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PreSonus Eureka Pro Recording Channel Strip Microphone Preamp
Class A preamp. Variable mic input impedance. 3-band parametric EQ.
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Description
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From Our Catalog
The Eureka is loaded with microphone, line and instrument input so you can use it as a front end preamplifier for recording with microphones, guitars, keyboards, synths as well as a compressor/equalizer on a single channel during mixdown. The Eureka also has balanced send and return jacks so that you can insert your favorite outboard processor before the compressor/EQ to further enhance and customize your sound.
The Eureka gives you the sonic performance and control you need in the real-world to produce professional quality audio that you, your customers and your fans deserve!
Features:
Class A High Headroom Transformer Coupled Microphone Preamplifier
Variable Microphone Input Impedance
Variable SATURATE control (simulates tape saturation and tube warmth)
Fully Variable Compressor with Hi-pass Side Chain
3-Band Fully Parametric Equalizer
EQ Pre or Post Compressor
High Headroom Output Section
Very Low Noise Design
Internal Power Supply
Optional 24-Bit/192k Digital Output Card
Transparent, wide range performance
The Eureka is a professional recording channel strip containing a discrete class A transformer-coupled microphone preamplifier, FET compressor, and three-band parametric equalizer. The microphone preamplifier features variable input impedance so that the Eureka can be matched and "tuned" for all types of microphones and recording applications.
The Class A transformer-coupled microphone preamplifier also features "SATURATE" which adjusts the drain current on the input FET amplifier to simulate of the effects of tape saturation and tube "warmth". The Eureka's ultra fast FET compressor has both soft and hard knee compression as well as a separate make up gain stage and hi-pass side chain compression to deliver hard pumping to ultra transparent compression and everything in between.
The Eureka's 3-band fully parametric EQ gives you variable Q (bandwidth) on each band as well as an EQ pre COMP switch to put the EQ before the Compressor in the signal path. The equalizer has overlapping frequency selection on each band for total tonal control and shaping.
Dynamic Range: >115dB
Headroom: +22dB
Frequency Response: 10Hz to 50kHz
Internal Operating Level: 0dBu = 0B
Microphone Preamp
Gain: +12dB to +52dB
Noise Floor: -112dBu (+12dB gain)
EIN: -127dB
THD + Noise (0% saturation): <0.005%
THD + Noise (full saturation): <0.5%
Microphone Input Connector: XLR
Microphone Input Impedance (selectable): 2.5k, 1.5k, 600, 150, 50 Ohms
Instrument Input Connector: 1/4 in. TS
Instrument Input Impedance: 1 Meg Ohm
Send Connector: 1/4 in. TRS balanced/unbalanced
Send Output Impedance: 51 Ohms
Return Connector: 1/4 in. TRS balanced/unbalanced
Return Input Impedance: 10k Ohms
Metering (3-LED): -20dBu, 0dBu, Clip
Line Input (switchable): 1/4 in. TRS, 10k Ohm Input Impedance
Phantom Power (switchable): +48V (pin 1, pin 2 XLR)
Pad (switchable): 0dB/-20dB
Phase (switchable): 0, 180 degrees
Hi-pass filter (switchable): -3dB shelf at 80Hz
Compressor
Threshold (variable): -40dBu to +20dBu
Ratio (variable): 1-10 (1:1 to 2:1)
Attack (variable): 0.1 to 200 ms
Release (variable): 0.05 ms to 3 S
Gain Make-up: -20dB to +20 dB
Hi-pass Side Chain Filter (variable): 10Hz to 10kHz
Metering: Analog VU (gain reduction / Output Level)
Equalizer
Low Band (+/-13dB): 20Hz to 300Hz
Mid Band (+/-13dB): 200Hz to 3kHz
High Band (+/-13dB): 2kHz to 20kHz
Q (variable all bands): Q=0.4 to 2 (3 octave to 2/3 octave)
Master
Output Fader: -70dB to +10dB
Output Connectors: XLR balanced and 1/4 in. TRS balanced/unbalanced
Output Impedance: 51 Oms
Metering (output level): Analog VU (-20dBu to +6dBu)
Meter (gain reduction): Analog VU (-20dB to 0dB)
Output Headroom: +22dBu
Physical
Power Supply: Internally Regulated Linear Type
Power Requirements (factory configured): 100VAC to 120VAC, 200VAC to 240VAC
Size: 1U Rack
Dimensions (W x H x D): 19 x 1.75 x 7 in.
