PreSonus Studio Channel Vacuum Tube Mic Preamp/ Comp/ EQ
First, the Class A preamp is equipped with powerful 12AX7 tubes that provide plenty of headroom and rich sound. Gain and tube drive controls allow for a wide range of sounds, from crystal clear to edgy overdrive. Optimize your signal with a -20 dB pad, 80 Hz high-pass filter, and polarity reverse. Our VCA-based compressor is known for their musicality, fast attack, and ability to control the fastest transients, allowing you to capture the hottest signals with precise dynamic control. It offers ratio, threshold, attack, release, and gain controls, as well as auto attack/release functionality with preset attack and release curves. The backlit VU meter displays gain reduction or output gain. The 3-band EQ is a precision tool that can be pre- or post-compressor, each stage can be bypassed. Custom-made amplifier delivers rich-sounding gain and cut for smooth highs, clear mids, and deep, solid lows. The midrange band is fully parametric, with variable Q, while the high and low frequency bands are semi-parametric, with frequency and gain controls, and can be shelving or peak bands. Features Class A 12AX7 vacuum-tube mic/instrument preamplifier with Tube Drive control Gain control with +10 dB to +54 dB gain range 48V phantom power switch, 80 Hz high-pass filter, -20 dB pad, and Polarity-reverse switch Fully Variable VCA compressor with Attack, Release, Ratio, Threshold, and (makeup) Gain; Auto Attack/Release switch; Soft/Hard Knee switch; and Bypass switch 3-band parametric equalizer with Gain, Frequency and Q controls (mid band); Gain and Frequency controls and Shelving/Peak switches (low and high bands); switchable pre-/post-compressor; Bypass switch Backlit VU meter with Gain Reduction to Meter switch (gain reduction or output gain) 1 unbalanced ¼-inch instrument input (front panel), 1 balanced ¼-inch line input, and 1 balanced XLR mic input 1 balanced ¼-inch and 1 balanced XLR line output 1U 19-inch rack-mountable, rugged steel chassis with sealed, detented rotary controls External 16 VAC power supply
First, the Class A preamp is equipped with powerful 12AX7 tubes that provide plenty of headroom and rich sound. Gain and tube drive controls allow for a wide range of sounds, from crystal clear to edgy overdrive. Optimize your signal with a -20 dB pad, 80 Hz high-pass filter, and polarity reverse. Our VCA-based compressor is known for their musicality, fast attack, and ability to control the fastest transients, allowing you to capture the hottest signals with precise dynamic control. It offers ratio, threshold, attack, release, and gain controls, as well as auto attack/release functionality with preset attack and release curves. The backlit VU meter displays gain reduction or output gain. The 3-band EQ is a precision tool that can be pre- or post-compressor, each stage can be bypassed. Custom-made amplifier delivers rich-sounding gain and cut for smooth highs, clear mids, and deep, solid lows. The midrange band is fully parametric, with variable Q, while the high and low frequency bands are semi-parametric, with frequency and gain controls, and can be shelving or peak bands. Features Class A 12AX7 vacuum-tube mic/instrument preamplifier with Tube Drive control Gain control with +10 dB to +54 dB gain range 48V phantom power switch, 80 Hz high-pass filter, -20 dB pad, and Polarity-reverse switch Fully Variable VCA compressor with Attack, Release, Ratio, Threshold, and (makeup) Gain; Auto Attack/Release switch; Soft/Hard Knee switch; and Bypass switch 3-band parametric equalizer with Gain, Frequency and Q controls (mid band); Gain and Frequency controls and Shelving/Peak switches (low and high bands); switchable pre-/post-compressor; Bypass switch Backlit VU meter with Gain Reduction to Meter switch (gain reduction or output gain) 1 unbalanced ¼-inch instrument input (front panel), 1 balanced ¼-inch line input, and 1 balanced XLR mic input 1 balanced ¼-inch and 1 balanced XLR line output 1U 19-inch rack-mountable, rugged steel chassis with sealed, detented rotary controls External 16 VAC power supply
