PreSonus Studio Channel - Tube Channel Strip Preamp / Comp / EQ

PRODUCT FEATURES:

The Anywhere Channel

We admit it: we screwed up. We named this preamp and signal processor the Studio Channel, and indeed it’s a wonderful studio tool. But it’s great for live performance, too. So okay, we got the channel strip’s name wrong. But we got the design right.

One of our newest signal processors, the versatile Studio Channel provides tube preamplification, dynamics processing, and EQ and takes the channel-strip concept in a bit different direction than does its older sibling, the Eureka.

The Studio Channel’s Class A tube preamplifier is based on our original BlueTube DP preamp and features a high-output 12AX7 tube that operates on voltages double that of other preamplifiers in its class. The result is lots of headroom and big tone. Gain and Tube Drive controls enable a wide range of sounds, from transparent and clear to edgy and overdriven.

Our VCA-based compressor is known for musicality and fast attack, with the ability to tame the fastest transients. From slap bass, to snare drum, to vocals, the Studio Channel’s compressor allows you to record blazing-hot signals with total dynamics control. Its convenient Auto Attack/Release feature provides preset attack and release curves. The backlit VU meter can display gain reduction or output gain.

The custom-designed amplifiers in the Studio Channel’s three-band EQ deliver sweet-sounding gain and cut for smooth highs; deep, solid lows; and clear midrange. The midrange band is fully parametric, with variable Q. The high- and low-frequency bands have Frequency and Gain controls, but fixed Q, and can be either shelving or peak bands. The EQ can be pre- or post-compressor, and you can bypass each stage independently.

With both XLR and ¼” line outputs, you can connect the Studio Channel to almost any recording interface, amp, or P.A. system. 

What’s in a Name?

With one multipurpose processor, you can elicit a huge variety of tones. Produce luscious, in-your-face vocals, dynamic acoustic piano, and fat, solid bass guitar, not to mention crystal-clear acoustic guitars, cracking snare, and huge MPC tracks.

What’s in a name? That which we call the Studio Channel, live or in the studio, would sound as sweet.

Feature Summary:

1 channel with Class A 12AX7 vacuum-tube mic/instrument preamplifier
Gain control with +10 dB to +54 dB gain range
Tube Drive control
48V phantom power switch
80 Hz high-pass filter
-20 dB pad
Polarity-reverse switch

Fully Variable VCA compressor
Attack, Release, Ratio, Threshold, and (makeup) Gain
Auto Attack/Release switch
Soft/Hard Knee switch
Bypass switch
3-band parametric equalizer
Gain, Frequency, and Q controls (mid band)
Gain and Frequency controls (low and high bands)
Shelving/peak switches (low and high bands)
Switchable pre-/post-compressor
Bypass switch

Master level control

Backlit VU meter
Gain Reduction to Meter switch (selects gain reduction or output gain)

Input/Output
1 unbalanced ¼” instrument input (front panel)
1 balanced ¼” line input
1 balanced XLR mic input
1 balanced ¼” line output
1 balanced XLR line output

Physical
1U 19” rack-mountable, rugged steel chassis
Sealed, detented, metal rotary controls
External 16 VAC power supply

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Channels
1
Dynamic Range
>115 dB
Frequency Response
10 Hz to 50 kHz
Internal Operating Level
0 dBu = 0 dB

Microphone Preamp

Gain
-6 dB to +66 dB (± 10 dB trim on line input)
Noise Floor
-96 dBu
EIN
-126 dB
THD + Noise (0% Tube Drive)
< 0.050%
THD + Noise (100% Tube Drive)
< 0.10%
Microphone Input Connector
XLR
Microphone Input Impedance
1.3 kΩ
Instrument Input Connector
¼” TS
Instrument Input Impedance
1 MΩ
Line Input Connector
¼” TRS
Line Input Impedance
10 kΩ
Phantom Power (switchable)
+48V
Pad (switchable)
0 dB / -20 dB
Phase (switchable)
0°, 180°
High-pass filter (switchable)
-3 dB at 80 Hz

Compressor

Threshold (variable)
-40 dBu to +-2 dBu
Ratio (variable)
1-10 (1:1 to 10:1)
Attack (variable)
0.1 to 200 ms
Release (variable)
0.05 ms to 3S
Gain Makeup
-10 dB to +10 dB
Metering
Analog VU (Gain Reduction / Output)

Equalizer

LF Band Controls:

Frequency
Variable from 40 Hz to 500 kHz
Gain
Variable between ±10 dB
Q
0.7 (on Peak setting)

MF Band Controls: 

Frequency
Variable from 200 Hz to 3 kHz
Gain
Variable from -10 dB to +10 dB
Q
Variable from 0.7 to 2.5

HF Band Controls:

Frequency
Variable from 2 kHz to 20 kHz
Gain
Variable between ±10 dB
Q
0.7 (on Peak setting)

Master

Output Fader
-80 dB to +10 dB
Output Connectors
XLR Balanced and ¼” TRS Balanced/Unbalanced
Output Impedance
51Ω
Metering (Output level)
Analog VU (-20 dBu to +6 dBu)
Metering (Gain Reduction)
Analog VU -20 dB to 0 dB
Output Headroom
+22 dBu

Power Supply

Type
Linear
Input
16 VAC / 1000 mA
Power Requirements (Continuous)
16W
Transformer
External (country specific)

Physical

Dimensions
1U rackmount
Height
1.75” (44.45 mm)
Depth
5.5” (139.7 mm)
Width
19” (482.6 mm)
Weight
5 lbs. (2.27 kg)

As a commitment to constant improvement, PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc., reserves the right to change any specification stated herein at anytime, without notification.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: