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 LIKE NEVER BEFORE

Until now, a preamp simply amplified the signal; you essentially got one sound and the ability turn it up or down. This pre on the other hand allows you to drastically shape the response curve of the unit without using an EQ, control the harmonic content from pristine to full on saturation and even control the dynamics without a compressor!

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. 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.

HARMONICS FOR DAYS

There seems to be an obsession with THD when it comes to mic pre designs. Manufacturers boast about how “clean” their designs are and how low the THD is as if these harmonics are the plague yet the fastest growing trend in plug-in design is creating plug-ins that add back these harmonics! Tape, console, tube and various analog emulations that add pleasing harmonics and distortion are more in demand than ever! Why? Because the human ear LOVES harmonics!

ALL TUBE, ALL ANALOG

Our entirely analog audio circuit uses only tubes for amplification and is entirely free of op amps, ICs and transistors! From precisely, hand matched resistors and capacitors to custom wound transformers, every part is selected and built for the absolute highest quality sound.

REAL POWER

A piece of gear is only as good as its power supply! For that reason, Black Box preamps use a massive toroidal to supply 350 V of pure, linear power to get the most out of the tubes. Real power means real sound!

Warranty

This item is sold without the Sound Pure 3-year warranty (used / B-stock / dealer-exempt). Coverage terms for items in this category live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Returns

Not eligible for Try Before You Buy or the 48-hour approval period. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.