First, the Class A preamp is equipped with powerful 12AX7 tubes that provide plenty of headroom and rich sound. Gain and tube drive controls allow for a wide range of sounds, from crystal clear to edgy overdrive. Optimize your signal with a -20 dB pad, 80 Hz high-pass filter, and polarity reverse. Our VCA-based compressor is known for their musicality, fast attack, and ability to control the fastest transients, allowing you to capture the hottest signals with precise dynamic control. It offers ratio, threshold, attack, release, and gain controls, as well as auto attack/release functionality with preset attack and release curves. The backlit VU meter displays gain reduction or output gain. The 3-band EQ is a precision tool that can be pre- or post-compressor, each stage can be bypassed. Custom-made amplifier delivers rich-sounding gain and cut for smooth highs, clear mids, and deep, solid lows. The midrange band is fully parametric, with variable Q, while the high and low frequency bands are semi-parametric, with frequency and gain controls, and can be shelving or peak bands. Features Class A 12AX7 vacuum-tube mic/instrument preamplifier with Tube Drive control Gain control with +10 dB to +54 dB gain range 48V phantom power switch, 80 Hz high-pass filter, -20 dB pad, and Polarity-reverse switch Fully Variable VCA compressor with Attack, Release, Ratio, Threshold, and (makeup) Gain; Auto Attack/Release switch; Soft/Hard Knee switch; and Bypass switch 3-band parametric equalizer with Gain, Frequency and Q controls (mid band); Gain and Frequency controls and Shelving/Peak switches (low and high bands); switchable pre-/post-compressor; Bypass switch Backlit VU meter with Gain Reduction to Meter switch (gain reduction or output gain) 1 unbalanced ¼-inch instrument input (front panel), 1 balanced ¼-inch line input, and 1 balanced XLR mic input 1 balanced ¼-inch and 1 balanced XLR line output 1U 19-inch rack-mountable, rugged steel chassis with sealed, detented rotary controls External 16 VAC power supply
First, the Class A preamp is equipped with powerful 12AX7 tubes that provide plenty of headroom and rich sound. Gain and tube drive controls allow for a wide range of sounds, from crystal clear to edgy overdrive. Optimize your signal with a -20 dB pad, 80 Hz high-pass filter, and polarity reverse. Our VCA-based compressor is known for their musicality, fast attack, and ability to control the fastest transients, allowing you to capture the hottest signals with precise dynamic control. It offers ratio, threshold, attack, release, and gain controls, as well as auto attack/release functionality with preset attack and release curves. The backlit VU meter displays gain reduction or output gain. The 3-band EQ is a precision tool that can be pre- or post-compressor, each stage can be bypassed. Custom-made amplifier delivers rich-sounding gain and cut for smooth highs, clear mids, and deep, solid lows. The midrange band is fully parametric, with variable Q, while the high and low frequency bands are semi-parametric, with frequency and gain controls, and can be shelving or peak bands. Features Class A 12AX7 vacuum-tube mic/instrument preamplifier with Tube Drive control Gain control with +10 dB to +54 dB gain range 48V phantom power switch, 80 Hz high-pass filter, -20 dB pad, and Polarity-reverse switch Fully Variable VCA compressor with Attack, Release, Ratio, Threshold, and (makeup) Gain; Auto Attack/Release switch; Soft/Hard Knee switch; and Bypass switch 3-band parametric equalizer with Gain, Frequency and Q controls (mid band); Gain and Frequency controls and Shelving/Peak switches (low and high bands); switchable pre-/post-compressor; Bypass switch Backlit VU meter with Gain Reduction to Meter switch (gain reduction or output gain) 1 unbalanced ¼-inch instrument input (front panel), 1 balanced ¼-inch line input, and 1 balanced XLR mic input 1 balanced ¼-inch and 1 balanced XLR line output 1U 19-inch rack-mountable, rugged steel chassis with sealed, detented rotary controls External 16 VAC power supply
in 24 offers
The lowest price for PreSonus Studio Channel Vacuum Tube Mic Preamp/ Comp/ EQ right now is $410.99 at MusicStoreLive.com, compared across 19 retailers.
The all-time low was $406.15 on 4 June 2026 — today's price is 1% above the lowest ever. This is at or near its all-time low — a good time to buy.
Prices last updated 8 June 2026.
