Presonus Audio electronic TubePre manual

TubePRE Single-Channel Tube Mic-Preamplifier w/ VU Meter User's Manual VERSION 1.0[...]

i Presonus Limited Warranty Presonus Audio Electronics Inc. warrants this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty is enforceable only by the original retail purchaser. To be protected by this warranty, the purchaser must complete and return the enclo[...]

ii Limited Warranty Outside of The U.S. Presonus Audio Electronics products are warranted only in the country where purchased, through the authorized Presonus distributor in that country, against defects in material and workmanship. The specific period of this limited warranty shall be that which is described to the original retail purchaser by the[...]

iii Table of Contents 1.1 Introduction ........................................................................ 1 1.2 Features ......................................................................................... 2 2.1 Controls & Connections ....................................................... 4 2.2 Front Panel ..........................[...]

1 1.1 INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Presonus TubePRE Single-Channel Microphone/Instrument Tube Preamplifier. This pre-amp was designed using state of the art components to deliver crystal clear audio for an infinite period of time. We feel that we have created a reliable, versatile and affordable piece of audio equipment. It is designed[...]

2 1.2 Features The following is a summary of your TubePRE's features: Dual-Servo Gain Stage Your TubePRE contains a dual-servo gain stage (no capacitors). This provides ultra-low noise performance and wide dynamic control. This gives the TubePRE the ability to boost the desirable signal without increasing unwanted background noise. Phantom Pow[...]

3 80Hz Rumble Filter A rumble filter is available to eliminate low frequency noise. This lets you greatly reduce background noise from things such as air conditioners or wind noise with the flick of a switch without affecting the desired frequencies. Mic/Instrument Input The TubePRE has a separate XLR and 1/4” connector on the back of the chassis[...]

4 2.1 CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS 2.2 Front Panel The TubePRE front panel has the following features: Phantom Power Switch (+48v) Phase Reverse Switch Drive Control (0 to 20dB) - 20db Pad Gain Control (0 to 40dB) 80Hz filter Backlit VU meter 2.3 Preamplifier Section Phantom power is available for the input of the TubePRE. The 48 volts are supplied t[...]

5 XLR wiring for phantom power PIN 1 GND PIN 2 +48v PIN 3 +48v Phase Reverse Switch Allows the user to invert the polarity of the XLR connector by switching pins two and three. The inversion of the pins of the XLR connector may be necessary to alter the audio phase of two like microphones to compensate for phase cancellation. It may be required tha[...]

6 infinitely richer and sweeter. An overdriven signal can be achieved by significantly raising the level of the drive control. This overdriven tube effect is extremely useful in providing distorted guitar and for creating that authentic “blues harp” vibe (harmonica). The possibilities of the drive control are limited only to your application an[...]

7 1/4” phone plug wiring input and output TIP High (+) SLEEVE GND (-) The output 1/4” phone plug is unbalanced[...]

8 3.1 OPERATION 3.2 Dynamic Microphones Lower output levels characterize dynamic microphones, so more gain is needed to achieve sufficient operating levels. Occasionally it is necessary to add the -20dB pad to the microphone to avoid distortion (e.g. when recording percussion). Do not use phantom power when using dynamic microphones. 3.3 Phantom Po[...]

9 how hard the tube is driven when in use. Signs of wear may be exhibited by poor performance or by the tube becoming “microphonic”. Periodic replacement of the vacuum tube is recommended. The time between the suggested replacements varies greatly with use. If you notice deterioration in sound quality then it’s time to change the tube. Replac[...]

10 With a compressor/EQ/dynamics processor When running the Tube Pre in conjunction with other processors it is recommended that the TubePRE be the first unit in the chain. The other units should be connected to the output (either XLR or 1/4”) of the TubePRE. Most compressors require that the signal be preamplified before they are connected. This[...]

11 If the voltage on the back of my TubePRE does not match the voltage listed on the power supply what do I do? The voltage on the TubePRE’s external power supply may change. If the power supply came factory sealed with the unit, then it is the right power supply. If the power supply did not come with the unit it is recommended that it not be use[...]

12 Can I plug my keyboard/CD player/etc into the TubePRE? It is not recommended that any LINE LEVEL items be plugged into the TubePRE. This scenario will not cause damage to the unit. However, it may cause the signal to distort or sound unpleasant. The reason is that the signal being fed into the unit is too loud for the TubePRE. This may cause the[...]

13 9.1 TECHNICIAL SPECIFICATIONS Preamp Bandwidth ..................................................... 10Hz to 50kHz Number of Channels ................................................................. One Performance THD + Noise (Unweighted) ......................... 0.05% @ 0dB Tube Drive .........................................................[...]

14 Metering VU Meter .............................................................. -20dBu to +3dBu Clip LED ............................................................................ +20dBu Power Supply Type ..................................................... Linear/External Transformer Input ...................................................[...]