Weight: 8 lbs.
The Eureka gives you the sonic performance and control you need in the real-world to produce professional quality audio that you, your customers and your fans deserve!
Features:
Class A High Headroom Transformer Coupled Microphone Preamplifier
Variable Microphone Input Impedance
Variable SATURATE control (simulates tape saturation and tube warmth)
Fully Variable Compressor with Hi-pass Side Chain
3-Band Fully Parametric Equalizer
EQ Pre or Post Compressor
High Headroom Output Section
Very Low Noise Design
Internal Power Supply
Optional 24-Bit/192k Digital Output Card
Transparent, wide range performance
The Eureka is a professional recording channel strip containing a discrete class A transformer-coupled microphone preamplifier, FET compressor, and three-band parametric equalizer. The microphone preamplifier features variable input impedance so that the Eureka can be matched and "tuned" for all types of microphones and recording applications.
The Class A transformer-coupled microphone preamplifier also features "SATURATE" which adjusts the drain current on the input FET amplifier to simulate of the effects of tape saturation and tube "warmth". The Eureka's ultra fast FET compressor has both soft and hard knee compression as well as a separate make up gain stage and hi-pass side chain compression to deliver hard pumping to ultra transparent compression and everything in between.
The Eureka's 3-band fully parametric EQ gives you variable Q (bandwidth) on each band as well as an EQ pre COMP switch to put the EQ before the Compressor in the signal path. The equalizer has overlapping frequency selection on each band for total tonal control and shaping.
Technical Info
Channels: OneDynamic Range: >115dB
Headroom: +22dB
Frequency Response: 10Hz to 50kHz
Internal Operating Level: 0dBu = 0B
Microphone Preamp
Gain: +12dB to +52dB
Noise Floor: -112dBu (+12dB gain)
EIN: -127dB
THD + Noise (0% saturation): <0.005%
THD + Noise (full saturation): <0.5%
Microphone Input Connector: XLR
Microphone Input Impedance (selectable): 2.5k, 1.5k, 600, 150, 50 Ohms
Instrument Input Connector: 1/4 in. TS
Instrument Input Impedance: 1 Meg Ohm
Send Connector: 1/4 in. TRS balanced/unbalanced
Send Output Impedance: 51 Ohms
Return Connector: 1/4 in. TRS balanced/unbalanced
Return Input Impedance: 10k Ohms
Metering (3-LED): -20dBu, 0dBu, Clip
Line Input (switchable): 1/4 in. TRS, 10k Ohm Input Impedance
Phantom Power (switchable): +48V (pin 1, pin 2 XLR)
Pad (switchable): 0dB/-20dB
Phase (switchable): 0, 180 degrees
Hi-pass filter (switchable): -3dB shelf at 80Hz
Compressor
Threshold (variable): -40dBu to +20dBu
Ratio (variable): 1-10 (1:1 to 2:1)
Attack (variable): 0.1 to 200 ms
Release (variable): 0.05 ms to 3 S
Gain Make-up: -20dB to +20 dB
Hi-pass Side Chain Filter (variable): 10Hz to 10kHz
Metering: Analog VU (gain reduction / Output Level)
Equalizer
Low Band (+/-13dB): 20Hz to 300Hz
Mid Band (+/-13dB): 200Hz to 3kHz
High Band (+/-13dB): 2kHz to 20kHz
Q (variable all bands): Q=0.4 to 2 (3 octave to 2/3 octave)
Master
Output Fader: -70dB to +10dB
Output Connectors: XLR balanced and 1/4 in. TRS balanced/unbalanced
Output Impedance: 51 Oms
Metering (output level): Analog VU (-20dBu to +6dBu)
Meter (gain reduction): Analog VU (-20dB to 0dB)
Output Headroom: +22dBu
Physical
Power Supply: Internally Regulated Linear Type
Power Requirements (factory configured): 100VAC to 120VAC, 200VAC to 240VAC
Size: 1U Rack
Dimensions (W x H x D): 19 x 1.75 x 7 in.
