{"product_id":"retro-instruments-500pre-500-series-tube-microphone-preamp-19742-used","title":"Retro Instruments 500PRE 500 Series Tube Microphone Preamp #19742 (Used)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eRetro Instruments 500PRE\u003c\/strong\u003e is a vintage-inspired 500 Series microphone preamplifier that combines the circuit topology of the legendary Sta-Level tube compressor with class-leading distortion, noise and frequency response characteristics in a compact package. Equipped with three powerful 12AT7 tubes, the 500PRE delivers thick, rich analog tone with gentle limiting characteristics—making it the perfect tool for tracking and mixing.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003ch3 id=\"toc_0\"\u003eUNPARALLELED PERFORMANCE\u003c\/h3\u003e  \u003cp\u003eThe Retro Instruments 500PRE packs the massive tone of the Sta-Level compressor into a compact 500 Series module. This thick, rich-sounding preamp offers the same depth, detail and musicality of your favorite tube compressors from yesteryear. With minimal distortion, vanishingly low noise, and a balanced, neutral frequency response, the 500PRE delivers world-class tone that never sounds plastic and brittle like solid-state amplifiers.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003ch3 id=\"toc_1\"\u003eHEAVY-DUTY CONTROLS\u003c\/h3\u003e  \u003cp\u003eThe Retro Instruments 500PRE features an inviting interface with rugged, heavy-duty knobs and a durable steel chassis. A large input knob at the top lets you dial up an impressive 75 dB of amplification.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eBelow the input knob are three hefty switches for Gain Select, Phantom Power and Polarity. The Gain Select switch toggles between two input modes. Low Gain mode uses a classic two-stage amplifier and can sustain +10 dBu input levels without overload, while High Gain mode uses a high gain, three stage topology.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eBelow the Gain Select switch is the Phantom Power switch, which is used to provide 48 V for recording with condenser microphones. The Polarity switch lets you invert the polarity of the incoming signal—a useful feature when recording in stereo.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003ch3 id=\"toc_2\"\u003eTUBE LIMITING\u003c\/h3\u003e  \u003cp\u003eEquipped with three new-production TAD 12AT7 tubes and soft-start circuitry that minimizes stress to the tubes and power supply, the 500PRE is built to last. Unlike old-school tube gear which can take what seems like an eternity to heat up, the 500PRE is warm and ready to go in less than 60 seconds. And for those who prefer the original, the 500PRE is also compatible with vintage and new-old-stock tubes.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eIn addition to giving your recordings a rich, warm tone, 500PRE gracefully limits input signals at +18 dBu, without destroying the details of your transients. The perfect limiter for both tracking and mixing, 500PRE is ideal for fattening up tracks with thick, rich harmonics that never sound plastic or brittle like solid-state amplifiers, even when overdriven.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003ch3 id=\"toc_3\"\u003eSPECIFICATIONS:\u003c\/h3\u003e  \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eFront Panel Controls: Input Level, Gain Select (two or three stage amplifier), Phantom Power, Polarity, and Output Level\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eInput and Output Connections: On edge card connector for 500 rack XLR\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eGain: 48 dB (low gain two stage topology) 76 dB (high gain three stage topology)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eTotal Harmonic Distortion: \u0026lt;.05% at +4 dBu output from 20-20000 Hz\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eFrequency Response: +\/- .25 dB from 20-20000 Hz\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eEIN: -128 dB (150 Ohm terminated)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eTypical Output Level: +4 dBu\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eOutput Clipping Level: Tube limiting Threshold +18 dBu, +24 dBu clipping headroom.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eInput Level Range: -72 dBu to +12 dBu\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eInput impedance: \u0026gt;1000 ohms from 20-20000 Hz\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eOutput Impedance: 600 ohms Transformer Balanced\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePower Consumption: +\/-16 Volts 155 ma. 48 Volts 3 ma\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Retro Instruments","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46834468356233,"sku":"215755","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0764\/8706\/5737\/files\/retro-instruments-500pre-500-series-tube-microphone-preamp-19742-used_215755_1.jpg?v=1780352227","url":"https:\/\/vintage-king-staging.myshopify.com\/products\/retro-instruments-500pre-500-series-tube-microphone-preamp-19742-used","provider":"Vintage King Staging","version":"1.0","type":"link"}