Last updated at 08/06/2026 16:41:01
PreSonus Studio Channel Vacuum-Tube Channel Strip
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PreSonus Studio Channel Vaccum Tube Channel Strip (Open Box)
30-day returns
PreSonus Studio Channel Vaccum Tube Channel Strip
Presonus Studio Channel Προενισχυτές Μικροφώνου / Studio
2 ch. tube mic-pre w/ dual path (1/2U)
PreSonus Studio Channel Preamp
Delivery $20.05
PreSonus Studio Channel Vacuum Tube Mic Preamp/ Comp/ EQ
Delivery $5
PreSonus Studio Channel Vacuum Tube Mic Preamp/ Comp/ EQ
Free 30-day returns
PreSonus Studio Channel Vacuum Tube Mic Preamp/ Comp/ EQ
Delivery $5
PreSonus Studio Channel
Delivery $5.90
originally posted on mannys.com.au
There are times when a mic pre-amp is useful and in some cases, necessary. Being a tube pre-amp makes it even more attractive. But a great compressor and EQ built into this unit makes it an amazing addition to the studio. I have used it with dynamic and condenser mics as well as guitar direct. The sound quality is incredible.
originally posted on americanmusical.com
We own a studio writing/recording for major film, games, and TV. We researched the reviews on this product before purchasing and since purchasing it, we are happy with our choice.We recently started producing a new show where we have multiple simultaneous interacting voices. We had to add in one more mic and it's associated gear for the show. We needed to match the "hard-to-reproduce" tube tonal quality and compression signature of a vintage Presonus mic preamp from the 90's so the voices sounded consistent. This vintage unit has warmth and clarity hard to find today except in tube vocal processors over $4k.This unit actually exceeds our expectations. Warm consistent sound with good control. After installation we went to immediate recording time and matched the ... MoreWe own a studio writing/recording for major film, games, and TV. We researched the reviews on this product before purchasing and since purchasing it, we are happy with our choice.We recently started producing a new show where we have multiple simultaneous interacting voices. We had to add in one more mic and it's associated gear for the show. We needed to match the "hard-to-reproduce" tube tonal quality and compression signature of a vintage Presonus mic preamp from the 90's so the voices sounded consistent. This vintage unit has warmth and clarity hard to find today except in tube vocal processors over $4k.This unit actually exceeds our expectations. Warm consistent sound with good control. After installation we went to immediate recording time and matched the sound of the vintage unit in seconds. Wish it had a desser but that can be applied in pre via DAW. Sound is clean and consistent.Worth three times what we paid for it versus the benefit we have from it in the studio.
originally posted on musiciansfriend.com
I have had this channel strip for over two years now. I have used it in many different configurations. I have used it on vocals, pairing with both dynamic and condenser microphones. I have also used it with line input for recording guitars. I have replaced the tube as many other reviewers suggested. The bottom line is that the channel strip is noisy. it generates white noise and I cannot EQ it out. i hear it on all my recordings. I have wanted to like this channel strip from the beginning based on all the glowing reviews. However, my experience with it leaves me very dismayed. I paid a lot of money for it. If anyone knows the secret to getting a clean sound out it please do tell and I will change my review.
| Manufacturer's Warranty | 2 Years |
| No of Channels | 1 Channel |
| Rack Size | 1 RU |
PreSonus Studio Channel Vacuum-Tube Channel Strip
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
PreSonus Studio Channel Vaccum Tube Channel Strip (Open Box)
30-day returns
PreSonus Studio Channel Vaccum Tube Channel Strip
Presonus Studio Channel Προενισχυτές Μικροφώνου / Studio
2 ch. tube mic-pre w/ dual path (1/2U)
There are times when a mic pre-amp is useful and in some cases, necessary. Being a tube pre-amp makes it even more attractive. But a great compressor and EQ built into this unit makes it an amazing addition to the studio. I have used it with dynamic and condenser mics as well as guitar direct. The sound quality is incredible.