Weight: 8 lbs.
Eureka! A professional channel strip with extras. A Class-A mic preamp/DI with variable saturation, compressor with side chain hi-pass filter, and 3-band parametric EQ are only the beginning. XLR and TRS I/O.
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PreSonus Eureka Pro Recording Channel Strip Microphone Preamp Reviews
8 out of 10
"Holds its own against preamps costing over a grand more."
Feature:
It comes with a compressor and EQ. It is full of knobs. I couldn't ask for more. However, I wonder how this thing would sound if the company took out the compressor and EQ and concentrated on only the preamp quality. Now that would be a pretty nice preamp. Nevertheless, it's always nice to have the option to compress and EQ before recording. What I don't like is that you have to pay extra to buy the firewire interface.
Quality:
Had it for over a year and it still looks great and there is nothing loose.
Value:
I have so far only worked with higher end preamps. I can't compare it much to the other products in its price range. I know this thing tops the Mackie preamps and EQ. I also know that this is better sounding than the DBX. And best of all, it holds its own against gear costing over a grand more. I own a Blue Robbie and that thing sounds harsh compared to the Eureka and costs double the money. I would have probably paid double the price for this thing. Triple would be pushing it a little too much as there would be a lot of competition in that price range.
Desirability:
Blue lights..metal design...analog meter...come on now. This thing is sexy hands down. I like to dim the lights when people come in and all they can do is stare at the pretty blue lights. Oh yea...and the motorized mixer.
Sound:
The sound quality is comparable to preamps in the $1,500 range. I went to the Guitar Center to buy an Avalon 737SP and happened to see the Eureka (I had heard good things about it). So I decided to test them out using Blue and Neumann microphones. The Eureka had a different and to my ears, better sound quality than the Avalon. Of course, the Avalon was fuller because of the tubes. However, the Eureka sounded much clearer. I purchased the Eureka and saved $1,500 that day. I can't say that I regret it. Of course, there is always the thought of owning that $2,000 preamp...but my sound quality is amazing with this thing. Do not expect to record the next Grammy winning album with this thing alone though. It cannot compare to the higher quality Avalon, Neve and Focusrite. Of course, this would cost you thousands more.
Ease of Use:
There are a lot of knobs. You have to know what you're doing or it can take you months to get the perfect sound. However, I have gotten only a very few recordings with this thing that could simply not be used because of quality. Playing around with the settings fixed the problem.
Overall:
I plan on keeping this for a while as I'm doing local recordings with this thing and even recording albums. However, after college I plan on having a huge studio and I doubt this will be my main preamp. For a value, this is amazing. If you have 10 grand to spend without regret, I suggest purchasing a top quality compressor, EQ and preamp separately. However, if you're like most people, I'd recommend this thing over any other preamp in its price range.
It comes with a compressor and EQ. It is full of knobs. I couldn't ask for more. However, I wonder how this thing would sound if the company took out the compressor and EQ and concentrated on only the preamp quality. Now that would be a pretty nice preamp. Nevertheless, it's always nice to have the option to compress and EQ before recording. What I don't like is that you have to pay extra to buy the firewire interface.
Quality:
Had it for over a year and it still looks great and there is nothing loose.
Value:
I have so far only worked with higher end preamps. I can't compare it much to the other products in its price range. I know this thing tops the Mackie preamps and EQ. I also know that this is better sounding than the DBX. And best of all, it holds its own against gear costing over a grand more. I own a Blue Robbie and that thing sounds harsh compared to the Eureka and costs double the money. I would have probably paid double the price for this thing. Triple would be pushing it a little too much as there would be a lot of competition in that price range.
Desirability:
Blue lights..metal design...analog meter...come on now. This thing is sexy hands down. I like to dim the lights when people come in and all they can do is stare at the pretty blue lights. Oh yea...and the motorized mixer.
