The Black Box Analog Design Vacuum Tube Preamp is an entirely new approach to capturing audio. It is not based on any existing circuit but designed from the ground up, using the best parts and ignoring all of the standard ideas of how a preamp “should work”. The result is an incredibly versatile piece of gear that not only sounds amazing but shatters the idea of what a preamp can do!
Tonal Control Until now, your preamp simply amplified the signal. You essentially get one sound and the ability turn it up or down. The Black Box mic pre on the other hand allows you to drastically shape the response curve of the unit without using any EQ and the associated phase shifts!
All of the shaping is done at the tubes and from the constantly variable interaction between stages allowing you to dial in virtually unlimited tonal possibilities. Essentially, you have the ability to have full control over how the microphone “hears”! You can find the sweet spot of any microphone and instrument easily and naturally!
The response curve of the Pentode stage alone gives you a huge amount of control over the tone. Coupled with the independently controlled Triode stage you have virtually unlimited tones at your fingertips.
All Tube, All Analog Black Box Analog Design's entirely analog audio circuit uses only tubes for amplification and is entirely free of op amps, ICs and transistors!
The Pentode and Triode tube stages are the centerpiece of an entirely point to point, hand wired circuit built on copper boards. From precisely, hand matched resistors and capacitors to custom wound Cinemag transformers , every part is selected and built for the absolute highest quality sound.
Real Power It seems that more and more manufacturers these days are moving to cheap, “wall wart” switching power supplies. Sure they are cheap but we all know that a piece of gear is only as good as its power supply! For that reason, our preamps use a massive toroidal to supply 350v of pure, linear power to get the most out of the tubes. Real power means real sound!
Features:
Independently controlled Pentode and Triode tube stages
Custom wound Cinemag input and output transformers
Entirely analog audio path (No ICs or Op amps)
Hand soldered, point to point wiring
Switchable input impedance done by tapping into the transformer windings
5 position, gentle and musical roll off
Linear power supply
Passive output attenuation control
48v Phantom power from an entirely separate supply
Real, amplifier isolated VU meters
Military spec switches
Original Manufacturers Description
Technical Documents
Specifications
Brochure
Product Manual
Recall Sheet
User Testimonials
"At first look I realized this was a very serious piece of equipment. Indeed, it was a very Big Black Box. After going over the operation of it, and the variables, I plugged in my old standby U67 and gave it a test drive on a rather demanding vocal. I quickly got a handle on what the Black Box mic pre was capable of and I was knocked out by the results. From smooth as silk to hammer hard with just the right amount of hair on top. Next was a Tele. M80 on a snare. This was a great test as I am always looking for the right stuff in this department. I got exactly what I heard in my head with a ton of gain to tickle my 1176 with. The Black Box Mic Pre is a Box full of audio magic. " Jack Douglas
A true legend in the industry, Jack Douglas has been behind some of the most influential records of our time, working with artist such as Aerosmith, John Lennon, The Who, Miles Davis, Supertramp and Cheap Trick. He is currently in the studio with Aerosmith putting the Black Box preamps to work recording and producing a new album!
"The Black Box is the latest addition to my vocal chain. It is my new secret weapon. The warmth, color, harmonics and tone shaping capabilities makes it an invaluable addition to my vocal chain. No matter what mic you're using or who the vocalist is you can shape a sound that is perfect for the situation without the use of an eq." Flip Matrix
Known as one of the hottest up and coming producers, Floyd Wilcox, AKA Flip Matrix has worked with everyone from 50 Cent and Scarface to Ice Cube and Noreaga.
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