Stereo Preamp lamp (only one on opening the box!)
with each channel:
- Phase reversal, +48 V,-20db switch, input gain,
- A LED meter for
- Compression
- 3 band eq
- Gain general
- 1 rear input XLR, 1 Jack facade (disconnects the XLR when a plug is inserted)
- 1 x XLR / 1 out the back Jack
- Switch facade.

1 U rack, external power supply non-standard
on paper, ideal features for the price

UTILIZATION

Usage is very simple: you plug and it works.
not need to take the lead with record: all the buttons are on the front, explicit: it is enough to turn.

SOUND QUALITY

My goal was to use the preamp to the sound of a battery (GC + CC) before entering a soundcard (EMU 1820), in order to avoid saturating the converters of a sudden a little violent ...

- The micro DC (Tbone MB78Beta static): The input gain does not need to be pushed -> no breath. compression is small but perfectly filled the role of limiting the attack to which I aspired. The LEDs are very readable. I used the eq only as low-cut filter (not to take too much GC): it is effective. Oddly, the bypass of the EQ cause of the blast.
- The micro GC (T-Bone BD300): same remarks (aside this time, I cut the high and low leaves). The inlet is at a level so low that I tried the-20db, but then too powerful: it takes too up the gain and then there are the blows. In my opinion, a-10db would have been ideal. Compression in addition to limiting effect can have more kick, what interests me enough (game guides rather than metal bagpipe).

Delighted with my small investment, I plug in a bass on it: an ideal replacement for DI: It appears a slight coloration "analog" (the lamp has an interest apart generate the breath ...)

I ask myself to buy a second for OH, which have an output level much lower and, terrible deception: a breath of horse, in noise, ...

conclusion:
- For use preamp + comp prior to complement a sound card, microphone if you have a high output, no hesitation, the unit is unbeatable value for money.
- To catch its subtle background for micro, flee .....

If you open the hood, there is a single lamp, no Chinese name. Should take the time to plug a new ElectroHarmonix to see if we suppress the breath (I use them on my guitar preamp ada mp2: I can even remove the noise gate when they are new).

rating: 10 to report his / price with microphones "energy", if not 6.

edit after 6 months of use: I lower the rating because after many test this preamp is really useless without input level horse (perfect to replace a DI for bass, or take a GC, but any other use is impossible ).

OVERALL OPINION

I have the gear for 2 months. I use it every day (my battery to work, I prefer to put a headphone, start the CD player or rhythm box, and mix my game). So I waited to have a step back and put my opinion: it has not changed since the beginning.

In large defects, especially I would say the build quality: I received a first preamp which lasts 2 hours before the power supply grid. Fortunately, I could do without the exchange points. For opening the second, I'd say the quality of welds and assembly is "irregular".

The quality / price / sound is excellent even when the purpose for which it was intended. With experience, I redeem the same thing for the same purpose, but I'll find my way on the product much more high-end for my OH (passing directly into the microphone input of the soundcard). Simply, it is necessary to me to change the micro OH ...

edit after 6 months: With the experience, much better than a Behringer preamp table type, but outside of special uses (GC, replacement of DI box), it can be used as troubleshooting, because the breath is then present too (I'm still trying to put a good light)