the EQ section enhances sound with a gentle touch. Despite a lack of a high-pass filter in the main signal path, The Branch stands out as a versatile and characterful recording channel. At its price point, it's considered a steal for professional setups, rivaling costlier alternatives.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Yannis Philippakis uses Tree Audio The Branch

Yannis Philippakis

Singer, Guitarist

Foals

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In the vocal chain, the preamps tended to be the Tree Audio Branch and the Chandler REDD 47, while various compressors were used

See how Lemaitre uses Tree Audio The Branch

Lemaitre

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Lemaitre shared this photo on Instagram with the caption, "Our rack. You don't need outboard gear, but it's fun playing with knobs." At the top of the rack, a Tree Audio The Branch can be seen.

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 Tree Audio The Branch, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
1
Shure SM7
Shure SM7 Dynamic Microphones
1

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