We own a studio writing/recording for major film, games, and TV. We researched the reviews on this product before purchasing and since purchasing it, we are happy with our choice.We recently started producing a new show where we have multiple simultaneous interacting voices. We had to add in one more mic and it's associated gear for the show. We needed to match the "hard-to-reproduce" tube tonal quality and compression signature of a vintage Presonus mic preamp from the 90's so the voices sounded consistent. This vintage unit has warmth and clarity hard to find today except in tube vocal processors over $4k.This unit actually exceeds our expectations. Warm consistent sound with good control. After installation we went to immediate recording time and matched the ... MoreWe own a studio writing/recording for major film, games, and TV. We researched the reviews on this product before purchasing and since purchasing it, we are happy with our choice.We recently started producing a new show where we have multiple simultaneous interacting voices. We had to add in one more mic and it's associated gear for the show. We needed to match the "hard-to-reproduce" tube tonal quality and compression signature of a vintage Presonus mic preamp from the 90's so the voices sounded consistent. This vintage unit has warmth and clarity hard to find today except in tube vocal processors over $4k.This unit actually exceeds our expectations. Warm consistent sound with good control. After installation we went to immediate recording time and matched the sound of the vintage unit in seconds. Wish it had a desser but that can be applied in pre via DAW. Sound is clean and consistent.Worth three times what we paid for it versus the benefit we have from it in the studio.
I have had this channel strip for over two years now. I have used it in many different configurations. I have used it on vocals, pairing with both dynamic and condenser microphones. I have also used it with line input for recording guitars. I have replaced the tube as many other reviewers suggested. The bottom line is that the channel strip is noisy. it generates white noise and I cannot EQ it out. i hear it on all my recordings. I have wanted to like this channel strip from the beginning based on all the glowing reviews. However, my experience with it leaves me very dismayed. I paid a lot of money for it. If anyone knows the secret to getting a clean sound out it please do tell and I will change my review.
LOVE the PreSonus Studio Channel! Full featured compressor and variable-Q is the secret. Great for VO.I've been a working voiceover announcer since the late 90's, and was a recording engineer back in the 80's (those analog days). My voiceovers are heard on broadcast promos and movie trailers, most recently on Fox and NBC. I'm no Don LaFontaine of course but I do pretty well.Over the years I've used and owned a wide range of tools that were popular in the Hollywood studios. Mics such as Neumann U87, AKG 414, vintage Sony tubes etc. And a range of preamps: DBX, Focusrite, Neve and so on. And I have to admit I felt pretty cool looking at a $4K Manley preamp in my rack. But for years I still struggled to find a sweet spot in my VO sessions.TODAY (and for years ... MoreLOVE the PreSonus Studio Channel! Full featured compressor and variable-Q is the secret. Great for VO.I've been a working voiceover announcer since the late 90's, and was a recording engineer back in the 80's (those analog days). My voiceovers are heard on broadcast promos and movie trailers, most recently on Fox and NBC. I'm no Don LaFontaine of course but I do pretty well.Over the years I've used and owned a wide range of tools that were popular in the Hollywood studios. Mics such as Neumann U87, AKG 414, vintage Sony tubes etc. And a range of preamps: DBX, Focusrite, Neve and so on. And I have to admit I felt pretty cool looking at a $4K Manley preamp in my rack. But for years I still struggled to find a sweet spot in my VO sessions.TODAY (and for years now) my favorite and highest return-on-investment setup is the Sennheiser 416 shotgun mic, Presonus Studio Channel, SoundDevices MixPre3 recorder and of course Sony MDR-7506 headphones (still the standard since the friggin 90's).Nearly 20 years ago PreSonus came out with the Eureka Channel Strip preamp. It was exactly the same as the current Studio Channel but it was a deeper and heavier rack unit because it had an internal power supply. When I saw a single rack unit, with a full featured compressor (attack, release and soft knee) and an EQ with adjustable Q on the Mid-band and switchable bell curve on the other 2 bands I had to try it... needless to say, never looking back.Currently I have two of these PreSonus Studio Channel units, one in my LA studio and one at my mom's house in Virginia (so I can get home for those family holidays and still drop a read for my clients).Features like attack-release and variable-Q require that you EXPERIMENT and find your sweet spot. But believe me they will become your most indispensable tools.I would also like to say BH has been my favorite vender since the 80s! I've been a BH customer for many big projects whether setting up studios for clients or my own purchases over these decades. Thanks as always BH.
