Preamps / Channel Strips

With its ability to deliver anything from super-subtle saturation to downright despicable distortion, could this be the only valve preamp you'll ever need?

This ADAT-equipped preamp offers one-knob compression on every channel.

'Good enough' is rarely good enough for SPL, as this thoroughly over-engineered preamp testifies!

Find out how just how well this vintage recreation compares with the original that inspired it.

These neat little modules offer far better performance than you’d expect at this price. Is there anything not to like?

There’s a lot of hype about mic preamps, but there has never been a reliable way to compare them — until we got hold of the world’s cleverest piano...

Striking a useful balance between the transparent and the characterful, this high-quality, US-made preamp design brings versatility to the studio and some colour to the rack...

Behringer's rack-friendly versions of their V-Amp 2 and Bass V-Amp add extra connection flexibility and rugged 2U hardware.

A compressor and front end combining pedigree Drawmer performance with ease of use.

Legendary designer Rupert Neve brings us the third in the Amek Pure Path range, a dual preamp and dynamics processor with unusually flexible filtering and side-chain facilities.

Focusrite expand their affordable Platinum range with a channel strip, featuring an optical compressor and EQ that can be optimised for vocal or instrument usage.

Aphex have provided an elegant way to avoid the detrimental effects of long cable runs on delicate mic signals. Hugh Robjohns evaluates the Model 1788.

Dbx's new input channel combines tube processing with their renowned Type IV digital conversion.

Paul White looks at a new voice channel which packs a lot of features into a small space.

Drawmer's 1969 model, developed with US pro audio dealer Mercenary Audio, seeks to offer the facilities of their acclaimed 1960 valve-based processor, but with a more American sound.

Hugh Robjohns tries out a mic preamp from Dbx with a built-in A-D converter that is supposed to be impossible to clip...

Paul White tries out TLA's combination of front end and parametric equaliser.

Capable of handling both mic or instrument signals, TLA's new dual-channel, combined solid-state and valve preamp aims to offer super high-quality preformance at an average price. Paul White assesses their double vision.

Paul White goes green with the latest JoeMeek recording channel.

Focusrite's latest product is an updated version of one of their '80s classics. Is it even better the second time around?

This state-of-the art- multi-channel mic preamp, designed by the celebrated George Massenburg, is light on frills but heavy on quality.