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Avalon U5 - Direct Instrument Preamplifier  From Avalon

Single Channel DI - Brilliant and clean, with plenty of punch

Avalon Design

$936.00

Retail:  $1,040.00

"Experience the Difference"

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What We Think

Used by some of the biggest names in the business, this little DI has developed an incredible reputation for anyone wishing for a very musical and detailed reproduction of their instrument’s direct input. Although the presets are especially suited for bass guitar (massive bass EQ presets), there are a number of top pro's using it both on stage and in the studio for everything from acoustic guitar and electric guitar to synths.

Manufacturer's Description from Avalon

The U5 high-voltage DI-preamp combines a unique passive tone selector with a variable gain preamp and filter. The high input impedance accepts a wide variety of signal levels and instruments from acoustic guitars to high-output active bass guitars and keyboards. The U5 direct box is loaded with sonic character and user features professionals demand.

SONIC EXCELLENCE
The Avalon U5 Pure Class A instrument DI & preamplifier is the most powerful direct box available today.  Designed to optimize absolute signal integrity and musical performance, the U5 includes many features and sonic excellence unequaled by lesser designs. The U5 is ideal for bass guitar and acoustic instruments, electric guitars, keyboards, synthesizers and low output pickups. 

Features include state-of-the-art, high input impedance input stage for zero load effect on sensitive pickups and keyboards, 100% discrete, Pure Class A signal amplifiers, practical user features and rugged hardware designed to deliver true high performance audio for many years. 

DESIGNED FOR DEEP & CONTROLLED BASS
Avalon U5 DI-preamps have been in use around the world since 1995. They have found their way into the world's leading musicians rigs and recording sessions and been featured on thousands of the best selling (and sounding) albums and live performances.

MINIMUM SIGNAL PATH DESIGN 
The U5 includes a variable gain Class A preamplifier to boost low level pickup signals and a high level speaker input for capturing the live sound of the instruments amplifier. Six passive tone-EQ curves are also included to enhance a variety of acoustic and electric instruments. A high-cut switch eliminates unwanted acoustic pickup and high frequency noise, while a headphone monitor amp has been included for personal listening. Twin DC coupled Class A output amplifiers drive both low level microphone preamp inputs and high level +4dB inputs for direct to tape recording or processing. The active-to-thru switch selects either the instrument input directly or sends the boosted-equalized signal to the amplifier via the front panel jack. A ground isolation switch eliminates any possible earth loop or AC buzz problems with complete safety.

  • Pure Class A, 100% discrete design
  • Smooth musical detail and sonic excellence
  • Variable gain preamp to +30dB.
  • Dual microphone and line outputs
  • Hi-Z   3,000,000 ohm input impedance
  • Very low noise -100dB
  • High headroom +30dB
  • Six tone bank selections.
  • DC coupled Class A output for superior bass
  • High cut switch eliminates noise
  • LED active signal indicator
  • Headphone monitor output jack
  • Low distortion less than 0.5% THD and IMD
  • High level 400 watt speaker input
  • Active to thru selector - ground isolation switch
  • 100% discrete power supplies for audio path
  • Internal toroidal power supply for low noise
  • Long lasting, stainless steel hardware
Avalon Design

About Manufacturer

Wynton R. Morro founded Avalon with the desire to bring the art of music recording closer to the essence of the original performance. Avalon's pure Class A recording systems provide the world's leading engineers, producers and musicians with state-of-the-art electronics designed especially for high-fidelity music and sound recording, These carefully engineered systems enhance the creative senses and become one with the music itself. Avalon systems utilize 100% discrete, high-bias pure Class A audio amplifiers. These pure Class A amplifiers are incorporated into minimal signal path designs which include sealed silver relays, balanced DC coupled high-current "outside-world" drivers, fully discrete linear DC regulators, low noise toroidal power transformers and selected high quality active and passive components. This powerful combination of design features gives increased musical headroom and greater dynamic transient capability for a truly transparent audio passage. Avalon's unique design features, highest quality components and continued pursuit of sonic excellence assures the most harmonious musical signal transfer available today. Whether you are recording a solo vocalist, capturing the delicate nuance of an acoustic instrument, mastering music and film productions or recording symphonies, let Avalon take you to the leading edge in analog and experience sonic reality like never before!

Specifications

Circuit Topology: 100% discrete, high-voltage Class A

Gain: Switched 3dB steps, maximum gain +30dB

Input Impedance: 3 ,000,000 ohm unbalanced (single ended)

Maximum Input Level: +24dBu unbalanced, 400w speaker input

Output Connectors (2): XLR type, pin 2 hot electronic balanced

Maximum Output Level (Class A): +30dBu DC coupled, balanced 600 ohms (mic and line out)

Headphone Output: 0.5w into 600 ohms

Noise 20kHz Unweighted: -100dBu minimum gain position

Distortion THD, IMD: 0.1% at +10dB

Frequency Response, -/+0.5dB: 5Hz to 100kHz

Frequency Response, -3dB: 1Hz to 500kHz (input band limited)

High Cut Filter: -3dB at 8kHz minimum phase design

Tone Selector: Six position rotary switch, all passive filters

AC Power: Internal toroidal AC supply

Dimensions: 8.5 x 3.5 x 12 in (216 x 88 x 305mm)

Weight-Packed: 12lbs (5.4kg)

Rack mount kit (1) RM-1: Single U5 19 inch rack mount kit (holds one half rack unit)

Rack mount kit (2) RM-2: Dual U5 19 inch rack mount kit (holds two half rack units)