Sound:It's difficult to say how the preamp sounds as it passes through the tube, comp, eq, master, any patches, interface, headphones/speakers. BUT...with a little tube warmth and grit, some light compression (easy on the makeup gain, 4 more stages to go), some lows, mids, highs to taste, and finally a master output, this will add some flare and character to whatever goes through it! My one knit pick is with all the gain stages in one unit that can only provide so much overall it doesn't take much to bring up the noise floor noticably on this unit. It's really not that bad but it's there. I can't remember exacltly but I think Ableton showed between -60 and -50. Disappears in a live sound situation.Features:So much gain in this thing, overall. Very easy to overdo ... MoreSound:It's difficult to say how the preamp sounds as it passes through the tube, comp, eq, master, any patches, interface, headphones/speakers. BUT...with a little tube warmth and grit, some light compression (easy on the makeup gain, 4 more stages to go), some lows, mids, highs to taste, and finally a master output, this will add some flare and character to whatever goes through it! My one knit pick is with all the gain stages in one unit that can only provide so much overall it doesn't take much to bring up the noise floor noticably on this unit. It's really not that bad but it's there. I can't remember exacltly but I think Ableton showed between -60 and -50. Disappears in a live sound situation.Features:So much gain in this thing, overall. Very easy to overdo it. Tube with a knob to blend it with the clean signal and on down to the full featured compresser with soft knee option, pre/post EQ, and bypass. An illuminated VU meter that can show the output level or gain reduction. Full featured EQ section with freq, level, and Q dials as well as bypass and finally a gain knob. I probably forgot something too lol. Oh yeah, THE WALL WART.Ease of Use:For newbies, and that's probably most of us buying this, it's not point and shoot but it's not trigonometry either. The manual provides graphs and explanations of each section and safe settings for general applications and the rest is on you. If you know how to use similiar plugins to good effect then this won't be an issue.Quality:Metal chassie, very shallow. Platic knobs and VU window. It feels just solid enough but you can tell where they cut costs and I'll take it for the feature set. But I can't figure out why they wouldn't put the power supply inside, it has a cheap inline inverter (or whatever) with a power switch on it for some odd reason taking extra space in an already crowded rack. Only real complaint with this thing.Value:This unit is the sweet spot of features and build/sound quality. There are other just above or below and to me that means it would be difficult to go wrong here. It's served me well and I can say I'm glad I didn't spend less, or more for that matter. It travels with me and has been faithful. That's worth every penny.Manufacturer Support:I haven't needed it yet and I hope I never do. I'm very impressed with PreSonus and interested in many of their other products!The Wow Factor:There's a lot of wow factor in your first analog channel strip for most of us. This is a great unit from a great company and turned me on to other offerings from PreSonus who I hadn't really considered before. This thing is usually paired with an MXL4000 (Mogami Edition) and the vocals have stepped way up in the recordings and mixes. Case and point.Overall:I bought this to fill out a mobile recording rig to use for vocals and I can't complain. It sounds decent, has LOTS of gain, most if not all the knobs you could expect for a single space unit, and looks good doing it!
Overall:I use this thing mainly for bringing down transients when recording. I like running heavy vocals through this tube. My only problem is that the Light went out on the VU and I cannot get ahold of PreSonus to get it fixed! The number they have says the call cant be completed. I've only had it for about 2 years. Things should not start failing yet. Altho at the price, I guess you get what you pay for.
Overall this thing doesn't really do much that my plug-ins don't. The tube doesn't seem to do anything at all. There are audible clicks and noises when you engage any buttons, and the gain knobs make noise when adjusting.The design is terrible because there is no power button on the front and the power cord with button isn't long enough to come out the back of a rack.Also, the mic input is on the back, inside the rack.Not great.
What else can I say other than -- THE SOUND RUNS CIRCLES AROUND THE DBX 286s. I've got two of those and the Presonus Studio Channel has taken their place. It's preamp is soooo clean, the compressor and parametric equalizer are unbeatable, and the tube gives just enough warmth to vocals. It would be nice if it had a gate and de-esser, but, for the price, you won't find a better-sounding tube channel strip anywhere. Personsus should be proud of this one!