Sound:
The sound quality is comparable to preamps in the $1,500 range. I went to the Guitar Center to buy an Avalon 737SP and happened to see the Eureka (I had heard good things about it). So I decided to test them out using Blue and Neumann microphones. The Eureka had a different and to my ears, better sound quality than the Avalon. Of course, the Avalon was fuller because of the tubes. However, the Eureka sounded much clearer. I purchased the Eureka and saved $1,500 that day. I can't say that I regret it. Of course, there is always the thought of owning that $2,000 preamp...but my sound quality is amazing with this thing. Do not expect to record the next Grammy winning album with this thing alone though. It cannot compare to the higher quality Avalon, Neve and Focusrite. Of course, this would cost you thousands more.
Ease of Use:
There are a lot of knobs. You have to know what you're doing or it can take you months to get the perfect sound. However, I have gotten only a very few recordings with this thing that could simply not be used because of quality. Playing around with the settings fixed the problem.
Overall:
I plan on keeping this for a while as I'm doing local recordings with this thing and even recording albums. However, after college I plan on having a huge studio and I doubt this will be my main preamp. For a value, this is amazing. If you have 10 grand to spend without regret, I suggest purchasing a top quality compressor, EQ and preamp separately. However, if you're like most people, I'd recommend this thing over any other preamp in its price range.
Submitted: 04/06/2006
Style of Music: Hip Hop / R&B / Rock / Techno
10 out of 10
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"Easily competes with "high-end" units."
Feature:
Dual balanced out (great for monitoring with one while recording with the other), impedance matching on XLR input (missing from Focusrite and Avalon), assignable meter (output/reduction), phantom power, phase inversion, low cut - the stuff you would expect (digital is optional).
Quality:
Rugged design, 1U, no wall-wart, metal knobs.
Value:
At this price, you can get 4 of them instead of one Avalon. This unit is not *cheap*; it is *inexpensive*.
Desirability:
Visually appealing, although the Mindprint is even prettier.
Sound:
I saw a review mentioning the lack of a tube. The Eureka has a "Saturation" knob which provides even harmonics, just like a tube. Sure, you can't yank it out and try other circuitry (as you would be able to try different 12AX7's or 12AU7's on other devices), but this unit is hard to beat, even with more expensive units. I'm not crazy about the eq, so I leave it flat and use my Neve eq's from my UAD-1 Ultra Pak. I recorded my bass at another studio via an Avalon and then recorded at home via the Eureka and found that the Avalon made it more muddy than warm; it could have just been the settings applied by the engineer.
Ease of Use:
You don't need a manual, unless if you've never seen a channel strip before.
Support:
Never needed it.
Overall:
I've been tracking vocals (with a Neumann TLM103), electric bass, acoustic guitar, and classical guitar through this and am considering getting another one just for convenience. I would absolutely replace it with another one without even thinking about it.
Dual balanced out (great for monitoring with one while recording with the other), impedance matching on XLR input (missing from Focusrite and Avalon), assignable meter (output/reduction), phantom power, phase inversion, low cut - the stuff you would expect (digital is optional).
Quality:
Rugged design, 1U, no wall-wart, metal knobs.
Value:
At this price, you can get 4 of them instead of one Avalon. This unit is not *cheap*; it is *inexpensive*.
Desirability:
Visually appealing, although the Mindprint is even prettier.
Sound:
I saw a review mentioning the lack of a tube. The Eureka has a "Saturation" knob which provides even harmonics, just like a tube. Sure, you can't yank it out and try other circuitry (as you would be able to try different 12AX7's or 12AU7's on other devices), but this unit is hard to beat, even with more expensive units. I'm not crazy about the eq, so I leave it flat and use my Neve eq's from my UAD-1 Ultra Pak. I recorded my bass at another studio via an Avalon and then recorded at home via the Eureka and found that the Avalon made it more muddy than warm; it could have just been the settings applied by the engineer.
Ease of Use:
You don't need a manual, unless if you've never seen a channel strip before.
Support:
Never needed it.
Overall:
I've been tracking vocals (with a Neumann TLM103), electric bass, acoustic guitar, and classical guitar through this and am considering getting another one just for convenience. I would absolutely replace it with another one without even thinking about it.
Submitted: 06/12/2007
Style of Music: Christian (gospel, rock, latin, contemporary)
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