PreSonus STUDIOCHANNEL Vacuum-Tube Channel Strip, Blue

This is beginner priced and spec’d unit that does hiss a bit much but when dialed perfectly can provide a rich *modern* tube tone, with a VCA compressor and simple EQ in line. This is not a vintage tube tone, it’s very rich and polished and not so warm and mid forward like vintage units. It sounds kinda like it looks.BUT the hard part is dialing in the tone properly. Every little detente on every knob matters. It took all my decades of pro engineering skill to coax a nice sound out of this. In that way, it reminds me of the high end Millenia Origin channel strip that was so touchy everywhere. Of course it’s ridiculous to mention those in the same breath but whatever. Not sure if Fred designed this unit too (he did the ADL for them).Anyway there is a good tone at the end of this rainbow, but the output isn’t very loud (perhaps they are worried about beginners clipping their ADCs) and there is a few dB more noise. Not an uneven noise thankfully.I just needed an extra analog channel and picked this up from Amazon Warehouse less than half price because it needed repair which took me five seconds. You can try different tubes in there too if you want.

This is a fantastic deal for an inexpensive home studio, really. No, it isn't going to compete with a Manley Core, and it is certainly helped by putting a better tube into it, but everything works. I did put a JJ ECC81 (12AT7) into it (wasn't about to go NOS for the price of this), and it does add a bit of 'warmth' to recordings and allow for more drive of the 'tube preamp' section with a little more head room without distortion (at the price of volume reduction, of course). It also really did sound better than the stock 12AX7 in it. Again, it isn't mindblowing, but for the price... The compressor and EQ sections do their utilitarian job. You can bypass either if you want... It isn't the quietest thing I've ever used, but that is to be expected at this level.

Setting up the v/o work station was an interesting prospect. I quickly learned that the digital recorders of any decent quality cost a lot so the computer work station with a mic, Studio Channel, and interface looked good. I started with the mic and interface but wanted some contouring and a warmer sound. There were several options but for the money, the Presonus looked like a good bet. At least a good starter processor/preamp. I didn't want to spend the money for one of the more expensive units but wanted a good tube amp quality. This really covers the bases with the eq, the very handy compressor/limiter and options. Instructions are a bit lacking but you can find out more via on line videos on how to set up the unit. Much of it is going to be experimenting on your part to get the right sound. I drive the tube at about "half throttle". How does it sound? Not bad. There is a fairly pronounced noise floor but, thankfully, it doesn't make it to the computer so when I listen to the recording, I liked the outcome. Only the refined audio product and it was nice. Watch the gain as you'll quickly over power the level. One thing I find odd; the V/U meter doesn't register much for level but the limiter mode on the meter works very well. I had more fun with that function in fine tuning the voice as I wanted it. The tube effect is a bit subtle and won't bring a huge difference as the more expensive units. What it does do is, shape the sound nicely whilst warming and softening the sound. I love the parametric eq and spent a lot of time getting to know it and setting it up then I added a touch of high frequency in the right range. I was very pleased with the results and find the Studio Channel works well for what I need now. Remember that we're speaking of a highly objective thing where everyone's preferences will be slightly or even vastly different. So, it's not the best around but for all the features, it's great for a starter audio shaping and I love that everything I need is built in. It's a good piece of equipment and worth trying. You may be pleasantly surprised. If you want it in a very serious processing rack, It may or many not suit what you want and may want to think something more upscale. For what you pay and what you get, it's really not bad. Recommended.Pros: Features, quality, options.Cons: Not many but needs more effect.Will it work for you? For the money, I really think you won't go wrong.

I use the RODE NT1-A Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone and a TASCAM US-144 Interface for this bad boy, and I must say the sound quality is heavenly. This was my first time buying a preamp, and I think it's definitely worth the price! It was a little difficult hooking everything up, but once you sit down and think about it, it's quite easy! I don't think I'll be buying a new preamp any time in the next 10 years, because I am completely satisfied with the results I'm getting.My favorite part about this preamp is definitely the warm sound it adds to my recordings plus the EQ. The compressor is great, too, though I don't add too much since I usually just add compression via my DAW.DO NOT HESITATE BUYING THIS ITEM, FOLKS!

I ordered this unit based on the reviews and my previous experience with PreSonus. The device I received has an unacceptable amount of noise (likely a defect). I'd love to return it - but - its past the return date. After being on eternal hold with tech support I resorted to email. The email came back and now they want me to submit a ticket through their website. Done - well, maybe not. Apparently there's no button to submit the claim ticket. Really?!? I don't have three different browsers on my Mac to test compatibility. Probably an issue with the new version of Safari. Jeez...not my day and definitely NOT the PreSonus I remember from years past. Just rip off the BAND-AID and call AEA.