Groove Tubes The Brick

ocumentProperties Normal.dotm 0 0 1 57 329 None 2 1 404 12.0 ocumentProperties 0 false rawingGridHorizontalSpacing18 ptrawingGridHorizontalSpacing rawingGridVerticalSpacing18 pt 0 0 false false false Groove Tubes 'The Brick' is a tube based microphone preamplifer and direct input box.  It is truly a brick in both look and in weight!  It isn't a rackable piece of gear as it is literally in the form of a brick that is best placed on a desk.  The unit has an XLR input and an XLR output as well as a 1/4 inch input and output.  The only parameters that it has is a gain knob and a ground switch...

UTILIZATION

Using The Brick isn't hard at all and if you have any knowledge of how to use a mic pre, this won't present any problems for you at all.  All you need to know is how to plug everything through and how to set your level, and that's all that there is to it.  It is as simple as it gets for a mic pre and direct input box combination and I don't foresee this being a problem for too many users.  For this reason I don't believe that a manual is necessary.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound quality of the Groove Tubes Brick is quite good overall.  While there isn't anything too special or unique about the sound, what it will give you is a very solid sound both in terms of the mic pre and the direct input section.  It is useful for any type of situation and I can't say that it is best at recording one thing, but the DI is perfect for recording bass guitar.  The Brick definitely won't color your sound in any way as the sound that you will get from it is clean and accurate.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall, Groove Tubes 'The Brick' provides studio owners with a cheap option for a mic pre/DI box without sacrificing quality.  While it isn't in a traditional form, this unit will definitely add a lot to any studio looking to expand their mic pre collection.  The price is perhaps the best aspect of this unit as it is cost friendly and accessible for home studio owners.  All in all, The Brick is definitely worth looking into for anyone in the market for a mic pre/DI box combination...

This is an analog tube preamp. There are no effects, it just basically raises the level of the input signal. It does have a couple of features that are worth mentioning though. It has phantom power, so you can use condenser mics with this as well as other types that don't require it. There is also more than one type of input on this pre. There is the normal XLR microphone input, but there's also a 1/4" input for DI instruments. There is also a switch that lets you lift the ground, so you can help to eliminate noise in that way. Then there is obviously a pot for gain control, and a balanced XLR output.

UTILIZATION

The configuration and setup of this pre is very simple. There is really not much to it - plug in the power, plug in a mic or DI isntrument and you are pretty much ready to go. Editing the sound is as simple as turning the one gain knob, and deciding if you want to lift the ground or not. The manual is very clear and sufficient, and does a good job telling you what can be done with this pre.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound quality of this pre is great. It definitely helps with a duller mic, because this can help bring the sound to life. Since it's a tube preamp, it will add a certain coloration to the sound of most things you put through it. There isn't that much noise unless you really crank it up. It starts to get noisy then, but you also can get a very nice tube distortion at the same time. It sounds very crunchy and baked, in a good way.

OVERALL OPINION

I have had this for a few years. I really like the warmth you can get with this pre even with a sterile mic. It has a very unique and interesting tone. At the same time, that can be a bad thing, if you want a sound that is transparent. So that is a double edged sword to be considered. You do get a good amount of gain though, so if you have a quiet source this can help you out. The ground lift is also a nice feature if you have problems with your electricity. This is moderately priced, and really it is a moderate value. Other preamps in this price range are about the same quality. I do happen to like the particular sound you get from the brick though, so I would get it again.

It's all lamps (3 total)
-between XLR microphone jack and instruments
-output symmetrical XLR DI and jack.

Very sturdy box with a nice original design.

USE

- Ultra simplistic, the bare minimum ncesseraire.

SOUND QUALITY

Its level is very surprising. Its very clear, transparent, and sweet.
Walk very well on vocals, both in the studio and on stage.
Used on studio guitar made, it turned very convincing.

Used in context home studio and rehearsal on singing, and is ideal for two contexts. Me brings great clarity and presence on the voice (in rpet) with good dynamique.L'utilisation a good compressor downstream is against necessary.

Test also home studio taken on guitars and vocals, and even RESULTS same, especially on the guitars. Her sweet and sharp foix and always with good clarity.

NOTICE GLOBAL

The only bmols are due the lack of a low cut and a level pad but if your console is equipped so no problem.
Unbeatable price-quality ratio. Significantly above the SPL and Presonus I could test or hear.
At that price, no regrets.

In short it is a pre-amp tube connector XLR and 6.5 with just a volume knob which saves 30dB (0 to 30 per instrument) +25 dB to 55 dB for a microphone. It also includes a phantom power supply of 48 V.

UTILIZATION

super simple

SOUND QUALITY

Little staining sasuf when pushed and even then. No real choice in the type of stain is more warm-up

OVERALL OPINION

I can not remember when I bought it, but I'm glad to have on hand.
This is not a tool I use often, but sometimes add a little warmth to the voice or use it as a direct box.
It is true that most of the time for instruments like guitars and basses rather I use my Line6 pedals that I deal with on the back using the amp emulations.
It is fairly quiet in terms of processing and does not color, but warms up a bit when pushed, especially if you do not push the volume is rather a direct box.
By building strong against that fact that we did not hesitate to bring it on scene.
I would do the same purchase but as I say that since I added more items to my studio and thus its usefulness is not as obvious. But you never know, so I keep it ready to heat.
I used it before having a sound card with phantom power, a condenser microphone AT4033