Pultec MB-1

The Pultec MB-1 is the general name given to the Pultec tube dual channel microphone preamp. I don't know much background information about these, but there seems to be a lot of clones out there since there most likely weren't many of them made. A producer recently brought one of these into the studio where I work, although I'm not sure if it was a custom built one or not. However, it shouldn't matter much as if it's a true Pultec preamp it will share the same make up. This one in particular has both XLR and 1/4" connections for each of the two channels and is a rack mountable piece of gear, taking up two spaces in a traditional rack casing.

UTILIZATION

The configuration of the Pultec MB-1 isn't too difficult to follow or understand if you know anything about mic preamps. Each of the two channels has the same make up, which consists of knobs for setting your gain and impedance, as well as switches for 48 volt phantom power, a -20 db pad, and a phase switch as well. That's essentially the make up of this preamp, so a manual shouldn't really be needed.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound of the Pultec MB-1 makes it one of the best preamps that I've ever heard. A producer recently brought one of these into the studio where I work and we used it to record lead vocals for a number of different songs with the same singer. The microphone being used was a Shure SM7B. I'm a big fan of the SM7 on it's own, but I've never heard it come in as rich and full as when it was through the MB-1. The producer told us that he uses it for pretty much everything, and that it excels especially for vocals. I only got to use it for this one session, but it was enough where I was incredibly impressed with the sound and will undoubtedly jump at the chance to use it again.

OVERALL OPINION

I don't think you'll be able to get your hands on a Pultec MB-1 any time soon unless you were to build one yourself. I really don't know much background information about this dual channel preamp, but using it on one session was enough to have me a fan for life. If you've ever got the chance to try, buy, or build one of these, it will be a preamp that you'll use or want to use as much as possible. This is a very special preamp designed by one of the pioneers of pro audio.