Overall:I own 2VLA II's and one PreSonus Studio Channel.. preface .. I bought 2 VLA from the big "A' new and both were used.. they went back in a hurry.. got 2 NEW VLA's ZZOUNDS and the were new as could be.. then I purchased a B-stock PreSonus from ZZOUNDS and it was a mess.. after a ten minute warm up it made my cheap Dean Bass notes sound like a honey.. very very good for bass. but after 20 minutes it fizzled and the push buttons didn't light. So I returned the problem one and bought another, this new from zZounds who were very patient, sorry about the B-stock junker sent me a pre paid shipping label and I must say at no time did I worry things would turn out fine which they have. Now to the matter at hand. I have one VLA dedicated to my MicroArranger (KORG) the ... MoreOverall:I own 2VLA II's and one PreSonus Studio Channel.. preface .. I bought 2 VLA from the big "A' new and both were used.. they went back in a hurry.. got 2 NEW VLA's ZZOUNDS and the were new as could be.. then I purchased a B-stock PreSonus from ZZOUNDS and it was a mess.. after a ten minute warm up it made my cheap Dean Bass notes sound like a honey.. very very good for bass. but after 20 minutes it fizzled and the push buttons didn't light. So I returned the problem one and bought another, this new from zZounds who were very patient, sorry about the B-stock junker sent me a pre paid shipping label and I must say at no time did I worry things would turn out fine which they have. Now to the matter at hand. I have one VLA dedicated to my MicroArranger (KORG) the other to a great stereo mike which sits in front of a cab w/two twelve' and powered by 2 Greta's (Fender) 2 watt amps isolated in another room as is another condenser which I switch between the Bass and another mike .. mono. Its really a tough call but I do know every thing that comes out of the KORG especially the drum patterns are terrific.. very easy to mix down and get em into my computer program. It use to be difficult to bring up the drums as the sound through my monitor speakers because of clipping.. no clipping now.. I have dialed in the 10 knobs and its like Pink Floyd sounding (drums) the voices are sweeter and that's a bonus.. sometimes I bypass one channel and tube the other and adjust the volume-pan on the DP 32 s and that's great also The VLA's are built like the proverbial tank.. The base sounds great but I give the nod to the PreSonus. It really is great to have the bass does not hog the spectrum of frequencies and mush up the kick pedal. The PreSonus has 16 knobs and twelve push buttons .. phantom tube gain Tube Drive compression and eq. These features are not just ornamental they actually make for big changes and they are incremental which I like. The VlA's are not, just a tight clean sweep. Also the VLA's have no phantom power as the STUDIO CHANNEL does. I bought a ROLLS external phantom for 50 bucks. doesn't add any noise and does the job.. of course your adding extra cable in but it is what it is. Should be obvious to ART that a phantom is necessary I have other non tube compressors which do a good job but having tubes you can really tell the different in the mix down.. All instruments stay isolated and you get good imagery in the final production.. I am partial to the VLA's but the PreSonus has more variables to work with and as I said the bass is great thru it. Seems like it was made for bass. Now that I confused you, for the money they both are really good.. I don't have alot of bux so I will be eating plenty of cheap soup for sometime because of these purchases. These are two very good units. If you need help with your bass or vocals I would choose the Presonus. For that matter drums sound good thru the PreSonus but its only one channel, however you can really fine tune whatever you input. where as with the VLA's you would fine tune post production. Overall these units have been a game changer for me.. very inspirational for studio work.. Live.. I don't have any idea. I have visited studio's with much higher end gear, mostly PreSonus but honestly, with my DP-32, the compressors a ZOOM G3 guitar possessor and a few other goodies I would not be embarrassed t at all to compare sonics . I'm sure the nod would go to the mega studios, I'm not that naive but I think diminishing returns would fit the high ends. Finally, once again I say I am very happy with ZZOUNDS. I won't return to "A" onless I need a can opener or something (or MP3's)
Overall:When I first got this I didn't try to use it for a couple months. When I did there were all kinds of cracks and pops. In order to RMA I had to pay shipping so that cost me 20.00 after several painful attempts to get support. When I got it back I noticed a *LOT* of noise. I didn't have time to mess with it so a few months passed. When finally starting to try using it the noise (static) is so bad you could never use this in a real recording. Pure garbage. It's sad because I do use Studio One 4 and Studio 192 Mobile. All you have to do is read any of the reviews anywhere and you I would have been warned about this upfront.
| Manufacturer's Warranty | 2 Years |
| No of Channels | 1 Channel |
| Rack Size | 1 RU |
